Matthew 21:28
But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
Matthew 21:28
This verse opens a parable with a direct prompt to the listeners: what do you think? The landlord’s request to his first son—“Son, go work today in my vineyard”—sets up a contrast between two responses. In Matthew’s Gospel, parables often invite listeners to place themselves within the story. The vineyard is a common biblical motif for God’s people and their fruitful obedience. The Father’s invitation reflects divine initiative: God calls people to participate in his redemptive work. The simplicity of the directive (“go work”) underscores the expectation of active involvement in God’s mission, not mere assent or attendance. The cultural backdrop includes honor-shame dynamics and obligations of sons to parents, which would intensify the tension of obedience or rebellion. This is not just about physical labor; it’s about aligning with God’s purposes, accepting responsibility, and living under divine authority.
The parable foregrounds moral agency and the ambiguity of outward religiosity versus inward obedience. The invitation to work signals covenant participation: to labor in God’s fields is to participate in his kingdom project. Jesus’ listeners are challenged to examine how they respond to God’s call—do they assent with words only or actually contribute to the work? This verse lays groundwork for the broader critique of leadership and responsiveness found later in the chapter: merely calling oneself a bearer of God’s will is worthless without actual obedience. It also foreshadows the contrast between those who respond with repentance and zeal (even if they were considered “sinners”) and those who superficially comply or resist. The theological arc points to grace-motivated obedience as the essential mark of true faith.
We can translate this into practical life: God calls us daily to participate in his work—loving neighbors, pursuing justice, sharing the gospel, serving the vulnerable. It’s not enough to acknowledge the calling; we must act. Consider: where is God inviting you to “go work” today? Perhaps volunteering, mentoring, or using your resources for others. If you hesitate, name the reasons: fear of failure, time constraints, pride. Then choose action that aligns with God’s purposes, even when it costs. Partner with others in your church or community who share the mission; collaboration often reveals clearer paths to tangible impact. The core question is not whether you intend to work, but whether you actually show up and contribute.
Cross-References: James 2:14-17; Luke 9:10-11; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 5:22-23