Video - Three Parables of Vigilance and Knowledge

As we move along toward mid-week on the timeline leading to his final few days, we find Jesus continuing to teach as always. Of his lessons that week, they include three parables which are of particular merit and importance.

These parables were all specifically directed to the Sanhedrin, the self-righteous Jewish religious leaders. One of these, featured here, is The Parable of the Two Sons, found in Matthew 21:28-32.

This parable centers on a man who had two sons. Both sons were asked to work in the vineyard. The first one flatly refused, then changed his mind and went there. The second son said he would go, but never did.

The religious leaders unintentionally convicted themselves by their reply to Jesus' question in Matthew 21:31-32. According to his interpretation of the parable, the tax collectors and harlots were like the first son.

They did not make any decision to obey John and turn their lives around then and there. However, some eventually did repent and believe in Jesus. On the other hand, the Sanhedrin were like the second son.

They proclaimed to accept John's preaching, but never confessed their sins, or believed in the Savior. The lesson here is that affirmed, admitted sinners acknowledge the gospel more willingly than those with a pretense of false devotion.

The Parable of the Two Sons is meant as a sharp rebuke to the Scribes and Pharisees for failing to heed John's call to repentance and faith (Acts 19:4).

The other two parables mentioned above are: The Parable of the Tenants, recounted in Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; and Luke 20:9-19, and, The Parable of the Wedding Feast, in Matthew 22:1-14.

According to the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, a parable "signifies a fictitious narrative invented for the purpose of conveying truth in a less offensive or more engaging form than that of direct assertion." 

Jesus incorporated parables in his teachings making the lessons easier to understand, sometimes even persuading his opposers to change their course of action. By this method, fault was exposed for correction in a less harsh and criticizing manner.

Scripture: Matthew 13:35; James 1:23-25; Matthew 13:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:21; Ezekiel 19:10-14

Prayer: Dear Lord, remove all bitterness, revenge, anger, turmoil, and maliciousness from my heart; helping me instead to be kind, gentle and forgiving toward others, amen

In Jesus' name,

~Eve