Thematic Selections from the Bible

In the context of this passage, Jesus was responding to the religious authorities when he spoke of this passage. Jesus expressed that true respect was not seen by word alone, but by obedience. It did not matter whether the son had said whether or not he would obey, if he ended up not working in the vineyard in the end. In this case, the tax collectors and prostitutes were doing God’s will. They repented, asked for forgiveness, and this showed in their actions. On the other hand, the religious leaders were unable to humble themselves and repent. Their ‘faith’ was simply verbal, not application oriented.

Similarly, there are many people in today’s era where faith simply means making a lot of noise. Their love for God is expressed only through words, not behavior.

Mt 21:28-32

28 But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard.

29 And he answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented himself, and went.

30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I , sir: and went not.

31 Which of the two did the will of his father? They say, 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 saw it, did not even repent yourselves afterward, that ye might believe him.