Who Is It? (Matthew 21:28-32)

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 21:28-32
“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

COMMENT

I believe the first step in understanding this parable is to consider the audience to whom it was spoken. Since Jesus had just been questioned about His authority by the chief priests and elders as to where He got His authority, I assume He is still speaking mainly to them, and then perhaps to the crowd as well.

I think the next step would be to determine who are the characters in the parable. Who is the first son, and who is the second? The second son gives his father lip service only. He says he will do as the father asks, but then does as he pleases. In Jesus's eyes, this would be the chief priests and elders. Jesus talks about how they have ears, but do not hear. In most of the parables that he tells, they are the bad examples, and one would find it difficult to see any change in that here. They honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. (see Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8,9) The first son is the one who actually does what the father has desires, although not at first. Again, if we look at the overall message that I believe Jesus is constantly coming back to, this is an issue of repentance. The first son must change his mindset for a reason. Perhaps, having had time to consider his actions in light of all that his father has done for him, he sees the error of his choice and changes his course. In other words, he repents. Therefore, it is not about the obedience in doing what his father has asked (sacrifice), but it is the change of heart (mercy) that matters. (Matthew 9:13) So when they (the Pharisees and leaders) stand in judgement, and those who they have preached against and despised (the sinners of the world) are granted salvation, they have no excuse, God's judgment is righteous.

That is going to be a harsh realization for many. Fortunately, there is still time to repent. That is the gospel.