The Two Sons: Words or Action?

In Matthew 21:28–32, Jesus tells a short parable with a big punch. It’s directed straight at the chief priests and elders in the temple—religious leaders who were challenging His authority.

They had just tried to trap Him with a question: “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Instead of answering directly, Jesus countered with His own question about John the Baptist’s ministry. Realizing that any answer would make them look bad—either to Jesus or the people—they opted for the safe, noncommittal answer: “We don’t know.”

Jesus refused to answer them… but He didn’t stop talking. Instead, He said, “But what do you think?” and launched into this parable.

The Parable

A man had two sons. He told the first, “Go and work in the vineyard today.” The son said, “I will not,” but later changed his mind and went.The man told the second son the same thing. This son replied, “I go, sir,” but never actually went.

Jesus’ question to the religious leaders was simple: “Which of the two did the will of his father?”They answered, “The first.” And they were right.

Then came the sting: Jesus told them that tax collectors and prostitutes would enter the kingdom of God before them—because those sinners, like the first son, had once rejected God but later repented and obeyed. The religious leaders, like the second son, said the right words but refused to actually do what God commanded.

What’s the Lesson for Us?

1. God Has Called Us to Work

In the parable, the father sends his sons to work in his vineyard. Spiritually, God has called His people to work for His kingdom—not just in the “church building,” but in the world. That means sowing the seed of the gospel, serving others, and making disciples.

John 9:4 reminds us, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” There’s an urgency to the work—our time is limited.

2. It’s Not About Where You Start

The first son started wrong—saying “no” to his father’s request—but he turned around and obeyed. The second son started with the right words, but never followed through.

Jesus’ point is clear: it’s not your starting point that matters; it’s where you finish. Repentance and obedience matter more than a history of religious appearances.

3. Saying It Isn’t Doing It

The second son is the perfect picture of empty religion—saying the right things, wearing the right labels, showing up in the right places, but not actually doing the Father’s will.

Sadly, this happens today. Some claim Christianity as a cultural identity but don’t live it out. Others attend worship faithfully but never engage in the work of the kingdom. Jesus says, “That’s not going to happen.” Calling yourself a Christian without obeying Christ is like promising to work and then walking away.

4. Our Words Are Commitments

When we became Christians, we made a vow—publicly declaring that Jesus is Lord. Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 warns:

“When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.”

God takes commitment seriously. Better not to promise at all than to promise and not follow through.

A Self-Check

If following Jesus feels “easy,” it might be time to examine whether we’re actually working in His vineyard. Jesus said following Him means taking up a cross, facing opposition, and sacrificing for the sake of the gospel.

So ask yourself:

• Am I actively doing the Father’s will, or just saying I will?

• Do my actions match my confession?

• Am I serving in the kingdom with urgency and purpose?

The Bottom Line

The Father is still asking His children to go and work in His vineyard. The question is not, “Will you say yes?” but “Will you actually go?”

It’s not our talk, reputation, or religious appearance that pleases God—it’s our obedience. And just like in Jesus’ day, the reward goes to the one who actually does what the Father says.