The Parable of the Two Sons

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The Parable of the Two Sons

• Matthew 2128-32

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Introduction

• Many times Jesus told parables in response to
  questions
• The Unmerciful Servant
• The Laborers in the Vineyard
• The next few parables are told in response to
  challenges from those who opposed Him

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Setting

• Jesus has entered Jerusalem for His final
  Passover
• The religious leaders are trying to confound
  Jesus with trick questions
• Immediately before the parable, they asked Him by
  whose authority He did these things
• Matthew 2123-27

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The Parable

• Mt 2128-30
• A man with 2 sons tells both sons to go work
• The first says he wont go, but then goes
• The second says he will go, but doesnt go

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Explaining the Parable

• Jesus begins His explanation with a question
• Which of the two did the will of the father?
  (v. 31a)
• Even the religious leaders knew the answer was
  the first
• Jesus reply to those leaders (vv 31b-32)
• The religious leaders were the second son
• They said they would obey God, but didnt
• Sinners are the first son
• They had turned their backs on God, but then
  repented

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The message of the parable

• Answering His own question from v. 25
• Johns baptism was obviously from God
• The leaders knew that, but had not obeyed
• The sinners also knew that and had obeyed
• Therefore the sinners will be more acceptable to
  God than the religious leaders
• (The question of authority will be addressed in
  the next parable)

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Application

• We must be doers not just sayers
• Mt 721-27
• Mt 2819-20
• He said Go make disciples baptize them
  teach them
• Its one thing to say Yes, its another to
  actually do it
• 1 Cor 719 1 Jn 23-4
• Titus 31, 8, 14

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Application

• Anyone can repent and be acceptable to God by
  obeying His commands
• Rom 323 We are all equally sinners
• 1 Cor 69-11 No matter your sins, they can be
  forgiven
• Acts 237-38 Repent and be baptized

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Conclusion

• The religious people of Jesus day did not obey
  the simple commands of God
• They would not enter the kingdom
• The sinners who were willing to repent and obey
  were the ones who would enter the kingdom
• Which group do you belong to?

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