40 Days of Easter Devotional

40 Days of Easter - March 19, 2011

Written by: Lisa Walker

The Parable of the Two Sons


Matthew 21:28-32

But what do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, My son, go, work in the vineyard today. He answered, I don't want to! Yet later he changed his mind and went. Then the man went to the other and said the same thing. I will sir, he answered. But he didn't go. Which of the two did his father's will? The first, they said. Jesus said to them, I assure you: Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you! For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him. Tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him, but you, when you saw it, didn't even change your minds then and believe him.


Jesus tells this parable while being tested by the Chief Priests and Elders of the temple. In the parable we read of the first son who is rebellious, stubborn and possibly lazy. When approached by his father and asked to work in the vineyard, his response is 'No'. However, he later has a change of heart - true repentance. He is sorry for his initial response and goes back to the father agreeing to do the work that is asked of him.

The second son is also approached, but his response is 'Yes'. He then, for whatever reason, does not follow thru. There is no repentance from him and he goes on his way.

In this parable God is the father. And we as sinners are the sons. How we respond to God's calling is the difference between heaven and hell.

God has allowed us free will. We have the choice of saying 'yes' or 'no'. God has also given us a gift in His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus has set the example for how we are to live our daily lives as well as how we are to respond to the will of the Father. God wants us to share with others what Jesus has done for us. That is the work each of us are called to do in the vineyard.


Thought: Today as you are at work, school, shopping, home or wherever you may be, will you listen for God's call to the work in the vineyard? To share His love, grace and forgiveness with those you may encounter?


Dear Heavenly Father - May we ever be mindful of your Presence and the work you have called us to do. In Jesus name and whose example we are to follow - Amen.