What does Matthew 21:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 21:28 tells the story of a man with two sons whom he asks to work in his vineyard. In this parable, presented by Jesus, the first son initially refuses to go but later changes his mind and does as his father requested.

This verse sets the context for what is to follow, where the actions of the two sons are contrasted. The literal meaning is clear, as it concerns a father asking his son to perform a task.

However, the deeper meaning is symbolic of obedience, repentance, and the willingness to follow through with actions rather than just words. It begins a discussion on the nature of true righteousness and illustrates the importance of actions in the spiritual life.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a parable told by Jesus during his ministry in the region of Judea, shortly after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem and before his crucifixion.

At the time, Jesus was encountering opposition from the Jewish religious leaders, and this parable was directed at them, particularly the chief priests and elders.

The vineyard was a common image for Israel in the Hebrew Bible, and the listeners would have understood it to represent God's kingdom or His work.

The call to work in the vineyard would symbolize God's call to live in obedience and participate in His kingdom's purposes.

Theological Insights

The parable conveys several theological concepts.

From a Christian perspective, it emphasizes that God's grace can lead to repentance and change of heart, exemplified by the first son who initially refuses but eventually goes.

It also critiques mere lip service without action, which will be further underscored by the attitude of the second son in the following verses.

In theological debates, this parable has been used to discuss free will and the nature of repentance.

It illustrates the belief that God allows humans to change their minds and actions, embracing divine forgiveness and grace.

It also challenges notions of legalism and highlights the importance of inner transformation over outward conformity.

Practical Applications

The verse offers several practical applications for daily life.

It encourages individuals to reflect on their willingness to perform tasks they may initially reject.

It teaches the value of reconsidering one's decisions and aligning actions with commitments.

On a deeper level, it suggests that what truly matters is not a perfect record of obedience, but a heart that is open to change and a willingness to fulfill one's duties, even if one's initial response is less than ideal.

Cross-References

• Matthew 21:29-31: Subsequent verses continue the story, contrasting the response of the two sons and leading to Jesus' teaching point.
• Matthew 3:8: "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance".
• James 2:14-17: Stresses the importance of actions to accompany faith.
• Luke 15:11-32: The Parable of the Prodigal Son also deals with themes of obedience, repentance, and acceptance.

Language Study

The key words in this verse when considered in the original Greek language include:

• "Man" (Greek: "anthropos"): Referring to a human being or individual.
• "Had" (Greek: "eichen"): Past tense of "to have," indicating possession or relationship.
• "Sons" (Greek: "huios"): Male offspring, but also often used in a broader sense to denote descendants or children.
• "Vineyard" (Greek: "ampelōn"): A grape plantation or orchard; symbolically linked to Israel or God's work.
• "Go" (Greek: "hypage"): An imperative verb meaning to depart, proceed, or engage in an activity.
• "Work" (Greek: "ergazomai"): To toil or perform labor, often with an emphasis on the result of the work.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Jewish culture, parables were commonly used as teaching tools.

These stories carried moral, ethical, or spiritual lessons that were usually cloaked in metaphors and symbolic language.

The use of a vineyard as a metaphor for the community or land of Israel is not unique to Christianity but can also be found in Jewish rabbinic teachings.

Additionally, the concept of repentance and changing one's mind after an initial refusal resonates with themes from other religious traditions, such as Islam's notion of Tawbah (repentance to God).

Scientific Perspectives

While the parable speaks to moral and religious concepts, it does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings in the way that discussions about the natural world or cosmology might.

The verse does, however, connect to psychological theories about behavior change, decision-making, and cognitive dissonance, where an individual's actions might eventually align with their beliefs or commitments after an initial resistance.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of Matthew 21:28.

Some, like John Calvin, emphasized the parable's lesson on the difference between saying and doing, teaching that obedience in deeds is what counts.

Others, such as William Barclay, have highlighted the theme of grace and second chances, noting that Jesus used this story to show that it is never too late to do the right thing.

Modern scholars often see in this parable a critique of the religious establishment of Jesus' day, pointing out that those who outwardly seemed most religious were not necessarily responsive to God's call.