New Testament
Matthew 21:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus tells a parable about a man with two sons.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
But let me ask you this: A man had 2 sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go work in my vineyard today.'
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus tells a parable about a man with two sons. The father asks the first son to work in his vineyard. This scenario sets the stage for a deeper lesson about obedience and the choices we make. The first son initially refuses but later changes his mind and goes to work. This reflects the idea that actions speak louder than words. The parable contrasts the responses of the two sons, illustrating that it is not just about saying 'yes' or 'no' but about following through with actions. Jesus uses this story to challenge the religious leaders of His time, emphasizing that true obedience to God is shown through actions rather than mere verbal agreement. The vineyard symbolizes God's work, and the sons represent different responses to His call. This parable encourages listeners to reflect on their own responses to God's commands and the importance of repentance and action in their spiritual lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 21:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider how we respond to God's calls in our lives. It's important to not only hear His instructions but to act on them. Reflect on areas where you may have initially resisted God's guidance and think about how you can change your response to align with His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 21:28 mean?
Matthew 21:28 tells a parable about a father who asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later decides to go, illustrating that true obedience is shown through actions rather than just words.
What is the meaning of the vineyard in Matthew 21:28?
In Matthew 21:28, the vineyard symbolizes God's work and the call to serve Him. The parable emphasizes the importance of responding to God's commands with action.
How does Matthew 21:28 relate to obedience?
Matthew 21:28 illustrates that obedience is not just about saying 'yes' but about taking action. The first son’s change of heart shows that true obedience involves doing what is asked.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 21:28?
The lesson from Matthew 21:28 is to reflect on how we respond to God's calls in our lives. It encourages us to act on His guidance, even if our initial response is hesitant.
The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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