Which is the right choice in Jesus' parable: promise or action?

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Second Edition

Gospel Matthew 21:28–32 Self-Examination

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people:

“What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go work in the vineyard today.’ ‘I will not,’ the son answered. But he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second son and said the same thing to him. The son answered, ‘I will go, father,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them:

“Truly I tell you, the harlots and the tax collectors are entering the kingdom of God before you. John showed you the way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. But the harlots and the tax collectors believed him; and when you saw it, you did not repent and believe him.” (Matt. 21:28–32 Second Edition)

Opening Thoughts

Jesus’ parable in Matthew 21:28-32 poses a seemingly simple but powerful question: Who will do right, the one who promises to do something but does not do it, or the one who does not promise to do something but does it anyway? This question challenges us to examine our own life choices and behavior. As we reflect on this parable, we can see that promises do not always translate into actions, which raises the question: Is the promise more important than the action? This article will delve into these questions and examine what the Bible teaches about this parable.

Background to the Parable

In the parable, the father symbolizes the Father in Heaven, and the work in the vineyard represents a person’s life. When we consider the son who promised his father to go into the vineyard but then remains inactive, we can see that his promise was empty talk. According to statistics, about 70 percent of people admit to making promises that they have never kept. This boy represents those who appear to be following God’s will, but their actions do not back up their words.

Jesus used this metaphor when confronting the chief priests, Pharisees, and scribes. These people, who were spiritually and socially superior, were rigidly attached to tradition, but their beliefs were often superficial. They were unable to connect with the deeper meaning of God’s Word.

The danger of self-righteousness in Jesus’ parable is obvious. These leaders did not recognize their own shortcomings and could only read the Bible from a rule-based perspective. Their religious strictness may even have prevented them from seeing a true, personal relationship with God. Many people think that religions have lost their relevance in today’s world because they are often too focused on rules. Reading the Bible should not be just an obligation for us, but it should be a message of joy about God’s saving acts. The central message of the New Testament is based on understanding love and mercy, not just our actions or promises.

The Example of the Second Son

Let’s look at the second son in the parable, who did not promise to go into the vineyard, but ended up doing so. He symbolizes people who have made mistakes but repent and change their lives. For example, many people who have had a difficult past wake up to their need for God’s grace. Many believers admit that they have been able to change their lives significantly when they have opened themselves to spiritual growth.

Such examples remind us that humility and the willingness to change are important before God. Life is not perfect, but what matters is how we use our experiences to our advantage.

Words, deeds, and self-examination

It is important to note in Jesus’ parable that the ideal situation would be for the son to promise to go to the vineyard and also to fulfill his promise. According to an international study, about half of people feel that their country or environment affects their ability to keep their promises. The hustle and bustle of life can take us away from our own promises.

Why are words and deeds so often disconnected? Often it is because there are problems in everyday life, and people forget about genuine promises. It is important that we remember to keep our promises and strive to act on them.

Self-examination is essential to the teachings of the parable. We can ask ourselves: “Am I more of a promiser who doesn’t fulfill them, or a doer who doesn’t promise but still acts?” This question forces us to evaluate our true motives. When we are honest with ourselves, we can grow into people who are in harmony with God’s will. This can culminate in actions that strengthen our relationships with God and the world around us.

Learning from the Attitudes of the Scribes

The chief priests and scribes of Jesus’ day had challenges in shedding their old attitudes. Their pride could have prevented them from learning Jesus’ teachings. Such attitudes can limit our ability to open up to the new. The warning is clear: let us not get stuck in old patterns.

The Bible should be a living book for us, changing our hearts and lives. It should not be just a collection of rules, but God’s message of love and grace.

When we make promises, it is important to be honest with ourselves and with God. Honesty is a key factor in our relationship with God. When we recognize our own weaknesses and mistakes, we can truly open up to the gospel of Jesus and use its power to change our lives.

We should not feel ashamed of being like the other son who was not ready to begin with. Openness and a willingness to change are important factors in growing in our relationship with God.

Final Reflection: The Right Direction

Jesus’ parable in Matt. 21:28-32 encourages us all to reflect on our promises and actions. We may have been sons who promised but did not fulfill, or on the other hand, those who did not promise but still did.

Only by learning from our mistakes and striving to do better can we build lasting promises and actions. Religious talk is only the beginning. True faith is manifested in actions that honor the will of the Heavenly Father.

Everyone has the opportunity to experience a new beginning and deepen their relationship with God. We are free from the burden of our past sins, and we can find the strength and courage to trust in God’s grace.

I invite each reader to make an honest assessment and think about the relationship that promises and actions build with God. Together, we can grow and live in full relationship with the Heavenly Father, fulfilling our promises and living out God’s glory in the world.