The Parable of the Two Sons Analysis Essay Example

The Parable of the Two Sons is told by Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. He is telling this parable to his followers, the chief priests, and the elders of the people. This story is told in the gospel of Matthew. The parable is about a father and his two sons. The father asks the first one to work in the vineyard for the day. The son refuses, but he later changes his mind and goes to work. The father asks the same of the second son. The second son says he will go, but never does. Jesus asks everyone which of the sons did their father’s will. They all respond the first. Jesus tells them that the tax collectors and the prostitutes will go to the kingdom of God ahead of them. He also mentions John the Baptist. He tells them that John came to them in the way of righteousness, but they did not believe him while the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after they all saw, they did not change their minds and believe.

I learned a lot from The Parable of the Two Sons. For example, what it looks like to be an ideal Christian or word verses action. However, what truly struck with me throughout this reading was Jesus’ commentary on tax collectors and prostitutes. With research I learned much about the significance of Jesus’ comments. First of all, tax collectors and prostitutes were deemed not pure and treated poorly. Second, Jesus’ acceptance of the tax collectors and prostitutes was shocking, challenging the current social structures of society at the time. Finally, it gave a larger perspective of the Jewish people at the time and what they thought of people considered “outsiders” like tax collectors and prostitutes.