Does Your Life Match Your Yes? A Lesson from the Parable of the Two Sons
It is easy to say “yes” to God. It is much harder to live it. In Matthew 21, Jesus tells a simple parable with a piercing question at its center: Which son actually did the will of the Father? The one who said “no” but went, or the one who said “yes” but stayed home? The answer cuts right to the heart of what it means to follow Jesus.
What Is the Context of This Parable?
Jesus is in Jerusalem, just days before His arrest and crucifixion. He has already entered the city on a donkey to shouts of "Hosanna." He has overturned the tables of the money changers in the Temple. Now the scribes and religious leaders are confronting Him, demanding to know by what authority He acts.
It is in this charged moment that Jesus tells the parable of the two sons. He is speaking directly to men who knew all the right words but whose lives told a very different story.
What Does the Parable of the Two Sons Actually Mean?
In Matthew 21:28-31, Jesus says:
"What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his Father? They said, 'The first.'" - Matthew 21:28-31 English Standard Version (ESV)
The first son refuses outright. It is a disrespectful, blunt “no”. But he changes his mind and goes. The second son answers with what sounds like reverence, even calling his Father "sir," a word that can carry the weight of "lord." But he never goes. His “yes” never becomes a life!
Jesus is not saying words do not matter. They do. But He is exposing something dangerous: a “yes” that never becomes a “life” is not obedience at all.
How Does This Parable Apply to Christians Today?
This is where the parable gets uncomfortable. Christians are very good at saying “yes”. We say “Amen”. We recite the Creed. We sing the hymns. We show up on Sunday. And none of that is wrong. But Jesus is pressing deeper.
It is entirely possible to know the liturgy, know the Bible, know what comes next in a worship service, and still have a life that quietly says “no” to Jesus.
Not that part of my life.
Not my money.
Not that relationship.
Not my plans.
Not that habit.
Knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Him. The religious leaders in this story knew the Scriptures better than almost anyone. But their lives said “no”… I don’t know God at all.
What Is the Hope for Those Who Have Said “No” to God?
The first son gives us real hope. His first answer was not his final one. He changed his mind and went. This is a picture of repentance, which means to turn and go the other way— the way of the Lord.
The prophet Ezekiel echoes this same call. The final word of the OT reading we read on this Sunday (Ezekiel 18:32) is simply: “Turn and live”.
Jesus points to the “tax collectors and sinners” as examples of this very thing. Their lives had said “no” for a long time. But when John the Baptist came proclaiming the way of righteousness, they heard, they turned, and they believed. Their past “no” became a present “yes” (not just with their lips but with their lives!!)
The Story of Thomas Cranmer: A Historical Example of Repentance
Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury in the Reformation era and the author of the Anglican prayer book, was arrested under Queen Mary I, known as Bloody Mary, and pressured to recant his Reformed faith. Under extreme duress, he signed a paper of recantation. But he changed his mind.
Even as he stood at the stake about to be burned, he refused to let that signed recantation be his final word. He thrust the hand that had signed it into the fire first, saying, "This hand hath offended."
He turned, even at the cost of his life.
His story is a powerful reminder that God is not standing over anyone saying “it is too late.” He is saying: “Turn now and live.”
Who Is the Perfect Yes?
The deepest answer to this parable is not a call to try harder. It is a call to look at Jesus.
Jesus is the Son who does not merely say “yes” but lives His “yes” perfectly, all the way to the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, on the night of His arrest, He prays:
"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." - Luke 22:42 English Standard Version (ESV)
Where our “yes” is divided, His is always whole. Where our “yes” collapses, His goes all the way to Calvary—for every time we said “yes” with our lips and walked the other way! For every broken promise and act of disobedience, the faithful Son gave Himself for us.
The gospel is not simply that Jesus obeyed, so now go try harder. The gospel is that Jesus obeyed for us, died for us, rose for us, and gives us His Spirit so that His ”yes” can become our “yes”— day by day, moment by moment— all by grace.
What Role Does the Holy Spirit Play in Our Obedience?
This is why the Anglican baptismal language is so honest and so beautiful. When making baptismal promises, the response is not simply "I will."
It is: "I will, with God's help."
That is authentic Christianity. Not self-generated obedience, but Spirit-sustained faithfulness. The Holy Spirit is the Helper, and He is the one who makes it possible for those who have said “no” to become “yes”, not just in words but in life.
Coming to the Lord's Table is a reminder of this. We do not come because our “yes” has been perfect. We come because His was! It is His body, His blood, and His perfect grace that feeds us and sends us back into the vineyard as faithful witnesses!
Life Application
This week, take an honest look at the gap between what your lips say to God and what your life actually shows. Pick one specific area where your “yes” has not yet become a life. It might be a relationship, a habit, a financial decision, or a pattern of thought. Bring it before God in prayer and ask for the Holy Spirit's help to take one concrete step of obedience in that area. Not in your own strength, but with God's help.
Ask yourself:
- Where in my life am I saying “yes” to God with my words but “no” with my actions?
- Is there an area where I have been checking the box of religion without genuine relationship with Jesus?
- What would it look like this week to turn, even in one small way, and go into the vineyard?
- Am I trusting in my own effort to obey, or am I depending on the Holy Spirit as my help?
Your first “no” does not have to be your final word. By the grace of God, turn and live!
Love in Christ,
Travis +