What is the meaning of Matthew 21:30? Then the man went to the second son • Jesus has just spoken of a first son who refused, then repented (v. 29). Now attention shifts. • The “man” pictures the Father, patiently approaching the next child—mirroring how God repeatedly calls His people (Isaiah 65:2; 2 Peter 3:9). • In parable context, this second son stands for Israel’s religious leaders who have long enjoyed covenant privilege yet still need to respond (Romans 2:17-24). and told him the same thing • The father issues an identical command, showing that God’s standard never changes from person to person (Acts 17:30-31). • Equal opportunity also underscores equal accountability (Romans 2:11). • Like the first son, this second son is asked to “Go and work in the vineyard today” (v. 28)—an invitation to active obedience, not mere sentiment (Ephesians 2:10). ‘I will, sir,’ he said • The quick, respectful reply sounds exemplary: “Yes, sir!” • Words without deeds, however, mean little (Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter”). • Many publicly affirm allegiance yet resist when obedience costs something (Proverbs 20:6; Luke 6:46). • For the original audience, the polite response mirrored the outward piety of scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:27-28). But he did not go • The pivot exposes hypocrisy—profession without performance (James 1:22; 2:17). • Disobedience cancels the promise; the vineyard remains untilled. • 1 John 2:4 warns, “Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not keep His commandments is a liar.” • Jesus’ larger point: tax collectors and prostitutes, like the first son, are entering the kingdom ahead of the religious elite because genuine repentance trumps hollow courtesy (Matthew 21:31-32). summary Matthew 21:30 contrasts lip service with lived obedience. The second son’s courteous “I will” masks a heart unwilling to act, illustrating how outward religion can hide inward rebellion. God’s call is clear and consistent; true repentance is proven by doing, not merely saying. |
    |