Matthew 21:28-32 Parable of the Two Sons

Parables -

Two Sons

Matthew 21:28-32

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Change and choice are great blessings which allow for better opportunities. God has great power to change our lives in a positive way if we allow Him to be the Lord of our life. Practically speaking, too many people fight against change, especially when it affects them personally...

As novelist Leo Tolstoy said, "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."  The ironic thing is that change is inevitable.  Everybody has to deal with it.  On the other hand, growth is optional.  You can choose to grow or fight it.  But know this: People unwilling to grow will never reach their greatest potential.

In one of his books, Howard Hendricks asks the question, "How have you changed...lately?  In the last week, let's say?  Or the last month?  The last year?  Can you be very specific?"  He knows how people tend to get into a rut when it comes to growth and change.  Growth is a choice, a decision that can really make a difference in a person's life.

John Maxwell says, “Most people don't realize that successful and unsuccessful people do not differ substantially in their abilities.  They vary in their desires to reach their potential.  And nothing is more effective when it comes reaching potential than commitment to personal growth. “

God says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and forever."  2 Peter 3:18

Questions to Get Us Thinking:

As a child, what kind of worker were you? How often did your parents have to yell to get you to work?

Text

The Parable of the Two Sons — Matthew 21:28-32

28“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.’

29“ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

30“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

31“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Questions to help us “dig deeper” to find the treasure.

Which Son said, “No”? Which Son Said, “Yes”?

Due to varying textual evidence for Matthew 21:28-32, the versions offer these two different accounts of Jesus’ parable of the two sons:

1. The older son says no, but repents and goes; the second son says yes, but does nothing.

2. The older son says yes, but does nothing; the second son says no, but repents and goes.

Option one has stronger textual evidence. It is followed by KJV, RSV, NIV, Amplified, LB TEV, JB, and New Century Version.

Option two has been chosen by NASB, NEB, Phillips. In this argument, the older son represents the Pharisees, who openly and loudly proclaimed their intent to obey God, but did not follow through (23:3). The second son represents the tax collectors and other overt sinners who had refused to obey God, but were repenting (21:32).

Although option two does not have the strong textual backing of option one, it does fit the historical context of Jesus’ day better.

1. What is the most important point in this parable?

2. Typically and more commonly we are blind to our on sins, we have a heart mask. In order to remove your heart mask, what core thought should rule our thoughts?

3. What is the context of this parable, especially following Matthew 21:23-27?

4. What group is like which son? How?

5. How do you suppose the religious leaders felt about this story?

6. What makes repentance difficult for us today?

7. What are some of the joys that are ours when we unmask our hearts with repentance?

8. To really remove the heart mask and know the joy of true repentance, everyone needs a prodigal experience.

Questions to helps us live it today for The King

1. Taking this parable with the Prodigal Son, they both hold out to us many messages which can help us repent of our sins and know true joy. What messages do you hear?

2. Which son’s story is most like your own? Why?

3. This week, how can you translate your repentance into actions that really show your heart mask is being removed?