MATTHEW 21:28-32 THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS

MATTHEW 21:28-32
THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS

INTRODUCTION

This parable, found in Matthew 21:28–32, follows immediately after Jesus’ confrontation with the chief priests and elders in the Temple about His authority. Through a simple yet piercing story of two sons, Jesus exposes the difference between mere words and true obedience. The father in the parable represents God, while the vineyard symbolizes His kingdom and mission. One son initially refuses to obey but later repents and fulfills his father’s will; the other agrees verbally but fails to act. With this, Jesus contrasts external religiosity with genuine conversion of heart. Spoken directly to the religious leaders, the parable confronts their hypocrisy—they professed devotion but rejected both John the Baptist and Jesus, whereas sinners who repented and acted on faith found mercy and acceptance before God.

The parable’s message strikes at the core of discipleship: God desires sincere obedience, not empty promises. True righteousness is not found in appearance or status but in repentance that leads to action. The “tax collectors and prostitutes” symbolize those society deemed lost yet who responded to God’s call with humble faith. Their conversion demonstrates that no sinner is beyond the reach of grace, and no claim of holiness is valid without obedience. For Catholics, this passage underscores the call to authentic repentance expressed through deeds of faith, reminding us that the kingdom of God welcomes those who turn back to the Father and live His will with humility and love.

Matthew 21:28 “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’”

This verse opens the Parable of the Two Sons, which Jesus presents as a direct response to the chief priests and elders after they questioned His authority. By beginning with “What is your opinion?”, Jesus invites His listeners to self-reflection. He places them not as passive observers but as participants in the moral judgment of the story. The imagery of a father and his two sons immediately recalls Israel’s covenantal relationship with God, who calls His children to work in His “vineyard”—a symbol often used throughout Scripture for God’s people (cf. Isaiah 5:1–7). The father’s invitation to work is an expression of love and trust; it represents God’s constant call to obedience and participation in His saving plan.

Historical and Jewish Context

1. The Vineyard Symbolism
   In Jewish Scripture, the vineyard often represents the people of Israel and God’s covenant with them. Isaiah’s “Song of the Vineyard” (Isaiah 5:1–7) describes how God planted and cared for His vineyard, expecting it to bear good fruit. By using this image, Jesus evokes a familiar symbol of divine expectation and human responsibility. The vineyard here stands for God’s kingdom—His mission field in which every believer is called to labor through faith, repentance, and good works.
2. The Father’s Authority
   The father represents God, whose authority is loving and personal. In ancient Jewish culture, the father’s command carried not only familial duty but spiritual responsibility. His invitation, “Go out and work in the vineyard today,” mirrors God’s daily call to His people to live faithfully. The immediacy of “today” emphasizes that obedience cannot be delayed—it is a present and active response to grace.
3. The Sons: A Representation of Two Responses
   Though only the first son is mentioned in this verse, the introduction anticipates the contrast between the two. The “two sons” symbolize two types of people in Israel: those who initially refuse but later repent (like tax collectors and sinners), and those who profess obedience but fail to act (like the religious leaders). The story invites reflection on sincerity of heart rather than outward compliance.

Catholic Theological Perspective

This verse captures the essence of Christian discipleship—faith expressed in obedience. The Catechism teaches that God’s call demands a free and loving response:
CCC 1730 – “God created man a rational being, conferring on him the dignity of a person who can initiate and control his own actions.”
Thus, when the father invites his son to work, he honors his freedom. The son’s response—whether obedience or refusal—reveals his heart. God extends an invitation to love and obedience, rather than compelling them.

The “vineyard” also prefigures the Church, where each member is called to labor according to their vocation (cf. CCC 897–900). Whether through prayer, service, or moral witness, every believer participates in building up the Kingdom of God. The parable teaches that true sonship is proven not by words, but by the willingness to do the Father’s will, echoing Jesus’ words: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 4:34).

Parallels in Scripture

• Isaiah 5:1–7 – The vineyard as a symbol of Israel and God’s expectation of righteousness.
• Matthew 20:1–16 – Parable of the laborers in the vineyard, emphasizing divine generosity.
• John 15:1–5 – “I am the true vine… apart from Me you can do nothing.”
• James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
• Luke 10:2 – “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

These connections highlight the ongoing biblical theme of working in God’s vineyard as participation in His salvific mission.

