Sermons on San Mateo 21:31:

No, It's Not Fair, But Bear With It In Christ

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 28, 2023

Forget the old song that asks “how can it be wrong when it feels so right?” That’s unmitigated baloney. Your mind must rule your emotions, not vice-versa.

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Course 2023 Have you or anyone you know ever said that some fine or traffic ticket or concert ticket price or something else “isn’t fair”? I suspect that a show of hands would involve almost everyone who is here today. That cry, “it’s not fair!” is one of the most common ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:28-32, Psalm 25:4-9, Ezekiel 18:25-28

Denomination: Catholic

Where Should We Spend The Tithe?

Contributed by Catharine Rhodes on Mar 10, 2023

Tithing and charity are cornerstones of our faith…but are we helping the right people?

Money and Tithing (Roughly 30 mins) Outline Challenge: we ask people to give money to the church arbitrarily Solution: consider the tithe a payment for good works Projection: if we are doing the work and reporting honestly, we will be supported. “Give money to the church”…why? What work ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32, Leviticus 27:30-34, Deuteronomy 14:28-29

Denomination: Methodist

Trying To Trap Jesus - The Easter Story - Day 3 Series

Contributed by Jenny Franklin on Apr 3, 2023

Over the next few days, Jesus taught in the temple daily and lodged in Bethany. The religious leaders looked for an opportunity to kill Him and tried to trap Him with questions. Jesus rebuked them publicly. He spoke parables and talking to his disciples about the end times.

******************* Over the next few days, Jesus taught in the temple daily and lodged in Bethany. — Cursed the Fig Tree - Mark 11:12-14 — Temple Cleansed - Mark 11:15-19, Isaiah 56:7 — Children in the Temple - Matthew 21:12-17, Psalm 8:2 — Withered Fig Tree - Mark 11:20-26 The religious ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-26, Isaiah 56:7, Psalm 8:2, Matthew 21:12-17, Matthew 22:15-46, Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 24:26-43, Luke 21:8-13, Luke 21:18-28, Luke 21:34-36, Mark 13:3-23, Matthew 21:23-46  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Word Or Deed? Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Apr 11, 2022

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.

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 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-33

Denomination: Methodist

Faith Seen In Action Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 25, 2022

The first son who "refused" to work, eventually did. The second son who "agreed" to work, later decided not to. Those expected to do great things for God can sometimes fail; whereas, those least expected can be used in a mighty way.

Have you ever felt God asking you to do some type of ministry that you believed was beyond your capabilities, and then you became reluctant? Did you say to yourself, “I’m never going to do that?” This is the way many people respond to the Lord’s call on their life. I’ve heard it said you should ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Parable Of The Two Sons & The Pharisee And Publican: The Power Of Humility, The Danger Of Pride Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Aug 28, 2022

I had learned about God when I was 7, 8, 9 years old, into my teens, but as my life became increasingly broken I rejected God, and went my own way in anger and pride.

I had learned about God when I was 7, 8, 9 years old, into my teens, but as my life became increasingly broken I rejected God, and went my own way in anger and pride. In my mind, I recall, I said to myself, we don’t need you God. We’re going to make this planet into a paradise on our own and show ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 21:28-32

Denomination: Salvation Army

You And Who Else?

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 3, 2023

The Pharisees paid lip service to God, but were actually operating under their own power, for their own agendas, not God's. That is why they didn't really want to be told that Jesus was operating under God's authority.

“Who do you think you are? What right have you to tell me what to think?” Has anyone ever said that to you? It’s not very pleasant. But it happened to me, once. Back when I was just starting seminary. I had run into an acquaintance of mine named Nora. She was pretty vulnerable and sensitive to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Finishing Strong By Keeping The Faith Series

Contributed by Mark Hall on Jan 7, 2024

The importance of keeping the faith and finishing our race.

