Matthew 21:28-31 "What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first..."

"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'" (Matthew 21:28-31).

Question:

I am participating with a group studying the book Imagine in which Bible references are used. I am not a student of the Bible and I have difficulty with parables. Historically I've relied on Unity teachings and writings to help me understand biblical scriptures. At present, I am far from those resources and do not expect the study group to be of particular help in my understanding the reference scripture. I'd appreciate your help.

Comment:

This is Jesus at the most critical point of his ministry—and the final days of his life. He has, against all common sense, taken his message directly into the city of Jerusalem, where he is teaching in the courtyard of the Temple. The "chief priests and elders of the people" (Matthew 21:23) are outraged at his insolence and challenge him to explain by what authority he is teaching. Jesus replies by using one of his favorite techniques: Using a hypothetical story to “trap” people into uncomfortable admissions.   The first son at first refuses his father's bidding, but later agrees. This relates to people whose early lives may be expressions of hostility to any spiritual purpose—prostitutes, tax collectors, criminals, adulterers—but who later become willing to hear the call of God and make changes and new choices in their lives. These are the very people Jesus is attracting. The second son gives lip service to agreeing to his father's demand, but then does nothing. This, Jesus is saying, relates to those people who loudly and publicly proclaim themselves followers of God, but who in secret are selfish, judgmental and totally lacking in the love with which the vineyard must be tended. These are the very people challenging Jesus—practitioners of public piety whose innermost desires, judgments and choices make it impossible for them to do the spiritual work to which we are all called.   Metaphysically, we know that we all can recognize both sons in our own consciousness. Everything depends on which attitude—toward God and toward our spiritual purpose—we choose to embrace and affirm.   Blessings!

Rev. Ed