THESE EVENTS HAPPENED THE LAST DAY OF OUR LORD'S TEACHING, A DAY OF CONTROVERSY AND TRAPS

1. The last week- Day of Demonstration, Power, Controversy, Rest, preparation, Suffering, Grave, Resurrection
2. The Day of Controversy was spent in the Temple, -traps and parable teaching before Condemnation
3. One of the sharpest parables is that of two sons, both sinned against the father, but the Father's will was done by one and not the other. There are modern applications too!

I.- THE DAY OF CONTROVERSY  Matt 21:18-

This very busy day is not too clear in its chronological sequence, but its messages powerful, sharp

A.- THE PREVIOUS DAY THE JEWS WERE DEFEATED, SILENT AND VENGEFUL AS JESUS SHOWED HIS POWER

1. The Day of Triumphal Entry was remembered, the Day He cleansed the Temple, & Hosanna of Children
2. The Jews at first were too shocked to oppose Him much, and were greatly in fear of the crowd
3. But His enemies spent the night fuming- as He retired to Bethany and over Mt of Olives

B.- BUT THIS THIRD DAY, THE DAY OF CONTROVERSY, JESUS FOUND THEM WAITING AND READY TO SNARE HIM

1. The Elders came v.23 and begin to question his Authority - Schools, Ordination, whose Authority?
2. In rapid fire they questioned him about Political and Religious matters- with stock trick ??
3. So much time is wasted today as then about doting on Questions that have stock answers -

C.- BUT JESUS TURNED THEIR QUESTIONS, TRAPS, SNARES, BACK UPON THE HYPOCRITICAL LEADERS OF ISRAEL

1. When asked of His authority- Jesus of the authority of John of God or man? John's Baptism?
2. They dared not answer- their own reasoning told them of their foolishness- what answer you?
3. Jesus then refused to answer them- but He had already given an answer- He was baptized of John

Then Jesus took His turn to ask of them a parable-type riddle - a beautiful picture of human nature

II.- THE PARABLE OF TWO PRODIGAL SONS Matt 21:28

This is completely different from the Prodigal son of Luke 15:11-, here they both were wrong

A.- THE URGENT REQUEST WAS THE SAME FOR BOTH "SON, GO WORK TODAY IN MY VINEYARD" Matt 21:28

1. The Father asked politely "Son", endearment; "Go" - get up and go out where work is
2. "Work"- you can't always sit and soak! "Today"- The Father knows when! -Always Today!
3. "In my vineyard"- Not slave work, but not easy either! Produce something for the Father

B.- THE FIRST SON'S ANSWER WAS "I WILL NOT" v. 29a BUT HE REPENTED AND WENT!

1. He was a hasty boy, blunt, grievous, no doubt a real heartbreak to the Father -but honest
2. This was a serious sin in Israel- Violation of 5th Commandment- & serious today too!
3. But he repented- changed his mind, without great fanfare- just went and did the job!

C.- THE SECOND SON'S ANSWER WAS "I GO, SIR" v. 30b BUT HE DID NOT GO AND WORK!  JUST ALL TALK

1. The sophisticated, polite "Sir", -overdone: "I Go" was right, and nice, but a lie!  Reason?
2. At least his sin could be seen! -didn't have to guess.  He did not do what he knew was right
3. It is hard to Judge hearts today too! But actions can sure be weighed against God's Word

If you love the Lord it is known of you I Cor 8:3. Actions always speak louder than words. 

Many of you have surrendered your life to the Lord - But then ignore Him when He calls- you miss His choice blessing -

III.- BUT WHAT THINK YE?  Matt 21:28a, 31

There are times when our permissive society must make a decision- & God demands one of YOU

A.- JESUS WOULD NOT LET THE ELDERS AWAY WITHOUT THEIR ANSWER - WHETHER DID THE WILL OF FATHER? 31

1. There could be only one answer, not which one was polite, but which one DID THE WILL!
2. Some come to church mouthing pious platitudes- but what about their behavior in the vineyard?
3. Some tell me what a wonderful Christian they are - not mine to judge - But the Lord will!

B.- THOSE WHOM THE WORLD WOULD LIST AS WICKED SINNERS, UNLEARNED AND ROUGH, BELIEVED .-31,32

1. The publicans and harlots had lived in open sin-had broken many laws- but listened to John
2. When John pointed to Jesus- they believed Him- Repented, and did what John asked- Jesus
3. I've always time for a person who wants to come to Jesus- no matter how sinful they've been

C.- BUT SOME ARE VERY SOPHISTICATED, SMOOTH, CULTURED, EVEN RELIGIOUS, BUT NOT REPENTANT!

1. Being raised in Church is a handicap in this area!  Hypocritical attitudes stink to God
2. The outwardly polite, religious person -needs repentance too!  Religious and Lost- is terrible
3. Unless you DO the will of God, you are lost! Another Pharisee! Do you have repentance?

Luke 13:3,5 can be updated - God knows your heart, and your action! Mercy or Condemnation?

WHAT ANSWER AND WHAT ACTION DO YOU TAKE WHEN THE FATHER ASKS YOU, SON, GO WORK TODAY IN MY VINEYARD?

1. The Call of God goes out daily!  What did you answer last week?  What did you do about it?
2. If you are not satisfied with the answer and action you gave God- do something about it Now!
3. How much sweeter- to say yes to the Lord,- then to go out and WORK in His Vineyard!