I give my permission for this sermon to be used in its fullness for the glory of God. May all who read it and hear be blessed. FINISHING STRONG BY KEEPING THE FAITH In 1964, Billy Mills came out of nowhere to become the first, and only American to ever win the Olympic 10,000-meter race. Billy was ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Philippians 3:14, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Matthew 21:28-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Corrupt And Despised In Heaven

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jun 4, 2025

Today we are reminded of the eternal importance of your words matching up with you deeds, especially as it relates to internal realities.

Background to passage, Matthew 21:28-32: after the confrontation about Jesus’s authority and John the Baptist, Jesus tells a series of three parables. They have a common thread, the failure, indictment, and judgement of the Jewish leaders. This is the first - The Two Sons. Opening illustration: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32, Romans 7:15-25

Denomination: Baptist

Don’t Be A Lost Sheep (Bible Study) – What Is A Lost Sheep? Series

Contributed by Christi Campione on Sep 11, 2025

How not to be a lost sheep and looking at the Bible as God’s Plan.

Download Sermon PDF for easy reading and printing: https://myprayernotebook4life.wordpress.com/sermon-pdfs/ Password: SermonCentral (If you are the pastor, start praying ahead of the series about assigning jobs in the church. Your congregation is called by God to work in the church. As they start ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7, Matthew 15:24, Matthew 21:28-32, 1 Kings 13:6-22, Luke 2:41-50  (view more)  (view less)

The King's Authority, Warning And Judgment - Matthew 21.23-46 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Aug 23, 2025

JESUS, the rightful King, exposes hypocrisy, calls for repentance, and warns of judgment for those who reject HIM.

2025.08.24 Sermon Notes. The King’s Authority, Warning, and Judgment Matthew 21:23–46 (Part 2) William Akehurst, HSWC NOTE: If these messages bless you. Leave a review and 5-star rating so I know their impact on SC. Thank you. BIG IDEA: JESUS, the rightful King, exposes hypocrisy, calls for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-46, James 1:22, Psalm 118:22-23, Zechariah 9:9, Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:23, Isaiah 5:7, Hebrews 11:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Responding To God's Call: The Parable Of The Two Sons

Contributed by Ronald Moore on Oct 31, 2023

This parable urges us to reflect upon our own responses to God's call and the transformation that genuine repentance brings to our lives.

Today, we delve into the Gospel of Matthew, specifically focusing on a parable told by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, found in Matthew 21:28-32. This parable urges us to reflect upon our own responses to God's call and the transformation that genuine repentance brings to our lives. Let us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

Denomination: Anglican

The Parable Of Two Sons And The Authority Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Jul 26, 2024

Many talk about Jesus or celebrate Jesus, and they like to believe that it assures them of a spot in Heaven. What did Jesus say about this?

Dr. Bradford Reaves CrossWay Christian Fellowship Hagerstown, MD www.mycrossway.org As we continue through the parables, I realize that this is one of those parables that has always confounded me. It confounds me not because of the application but because of the theology. Most tried to impose ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32

Denomination: Brethren

Serving In God's Garden SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 8, 2023

When God instructs us to serve in His garden, He is asking us to prioritize His needs over our own. This means stepping out of our comfort zones to reach out and minister to others.

Title: Occupying for the Lord Introduction: In Matthew 21:28-31, Jesus shares a parable about Christian service and the attitude that pleases Him. A father approaches two sons and instructs them to go and work in his vineyard. Although they receive the same assignment, their responses and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

Topics: A Rewarding Life, God's Needs

Who’s In Charge Here!? Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

This sermon explores the authority of Jesus as the Messiah, the pride and blindness of the Pharisees, and the call for humility and inclusivity in faith.

Welcome church! Today we’ve got an interesting passage about the authority of Jesus and the inability of the Pharisees to see Jesus for who He is. And, smack dab in the middle of it all there is a parable about 2 sons. How are these things related? Why is authority important and what role does ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32

Topics: Jesus' Authority, Pharisees' Pride, Redemption