the Parable of Two Sons
A powerful message is delivered by Jesus Christ in the Parable of Two Sons. Jesus describes a father who assigns work in the vineyard for his two sons. The first son refuses the request, but later repents and performs the work. The second son agrees to go work in the vineyard upon request but doesn't go. The Parable is described in Matthew 21:28-32:
28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, 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 had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Jesus is referencing those who were considered sinners, such as publicans and harlots, who heard the message of John the Baptist and repented while the religious teachers of the day and others heard the message but did not repent and believe. The religious leaders were more interested in their own traditions than the teachings of John the Baptist, despite the fact that John the Baptist, along with Jesus, was sent by God to teach the people. Jesus Christ explains through the parable that even those who reject God initially can be forgiven and enter the Kingdom of Heaven simply by repenting and following the message of God presented in the Gospel message. The parable also teaches that faith is the most important commandment and that past sins can be forgiven. Those with past sins can simply seek faith and through this faith can achieve righteousness and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Despite the their sinful lifestyles, the publicans and the harlots willingfully listened to the message of John the Baptist and of Jesus Christ and believed. This belief made them whole and righteous and therefore worthy of entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who did not believe placed their eternal salvation in jeopardy because of their lack of faith in the message presented by John the Baptist and of Jesus Christ.
28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, 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 had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Jesus is referencing those who were considered sinners, such as publicans and harlots, who heard the message of John the Baptist and repented while the religious teachers of the day and others heard the message but did not repent and believe. The religious leaders were more interested in their own traditions than the teachings of John the Baptist, despite the fact that John the Baptist, along with Jesus, was sent by God to teach the people. Jesus Christ explains through the parable that even those who reject God initially can be forgiven and enter the Kingdom of Heaven simply by repenting and following the message of God presented in the Gospel message. The parable also teaches that faith is the most important commandment and that past sins can be forgiven. Those with past sins can simply seek faith and through this faith can achieve righteousness and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Despite the their sinful lifestyles, the publicans and the harlots willingfully listened to the message of John the Baptist and of Jesus Christ and believed. This belief made them whole and righteous and therefore worthy of entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who did not believe placed their eternal salvation in jeopardy because of their lack of faith in the message presented by John the Baptist and of Jesus Christ.
