Theme: Word or Deed?
Text: Matthew 21:28-33
Introduction:
On this Holy Monday, I would like to share with you about the two sons whom Jesus mentioned in his parable after the cleansing of the Temple at Jerusalem. Words or deeds? It is the straight forward question raised by God to everyone who reads this parable. Performance or professing is our goal.
Parable:
These five verses are a parable, not to the disciples, but to the chief priests and elders of the people, whose heritage or fine credentials alone would not give them the right to continue to rule. A father had two sons. Both sons hear the same command: "Son, go work today in my vineyard."(Matthew 21:28,30).
The father is God. The first son, who flatly refuses to work in the vineyard, represents the weak, foolish, and base of this world (I Corinthians 1:26-27). He disobeyed at once but later went to the vineyard. Refers to the tax collectors and prostitutes. The second son, who promises to work yet never shows up, represents hypocrites, those who appear or profess one way but act another. He has shown obedience to the word but did not obey indeed. Refers to chief priests and elders. The Question: Which of the two did what his father wanted? The answer is clear: the one who actually worked, though initially refusing to do so. The repented one.
Context:
The cursed “fig tree” symbolizes judgment on the leaders of the people of Israel (Jeremiah 8:13; 29:17; Hosea 2:12; 9:10). The critique appeared to be directed at the leaders of the temple specifically (Matthew 21:15, 23), not against the people as a whole. The crowds including children celebrated the coming of Christ (Matthew 21:15).
Jesus’ return to the temple on the following morning, communicates that he anticipated restoring the temple to its proper function. The issue of “authority” (Matthew 21:23) has been a theme in the Gospel of Matthew from the beginning (Matthew 7:29; 9:6, 8). Jesus finally said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (28:18-19). We ought to judge a person by his questions rather than his answers (Matthew 21:23).
1. Commanding Father (Matthew 21: 28. a)
The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel, men of Judah are the garden of his delight (Isaiah 5:7). The church is the vineyard, chosen are the vineyard, the world is the vineyard. People are the delight of the Lord. The compassionate God is always available to the people who repent and come back to him.
2. Rebellious but repented Son (Matthew 21: 28.b-29)
Ahab repented and God was compassionate to him (1 Kings 21:27). Job repented in dust and ashes (Job 42:6, Psalm 38:18, Jeremiah 3:21, Hosea 6:1). The Ninevites repented and the Lord changed his mind about doing harm to them (Jonah 3:6-9). Peter repented and the Lord healed him and used him in the kingdom of God. He became the founding church father of the Church in Rome (Mark 14:72). The Prodigal Son confessed his sin and came back to his father and was accepted with joy and gladness (Luke 15:21). The tax collector cried for mercy and he obtained it. The sinner turned into a saint by a simple true prayer (Luke 18:13). Godly sorrow brings repentance and leads to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Throughout Matthew’s narrative, tax-collectors were associated with “sinners” (Matthew 9:10-11), “Gentiles” (Matthew 18:17), and “prostitutes” (Matthew 21:31-32). Yet, Jesus shared meals with them (Matthew 9:10-11), and even selected one to be included in the Twelve (Matthew 10:3). The tax collectors and prostitutes - those most despised and rejected by society are ahead of the self-righteous ones. They were the ones who were open to the word of God and to change.
3. Hypocritic Covenant-breakers (Matthew 21:30)
There is an accusation in the parable — some who claim to obey the Father and observe the requirements of the Law fail, in actuality, to do so (ref: working preacher). Actions speak louder than words. Many organizations aim for customer service, product quality, civic integrity, and putting people first. Yet many such organizations have poor service, quality, integrity, and employee relations. Individuals extolling their plans yet failing to implement them. Organizations and individuals falling into this trap may have good intentions, and they may not recognize they are failing to live up to their rhetoric (ref: Theology of work).
Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?" This son's guilt combines deception with disobedience. Many are not faithfully keeping God's commandments and are neglecting His Sabbath and holy days. Church attendance is sporadic. Tithing is erratic. Too many have lost their zeal for God and His way of life, and they are veering away from the path to the Kingdom. (Ref: Bibletools).
Israelites under Aaron quickly turned away from the commandment of God (Exodus 32:1,8). King Solomon turned his heart to the idols and other gods (1 Kings 11:4). The earth is defiled by the disobedient, who disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes, and broke the everlasting covenant (Isaiah 24:5, 33:8). Refusing to listen to the words of God was the sin of the fathers of the Israelites, the exodus community, and the wilderness people (Jeremiah 1110).
They are senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless people. They continually do the unrighteous things (Romans 1:31-32). The seeds on the rocky land. They receive the word very gladly but are quickly uprooted because the world cares. They are hollow and shallow in nature (Luke 8:13). Many of the followers turned back from following Christ because of the hardships and problems in life (John 6:66).
4. Kingdom Lovers (Matthew 21:31-32)
The Kingdom of God belongs to those who produce fruits (Matthew 21:43). Which am I? Am I the son who presents himself as obedient while running around raising havoc, or am I the son who to all appearances is the “black sheep” but in the end does what is needed? Which am I? Which are you? Who are you?
There is also a reversal of expectations in the parable — those who are seen as the antithesis of the “good” believer, some who have failed to live in the right way, will be given entry to the kingdom of heaven first. Which are you? (Ref: working preacher).
This parable reminds us that words can be meaningless. Promises are empty when not followed by action. The first son is arrogant but his action shows his goodness. The second son sounds cooperative but fails to keep his promise. We need to think about whether our words and actions are in agreement.
It is easy to talk, pronounce and make statements. It is more difficult to give time, effort, and attention. We must not Sunday Christians but Christians throughout the week. Let God reign in you during your working hours during the week. Jesus values a few small acts more than many fine words. This is time to review the statements and declarations we have made (Ref: Sacred Space).