Key Terms

1. “What is your opinion?” – A rabbinic method inviting moral discernment; Jesus involves His listeners to provoke conscience and self-judgment.
2. “Son” (Greek: teknon) – Denotes a loving relationship; implies belonging and inheritance. The Father’s tone is affectionate, not commanding.
3. “Work in the vineyard today” – A call to immediate, active obedience; discipleship requires effort and urgency in living God’s will.

Catholic Liturgical Significance

This parable is proclaimed during the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, reminding the Church of the need for conversion in both heart and action. The Father’s call to “work in the vineyard today” echoes in every Mass—when the faithful are dismissed with “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” The Liturgy calls us not only to listen but to act, turning worship into mission.

This verse also inspires the spirituality of daily vocation. Whether clergy, religious, or laity, each is called to the vineyard of God’s kingdom to bear fruit through service, humility, and fidelity.

Conclusion

Matthew 21:28 begins a parable that challenges the difference between appearance and obedience. The Father’s invitation is universal—every son and daughter is called to participate in God’s mission. Yet, the authenticity of our response is proven not in speech but in action. The verse teaches that faith without obedience is empty, and that each day offers a new opportunity to say “yes” to God’s will.

Reflection

• How do I respond when God calls me to “work in His vineyard” through service, forgiveness, or sacrifice?
• Do I delay obedience or respond promptly with faith and love?
• Am I more focused on saying the right words, or on doing the Father’s will in daily life?

The Father’s call is personal and urgent. He asks not for perfection but for willingness to act with love.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You call me each day to work in Your vineyard and to bear fruit that lasts. Grant me a willing heart that responds with love and obedience. Free me from hesitation or pride, and help me to act on Your will with humility. May my life be a living “yes” to Your invitation, and may I labor joyfully in Your kingdom today. Amen.

Matthew 21:29 “He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went.”

This verse introduces the first son, whose initial refusal reveals human weakness but whose later obedience reflects repentance and conversion. Though he begins in disobedience, his ultimate action fulfills the father’s will. In this simple sentence, Jesus captures the entire drama of salvation history—sin, repentance, and restoration. The first son represents sinners such as tax collectors and prostitutes who once rejected God’s commandments but responded with faith when called by John the Baptist and by Christ Himself. In Catholic interpretation, this verse beautifully illustrates the power of conversion, showing that God values sincere repentance more than outward compliance. It reminds believers that no refusal is final when the heart turns back to the Father.

Historical and Jewish Context

1. The First Son – Symbol of Repentant Sinners
   In Jewish society, public sinners—like tax collectors and prostitutes—were despised for their open disobedience to God’s law. Yet these were the very people who responded to John’s call to repentance (cf. Matthew 3:5–6). The first son’s initial “No” represents this visible rejection, while his later obedience symbolizes their genuine conversion. His change of heart mirrors Israel’s prophetic theme: God’s mercy toward the penitent is greater than His judgment on the self-righteous (cf. Ezekiel 18:21–23).
2. “He Changed His Mind”
   The Greek term used here is metamelētheis, meaning “to regret” or “to feel remorse.” It is closely related to metanoia, which means a deep change of mind and heart—repentance. This change is not merely emotional regret but a transformation leading to new action. In Jewish tradition, repentance (teshuvah) was an act of returning to God with sincerity, involving confession, restitution, and renewed obedience. The son’s change of heart captures this authentic return.
3. The Vineyard as the Place of Obedience
   The vineyard once again symbolizes the Kingdom of God—where repentance must lead to action. It was not enough for the son to feel sorry; he proved his sincerity by going to work. This reflects the biblical truth that faith must be accompanied by works (cf. James 2:17). His eventual obedience embodies true righteousness—an active turning toward the will of the Father.

Catholic Theological Perspective

This verse embodies the heart of Catholic teaching on repentance and conversion. The Catechism states:
CCC 1431 – “Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart.”
CCC 1428 – “Christ’s call to conversion continues to resound in the lives of Christians… this second conversion is an uninterrupted task.”

