Matthew 21:31

Matthew 21:31

I. The command, "Son, go work today in My vineyard," is given to us at all times. It was given us at our baptism; it was given to us at the first dawnings of our understanding, when the still, small voice of conscience warned us that we must not be selfish, or false, or disobedient, but must be subject to a higher and purer law than that of our own inclinations. It is given to us at every change or crisis of our lives.

II. The command is addressed to us as sons.Would that we could all feel that we are indeed God's children; that we are not called to the odious task-work of slaves, but to the labour of love, which every son should render to a Father from whom he has received every blessing which he enjoys. Observe, again, that our Father trusts us and places confidence in us when He bids us work. The words are, "Go work today in My vineyard." He trusts that we shall not disobey Him.

III. Consider the answers given by the two sons, and their subsequent conduct when commanded to go and work in their father's vineyard. The first shows by his blunt and sullen reply, "I will not,"that he is the representative of those who are utterly reckless and careless; he does not deceive his own conscience by making excuses; he flatly refuses obedience. The other son, in the first part of his conduct, has many representatives. His after-conduct should warn us against the snares which may prevent us from fulfilling our resolutions, and which may cause us to resemble the second son's miserable end. Whether we regard the danger of self-righteousness and self-confidence, or of trusting only to good impulses instead of devoted Christian resolution and the help of God's Spirit, or the ordinary temptation of selfishness on the one hand, and forgetfulness on the other, there is no one, however good the resolutions which he has formed, who has not abundant reason to pray God that he may be delivered from the withering condemnation of the text.

Bishop Cotton, Marlborough Sermons,p. 78.

References: Matthew 21:33. Homiletic Magazine,vol. vii., p. 40; A. B. Bruce, Parabolic Teaching of Christ,p. 447. Matthew 21:33. R. Calderwood, The Parables of Our Lord,p. 7. Matthew 21:33. W. Arnot, The Parables of Our Lord,p. 237. Matthew 21:37. R. D. B. Rawnsley, Village Sermons,3rd series, p. 12.