The Two Sons

Illustration of The Two Sons

Jesus told this parable to the religious leaders to show that true obedience to the Father is measured by actions rather than words alone, with repentance proving essential to doing his will. When a man asked his two sons to work in the vineyard one refused at first but later went while the other agreed yet stayed away, the first was the one who fulfilled the father's desire. In the broader redemptive narrative this story exposes the failure of outward profession without fruit and welcomes those who genuinely turn to God into his kingdom.

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Category: Judgment

Meaning: The parable teaches that true obedience to God is shown through actions rather than mere words. It highlights that repentance and doing the Father's will matter most.

Audience: Religious leaders

Key Passages

The Parable

Matthew 21:28-32

B28ut 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.

Related

Characters

Did You Know?

1

A man had two sons. He asked both to go work in the vineyard.

2

The first said 'I will not,' but later changed his mind and went.

3

The second said 'I will, sir,' but did not go.

4

Jesus said the tax collectors and prostitutes who repented were like the first son. Religious people who did not repent were like the second.