The first son’s story reflects the journey of every sinner who encounters grace. Though he initially resists God’s command, divine mercy awakens his conscience. His “change of mind” demonstrates that repentance is not merely sorrow for sin but an act of faith that bears fruit in obedience.

Theologically, this also prefigures the sacrament of Reconciliation, in which the penitent, like the first son, acknowledges past refusal but decides to return to the Father’s will. The Church, like the father in the parable, welcomes those who return, echoing Christ’s words: “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous who have no need of repentance” (Luke 15:7).

Parallels in Scripture

• Ezekiel 18:21–22 – “If the wicked turn from all their sins… none of the offenses shall be remembered against them.”
• Luke 15:11–24 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son, showing repentance followed by restoration.
• Matthew 9:10–13 – Jesus eats with sinners, declaring, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
• Luke 19:1–10 – Zacchaeus’ conversion demonstrates repentance expressed in concrete action.
• James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”

These passages together show that obedience flowing from repentance is the essence of true conversion.

Key Terms

1. “I will not” – Represents initial resistance to God’s will, symbolizing pride, self-centeredness, or spiritual indifference.
2. “Afterwards” – Signifies God’s patience; He waits for repentance. Conversion is a process, not a momentary act.
3. “Changed his mind and went” – Illustrates genuine repentance proven through obedient action.

Catholic Liturgical Significance

This verse echoes strongly during Lent, a season of repentance and renewal. The first son’s transformation embodies the Lenten call to metanoia—to turn away from sin and back toward God. The liturgy invites believers to move beyond mere words of sorrow to deeds of mercy, fasting, and reconciliation.

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, this same journey unfolds: we confess our refusal (“I will not”), experience contrition (“he changed his mind”), and live out penance by renewed obedience (“and went”). Every act of true repentance brings us back into the Father’s vineyard, where we cooperate once more in His mission of love.

Conclusion

Matthew 21:29 beautifully summarizes the essence of conversion: God values a repentant heart more than a false profession of obedience. The first son’s transformation reflects the dynamic of grace—how divine mercy can turn defiance into obedience and sin into sanctity. No matter how far we stray, God’s invitation to “work in His vineyard” remains open. True repentance restores both relationship and mission.

Reflection

• Have I ever said “No” to God through disobedience or neglect, yet later felt called to return?
• Do my actions reflect my repentance, or is my faith only verbal?
• How often do I allow God’s grace to turn my regrets into renewed obedience?

True conversion means moving from words to deeds—from “I will not” to “Here I am, Lord.”

Prayer

Merciful Father, Though I have often said “No” to Your call, Your patience and love invite me to return. Change my heart as You changed the heart of the first son. Give me the grace to act on my repentance and to labor joyfully in Your vineyard each day. May my life bear the fruits of obedience and love, through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Matthew 21:30 “The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.”

This verse introduces the second son, who outwardly appears obedient but inwardly remains disobedient. His respectful words—“Yes, sir”—mask a lack of genuine intention to do his father’s will. Through this figure, Jesus exposes the false religiosity of those who profess faith with their lips but fail to live it through their actions. In the context of His dialogue with the chief priests and elders, this son symbolizes the religious leaders of Israel who honored God in speech and ritual but rejected His messengers—John the Baptist and Jesus Himself. In Catholic interpretation, this verse serves as a sobering reminder that mere verbal assent or external piety does not fulfill God’s will. Authentic discipleship requires not just saying “yes,” but living “yes” through obedience and love.

Historical and Jewish Context

1. The Respectful “Yes”
   In Jewish culture, addressing one’s father as “sir” (Greek: kyrie, meaning “lord” or “master”) expressed deference and respect. Outwardly, this son showed the proper response expected of a dutiful child. Yet, his respectful words concealed a heart that was unwilling to obey. This reflects a recurring theme in Israel’s history—honor given with lips but not with life (cf. Isaiah 29:13). Jesus later quotes this same passage to condemn superficial worship (Matthew 15:8–9).
2. Religious Hypocrisy
   Jesus directed this parable to the chief priests and elders, who perfectly fit the description of the second son. They publicly claimed loyalty to God through their observance of the Law and Temple rituals, but in truth, they rejected the Father’s commands when confronted with the call to repentance. Their “yes” was an empty formality. Like the prophets before Him, Jesus revealed that genuine obedience is proven not by ritual words but by righteous deeds (cf. Micah 6:6–8).
3. The Call to Action
   The father’s order—“Go out and work in the vineyard”—is the same for both sons, indicating that all are equally called to serve in God’s kingdom. The second son’s failure is not in hearing the command but in neglecting to act upon it. In Jewish thought, the Shema prayer (Deuteronomy 6:4–6) emphasized that to “hear” God also meant to “obey.” Thus, the son’s inaction signifies spiritual deafness—a hearing without response, faith without works.

