📖 Bible Passage (KJV) – Matthew 21:28–32
²⁸ 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.
²⁹ He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
³⁰ And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
³¹ Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
³² 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.
✨ All Summed Up
Jesus tells this parable to the religious leaders, using a father and his two sons to illustrate obedience. The first son refuses to work in his father’s vineyard but later repents and obeys. The second son agrees to work but never follows through. Jesus uses this to expose the hypocrisy of the religious leaders—they claimed to follow God but rejected the message of John the Baptist and Jesus. Meanwhile, sinners who repented were entering the kingdom before them. The lesson is clear: God values true obedience over empty words.
⚡Key Takeaway
- Obedience to God is shown through actions, not just words.
- Repentance is more valuable than empty promises.
- Religious status means nothing if the heart is disobedient.
- God’s grace is available to those who genuinely turn to Him.
- Sinners who repent are welcomed into God’s kingdom before the self-righteous.
💭 Reflect & Apply
This parable challenges us to examine whether our faith is just words or backed by action. Do we say we follow God but refuse to obey? Or have we had moments of rebellion but later repented and obeyed? Like the first son, it’s never too late to change direction and truly follow God. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”(James 1:22)
Take a moment to reflect—are there areas in your life where you’ve said “yes” to God but haven’t followed through? How can you show true obedience today?
🙌 Pray, reflect, and act! Share this parable with a friend and reflect on how it speaks to your life today.
🔗 Explore more parables from the Gospels
🔗 Learn about mercy in our Bible Verses section
🔗 Read the Word of God the Christian Cowboy way