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Matthew 21:28
Verse
Context
Sermons
William Carrol
William MacDonald
Roy Hession
Shane Idleman
Richard E. BieberSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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--for true religion is a practical thing, a "bringing forth fruit unto God."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But what think you?.... See Gill on Mat 18:12. a certain man had two sons. This is a parable; the design of which is to show the hypocrisy and deceit of the Scribes and Pharisees, in pretending to works of righteousness, and not doing them; and to reprove them for their disbelief and rejection of John's ministry; and to make it appear, that the worst of sinners in the Jewish nation were preferable to them; and that many of them were, and would be, happy, when they would be miserable. By the "certain man", in the parable, God is designed; who, though he is not a man, nor to be represented by any human form; yet, as man is the image of God, he is therefore, in an improper and figurative sense, compared to man, and set forth by him; which may be allowed in a metaphorical and parabolical way: and though the Son of God only assumed human nature, and really became man; yet God, the Father, seems rather to be here intended, who is sometimes compared to a husbandman and a vinedresser; see Joh 15:1 and as appears from the relation of the "two sons" unto him; by whom are meant not Jews and Gentiles; for the latter can never be intended by the first son; for these were not sons in such sense as the Jews were, nor were upon an equal foot of sonship with them, as the parable supposes; much less were they called first, and bid to work in the vineyard: but, on the contrary John the Baptist, Christ, and his apostles, were first, and only sent to the Jews; and God, as yet, was not come even in the external ministry of the word to the Gentiles; nor were they brought to repentance and obedience: but by them are meant two sorts of people, among the Jews, the Scribes and Pharisees, and publicans and sinners; as the application of the parable, by our Lord himself, most clearly shows: these were both the sons of God; not only by creation, as all men are, all having, in this sense, but one common father, whose offspring they be; but also by national adoption; for to all, who were Israelites, according to the flesh, whether good men, or bad men, alike belonged the general privilege of adoption, Rom 9:4. This publicans and sinners had an equal right to, as well as the Scribes and Pharisees, though they were not all the sons of God by special grace, or spiritual adoption: and he came to the first; the publicans and sinners among the Jews, by the ministry of John the Baptist, Christ, and his disciples, who first and chiefly preached to such sort of persons, and said, son, go work today in my vineyard: by the "vineyard", is meant the kingdom of God, or of heaven, the Gospel church state, the then present dispensation of things, which was set up, and which men were called to embrace and enter into; the doors of which the Pharisees, who pretended to have the key of knowledge, did all they could to shut up, and hinder persons going in, as they refused to do themselves: this is called it a "vineyard"; See Gill on Mat 20:1. To work in it signifies to hear the word preached, to believe in the Messiah, embrace his doctrines, and submit to his ordinances, particularly the ordinance of baptism, which was the then principal ordinance of that dispensation. The time of working in it is "today"; directly, immediately, and whilst it is day; for the hour cometh when no man can work, and when all these means and ordinances will be at an end, and attending on them will be over: the argument used to engage hereunto, is taken from the relation the person stood in as a "son", highly favoured by God, with the blessing of national adoption, besides that of natural sonship common to all mankind.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:28–22:14 Three parables expose the guilt of those who had rejected the Messiah and forfeited their privilege as God’s chosen people. The new people of God are only those who embrace the Messiah. 21:28-32 This parable continues the point about John’s significance.
Matthew 21:28
The Parable of the Two Sons
27So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.28But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 1
By Will Graham1.8K09:56PSA 17:3PRO 15:14JER 12:3MAT 21:28MRK 7:6JAS 1:27
This sermon challenges believers to not just talk the Christian walk but to also live it out through their actions. It emphasizes the importance of genuine faith that is reflected in both words and deeds, drawing from biblical examples of hypocrisy and the need for true repentance. The message highlights the contrast between those who seek knowledge and understanding in their hearts versus those who feed on foolishness with their words, stressing the significance of a heartfelt faith that leads to true conversion and a life dedicated to God.
God Is Incredible
By William Carrol1.2K50:42Gods CharacterJDG 6:11MAT 21:28In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own journey of transformation and how he initially felt different from others. However, he realizes that he is like them in the sense that they all recognize their own insignificance before God. The speaker shares a personal experience of living in a park and witnessing people fighting over the best bench to sleep on, highlighting the desperation and struggle in life. Despite our limitations, God calls us to do the impossible and impact the world in extraordinary ways. The sermon then transitions to a series titled "God Is," where the attributes of God are explored, specifically focusing on the incredible nature of God. The speaker emphasizes that God can take the least likely person and use them to bring deliverance, victory, and liberty. The sermon references the story of Gideon in the book of Judges, where God chooses him, despite his lowly status, to lead and bring about great change.
