Hey! Check out our community group discussion questions this week.
Matthew 21:28-32
This passage follows the demand of the religious leaders for Jesus to explain his authority for cleaning out the temple. In telling the parable, Jesus is giving them a message, a harsh message. He makes clear that the first son did obey his father, changing his mind. The second son did not, only claimed to obey. It is the one who obeys, acting on belief, not the one who claims to obey that will enter the kingdom of heaven. The worst sinners of the day were the tax collectors and prostitutes. Their sin was evident to all. Yet, they were the ones who heard from John, believed and repented of their sin. The religious leaders heard and did not.
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
Matthew 21:28-32
Those who recognize their sin in humility, repent, and obey Christ will be saved. The Jewish leaders were outwardly religious, but inwardly hypocritical. In contrast, those who receive salvation are outwardly “unworthy,” but inwardly righteous because of the cross.
Discussion Questions
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
This passage follows the demand of the religious leaders for Jesus to explain his authority for cleaning out the temple. In telling the parable, Jesus is giving them a message, a harsh message. He makes clear that the first son did obey his father, changing his mind. The second son did not, only claimed to obey. It is the one who obeys, acting on belief, not the one who claims to obey that will enter the kingdom of heaven. The worst sinners of the day were the tax collectors and prostitutes. Their sin was evident to all. Yet, they were the ones who heard from John, believed and repented of their sin. The religious leaders heard and did not.
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
Matthew 21:28-32
Those who recognize their sin in humility, repent, and obey Christ will be saved. The Jewish leaders were outwardly religious, but inwardly hypocritical. In contrast, those who receive salvation are outwardly “unworthy,” but inwardly righteous because of the cross.
Discussion Questions
- In this parable, who do the 2 sons represent?
- In what ways do we say “yes” to God, but fail to obey fully?
- How can we guard against having the attitude of the second son?
- What is one area where God may be calling you to move from words to action?
- Who do you know who needs to hear that Jesus saves, even the worst of sinners?
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
- How is your time with God?
- What are you praying for?
- What are you struggling with?
- Who are you praying for to know Jesus?
- What gospel conversations have you had this week with someone who doesn’t follow Jesus?