The Two Sons

Jesus told a parable about a man with two sons. He told the first son to go and work in the vineyard that day. The son said no, but later he changed his mind and went. The father then gave the same instruction to the second son. This son answered respectfully and said he would go, but he did not go. Jesus asked which son had done his father’s will.

They answered that it was the first son. Then Jesus said that tax collectors and prostitutes were entering God’s kingdom ahead of them. John had come in the way of righteousness, but they did not believe him. Tax collectors and prostitutes did believe, and even after seeing that, they still did not repent and believe. Which matters more: sounding right, or turning and doing what is right?