Storyteller: The Parables of Jesusනියැදිය

Responsibility (Part 1: The Parable of the Two Sons)

Matthew 21 marks the momentous occasion when Jesus comes into the city of Jerusalem, hailed by the crowds as their long-awaited Messiah. They are happy because they believe He has finally come to save them from their Roman oppressors and establish a new kingdom for the nation of Israel. However, by the end of the week, the same people will turn against Him, demanding His crucifixion when He fails to meet their expectations.

The last week of Jesus’ life is of great significance, and Matthew is careful to record the numerous ways in which He comes in fulfillment of the Holy Scriptures. Every detail matters, from the exact day Jesus arrives, riding a donkey, to the cursing of the fig tree.

The chief priests and scribes are keenly aware of the significance of each event, but they ignore all the signs, refusing to admit Jesus is the Son of God. He is a threat to their system of religion, and they are desperate to silence and get rid of Him.

Every interaction between Jesus and the religious leaders has grown increasingly tense. They intend to trap Jesus by using His own words and teachings, and after His very public actions, they seize their opportunity, asking Him, “Who do you think you are and who gave you the right to do these things?”

Jesus tells them He will answer their question only if they can answer His regarding the authority of John the Baptist, but they refrain because they idolize being well-liked by the people. Jesus proceeds anyway, exposing their dishonesty and self-righteousness by telling the Parable of the Two Sons.

The son who, at first, refuses to work in his father’s vineyard represents the tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners who came in humble repentance, obeying John the Baptist, believing his words about Jesus, and being baptized.

The second son, who says he will work in the vineyard but then never does, represents the religious leaders ordained by God to serve Him and His people but who reject the teachings of John the Baptist, as well as every other prophet God had sent before.

This parable speaks to the responsibility (response-ability) every person is confronted with when they learn the truth about Jesus. Our belief in Him is the only right response, and our ability to surrender and walk obediently with Him is the only correct way to live. There are no other options.

The religious leaders were concerned with their outward appearances. They said and did all the right things; they were morally upright and good people who took their rituals and sacrifices seriously. Yet tragically, their hearts remained unchanged, as their focus was on building their little kingdoms and neglecting God and His Kingdom.

In Scripture, Jesus says those who enter the Kingdom of God are those who do the will of His Father. In other words, believing Jesus and acting in obedience are one and the same; they cannot be separated. This is not to say we are saved by our actions; we are saved by Jesus. However, as genuine believers in Him, our actions and behaviors will inevitably align with His.

This is a strong rebuke against being self-reliant and self-righteous, but it is also an encouragement to those who are willing to admit they are sinners in desperate need of the forgiveness Jesus alone offers. Jesus can and will redeem any life, even those that are most unlikely or most resistant. When we fall on His mercy, repent, and put our trust in Him, He welcomes us in, not because we earned it but because our hearts are genuinely surrendered to Him.

Prayer

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:17, ESV)

Jesus, You have my whole heart, and I pray You genuinely change me so I am not just doing religion but honoring You with my life. Amen.