Topical Encyclopedia The parable of the Two Sons is a teaching of Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 21:28-32. This parable is a profound illustration of obedience, repentance, and the nature of true righteousness, emphasizing the importance of actions over mere words.Context and Setting The parable is set within a series of teachings and confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time. It occurs during the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, shortly after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The religious leaders, including the chief priests and elders, question Jesus' authority, prompting Him to respond with this parable. The Parable In the Berean Standard Bible, the parable is recounted as follows: "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. Jesus 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." (Matthew 21:28-32) Interpretation and Themes 1. Obedience and Repentance: The parable contrasts two responses to the father's command. The first son initially refuses but later repents and obeys. The second son agrees to work but fails to follow through. This highlights the value of repentance and actual obedience over mere verbal assent. 2. True Righteousness: Jesus uses this parable to challenge the religious leaders' understanding of righteousness. The outwardly sinful tax collectors and prostitutes, who repented and believed, are contrasted with the religious leaders who professed righteousness but failed to act accordingly. 3. Authority of Jesus: By linking the parable to the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus underscores His own authority and the call to repentance. The religious leaders' rejection of John and their failure to recognize Jesus' authority is a central critique. 4. Kingdom of God: The parable illustrates the unexpected nature of the Kingdom of God, where those deemed unworthy by societal standards are welcomed because of their genuine repentance and faith. Application The parable of the Two Sons serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with one's words. It calls believers to examine their own lives for consistency between profession and practice. The emphasis on repentance and obedience underscores the transformative power of God's grace, which is available to all who turn to Him in faith. This teaching encourages believers to live out their faith authentically, demonstrating their commitment to God's will through their actions. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 21:28-31But what think you? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. Nave's Topical Index Library The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue. Preface to Book ii. How we May Become Hidden Sons of God, and Attain to the God-Seeing ... Chapter xxiv. The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ... Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews. The Fatherhood of God Psalm LXXXVIII. The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards. The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 3 Resources Why is salvation by works the predominantly held viewpoint? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.org What are the works of the devil in 1 John 3:8? | GotQuestions.org Works: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good Works are by Jesus Christ to the Glory and Praise of God Good Works in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Good Works: Called: Fruits Meet for Repentance Good Works: Called: Fruits of Righteousness Good Works: Called: Good Fruits Good Works: Called: Works and Labours of Love Good Works: Christ, an Example of Good Works: Heavenly Wisdom is Full of Good Works: Holy Women should Manifest Good Works: Justification Unattainable By Good Works: Ministers should a Blessing Attends Good Works: Ministers should be Patterns of Good Works: Ministers should Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Good Works: Ministers should Exhort To Good Works: Ministers should God is Glorified By Good Works: Ministers should Illustrated Good Works: Ministers should The Wicked Reprobate To Good Works: Saints are Full of Good Works: Saints are Zealous of Good Works: Saints: Bring to the Light Their Good Works: Saints: Created in Christ To Good Works: Saints: Exhorted to Put On Good Works: Saints: Followed Into Rest by Their Good Works: Saints: should Abound to All Good Works: Saints: should Avoid Ostentation In Good Works: Saints: should be Careful to Maintain Good Works: Saints: should be Established In Good Works: Saints: should be Fruitful In Good Works: Saints: should be Furnished to All Good Works: Saints: should be Perfect In Good Works: Saints: should be Prepared to All Good Works: Saints: should be Ready to All Good Works: Saints: should be Rich In Good Works: Saints: should Manifest, With Meekness Good Works: Saints: should Provoke Each Other Good Works: Salvation Unattainable By Good Works: Shall be Brought Into the Judgment Good Works: The Scripture Designed to Lead Us To Good Works: They Alone, Who Abide in Christ Can Perform Good Works: To be Performed in Christ's Name Good Works: Wrought by God in Us Works: Good in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Works: Good of the Righteous, are Manifest Works: Good: A Blessing Attends Works: Good: Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Works: Good: God is Glorified By Works: Good: Holy Women should Manifest Works: Good: Jesus an Example of Works: Good: Servants should be Patterns of Works: Good: Servants should Exhort To Works: Good: The Barren Fig Tree Works: Good: The Laborer's in the Vineyard Works: Good: Will be Brought Into Judgment Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation Works: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
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