Parable · Matthew 21:28-32

The Two Sons

A father asks two sons to work. One says no and goes. One says yes and does not.

Also called The Son Who Said No

The point

Told to chief priests. Jesus tells them tax collectors are entering the kingdom ahead of them.

28But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

29‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went.

30Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go.

31Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.

32For John came to you in a righteous way and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Berean Standard Bible, public domain. Read the whole chapter

Using this at church

Read in church on

Lectionary 26 Year AGospel, Matthew 21:23-32

For a newsletter or sermon notes

The parable of the Two Sons, explained in plain words. One son says no, then works. The other says yes, and doesn’t. https://freescripture.org/parables/two-sons/

Lines for the next eight Sundays, on Digital Lutheran Church