28 “Tell me what you think about this: A man had two sons. He went to the first son and said, ‘Son, go and work today in my vineyard.’ 29 The son answered, ‘I will not go.’ But later the son changed his mind and went. 30 Then the father went to the other son and said, ‘Son, go and work today in my vineyard.’ The son answered, ‘Yes, sir, I will go and work,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two sons obeyed his father?”
The priests and leaders answered, “The first son.”
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before you do. 32 John came to show you the right way to live. You did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. Even after seeing this, you still refused to change your ways and believe him.
Read Matthew 21:28-32 in context and/or in other translations on BibleGateway.com!
One thing I find amazing about passages like this one is how Jesus is able to use very simple illustrations to make His point. In this passage’s case, the illustration is so simple that the Pharisees and religious leaders easily answer Jesus’ question at the end. This is one of the few places where the Pharisees and Jesus agree.
Following this short parable of two sons, Jesus asks them the question: “Which of the two sons obeyed his father?” (v. 31a) The father asked both sons to help in the field. The first son said he would/could not help, but then later changes his mind and shows up. The second son said he would help, but for whatever reason, chose not to show up. Jesus’ simple question is which son obeyed his father.
It is such a simple question that each of us could easily answer it as well – and I could guess that if we were all being honest with ourselves and with the question, we’d all answer that the first son – the one who showed up to help in the field – is the obedient one.
But here is something interesting: Both sons lied.
We can easily point our finger at the second son and call him a liar because he did not do what he said he would, but the same is true for the first son: He did what he said he would not do.
If both sons lied, then what is the difference?
The difference is action – actually doing the things we have been asked to do. It is easy to speak our intentions, but what matters in the end is what is actually said and done.
As I began to write this, my mind was distracted. I have another project in the works that is more “interesting” than pushing through producing another post. But, here is the truth: while the other project will help a number of people, the big truth I want to bring out in this passage is a more solid, foundational truth that is true for virtually everyone.
The big concept for this post is this: What we say is not nearly as important as what we do. Action is more important than intention 100% of the time.
Jesus believed this, and surprisingly, the Pharisees and religious leaders agreed with Him on this one point. If we are being honest with the question itself, you and I believe this too.
This thought was inspired by studying the Walking With Jesus “Reflective Bible Study” package. To discover insights like this in your own study time, click here and give Reflective Bible Study a try today!
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