MATTHEW 21:28–32 – THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS
OBEDIENCE OF THE HEART AND TRUE CONVERSION
Introduction
Jesus speaks the Parable of the Two Sons in the Temple during His final days in Jerusalem, directly addressing the chief priests and elders who questioned His authority. This short but piercing parable exposes the difference between outward religiosity and genuine obedience. At this decisive moment, Jesus reveals that God is not impressed by polite words, titles, or public promises, but by repentance that leads to action. The parable prepares the listeners to recognize that conversion, not appearance, opens the door to the Kingdom of God.
Bible Passage (Matthew 21:28–32)
Jesus said: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
Background
This parable follows Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple and the questioning of His authority. It stands alongside the Parable of the Tenants as a judgment on Israel’s leaders. The “vineyard” recalls Israel’s vocation from Isaiah 5, and the sons represent two responses to God’s call. Jesus contrasts the religious elite, confident in their status, with sinners who respond to God’s call through repentance.
Opening Life Connection
In daily life, many people say the right words: parents promise time to children, believers promise faithfulness, leaders promise service. Yet words are often not followed by action. Others initially resist responsibility but later change, act, and grow. Jesus invites us to examine whether our faith is merely verbal or truly lived.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“A man had two sons”
The father represents God, and the sons represent two types of believers. Both are equally loved and equally called.
“Go out and work in the vineyard today”
God’s call is concrete and immediate. Faith is not theoretical; it requires action here and now.
“I will not… but afterwards he changed his mind and went”
This son represents sinners who initially reject God but later repent. Conversion, not initial failure, defines faithfulness.
“Yes, sir… but did not go”
This son symbolizes those who profess obedience but lack conversion. Respectful words mask inner resistance.
“Which of the two did his father’s will?”
Jesus forces His listeners to judge correctly before realizing they condemn themselves.
“Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you”
Jesus shocks His audience. Those considered moral outcasts enter first because they respond with repentance and trust.
“You did not later change your minds and believe him”
The tragedy is not ignorance but refusal to repent even after seeing God’s work in others.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Tax collectors collaborated with Rome and were socially despised. Prostitutes were publicly labeled sinners. Religious leaders, however, believed obedience to the Law guaranteed righteousness. Jesus overturns this assumption, emphasizing repentance (teshuvah) as central to covenant faithfulness.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that salvation involves conversion of heart expressed in deeds. Sacraments, prayer, and moral teaching must lead to transformed life. Mere religious observance without charity and obedience is insufficient.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Augustine lived far from God before his conversion, yet through repentance became one of the Church’s greatest teachers. His life echoes the first son who changed his mind and did the Father’s will.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel challenges complacency. Baptism, ministry, or religious knowledge alone do not guarantee faithfulness. God looks for obedience expressed in love, justice, and service. Today’s disciple must continually choose conversion.
Eucharistic Connection
At every Eucharist, Christ invites us into the vineyard anew. The Word calls us to repentance, and the Sacrament gives grace to live what we profess. True communion means doing the Father’s will after leaving the altar.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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God desires obedience rooted in conversion, not polite promises.
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Repentance can transform even the most broken life.
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Religious privilege does not replace faithful action.
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Do not delay conversion when God speaks today.
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Let your “yes” to God be proven by deeds, not words.
Outline for Preachers
• Context: Temple confrontation and authority
• Vineyard as God’s mission
• Two sons, two responses
• Repentance versus empty profession
• Shock of God’s mercy to sinners
• John the Baptist and rejected conversion
• Call to ongoing repentance
• Eucharist as strength to obey
• Practical call to live the Father’s will