Rise Up and Work 2001 Conference-01 Keynote Address
By William MacDonald80350:09Conference1CH 22:16MAT 21:28JHN 9:4ROM 13:121CO 7:29EPH 2:8EPH 2:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the impending arrival of a great asteroid that scientists are monitoring. He relates this to the biblical prophecy of a mountain burning with fire coming down from heaven. The preacher emphasizes the importance of living in the light of eternity and not getting caught up in insignificant matters. He encourages the audience to live their lives in a way that will have a lasting impact and not waste their time on trivial pursuits. The sermon also includes a story about Steve Jobs and his friend John Kelly, highlighting the need to do something that will change the world rather than pursuing material success.
Great Words of the Gospel - Part 4
By Roy Hession6841:01:21GospelNUM 21:7JOL 2:12MAT 4:17MAT 21:28MAT 21:31ACT 17:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of repentance in the context of grace and judgment. He emphasizes that the call to repentance is often accompanied by the impending judgment or discipline that God has declared. The speaker references Acts 17:31, where it is stated that God has appointed a day of judgment and therefore commands all people to repent. He also highlights the story of Jonah and Nineveh as an example of how the message of judgment can be an offer of mercy, as God gave the people of Nineveh an opportunity to repent and be spared from destruction.
Overcoming the Pain of Regret
By Shane Idleman57949:16PSA 1:1PSA 107:10MAT 21:282CO 7:10This sermon delves into the topic of regret, focusing on overcoming the pain of regret by acknowledging the harm it causes, the endless cycle it creates, and the need to turn to God for restoration. It emphasizes the importance of encountering the pain of discipline over the pain of regret, highlighting the power of repentance and the hope found in rebuilding one's life with God. The sermon concludes with a call to examine one's heart, repent, and surrender to God to experience salvation and transformation.
A Faithful God, a Faithful People
By Richard E. Bieber44614:54FaithfulnessMAT 21:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding a faithful fellowship where one can rely on others. The preacher also highlights the call to be faithful to God with our words and actions. The sermon includes a parable of the two sons, illustrating the importance of repentance and obedience. The preacher reminds the audience that God, who has been merciful and faithful, calls each person to work in His vineyard. The sermon also emphasizes the need to be faithful in our earthly commitments, such as work and relationships, and to not waste anything but gather up the fragments.
The Stories of the Two Sons and Evil Farmers Matthew 21:23-46
By David Servant0MAT 21:28David Servant preaches on the contrast between Christ's reception by the common people and rejection by the religious leaders, highlighting the importance of genuine repentance and belief in God's message for salvation. Through the parable of the two sons, Jesus illustrates the difference between those who outwardly profess obedience but lack true repentance and those who were once rebellious but genuinely turned to God. The story of the evil farmers serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's messengers and failing to produce the fruit of obedience that God desires from His people.
Attitude
By Anton Bosch0MAT 21:28Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of examining our attitudes, highlighting how it is often easier to judge actions and doctrines than attitudes, which can be subjective and harder to detect. He points out that bad attitudes can be rooted in various sins like pride, bitterness, and rebellion, and need to be repented of and changed. Bosch stresses that God constantly examines our attitudes, as they reveal our true feelings, and references Jeremiah 12:3 to illustrate God's scrutiny of our hearts.
What Will Your End Be?
By Anton Bosch0DEU 34:7JOS 14:11MAT 10:22MAT 21:28MRK 10:31PHP 1:62TI 1:12HEB 3:14HEB 12:2REV 1:8Anton Bosch preaches on the importance of how we end our lives rather than how we begin, using examples from the Bible such as Solomon, Samuel, and Saul who started well but ended tragically. He emphasizes the need to maintain spiritual vitality and zeal for God until the end, drawing inspiration from figures like Moses and Caleb who remained strong and faithful in their old age. Bosch highlights the significance of enduring to the end, holding fast to sound teaching, faith, and love, and entrusting everything to God to ensure a secure future.
Sinners Willful and Perverse
By Edward Payson0PRO 3:5MAT 21:28LUK 7:31JHN 3:191CO 1:18Edward Payson preaches about the unreasonableness and perverseness of sinners, likening them to children who refuse to participate in joyful or mournful activities. He emphasizes God's diverse efforts to persuade sinners to embrace the Gospel through various means and ministerial gifts. Despite God's abundant grace and the different approaches used by ministers, sinners often remain obstinate due to their own pride, selfishness, and opposition to God. Payson urges the congregation to examine their hearts and not deceive themselves with excuses for rejecting the Gospel, highlighting the importance of yielding to God's wisdom and grace.
Sinners Wilful and Perverse.
By Edward Payson0PRO 1:7MAT 21:28LUK 7:31JHN 3:191CO 1:182TI 4:3HEB 3:15Edward Payson preaches about the unreasonableness and perverseness of sinners, likening them to children who cannot be pleased no matter the means used to persuade them. He emphasizes God's diverse methods to reach sinners through various forms of divine truth and ministerial gifts. Despite God's efforts and the different approaches of ministers, sinners often reject the Gospel due to their own hardened hearts and opposition to God. Payson urges listeners to examine their hearts and not deceive themselves with excuses for rejecting the Gospel, highlighting that true conversion requires acknowledging one's sinful nature and embracing God's wisdom.
