The Parable of the Two Sons: Matthew 21:28–32 A Wake‑Up Call to Authentic Obedience

Continuing in the parables in Matthew.

Few of Jesus’ parables cut as directly to the heart as the short but piercing story found in Matthew 21:28–32. Spoken during His final week in Jerusalem, this parable confronts the gap between what we say and what we actually do—a gap as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.

Jesus begins with a simple scenario:

“A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.” (Matthew 21:28, KJV)

The first son refuses—bluntly. But later, he reconsiders and goes. The second son responds with polished obedience:

“I go, sir” (v. 30)

—yet never sets foot in the vineyard.

Jesus then asks His listeners, many of whom were religious leaders, which son actually did the father’s will. The answer is obvious: the first. But the implications are anything but comfortable.

Words Are Easy. Repentance Is Hard.

The first son’s initial refusal mirrors the posture of many who, at first, resist God. They may live far from His commands, uninterested or even rebellious. But something happens—conviction, humility, awakening—and they turn. Jesus points to tax collectors and harlots as examples of this surprising transformation:

“For John came unto you in the way of righteousness… and the publicans and the harlots believed him.” (v. 32)

These were the people who said “no” to God with their lives, yet later repented and obeyed.

The second son, however, represents those who sound obedient but never follow through. Their lips say “yes,” but their lives say “no.” Jesus directs this warning squarely at the religious elite:

“Ye… repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.” (v. 32)

They had the language of faith, the appearance of devotion, the reputation of righteousness—but not the obedience that matters.

The Vineyard Is Calling

The vineyard in the parable symbolizes God’s work in the world—His kingdom, His mission, His call to righteousness. Every believer is summoned into that vineyard. The question is not whether we know the right words, but whether we actually go.

This parable challenges us to examine:

1. Our Responses

Do we give God polite, spiritual‑sounding answers while avoiding the hard work of obedience?

2. Our Repentance

Are we willing to change course when the Spirit convicts us, even if our past says “no”?

3. Our Authenticity

Do our actions match our declarations of faith?

Grace for the “No” That Becomes “Yes”

One of the most beautiful truths in this parable is that God honors repentance more than reputation. The first son’s story reminds us that a messy beginning does not disqualify us from a faithful ending. God delights in the person who turns, even late, and steps into His will.

A Final Reflection

The parable of the two sons is not merely a critique of ancient religious leaders—it is a mirror held up to every believer. Jesus invites us to move beyond lip service into lived obedience. The Father still calls, “Go work to day in my vineyard.” Our answer is not measured by our words, but by our steps.

Discovering the Path of Salvation series by Stephen Luckett.