Catholic Theological Perspective

This verse reveals the danger of spiritual complacency and the illusion of righteousness. The Catechism warns:
CCC 2005 – “Grace is first and foremost the gift of the Spirit who justifies and sanctifies us. But grace also involves our cooperation.”
The second son’s failure was not ignorance but lack of cooperation with grace. His polite “yes” without obedience mirrors the attitude of those who participate in religious life externally but resist interior conversion.

Catholic theology teaches that salvation involves both faith and works united by love. The second son represents the believer who professes faith but lacks the deeds that prove it (cf. James 2:14–17). In the spiritual life, words of faith are essential, but they must be animated by the obedience of charity. The saints model this unity—saying “yes” to God through humble service, suffering, and faithfulness.

The son’s failure also reveals the human tendency toward self-deception. CCC 1859 teaches that sin is deliberate when one knows God’s law but still refuses to follow it. This disobedience, disguised by outward respectability, is spiritually dangerous because it blinds the conscience. Jesus’ parable, therefore, invites believers to examine whether their “yes” to God is lived sincerely in daily action.

Parallels in Scripture

• Isaiah 29:13 – “This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.”
• Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father.”
• Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”
• James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
• John 14:15 – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

These passages affirm that love for God must be shown through obedience, not empty profession.

Key Terms

1. “Yes, sir” (Kyrie) – A term of respect, often used in prayer, but here it represents insincere devotion.
2. “Did not go” – Signifies deliberate neglect and passive resistance to God’s will.
3. “The same order” – God’s call is universal; both sons receive equal invitation, emphasizing that salvation depends on response, not privilege.

Catholic Liturgical Significance

This verse is a frequent theme in homilies during Ordinary Time, particularly when the Church reflects on authentic discipleship. It challenges the faithful to examine whether their participation in the liturgy translates into daily obedience. Every Mass concludes with a commissioning—“Go and proclaim the Gospel of the Lord”—which echoes the father’s command, “Go out and work in the vineyard.”

This passage also has deep relevance during Holy Week, when the same religious authorities who professed loyalty to God shouted “Crucify Him!” Their words and actions were tragically disconnected. The Church calls believers to align worship with witness—to ensure that faith professed in the liturgy is lived in love and justice outside it.

Conclusion

Matthew 21:30 reveals that saying “yes” to God means nothing if it does not lead to action. The second son represents the tragedy of hypocrisy—where reverence is spoken but obedience is withheld. Jesus teaches that what pleases the Father is not appearance, but authentic conversion expressed through works of love. The parable exposes the danger of spiritual complacency and invites every believer to integrity of faith—to live what we profess.

Reflection

• Do my words of faith correspond with my actions in daily life?
• Have I ever said “yes” to God in prayer but failed to follow through in obedience?
• How can I grow in sincerity, ensuring that my “yes” becomes living service in God’s vineyard?

The measure of discipleship is not in promises made, but in obedience lived.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You call me each day to serve You with sincerity of heart. Forgive me for the times I have said “yes” with my lips but failed to follow You in action. Grant me a spirit of truth and courage to live out my faith through deeds of love. Help me serve joyfully in Your vineyard, that my words and my life may always glorify You. Amen.

Matthew 21:31 “Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.”

This verse forms the climax of the Parable of the Two Sons. Having engaged the chief priests and elders through a moral question, Jesus leads them to pronounce judgment with their own lips. When they rightly answer that the first son—who repented and obeyed—did the father’s will, they unwittingly condemn themselves. Jesus then delivers a shocking reversal of expectations: the most despised members of society—tax collectors and prostitutes—are entering God’s kingdom ahead of the religious elite. In Catholic interpretation, this verse unveils the essence of the Gospel: repentance and obedience, not status or appearance, open the door to the kingdom. God’s mercy is greater than human sin, and His grace exalts the humble who turn back to Him in faith.

