Theological Reflection
With Jesus’s authority now established by both his words and deeds, Jesus now speaks from that authority, teaching about the kingdom of God through a parable.
Jesus’s parable in this passage presents two sons. Both are asked to work in their father’s vineyard. The first son denies this invitation, then later changes his mind and goes into the vineyard after all. The second son accepts the invitation upfront, but does not do the work.
Jesus then identifies the chief priests and the elders with one of the sons from the story—the second son. Like the second son in the parable, they have said yes to serving in God’s vineyard, but have not actually carried out the work. Notice how Christ, the one with the highest authority in the temple, is asked in the temple by the religious leaders where he received his authority. Their assumed authority has blinded them to the One in their midst. They do not know that they are speaking with the one to whom the temple points.
“Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you,” Jesus tells them. This unlikely group to inherit the kingdom gains entrance by behaving as the first son does: repenting of the ways in which they are not following God. “For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and even after you saw it you did not change your minds and believe him.” By his authority, Jesus has used this parable to show that the kingdom of God is available to anyone who would repent and follow God.
Interestingly, the passage fails to mention a third possible reaction—a son who joyfully accepts his father’s call and does the work. This omission is intentional, as it points to the reality that Christ is the only perfect son of the Father.
By submission to the perfect son, the one with ultimate authority, the Church and her members will be transformed into children who can hear God’s call and obey. Getting to this point takes a lifetime of submitting authority and control to Christ. But we can arrive when we trust in Christ’s supreme authority.
The incarnation of God, Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Christ’s authority can be trusted because it comes directly from God. Christ’s self-emptying and obedience are the perfect expressions of true authority.
Later in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus will use his authority over heaven and earth to send his followers out into the vineyard. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). Like the two sons in the parable, we are called into the vineyard. Christ’s perfect authority grants us the grace to submit our will to his. Let us heed the call.
Reflection Questions
- Submitting to authority can be challenging for many. Where might you need to practice submitting to authority in your life?
- How do you live out your trust in God’s authority and control? In what ways do you struggle?
- Why do you think that the chief priests and the elders did not understand Jesus’s identity and authority? What blinds us to the presence of Jesus in our minds today?
- Are there any parts of your life that you have not given over to God?
- When in your life have you heard God calling to you? Did you respond? Did you follow through?
Faith in Practice
Experiences of misused authority can make it difficult for us to submit to God’s perfect authority. Take sometime this week and reflect on what makes it difficult for you to submit your whole self to God. Invite God into those places in your times of prayer. You might picture your body as a temple and visualize God’s presence filling those spaces. Or you might imagine those dark places or times in your life that you hold back as being with God’s light and with love. Does it change anything within you?
Jason Flack is a transitional deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. He is finishing his final year of seminary at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin, where he lives with his wife and puppy. Upon graduation, he will be serving as Curate at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, Florida.
