The parable of the 2 sons

The Parable of the Two Sons, found in Matthew 21:28–32, is a brief but profound teaching of Jesus that highlights the nature of true obedience to God. This parable underscores the themes of repentance, the sovereignty of grace, and the priority of the heart in salvation.

Context and Summary

In the parable, a father commands his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later repents and obeys. The second son agrees outwardly but does not follow through. Jesus concludes by asking which son did the father’s will, with the answer being the first son. He then explains that tax collectors and prostitutes, who were viewed as the most sinful in society, are entering the kingdom of God before the religious leaders. These outcasts believed John the Baptist’s message of repentance and demonstrated genuine obedience, while the religious leaders, despite their outward piety, rejected God’s call.

The Nature of True Obedience

The parable emphasizes that true obedience to God arises from a transformed heart, not mere outward conformity. The first son’s initial refusal represents the natural state of humanity: rebellion against God. This aligns with the doctrine of total depravity, which teaches that humans are inherently inclined to sin and incapable of pleasing God apart from divine grace (Romans 3:10-12). However, the son’s later change of mind and obedience demonstrates the work of repentance and grace. This highlights that salvation involves not only forgiveness but also the fruit of obedience that flows from a regenerated heart.

The second son’s empty promise reflects the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes, who outwardly professed devotion to God but inwardly rejected His will. This critique resonates with the emphasis on the insufficiency of external religion and the need for faith that works through love (James 2:26).

Sovereignty of Grace and Repentance

The parable also illustrates the doctrine of sovereign grace. The transformation of the first son is a picture of God’s effectual calling, where the Holy Spirit brings a sinner to genuine repentance and faith. This aligns with texts such as Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God promises to replace a heart of stone with a heart of flesh, enabling true obedience. The tax collectors and prostitutes, despite their initial rebellion, responded to John’s preaching because God’s grace drew them.

Conversely, the religious leaders’ rejection underscores the understanding of human responsibility and spiritual blindness due to sin. While the call to repentance goes out to all, only those whom God enables will respond (John 6:44).

Application

The parable challenges all who hear it to examine their hearts. Are we like the first son, who repents and obeys, or the second son, whose faith is merely external? It serves as a warning against self-righteousness and a reminder that entrance into God’s kingdom depends on grace, not merit.

In conclusion, the Parable of the Two Sons teaches that true obedience flows from a repentant heart transformed by God’s sovereign grace. It calls believers to humility, gratitude, and a life marked by genuine faith and repentance.