Thoughts for the Day

The parable of the two sons

Jesus said, ‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Firstly, let me give the Parable of the two sons its context, before looking at what it means and why we have it as a reading for today's Morning Eucharist (Holy Communion). Jesus is nearing the end of his life. He has entered Jerusalem on a donkey (the sign of a king who comes in peace), thrown out the money-changes who were ripping off the people, and then continued his attacks on the Jewish leaders. He has already been questioned by them as to the authority for his work, but managed to deal with the question designed to trap him. Now in this little parable, which only appears in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus continues his attack on those who seek to kill him.

The story is simple the father asks his two sons to do a job. The first says "No!" and the second says "Yes!" However, it is the first one that changes his mind and does the work, while the second son never gets around to doing it. Jesus equates the former to those considered sinful (tax-collectors, prostitutes, and others ) who listened to John the Baptist's call to repentance and changed their ways, and the latter to the so-called righteous Jewish leaders who despite their standing have not repented of their sin or changed their ways.

The first son’s eventual obedience despite his initial refusal, shows us true repentance. He has a change of heart, and follows this by action. The second son’s initial promise shows us a quick and easy answer, but his words don’t match his deeds.

In Advent, this little parable continues the exploration of God's call by prophets like Isaiah and John the Baptist, and also by Jesus, to His people, and reminds us that an initial positive response is not enough. The story highlights the importance of obedience and repentance, and forcibly reminds us that actions speak louder than words when it comes to following God’s will.

Father-God,
You call us to be obedient to Your word,,
and to follow Your commands,
but all too often we have blithely agreed,
then failed to follow through with action.
Forgive us our unthinking responses,
and accept our repentance this day,
then help us to put our words into actions
during this time of Advent,
so that we may get ready to celebrate
Christmas with joy once again.
Amen.