Matthew 21:28-32·~1 min

The Parable of the Two Sons

Jesus tells of two sons asked to work in a vineyard: one refuses and later goes, while the other is asked the same thing. He then names tax collectors and prostitutes as those entering ahead of the leaders who did not repent.

B²⁸ut 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. ³¹Which of the two did the will of his father?” ³²Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, 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.

Section summaryJesus tells of a father who sends two sons to work in the vineyard. The first refuses and later goes, while the second agrees but does not go. Jesus then says tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom ahead of the leaders who would not believe John or repent.

Role in the chapterThe parable contrasts spoken refusal with changed obedience and presses the leaders’ failure to respond when repentance was already before them.