Matthew 21:28-32

Matt 21: "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' 29 He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

Matthew 21:28-32 I.The Context (vv ) II.The Parable (vv ) III.The Application (vv )

Matthew 21:28-32 I.The Context (vv ) II.The Parable (vv ) III.The Application (vv )

I.The Context (vv ) A. Timing: Tuesday of Passion week 1.Matt. 21:1-ff; v Tuesday 2.Same day as the Rebuke (23) and announcement of destruction (24) B.Discussion of Authority (21:23-37) 1.Questioned by chief priest & elders (v. 23) 2.Jesus answered (vv a) 3.Their predicament (vv. 25b-27) Parable given in response to the chief priest & elders

“They endeavored, therefore, to evade both alternatives by alleging that they could not tell whence it was; and this reply of theirs, which was an evident subterfuge, evoked the parable which forms our theme at this time.” William Taylor, Parables of our Lord, 121

Matthew 21:28-32 I.The Context (vv ) II.The Parable (vv ) III.The Application (vv )

II.The Parable (vv ) A. One Instruction – To Two Sons 1.“Go work today in my vineyard” (vv. 28, 30) 2.The Instruction included: What? Work What? Work When? Today When? Today Where? In my vineyard Where? In my vineyard Who? – Both (received personal requests) Who? – Both (received personal requests)

II.The Parable (vv ) A. One Instruction – To Two Sons B. Two Reactions – From Two Sons 1.First: (v. 29) a.Said: “I will not” (rebellion, rejection) b.Action: Regretted (Afterward – time to think –cf. Rom. 2:4) & Went (cf. Matt. 3:8) 2.Second (v. 30) a.Said: “I go sir” (respect, please father, promises) b.Action: Did not (pretense)

First Son Said: “I will not” Action: Regretted & Went Second Son Said: “I go sir” Action: Did Not

Matthew 21:28-32 I.The Context (vv ) II.The Parable (vv ) III.The Application (vv )

A. Time of Christ 1.Chief priest & elders: a.Claimed to follow the law b.Yet rejected John & the Christ 2.Publicans & harlot: a.Never claimed to live right – rebellious sinners b.Yet, they learn the truth & obey “This parable does not primarily apply to Jews & Gentiles, but must be referred rather to the two bodies within the bosom of the Jewish people: - it is not said, the Gentiles enter heaven before you, but the publicans and harlots.” R. C. Trench, Parables of our Lord, 68

III.The Application (vv ) A. Time of Christ B. Our Own Time 1.Many are like the first son 2.Many are like the second son

Those Like The First Son “I will not” Those Like The First Son “I will not” 1.Rebel, sin, unrestrained, unashamed 2.In time – think, reflect, and repent 3.The worst of sinners – can be saved (1 Tim. 1:15) Most stubborn - most rebellious Guilty of heinous crimes (1 Cor. 6:9-11) Wasted life in world (2 Tim. 3:1-17) Those who think have too much sin (Isa. 55:8-9)

“This parable shows us how God is served by men, and shows us especially that though there are greater and less degrees of disobedience and impenitence, there is no such thing as consistent uniform obedience. The best that God gets from earth is the obedience of repentance.” Frank L. Cox, Sermon Notes on the Parables of Jesus, 70

Things Not Commended in First Son  Frankness Even though “frank” – still disobedient Some think open frankness about sin is a virtue. “No one will condemn me for being a “hypocrite” Example: lose temper, rude, ugly – “I don’t beat around the bush – I speak my mind”

Things Not Commended in First Son  Frankness  Delay Did obey later – after delay Better / third choice – immediate obed. Some (especially young) think – refuse, serve myself – then in time obey Delaying is dangerous  Could die (Heb. 9:27)  Christ could return (Matt. 24:36-ff)

Those Like The Second Son “I go sir” Those Like The Second Son “I go sir” 1.Profess, pledge & promise 2.But, never do what they say Going to become a Christian – don’t Going to become a Christian – don’t Going to return to the Lord – never do Going to return to the Lord – never do 3.Christians who have a “front” of pledges: Say going to do better – don’t Say going to do better – don’t Say willing to be used – decline Say willing to be used – decline Say “We need to do more” - not involved Say “We need to do more” - not involved Say I’ll be there – won’t Say I’ll be there – won’t Say “Amen” – but live contrary Say “Amen” – but live contrary Say “love God” – but not diligent Say “love God” – but not diligent

“The test of sincerity is not in words, but in deeds; not in knowledge, but in the acting-out of our knowledge; not in profession, but in practice.” William Taylor, 129

Eccl 5:4-5 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed-- 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay Eccl 5:4-5 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed-- 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay Your Word, Your Vow, Your Promise Should Mean Something

Matthew 21:28-32 I.The Context (vv ) II.The Parable (vv ) III.The Application (vv )