The parable in today’s Gospel is especially interesting.  Matthew, who recorded this parable from a first-hand perspective, was the only Gospel writer to include this story, and he himself was a tax collector.  At that time, tax collectors were considered the worst of sinners, but, when Matthew eard the Good News of Jesus Christ, he believed, humbled himself, and repented.

The setting for today’s parable is in the temple in Jerusalem.  As Jesus is teaching, the chief priests and elders approach Him and ask Him the question:  “By what authority are you doing these things?”

What they are really asking is, “Where do you get your authority, when WE are the recognized authority around here!  Who do you think you are?   This is OUR territory!   You are invading OUR space!”  Instead of answering directly, Jesus teaches them a parable.  He tells the story like this:

A man had two sons.  He told them both to go out in the vineyard and work.  One of the sons said that he would not go to work in the vineyard, but, he later changed his mind and went.  The other son said that yes, he would work in the vineyard, but, he did not go.

Jesus asks the priests and elders, “Which one did the will of his father?”   The religious leaders reply, “The son who obeyed the father.”