Two Brothers

Jesus offers the Pharisees a series of rebuking parables after their lack of answer to the preceding question. He rebukes them for not believing John's teaching.

In the first parable He compares and contrasts those who are better than they profess (the 1st son) and those who profess to be better than they are (the second son). This is salvation vs. religion.

This parable teaches us:
I. The parable's questions and answers - Matt 21: 28-31a
Some similarities between the two sons:

1. Both sons have the same father (as God is Father to all mankind, Jews and Gentiles)
2. Both sons work in the family business.
3. Both sons receive the same paternal command.
   The dissimilar character of the two sons:
4. The initial response of the 2 sons, 29-30
   A. The response of the first son
   B. The response of the second son
5. The subsequent behavior of the 2 sons, 29-30
   A. The behavior of the first son (felt regret and did his father's request)
   B. The behavior of the second son
   (did not do what he said he would do. He spoke properly but acted disrespectfully. He only said what he did for outward appearance)

II. Jesus' question and the leaders' answer, 31
Eze 18:21, 24; Matt 7:27
One thing is obvious: neither son is perfect. Jesus doesn't even mention a son who both acts and speaks properly. Rebellious and remorseful vs. Respectful and defiant.
The leaders answered that the first son did his father's will. Actions are better than words.

III. The explanation, 32
Jesus wants the religious leaders to recognize that they are like the 2nd son.