Historical and Jewish Context

1. A Question that Judges the Judges
   Jesus begins with, “Which of the two did his father’s will?”—a question that disarms His listeners. The religious leaders, confident in their moral reasoning, give the correct answer without realizing its self-implication. By affirming that the first son did the father’s will, they acknowledge that obedience proven by action—not polite words—is true righteousness. In doing so, they expose their own failure, for they had professed loyalty to God but rejected His prophets and His Son.
2. “Tax Collectors and Prostitutes” – The Scandal of Grace
   Tax collectors were despised for collaborating with Rome and often cheating their fellow Jews. Prostitutes were considered ritually unclean and moral outcasts. Yet these two groups—symbols of public sinners—responded with repentance to John the Baptist’s preaching (cf. Matthew 3:5–6). Jesus’ statement that they are “entering the kingdom before you” would have shocked His audience. It overturned conventional religious hierarchies and revealed that God’s mercy welcomes all who repent, regardless of their past.
3. The Kingdom of God and the Call to Conversion
   In Jewish expectation, the “Kingdom of God” referred to God’s reign manifest through obedience to His covenant. Jesus redefines it as the reign of divine grace entering the hearts of those who believe and repent. The religious leaders assumed their participation was guaranteed by lineage and ritual observance. Yet Jesus shows that entry depends on conversion of heart—a reality already unfolding among the very people they despised.

Catholic Theological Perspective

This verse embodies the heart of the Gospel of Mercy. God’s kingdom is not inherited by privilege but received through repentance and faith. The Catechism teaches:
CCC 545 – “Jesus invites sinners to the table of the kingdom: ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’ He calls them to that conversion without which one cannot enter the kingdom.”

The parable demonstrates that outward religiosity cannot substitute for interior transformation. The first son’s change of heart represents the metanoia—the interior conversion—that allows grace to work. The second son symbolizes those who perform rituals without faith or repentance. The kingdom of God, therefore, is not a reward for the respectable, but a gift for the repentant.

Furthermore, this verse reveals Christ’s divine compassion. He does not condemn sinners but offers them restoration. The Church continues this mission through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where those once far from God are welcomed home. In the words of CCC 1427, “Jesus’ call to conversion and penance does not aim first at outward works, but at the conversion of the heart.”

This teaching also challenges believers to humility. Like the Pharisees, Christians risk complacency when faith becomes a badge rather than a relationship. The saints, such as St. Augustine and St. Mary Magdalene, embody this truth—sinners transformed by grace, whose repentance became radiant holiness.

Parallels in Scripture

• Luke 7:36–50 – The sinful woman forgiven by Jesus because of her great love.
• Luke 18:9–14 – The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector: humility, not pride, gains justification.
• Matthew 9:10–13 – “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
• Ezekiel 18:27–28 – “If a wicked man turns from his wickedness and does what is right, he shall save his life.”
• Romans 2:13 – “It is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”

These passages reaffirm that repentance and action, not mere profession or appearance, fulfill God’s will.

Key Terms

1. “Did his father’s will” – True obedience; doing, not merely saying, what God commands (cf. Matthew 7:21).
2. “Tax collectors and prostitutes” – Symbolic of all sinners who respond to grace; representing the Church’s mission to the marginalized.
3. “Entering the kingdom before you” – A prophetic warning; God’s grace inverts human expectations, placing the repentant ahead of the self-righteous.

Catholic Liturgical Significance

This verse is proclaimed in the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A), emphasizing the Church’s call to ongoing conversion. In the liturgy, this passage echoes in the penitential act—“Lord, have mercy”—as the faithful acknowledge their sin and renew their commitment to live the Father’s will.

It also underlines the Church’s missionary and pastoral mission. The Church exists not for the perfect but for sinners seeking transformation. Every Eucharist becomes a foretaste of the kingdom, where repentant hearts are welcomed and nourished by divine mercy.

