30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
30 "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go.
30 "The father gave the same command to the second son. He answered, 'Sure, glad to.' But he never went.
30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go.
30 Then the father told the other son, 'You go,' and he said, 'Yes, sir, I will.' But he didn't go.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 21:30
Commentary on Matthew 21:28-32
(Read Matthew 21:28-32)
Parables which give reproof, speak plainly to the offenders, and judge them out of their own mouths. The parable of the two sons sent to work in the vineyard, is to show that those who knew not John's baptism to be of God, were shamed by those who knew it, and owned it. The whole human race are like children whom the Lord has brought up, but they have rebelled against him, only some are more plausible in their disobedience than others. And it often happens, that the daring rebel is brought to repentance and becomes the Lord's servant, while the formalist grows hardened in pride and enmity.