The Question of the Two Sons

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 22 views

Does the Evangelist give a personal touch to the Verse on salvation in Matthew 21:31?

Understanding the Context of Matthew 21:31

The passage in Matthew 21:31 is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus engages in a conversation with the Chief Priests and Elders. The scene is set in the temple, where Jesus has just entered Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, and is being questioned by the Jewish leaders about his authority. In this context, Jesus poses a question to the Chief Priests and Elders, asking them which of two sons did the will of his father. This question is a clever way of pointing out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, who claim to be the children of God, but are not living according to God's will.

The Question of the Two Sons

The question of the two sons is a powerful metaphor for the Jewish leaders' relationship with God. The first son represents the Pharisees, who are known for their strict adherence to the law. They are the ones who claim to be the children of God, and who believe that they are doing God's will by following the law. However, Jesus points out that the first son refused to work in the vineyard, even though he knew that it was his father's will. This represents the Pharisees' tendency to rely on their own righteousness, rather than trusting in God's grace.

The Second Son: A Representation of the Tax Collectors and Sinners

The second son, on the other hand, represents the tax collectors and sinners who are often marginalized by the Jewish leaders. This son is willing to work in the vineyard, even though he knows that he is not worthy. This represents the tax collectors and sinners who are seeking God's forgiveness and are willing to work to do God's will, even though they are not perfect.

Jesus' Response: A Personal Touch to the Verse

Jesus' response to the Chief Priests and Elders is a personal touch to the verse, as it highlights the importance of trusting in God's grace, rather than relying on one's own righteousness. Jesus says, "Assuredly, I say to you, that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you." This statement is a powerful rebuke to the Jewish leaders, who are so focused on their own righteousness that they have forgotten the importance of trusting in God's grace.

The Significance of the Two Sons

The two sons represent two different approaches to salvation. The first son represents the Pharisees, who believe that they can earn their way into heaven through their own righteousness. The second son represents the tax collectors and sinners, who are seeking God's forgiveness and are willing to work to do God's will. This represents the two different paths to salvation, one of which is based on works, and the other of which is based on faith.

The Evangelist's Purpose

The evangelist, Matthew, is highlighting the importance of trusting in God's grace, rather than relying on one's own righteousness. This is a key theme in the Gospel of Matthew, as Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan of salvation. By using the metaphor of the two sons, Matthew is pointing out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, who claim to be the children of God, but are not living according to God's will.

The Implications of the Two Sons

The implications of the two sons are far-reaching. If the first son represents the Pharisees, who believe that they can earn their way into heaven through their own righteousness, then this means that salvation is based on works. However, if the second son represents the tax collectors and sinners, who are seeking God's forgiveness and are willing to work to do God's will, then this means that salvation is based on faith. This represents a fundamental shift in the way that people understand salvation, from a works-based approach to a faith-based approach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evangelist gives a personal touch to the verse on salvation in Matthew 21:31 by highlighting the importance of trusting in God's grace, rather than relying on one's own righteousness. The two sons represent two different approaches to salvation, one of which is based on works, and the other of which is based on faith. This represents a fundamental shift in the way that people understand salvation, from a works-based approach to a faith-based approach. By using the metaphor of the two sons, Matthew is pointing out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, who claim to be the children of God, but are not living according to God's will.

The Significance of Matthew 21:31 in the Context of Soteriology

Matthew 21:31 is a significant passage in the context of soteriology, as it highlights the importance of trusting in God's grace, rather than relying on one's own righteousness. This is a key theme in the Gospel of Matthew, as Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan of salvation. By using the metaphor of the two sons, Matthew is pointing out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, who claim to be the children of God, but are not living according to God's will.

The Relationship Between Matthew 21:31 and Sin

Matthew 21:31 is also significant in the context of sin, as it highlights the importance of recognizing one's own sinfulness and seeking God's forgiveness. The two sons represent two different approaches to sin, one of which is based on denial, and the other of which is based on recognition and repentance. This represents a fundamental shift in the way that people understand sin, from a denial-based approach to a recognition-based approach.

The Implications of Matthew 21:31 for the Church

The implications of Matthew 21:31 for the church are far-reaching. If the first son represents the Pharisees, who believe that they can earn their way into heaven through their own righteousness, then this means that the church should focus on teaching people about the importance of trusting in God's grace, rather than relying on their own righteousness. If the second son represents the tax collectors and sinners, who are seeking God's forgiveness and are willing to work to do God's will, then this means that the church should focus on teaching people about the importance of recognizing their own sinfulness and seeking God's forgiveness.

The Significance of Matthew 21:31 in the Context of Matthew's Gospel

Matthew 21:31 is a significant passage in the context of Matthew's Gospel, as it highlights the importance of trusting in God's grace, rather than relying on one's own righteousness. This is a key theme in the Gospel of Matthew, as Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan of salvation. By using the metaphor of the two sons, Matthew is pointing out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, who claim to be the children of God, but are not living according to God's will.

The Relationship Between Matthew 21:31 and the Parables of Jesus

Matthew 21:31 is also significant in the context of the parables of Jesus, as it highlights the importance of trusting in God's grace, rather than relying on one's own righteousness. The two sons represent two different approaches to salvation, one of which is based on works, and the other of which is based on faith. This represents a fundamental shift in the way that people understand salvation, from a works-based approach to a faith-based approach.

The Implications of Matthew 21:31 for the Reader

The implications of Matthew 21:31 for the reader are far-reaching. If the first son represents the Pharisees, who believe that they can earn their way into heaven through their own righteousness, then this means that the reader should focus on trusting in God's grace, rather than relying on their own righteousness. If the second son represents the tax collectors and sinners, who are seeking God's forgiveness and are willing to work to do God's will, then this means that the reader should focus on recognizing their own sinfulness and seeking God's forgiveness.

The Significance of Matthew 21:31 in the Context of the Bible

Matthew 21:31 is a significant passage in the context of the Bible, as it highlights the importance of trusting in God's grace, rather than relying on one's own righteousness. This is a key theme in the Bible, as God emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in his plan of salvation. By using the metaphor of the two sons, Matthew is pointing out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, who claim to be the children of God, but are not living according to God's will.

Conclusion