Matthew 21:31 meaning
In this passage, Jesus employs a parable of two sons to illustrate the differing responses to God's call, highlighting the contrast between outward appearances and genuine action. The first son initially refuses to work in the vineyard but later repents and goes. In contrast, the second son agrees to go but fails to act. This narrative is directly aimed at the religious leaders of Israel, emphasizing that those whom society deemed sinful—like tax collectors and prostitutes—were more receptive to God's message than the religious elite who rejected it.
The significance of Matthew 21:31 lies in its assertion that those who actively follow God's will, despite initial resistance, are favored in the eyes of God. Jesus underscores that true obedience is demonstrated through actions, not mere promises. This admonition serves as a powerful reminder of the need for genuine repentance and faith, resonating with the theme that the kingdom of God is accessible to all who humbly respond to His call, regardless of their past.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 21:28-32 meaning. Jesus tells a parable about two disrespectful sons of a vineyard owner. Both are told to go work in the vineyard by their father. The first said he wouldn’t go, but later repented and did. The second said he would go, but never went. Jesus then asked the priests and elders which of the two sons actually obeyed. They gave the correct answer. Jesus then explained its meaning to everyone in the temple.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 21:33-41 meaning. Jesus tells the parable of a landowner who plants a vineyard on his land. He then hires vine-growers to work His vineyard while He is away. When the harvest comes, the vineyard owner sends some slaves to collect its produce, but instead of paying the landowner what was His, the vine-growers beat and kill them. They do the same to the landowner’s son. Jesus asks the priests and elders what will happen to the evil vine-growers when the landowner returns. They reply that he will bring them to a wretched end. In the subsequent section, Jesus applied the parable to the Jewish leaders as being like those evil slaves.
- Matthew 21:45-46 meaning. The Sadducees and Pharisees have understood that Jesus was speaking against them. They desire to arrest Him for what He said. But they do not do so at this time, because they are afraid of how the many people who believe Jesus is a prophet will respond if they tried to seize Him.
- Matthew 21:42-44 meaning. Jesus follows up the Sadducees’ and Pharisees’ response to how the landowner will bring the wretched vine-growers to an end with a startling question and a condemning passage from the Psalms. He ends His rebuke by telling them that God will take away their place in His kingdom from them and scatter them like dust.