Conclusion

Matthew 21:31 reveals the shocking justice and mercy of God’s kingdom. Jesus overturns worldly hierarchies, showing that repentance outweighs reputation, and conversion surpasses mere appearance. Those who once rejected God but later turned to Him are received with joy, while those who rely on their status are left outside. The parable calls every believer to humility, sincerity, and repentance—to move from lip service to heartfelt obedience. In the Father’s eyes, it is never too late to turn back, for His vineyard always welcomes those who return with contrite hearts.

Reflection

• Do I rely on my outward faith practices while neglecting the conversion of heart that God desires?
• How do I respond when God’s mercy reaches those I might consider unworthy?
• Am I willing to humble myself like the first son, turning back in repentance when I have strayed?

God’s kingdom belongs to those who say “yes” through repentance, not through pride.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You welcome sinners and exalt the humble who repent. Cleanse my heart from pride and complacency, and grant me the grace of true conversion. May I never presume on Your mercy, but respond to it with gratitude and obedience. Help me to live as a faithful worker in Your vineyard, rejoicing when others are welcomed by Your grace. Amen.

Matthew 21:32 “When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

This verse concludes the Parable of the Two Sons, transforming the story into a direct moral judgment against the religious leaders of Israel. Jesus connects the parable to a concrete historical reality—John the Baptist’s ministry. John had come preaching repentance and preparing the way for the Messiah (Matthew 3:1–3). His life of austerity and his message of righteousness bore the clear mark of divine origin. Yet the religious leaders, who should have recognized him, rejected his call. The sinners, however—tax collectors and prostitutes—responded with humility and faith, proving themselves more open to God’s truth. In Catholic interpretation, this verse teaches that faith begins with humility and conversion. Even after witnessing the transformation of others, the proud may still remain unmoved, while the humble find salvation.

Historical and Jewish Context

1. “John Came in the Way of Righteousness”
   In Jewish idiom, “the way of righteousness” refers to living according to God’s will revealed in the Law and the Prophets. John’s ascetic life in the desert, his fearless preaching, and his baptism of repentance were signs of prophetic authenticity. He called Israel to moral renewal and to prepare for the Messiah’s coming. The religious leaders could not deny his holiness but refused to humble themselves before his message. Their rejection was not intellectual—it was moral and spiritual pride.
2. The Contrast Between the Leaders and Sinners
   Tax collectors and prostitutes were publicly known sinners—people considered unclean and excluded from religious life. Yet their hearts were open to grace. They recognized in John’s message an invitation to mercy. Their repentance was sincere, marking a clear break with sin and a readiness to embrace God’s will. The leaders, by contrast, were spiritually blind. They saw sinners converted and the power of God at work, yet they hardened their hearts. Like Pharaoh who witnessed miracles yet refused to repent (Exodus 8:15), their stubbornness exposed a deep resistance to grace.
3. The Witness of Repentance
   Jesus points out that the conversion of sinners was itself a sign meant to awaken faith among the leaders: “Even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds.” Their failure to respond illustrates a spiritual paralysis. They valued reputation over repentance, law over love, and privilege over truth. Thus, their unbelief becomes inexcusable.

Catholic Theological Perspective

This verse teaches two profound truths central to Catholic faith:
1. Grace is offered to all, but only the humble receive it.
2. Witness to conversion is itself a call to faith.

The Catechism reminds us:
CCC 1427 – “Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom… It is the movement of a ‘contrite heart,’ drawn and moved by grace to respond to the merciful love of God.”
John’s ministry prefigures this call, which Jesus now fulfills. His “way of righteousness” points to the moral path of justice and mercy, which the Gospel brings to perfection.

For the religious leaders, pride and self-sufficiency blocked grace. For the sinners, humility opened the way to faith. This dynamic continues in the Church: the sacraments are channels of divine life, but only the repentant heart receives them fruitfully. CCC 1847 teaches: “God created us without us: but He did not will to save us without us.” Faith requires cooperation. The leaders refused that cooperation, while sinners embraced it joyfully.

Spiritually, this verse warns against a hardened heart (obduratio cordis)—a resistance to truth even after witnessing God’s mercy in others. It calls believers to continual self-examination: am I more like the first son who repents, or like the leaders who “see and yet do not believe”?

