Arulvakku

14.12.10 YOUR OPINION

"What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him. (Mt 21:28-32)

 

 

“What is your opinion?” is the way by which Jesus makes his listeners to think and decide for themselves. Jesus respects the freedom of the individual. He is not a person who has come with pre-concluded answers. He has the right conclusions and answers but he does not force them on to his listeners. His stories and parables are only to make them think for themselves.

 

The two sons in the parable are the samples of people and their reaction to obedience. There are people who say no but at the end oblige; and there are also people who say yes but do not oblige. I wonder why Jesus did not speak about people who say yes and yet oblige. Yes Jesus wanted to communicate a particular message and he has said this story to make his message acceptable.

 

Tax collectors and prostitutes enter the kingdom. Their ways of life seem to suggest that are disobedient (externally in the observance of the law) yet they are open to God and ready to receive the kingdom. Openness to God and his kingdom are more important.