Pray for the Spirit
By J.W. Alexander0PSA 81:10ISA 49:18ZEC 4:6MAT 21:28LUK 11:13JHN 3:34ACT 2:33ROM 8:131CO 6:11J.W. Alexander preaches about the necessity of the whole Church humbling themselves before God in prayer for a mighty revival. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the Holy Spirit through fervent supplication, as the Spirit is the key to all blessings and the source of revival and sanctification. Alexander urges believers to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the power, influence, and necessity of the Spirit in regeneration, sanctification, and successful ministry. He calls for unwavering faith in God's ability to bring about a great awakening, leading to the conversion of many, especially those in desperate need of salvation.
The Parables of Jesus
By Zac Poonen0MAT 7:24MAT 9:16MAT 13:24MAT 13:31MAT 13:33MAT 13:44MAT 13:47MAT 18:23MAT 20:1MAT 21:28MAT 21:33MAT 22:2MAT 24:45MAT 25:1MAT 25:14MAT 25:31MRK 4:3MRK 4:26LUK 6:39LUK 7:31LUK 7:41LUK 10:30LUK 11:5LUK 11:11LUK 12:16LUK 13:6LUK 14:7LUK 14:28LUK 14:31LUK 15:3LUK 15:8LUK 15:11LUK 16:1LUK 17:7LUK 18:1LUK 18:9LUK 19:12LUK 21:29Zac Poonen preaches on various aspects of entering God's Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of good soil for spiritual growth, the need to be properly clothed with Christ's righteousness, and the significance of building our lives on a solid foundation of obedience. He also delves into the concept of paying the price in following Christ, highlighting the effortless growth that comes from following the Spirit's laws and the necessity of valuing Jesus above all else. Poonen addresses the themes of loving God and man, the danger of legalism, the different types of backsliders, spiritual pride, watching and praying, and being faithful with God's gifts.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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--for true religion is a practical thing, a "bringing forth fruit unto God."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But what think you?.... See Gill on Mat 18:12. a certain man had two sons. This is a parable; the design of which is to show the hypocrisy and deceit of the Scribes and Pharisees, in pretending to works of righteousness, and not doing them; and to reprove them for their disbelief and rejection of John's ministry; and to make it appear, that the worst of sinners in the Jewish nation were preferable to them; and that many of them were, and would be, happy, when they would be miserable. By the "certain man", in the parable, God is designed; who, though he is not a man, nor to be represented by any human form; yet, as man is the image of God, he is therefore, in an improper and figurative sense, compared to man, and set forth by him; which may be allowed in a metaphorical and parabolical way: and though the Son of God only assumed human nature, and really became man; yet God, the Father, seems rather to be here intended, who is sometimes compared to a husbandman and a vinedresser; see Joh 15:1 and as appears from the relation of the "two sons" unto him; by whom are meant not Jews and Gentiles; for the latter can never be intended by the first son; for these were not sons in such sense as the Jews were, nor were upon an equal foot of sonship with them, as the parable supposes; much less were they called first, and bid to work in the vineyard: but, on the contrary John the Baptist, Christ, and his apostles, were first, and only sent to the Jews; and God, as yet, was not come even in the external ministry of the word to the Gentiles; nor were they brought to repentance and obedience: but by them are meant two sorts of people, among the Jews, the Scribes and Pharisees, and publicans and sinners; as the application of the parable, by our Lord himself, most clearly shows: these were both the sons of God; not only by creation, as all men are, all having, in this sense, but one common father, whose offspring they be; but also by national adoption; for to all, who were Israelites, according to the flesh, whether good men, or bad men, alike belonged the general privilege of adoption, Rom 9:4. This publicans and sinners had an equal right to, as well as the Scribes and Pharisees, though they were not all the sons of God by special grace, or spiritual adoption: and he came to the first; the publicans and sinners among the Jews, by the ministry of John the Baptist, Christ, and his disciples, who first and chiefly preached to such sort of persons, and said, son, go work today in my vineyard: by the "vineyard", is meant the kingdom of God, or of heaven, the Gospel church state, the then present dispensation of things, which was set up, and which men were called to embrace and enter into; the doors of which the Pharisees, who pretended to have the key of knowledge, did all they could to shut up, and hinder persons going in, as they refused to do themselves: this is called it a "vineyard"; See Gill on Mat 20:1. To work in it signifies to hear the word preached, to believe in the Messiah, embrace his doctrines, and submit to his ordinances, particularly the ordinance of baptism, which was the then principal ordinance of that dispensation. The time of working in it is "today"; directly, immediately, and whilst it is day; for the hour cometh when no man can work, and when all these means and ordinances will be at an end, and attending on them will be over: the argument used to engage hereunto, is taken from the relation the person stood in as a "son", highly favoured by God, with the blessing of national adoption, besides that of natural sonship common to all mankind.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:28–22:14 Three parables expose the guilt of those who had rejected the Messiah and forfeited their privilege as God’s chosen people. The new people of God are only those who embrace the Messiah. 21:28-32 This parable continues the point about John’s significance.