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The Parables.
The two Sons and the Vineyard (Matt. 21: 28-32).
pp. 178-181
Matt. 21: 28-32.
28. But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my
vineyard.
29. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say
unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
32. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots
believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
We have already pointed out that the central theme developed, enlarged, and
illustrated in this set of parables is service with reference to the kingdom, and that
sometimes it is viewed nationally, and sometimes individually. Three parables use the
illustration of the vineyard, but the vineyard as a place of service, not as a place of
growth. In other words, the emphasis is not on the thought that those addressed are
members of the true vine, but on those who are servants and labourers in the vineyard. In
20: 1-16 the idea uppermost is the difference of service, yet the equality of the reward. In
21: 28-32 it is not degrees of service, but the sharp contrast between serving or not
serving, while in 21: 33-46 the emphasis is the wickedness of serving oneself, and of
robbing God. It is further of importance to a true interpretation that we observe the close
connection that is intended between the two parables in Matt. 21: This will be made
evident by noticing the structure as follows:--
The relation of the two parables (Matt. 21: 23-46).
A | 23-. Chief priests and elders.
B | -23-25. | a | Question--"By what authority?"
b | Question regarding John's baptism.
C | 26. | c | We fear the multitude.
d | All hold John as a prophet.
D | 28-32. | e | The parable.
f | The question--"Whether of the twain?"
Parable of
g | The answer--"They say unto Him, The first."
Two Sons.
h | Jesus saith--Publicans and harlots go into
the kingdom before you.
i | Statement concerning John's baptism.
D | 33-44. | e | The parable.
f | The question--"What will he do?"
Parable of
g | The answer--"They say unto Him, He will destroy."
the Wicked
h | Jesus saith--"The kingdom of God taken from you
Husbandmen.
and given to a people producing fruit."
i | Question and statement regarding "The stone."
A | 45-. Chief priests and pharisees.
B | -45. Perception--"He spake of them."
C | 46. | c | They feared the multitude.
d | They held Him as a prophet.