What is the significance of the parable in Matthew 21:28 for Christian obedience? Text of the Parable (Matthew 21:28-31a) “‘But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.” “I will not,” he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. “I will, sir,” he said. But he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ ‘The first,’ they answered.” Historical–Cultural Setting Vineyards were the backbone of Judean agriculture (Isaiah 5:1-7); terraced hillsides, stone watch-towers, and hewn winepresses from the Second-Temple era dot the region today (Tel Lachish; Khirbet Qeiyafa excavations, 2013-18). Listeners instantly pictured a family-run operation where a father’s word carried legal weight (cf. Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Jesus speaks publicly in the temple precincts during Passover week, confronting chief priests and elders (Matthew 21:23). Literary Context in Matthew Matthew arranges a triad of judgment parables: Two Sons (21:28-32), Wicked Tenants (21:33-46), and Wedding Banquet (22:1-14). Each exposes verbal religion without obedient faith, escalating the leaders’ resolve to arrest Jesus (21:46). Key Vocabulary • “Changed his mind” (v. 29) – Greek metamelētheís: an emotional regret that issues in action; cf. 2 Corinthians 7:9. • “Do the will” (v. 31) – poieō + thelēma; the same phrase defines true kinship with Christ (Matthew 12:50). Exegesis of the Elements 1. Father – figure of Yahweh commissioning labor in His kingdom (John 15:1). 2. Vineyard – Israel and, by extension, the mission field of the gospel (Isaiah 27:2-6; Matthew 9:37-38). 3. First son – initially rebellious outsiders (tax collectors, prostitutes, Gentiles) who repent and obey. 4. Second son – religious establishment professing loyalty yet refusing kingdom demands (cf. Matthew 23:3). Theological Themes Relevant to Obedience Repentance precedes obedience (Acts 26:20). Verbal assent without conformity of life is disobedience (James 2:14-17). Genuine faith is authenticated by works (Ephesians 2:10). The parable collapses the gap between creed and conduct, echoing the Shema’s demand for whole-hearted love (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Comparative Scriptures • Ezekiel 18:21-24 – the wicked who turn live, the righteous who turn away die. • Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” • Hebrews 3:7-19 – warning against unbelief expressed in disobedience. Early Christian Witness Ignatius to the Trallians 9.2 (c. A.D. 110) cites the parable to urge “not merely to be called Christians but to be found such.” Papyrus 75 (Bodmer XIV-XV, c. A.D. 175-225) contains Matthew 21 intact, attesting stable transmission of the text. Archaeological Corroboration First-century winepresses unearthed at Ein Kerem and Migdal corroborate the everyday plausibility of the setting. Ossuaries labeled “Yehosef bar Caiaphas” (1990 dig) situate the high-priestly opposition portrayed in the chapter within confirmed history. Practical Applications for Christian Obedience 1. Examine professions of faith—do actions confirm (2 Corinthians 13:5)? 2. Embrace daily assignments—obedience is “today” (v. 28), not theoretical. 3. Value repentance—past refusals need not define future obedience. 4. Cultivate fruit—kingdom work is measurable (Galatians 5:22-25). 5. Reject empty religion—God desires doers, not talkers (1 John 3:18). Pastoral Homiletic Outline A. Call to the Vineyard—Identity. B. Two Responses—Integrity. C. Consequences—Inclusion or Exclusion. D. Invitation—Immediate Obedience. Conclusion The significance of the parable for Christian obedience is straightforward yet searching: the Father judges by enacted will, not spoken intent. Entrance into the kingdom is evidenced by repentant, responsive labor under His authority. Christ’s resurrection guarantees the vineyard’s harvest (1 Corinthians 15:58); therefore, “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). |
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