Overview
"Which of the two did the will of his father?" Jesus said to them. "The first." Matthew 21:31 BSB
The parable of the two sons sent to work in the vineyard appears in Matthew 21:28–32 and stands as one of Jesus's most direct teachings about obedience, repentance, and the nature of true faith. In this parable, a father asks two sons to go work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later repents and goes to work. The second son agrees readily but never goes. Through this simple yet profound narrative, Jesus exposes the gap between profession and practice, and He challenges the religious leaders of His day who claimed faith but lived in disobedience to God's will.
Biblical Account
Jesus presented this parable directly to the chief priests and elders of the people in the temple. The account reads: "A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go work in the vineyard today.' The boy answered, 'I will not.' But later he changed his mind and went." Matthew 21:28–29 BSB
The narrative continues with the second son's response: "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. The boy answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go." Matthew 21:30 BSB
Jesus then posed the crucial question to His listeners and answered it Himself: "Which of the two did the will of his father? 'The first,' they said. Jesus said to them, 'Truly I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.'" Matthew 21:31 BSB
Jesus explained further: "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 after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him." Matthew 21:32 BSB
Theological Significance
This parable reveals fundamental truths about God's nature and His expectations for His people. God values actual obedience over mere words and religious profession. The first son represents those who initially resist God's call but genuinely repent and obey. The second son embodies those who make external professions of faith without corresponding action or transformation. This teaching demonstrates that "faith without works is dead" James 2:26 BSB.
The parable also illustrates God's merciful character toward genuine repentance. The first son's change of heart was accepted and honored by his father, showing that no matter how late someone turns from disobedience to obedience, God welcomes that transformation. Furthermore, Jesus's application of this parable directly confronts the religious establishment, revealing that tax collectors and sinners who repented at John's baptism of repentance demonstrated greater alignment with God's will than the religious leaders whose hearts remained hardened despite their outward religiosity.
Key Bible Verses
- Matthew 21:28–29 BSB — Jesus presents the first son who initially refuses but later repents and obeys his father.
- Matthew 21:30 BSB — The second son agrees verbally but fails to follow through with action.
- Matthew 21:31 BSB — Jesus identifies the first son as the one who did his father's will.
- Matthew 21:32 BSB — Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom ahead of those who refuse to believe and repent.
- James 2:26 BSB — Faith without works is dead, illustrating the parable's central principle.
Application
Christians must examine their lives to determine whether they are like the first son or the second son. True faith in Christ is demonstrated through obedience to God's will, not merely through verbal agreement or church attendance. Repentance is always available to those who have strayed, and God honors the sincere transformation of a changed heart. As believers, we are called to live out our faith through actions and genuine submission to God's purposes: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 BSB The parable challenges us to ensure that our daily lives reflect authentic commitment to following Christ rather than mere religious appearance.