Jesus introduced a parable with the question, “What do you think?” With this question, he drew the attention of the priests and elders of the people, indicating his interest in their opinions. Since they had refused to answer his previous question about the spiritual authority of John the Baptist (Matthew 21:24-25), he gave them a new opportunity to express their thoughts, this time concerning two sons of a father who owned a vineyard. He invited them to work not only for him but also for themselves, for their needs, and for their inheritance.

The first son immediately rejected his father’s request, displaying great disrespect and disobedience. However, upon reflection and regret over his rejection and the tension it had caused, he repented and went to work in the vineyard.

The father also approached the second son, who promptly and generously replied that he would go. Yet, this was merely a pretense, for when the time came, he did not go.

Neither of the sons was perfect; both showed disrespect in different ways. The first son displayed it openly, while the second pretended. Consequently, his disobedience was even more painful.

Jesus concluded this brief parable with the question: “Which of the two [sons] did the father’s will?” They immediately answered that it was the first son. Drawing on their correct response and his own authority, he conveyed the striking truth that tax collectors and prostitutes would enter the kingdom of God before them. In the parable, these sinners represented the first son who had repented.

Tax collectors were generally seen as sinful betrayers of God and His people. Prostitutes were also despised for their sinful lifestyles, as they sought to make a living through sin. Yet, these individuals had repented upon hearing John’s message. Their faith was evident in their repentance and baptism, and thus, they would enter God’s kingdom ahead of the Jewish leaders.

The second son, who feigned respect and promised obedience but did not fulfill the father’s will, represented the religious leaders. Despite their claims of respecting God and following Him, their actions did not align (Isaiah 29:13). Jesus pointed out the unusual yet tragic fact that they still refused to repent. They remained outside the kingdom instead of repenting and entering, as other sinners had done.

Through this parable, Jesus encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our decisions, especially those that have eternal significance. The choices we make now will impact our future, shaping it both on Earth and in eternity. Just as Jesus was interested in the thoughts of the priests and elders at that time, he is also interested in what we, his disciples, think now. He desires our honesty and wants us to share everything that is within us.

Together with God the Father, he calls us to repent, to align our words with actions. We can fully demonstrate our respect for the Father’s plan of love, His will, by fulfilling it.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to unite us with Jesus Christ, who became a true human, so that we may see how to live as true children of God. He always listened to the Father and fully carried out His will. When we become one with Him, and our feelings, thoughts, words, and actions are in harmony with His, we can together fulfill God’s will.