Parallels in Scripture

• Matthew 3:1–12 – John preaches repentance, calling even the Pharisees to “bear fruit worthy of repentance.”
• Luke 7:29–30 – “The tax collectors acknowledged God’s justice, but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, by refusing John’s baptism, thwarted God’s purpose for themselves.”
• Ezekiel 33:11 – God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires that they turn and live.
• Luke 15:1–10 – Parables of the lost sheep and coin: Heaven rejoices over the repentance of sinners.
• Romans 2:4–5 – God’s kindness is meant to lead to repentance, but a hard heart stores up wrath.

These verses show that repentance is not just emotion but action—turning toward God in faith and obedience.

Key Terms

1. “Way of righteousness” – Refers to moral integrity rooted in God’s law and truth; John’s entire life testified to this divine way.
2. “You did not believe him” – Expresses willful unbelief, not ignorance; a conscious rejection of God’s messenger.
3. “Change your minds” (metamelēthēte) – To feel remorse and turn around; the same root word used for the first son’s repentance, highlighting what the leaders refused to do.

Catholic Liturgical Significance

This verse reinforces the Church’s constant call to repentance, especially emphasized during Advent (the season of John the Baptist) and Lent (the time of conversion). John remains a model of prophetic integrity and repentance in the liturgy: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.”

The verse also echoes in the Sacrament of Penance, where believers are invited to examine their hearts honestly. Like the first son, they are called to change their minds and act on God’s will. The liturgical message is clear: faith must be accompanied by moral transformation. To witness the grace of God in others and remain unchanged is to harden the heart against the Spirit.

Conclusion

Matthew 21:32 closes the parable with a piercing contrast between the humility of sinners and the pride of the self-righteous. John came “in the way of righteousness,” but only the humble believed. The religious leaders, blinded by self-assurance, missed the movement of God’s grace before their eyes. For Catholics, this verse is a summons to ongoing conversion. Every sign of repentance we witness—whether in others or within ourselves—is an invitation to deeper faith. The Kingdom of God is not entered through privilege or pride, but through repentance, humility, and belief in Christ.

Reflection

• How do I respond when God calls me to repentance through Scripture, the Church, or the witness of others?
• Do I rejoice when sinners find mercy, or do I struggle with self-righteousness like the religious leaders?
• Have I seen God’s work in others yet failed to allow it to change my own heart?

To see God’s mercy and remain unmoved is to close the door to grace.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You revealed that the humble and repentant enter Your kingdom before the proud. Grant me the grace to follow the way of righteousness, to listen to Your call through the voice of Your Church, and to rejoice in the conversion of every sinner. Soften my heart where it has grown cold, and let the witness of Your mercy awaken faith within me. May I live each day in true repentance and loving obedience to You. Amen.

CONCLUSION

The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32) is a powerful mirror of the human heart and a warning against the danger of hollow religiosity. Spoken in the Temple to the chief priests and elders, it exposes the contrast between appearance and authenticity, profession and practice. The first son—who said “No” but later repented—represents sinners who, despite their failures, allow grace to transform them. The second son—who said “Yes” but never acted—embodies those who boast of faith but lack conversion of heart. Jesus reveals that God’s true children are not those who speak pious words, but those who do the Father’s will. Repentance, not reputation, is the key to the kingdom. Through this parable, the Lord exalts humility over pride and mercy over merit, showing that even those once far from God can surpass the self-assured when they turn to Him in sincerity.

This teaching calls each believer to examine the consistency between faith professed and faith lived. The vineyard symbolizes the Church and the world where God invites His children to labor daily. Every “yes” to His will must be proven through action—through love, service, and obedience. The tax collectors and prostitutes who believed John’s message remind us that no past sin disqualifies anyone from grace, while the leaders’ stubborn hearts warn that no position guarantees salvation. The parable thus becomes a call to continual conversion—turning our “no” into a living “yes.” Only when words and deeds unite in obedience does our discipleship bear fruit in the Father’s vineyard.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You call each of us to work in Your vineyard with love and humility. Forgive the times we have said “yes” but failed to act, and the times we have said “no” but later returned in sorrow. Grant us the grace of true repentance and faithful obedience. May our lives bear fruit in good works and steadfast love, that we may enter joyfully into Your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.