The Two Sons.
In this parable there are two distinct warnings to two distinct classes, with corresponding encouragements attached, as shadows follow solid bodies in the sunlight; to the publicans and harlots first, and next to the Pharisees of the day.
I. There is a class amongst us answering to those publicans and sinners to whom Jesus was wont to address the message of His mercy. To this class the parable proclaims a warning. A rank, soporific superstition has crept over these free and easy spirits a superstition as dark and deceitful as any of the inventions of Rome. Men seem actually to persuade themselves that their very wickedness will supply them with a passport into heaven. It is a false hope. Without holiness no man shall see God. The absence of a hypocritical pretension to holiness will not be accepted instead of holiness. It was all right with the profane son in the parable; but mark, he repented and obeyed. But to this class the parable speaks encouragement as well as warning. So great is God's mercy in Christ that even you are welcome when you come.
II. There is still a class corresponding to the Pharisees, and to these the Lord in this parable conveys both warning and encouragement. There is encouragement to the Pharisee as well as to the publican to turn and live. There is no respect of persons with God; the Pharisee was as welcome to Christ as the publican, if he would come. When a self-righteous man discovers himself at last to be a whited sepulchre, and, counting his own righteousness filthy rags, flies to Christ as his righteousness, he is instantly accepted in the Beloved.
W. Arnot, The Parables of Our Lord,p. 223.
I. Every man has a mission from God.
II. The mission which most of us are sent into the world to fulfil is described in the short practical word "work."
III. The scene of the work is God's vineyard. (1) Our own hearts. (2) Our own households. (3) Scenes of daily life. (4) Church and its institutions.
IV. The work is pressing and urgent, and the time at which, if never before, God would have us begin, "today."
V. See how, according to this parable, men treat the command. (1) Some profess to obey, but do actually disobey. (2) Some refuse at first, but afterwards obey.
J. R. Bailey, Contemporary Pulpit,vol. iv., p. 100.
I. "A certain man had a vineyard." It is under this guise that our God appears to us. He is as the holder of a vineyard, who is dependent on help for securing increase. The vineyard needs to be irrigated; the soil must be loosened about the roots of the vines; weeds must be struck down on their first appearance; over-luxuriant shoots of the vine must be pruned. Using this similitude, God comes condescendingly with the illustration of the fact that He asks service of His people.
II. The owner of the vineyard asks his two sons for help in its cultivation. With a father's authority he says, "Go work today in my vineyard." The demand is for immediate service, and that throughout a definite time of short duration.
III. The poor beginning made by both sons on that day when the father's demand for service came upon them must first have attention. When the father looks to his sons for help in cultivating his vineyard, he receives a direct refusal from the first, and though the other makes a promise of help, that promise is not kept. There lies before us here a representation of the conduct of our whole race in disobeying God's demand for service. When God calls to men for service there is universal disobedience to the call.
IV. While universal disobedience is the first result which God beholds, He is not left altogether without service on the earth. But that service comes after disobedience, being in all cases a recoil from it, brought about by the working of God's own grace. In the case of many there is at length entrance of service by the gateway of repentance. The repentance which turns from sin and guides to pardon, guides by the next step to the beginning of a life of holy service. The passing sight here given us of this son entering by the vineyard gate, with all the signs of preparation for work, is the parabolic representation of an essential feature of Christian life true service following on repentance.
H. Calderwood, The Parables of Our Lord,p. 163.
References: Matthew 21:28-32. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xiii., No. 742; Homiletic Magazine,vol. vi., p. 347; A. H. Bruce. Parabolic Teaching of Christ,p. 438; Parker, Hidden Springs,p. 294.