Matthew 21:28-31

The Parable of the Two Sons.

v. 28. But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.

v. 29. He answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented and went.

v. 30. And he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir; and went not.

v. 31 a. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto Him, The first.

The moral distinction made here by Christ was one which the Pharisees admitted themselves, and therefore the truth must have been all the bitterer for them. Both sons were approached in the same manner, with the same words. The one piously says that he will go and work, but, in spite of his apparent eagerness and politeness, sets aside both the fatherly authority and the filial obedience. The other is rude and unmannerly upon being approached, apparently full of sulky disobedience, and yet, upon second thought, he goes and works for the father. The answer of the scribes could, therefore, not have been different.