What does Matthew 21:28 Mean?

Study Notes

vineyard
See "vineyard," margin ref., Matthew 20:1

See, Isaiah 5:7 ; Matthew 21:28-33 ; John 15:1-5 (See Scofield " Matthew 28:19 ") .

Verse Meaning

Jesus evidently launched into this parable immediately. His introductory question, unique in Matthew , continued the rabbinic dialogue. The first son was the older of the two ( Matthew 21:30). The vineyard again referred to Israel in view of Old Testament usage (cf. Matthew 20:1-15). [source][source]

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Context Summary

Our Lord always refused to gratify idle curiosity. When an earnest seeker for truth, like Nicodemus, approached Him to know the way of life, He was willing to give time and thought without stint. But of what use was it to endeavor to satisfy these men who had refused to acknowledge the divine mission of the Forerunner! They would not speak out their inner convictions, because of the effect it would have on their worldly prospects. For such as these Christ has nothing. At all costs, we must be true to the inner light, that is, to God's Spirit within us.

The parable of the two sons teaches that hard hearts may lie under fair words, while those of whom we expect least and whose first greeting is abrupt and disappointing, may later prove to be the most devoted and hopeful disciples. If a man repels the gospel with violence, he is more likely ultimately to be won than he who gives a polite and facile assent. [source]

Chapter Summary: Matthew 21

¹  Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey
¹²  drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;
¹⁷  curses the fig tree;
²³  puts to silence the priests and elders,
²⁸  and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons,
³³  and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them