The parable of the Two Sons, Matthew 21:28-32
Which Son Are You? A Call to True Obedience
Many people claim to follow God, but they live in sin outside the church. Like the second son, we often say “Yes, Lord,” but fail to live out His commands. God is not impressed by words or outward appearances — He looks for a heart that obeys. The world today is full of empty religion — people who attend church, sing, preach and speak the right words, yet their actions deny their faith. This parable reminds us of that what God truly desires is a change of heart that leads to obedient action. There is a great need for:
- Repentance — turning from saying “no” to God and deciding to obey Him.
- Sincerity — letting our actions match our words.
- Obedience — doing the father’s will, not just talking about it.
God is calling His people to move beyond mere confession and into living faith — the kind that bears fruit through obedience, humility, and service.
The Parable of the Two Sons, found in Matthew 21:28–32, is a teaching of Jesus that emphasizes true obedience through actions rather than mere words.
A father asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son refuses but later repents and goes to work. The second son agrees to go but does not follow through. Jesus asks the religious leaders which son obeyed, and they answer the first. He explains that tax collectors and sinners, like the first son, are entering God’s kingdom ahead of the leaders, who, like the second son, profess righteousness but reject John the Baptist’s call to repentance.
Meaning of the Characters
- The man who had two sons represents God.
- The first son represents tax collectors and sinners.
- The second son represents the Pharisees and religious leaders.
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for not believing in the message of John the Baptist and Himself.
In Matthew 3:7–10, John the Baptist preached repentance and baptized those who turned away from sin. But the Pharisees and Sadducees refused to repent because they thought they were righteous and needed no forgiveness. In Luke 3:12, the tax collectors came to be baptized — they accepted John’s message, repented, and were baptized. We can see the clear difference between the two groups. Just like the first son, the tax collectors and prostitutes at first refused God’s call but later repented, changed their minds, and did God’s will.
The Pharisees, however, were outwardly seen as righteous and devoted but failed to obey God’s Word and live what they taught. They rejected the message brought through John the Baptist and Jesus.
The Lesson We Learn
God wants us to be like the first son — willing to change our minds and do His will.
True repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of actions.
Sometimes we go astray and refuse to listen to God, but later the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts, and we repent. When we change our mind and actions, God accepts us. David says in Psalm 51:17:
“A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
This kind of heart fully agrees with God about how evil sin is. It takes full responsibility, does not shift blame or give excuses, but throws itself upon God’s mercy and seeks forgiveness.
When we come to God with such a heart, He will always accept us.
A Call to True Obedience
God wants us to do what we profess. Sadly, many serve in the church — on the praise team, in preaching, or in ministry — but fail to live according to God’s will. How is your life outside the church?
You may tell God how much you love Him and how ready you are to obey yet live in disobedience.
The Pharisees looked religious outwardly, but their hearts were far from God. They lived lives of hypocrisy — just like many of us today. In church, we may appear holy, but once we step outside, we live in sin. Some even serve as ministers while committing immorality.
We cannot deceive God — He knows our secret lives.
All He wants from us is obedience and sincerity. James 1:22 says:
“Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
We should not be like the second son, who said, “I will go,” but failed to do so.
God calls us to put away hypocrisy and serve Him with genuine, obedient hearts.
He hates hypocrisy but delights in those who listen and act upon His Word.
A Call to Repentance
My prayer for all of us is that we come to God in repentance — to change our minds and actions and start living according to His will.
Let us get rid of hypocrisy and serve God sincerely. Cry out to God. Tell Him what sin burdens you. Confess it to Him, and He will forgive you and help you bear good fruit through His Spirit. The first son reminds us that it’s never too late to change.
Even if we once said “no” to God, ignored His Word, or went our own way, He gives us another chance. Repentance opens the door to the Kingdom of God.
God values repentance, humility, and sincerity more than empty religion.
True obedience means doing what God commands, not just saying “yes” with our lips.
God doesn’t look for perfect people who always say the right things —
He looks for obedient hearts that are willing to change and do His will.
Conclusion
The Parable of the Two Sons reminds us of that God values obedience over empty promises.
He is not impressed by our words, appearances, or religious activities, but by hearts that are willing to repent and do His will. The first son teaches us that no matter how far we have wandered, it is never too late to return to God. What matters is that we turn back, repent, and obey.
The second son warns us against hypocrisy — saying “yes” to God while living in disobedience. God is patient and merciful, always giving us another chance to do what is right. He invites each of us to examine our hearts and ask:
“Am I truly obeying God, or just saying I will?”
Let us be like the first son — honest, repentant, and obedient.
May our faith not only be heard through our words but also seen through our actions.
When we live out true repentance, our lives bring glory to God and draw others to His kingdom.
