matthew-21:28,-matthew-21:29

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:28-32

The two sons. In this parable our Lord illustrates the great principle which he more than once enunciated—that "many shall be last that are first; and first that are last." It has a special reference to the Pharisees and publicans of Christ's time. But there are publicans and Pharisees in our own day. Let us consider the parable in its bearing on ourselves and the present conduct of people. I. THE SON WHO REFUSED AND REPENTED . 1 . His hasty refusal. Doubtless he spoke... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 21:28-32

But what think ye? - A way of speaking designed to direct them particularly to what he was saying, that they might be self-convicted.Two sons - By those two sons our Lord intends to represent the conduct of the Jews, and that of the publicans and sinners.In my vineyard - See the notes at Matthew 21:33. To work in the vineyard here represents the work which God requires man to do.I will not - This had been the language of the publicans and wicked men. They refused at first, and did not “profess”... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 21:28-32

Matthew 21:28-32 . But what think ye As if he had said, You have evaded a direct answer to my question concerning the baptism of John, and have acknowledged your ignorance whence it was; but what think you of your own conduct in these circumstances? and of all the high professions you make of an extraordinary reverence for God, and zeal in his service? I will plainly tell you my judgment of it, which is very naturally connected with the present subject. This our Lord does in two parables,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:23-32

122. Authority of Jesus questioned (Matthew 21:23-32; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8)When Jesus returned to the temple, the Jewish religious leaders came to trap him with a question. They hoped to find something in his answer that would enable them to bring a charge, civil or religious, against him. They asked him by what authority he acted the way he did, particularly in overthrowing the established practices of the Jewish temple (Matthew 21:23).Instead of answering directly, Jesus adjusted the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 21:28

A certain man, &c. Here follow three parables spoken in the Temple. sons = children. Greek. teknon. Go work to day = Go to-day, work. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 21:28

But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first and said, Son, go work today in the vineyard. And he answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented himself and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Which of the two did the will of his father?THE PABABLE OF THE TWO SONSANALOGIES IN THE PARABLE The man who had two sons is God. The first son represents the publicans and harlots. The second son represents the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 21:28-30

Matthew 21:28-30. But what think ye? A certain man, &c.— Because the chief priests and elders had said that they did not know whence John's baptism was, Jesus sharply rebuked them for disbelieving him: he conveyed his reproof under the parable of two sons, who were commanded to work in their father's vineyard; and by asking their opinion of the behaviour of these sons, he made them condemn themselves. See on ch. Matthew 13:3. The temper and behaviour of the second son was an exact picture... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 21:28

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—for true religion is a practical thing, a "bringing forth fruit unto God." read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 21:18-46

C. Israel’s rejection of her King 21:18-22:46This section of Matthew’s Gospel presents Israel’s formal rejection of her Messiah. Jesus had made a formal presentation of Himself to the nation’s populace and leadership in the messianic capital with His triumphal entry (Matthew 21:1-17). Jesus’ earlier rejection had taken place in rural Galilee (ch. 12). Now Matthew recorded Israel’s response. [Note: For more light on the connections that unite this pericope with the previous one, see Mark... read more