Parable of Two Sons: Repentance and Obedience to God

The Parable of the Two Sons: A Lesson in Repentance and Righteousness

In Matthew 21:28-31, Jesus shares a profound lesson on obedience, repentance, and the true nature of faith in the parable of the two sons. Through the story of a father and his two sons, He reveals the difference between mere words and genuine commitment to God’s call. This teaching leads us to a powerful conclusion in verse 32, where Jesus highlights the significance of a repentant heart over outward appearances.

The Parable of two sons

Scripture Reference: “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.” (Matthew 21:28-30 KJV)

In this parable, a father asks each of his sons to go and work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later changes his mind, repents, and goes. The second son, on the other hand, readily agrees to go but fails to follow through. Through this story, Jesus illustrates two distinct responses to God’s call and provides a powerful contrast between superficial words and genuine action.

What Do the Two Sons Represent?

The First Son: A Picture of Repentance

The first son initially says, “I will not,” openly refusing his father’s request. However, after some time, he regrets his decision, repents, and obeys. This son represents those who may initially resist God’s call but eventually follow Him. His story exemplifies humility, repentance, and transformation.

The Second Son: The Dangers of Hypocrisy

The second son agrees readily to his father’s request, saying, “I go, sir,” but never actually goes. He symbolizes those who make professions of faith or appear outwardly righteous but lack true commitment and follow-through. His behavior reveals the danger of saying the right things without genuine faith or obedience.

Two Responses to God’s Call

The two sons represent two different responses that people have toward God’s call to righteousness. The first son’s actions reveal a heart willing to change, while the second son’s empty promise highlights the emptiness of words without action. Through this parable, Jesus emphasizes that true obedience and faith are shown through actions, not words.

Lessons from the Parable of the Two Sons

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

The father in this parable represents God, who invites us to work in His “vineyard”, a metaphor for serving in His kingdom. The two sons reveal that it is not enough to simply say we will serve God. Real commitment is demonstrated through actions. God values a repentant heart that leads to obedience over empty promises.

The Importance of Repentance

Repentance is central to this parable. The first son’s change of heart shows the importance of repentance and how God values our willingness to turn back to Him. Even if we initially resist God’s call, He gives us opportunities to change, seek forgiveness, and align ourselves with His will. This is a reminder that no matter our past, God values our present willingness to obey.

Beware of Hypocrisy

The second son warns us against the danger of hypocrisy. His words say one thing, but his actions reveal another. Hypocrisy proclaims a commitment to God without genuinely following through. It is a barrier to true faith and righteousness. Jesus often warned against outward displays of piety that lack inner transformation. God sees beyond our words to the condition of our hearts.

The Father: A Symbol of God’s Authority and Grace

Like the father in this parable, God gives us the freedom to choose our response to His call. He desires our obedience but does not force it. Instead, He invites us to willingly participate in His work. The father’s approach reflects God’s grace, as He patiently waits for our response. The first son’s repentance shows that, even if we initially resist, God’s grace allows us time to return to Him.

Moving from Profession to Practice

One of the core messages of this parable is the contrast between profession and practice. It’s not enough to profess faith if it is not evident in our lives. The first son eventually does his father’s will, whereas the second son’s words ring hollow because they lack follow-through. Jesus calls us to a faith lived out in our actions, not just what we say.

A practical takeaway from this parable is that we should examine our own lives and ask ourselves if our actions align with our professed beliefs. Are we sincerely following God, or merely giving Him lip service? This parable challenges us to be doers of the Word, not hearers only.

A POWERFUL CONCLUSION

Our parable reaches its climax in Matthew 21:32, where Jesus drives home the message by pointing to the example of John the Baptist: “For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”
(Matthew 21:32 KJV)

John’s Example of Righteousness

Jesus references John the Baptist, who came “in the way of righteousness.” John lived a life devoted to God and called others to repentance. His ministry exemplified true righteousness, but the religious leaders rejected him. In contrast, many sinners, like tax collectors and prostitutes, believed John and repented, displaying a sincere response to God’s call.

The Religious Leaders’ Rejection

Despite seeing the transformation of others who believed in John, the religious leaders failed to repent. They witnessed how God’s grace brought about profound change in those who were once far from Him, yet their hearts remained hardened. Jesus warns that refusing to repent when confronted with God’s truth is a serious spiritual failing.

The Importance of a Repentant Heart

In this final verse, Jesus teaches that God’s kingdom is open to those who approach Him with humility and repentance. The “publicans and harlots” responded to God’s call, while the religious leaders, blinded by self-righteousness, did not. This message challenges us to avoid pride and embrace a spirit of repentance. Matthew 21:32 serves as a reminder that God values a repentant heart over outward appearances or religious status. True faith is marked by humility, obedience, and a willingness to respond to God’s message.

The Ultimate Message

The parable of the two sons and Jesus’ concluding message in verse 32 calls us to examine our faith. Are we merely professing obedience, or are we living it out daily? True discipleship is demonstrated by a life reflecting sincere repentance and obedience to God’s will. Let us take this opportunity to move beyond empty words and embrace a genuine commitment to follow God. No matter our past, God’s grace welcomes us into His kingdom when we approach Him with a repentant heart. May God give us grace to respond to His call with humility and action.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jim Meulemans is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a loving husband, a father of nine, and a proud grandfather of eight. He is actively involved in his local church and is passionate about serving others professionally and spiritually. With a career spanning cloud services, cybersecurity, and commercial banking, he has always been dedicated to helping people in meaningful ways. Jim volunteers in Bible study programs for prison inmates, teaching them about God’s forgiveness, grace, and redemption. Through these studies, he helps prepare individuals for successful reentry into society by focusing on biblical principles such as forgiveness, compassion, and self-reflection.

Beyond his local community, Jim has participated in multiple Gospel mission trips to the Amazon Basin in Brazil and Peru. He and his mission team have provided Bible training, planted churches, distributed food, and delivered medical aid to needy people. The team has also funded and built numerous church buildings and a training center to nurture the local communities’ spiritual and physical well-being.

Jim is a committed member of The Gideons International, an organization of Christian professionals dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Bible distribution and evangelism. His deep love for God and desire to share the Good News of Salvation drives his efforts to reach people with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, both locally and internationally.

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