Grace that offends
The Two Sons
Also called The Son Who Said No
A father asks two sons to work. One says no and goes. One says yes and does not.
What it turns on
Told to chief priests. Jesus tells them tax collectors are entering the kingdom ahead of them.
28But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’
29He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind, and went.
30He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I’m going, sir,’ but he didn’t go.
31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into God’s Kingdom before you.
32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn’t even repent afterward, that you might believe him.
World English Bible, public domain. Read the whole chapter →
More on grace that offends
The Workers in the VineyardWorkers hired at dawn and workers hired an hour before quitting time are paid the same.The Great BanquetInvited guests all make excuses, so the host fills the table with strangers off the street.The Wedding FeastA king invites guests to his son wedding. They refuse, so he opens it to everyone.The Wicked TenantsTenants beat the servants sent to collect rent, then kill the owner son.