‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’
The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’
but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The first son was in a better position than the second because he was at least honest, both with himself and with his father. He did not attempt to mask his intention to disobey, shocking and wrong though it was, with the pretense of obedience. Because everyone understood where he stood it was possible for him to reevaluate his situation without deluding himself. He was able to change his mind and go, just as tax collectors and sinners heard the words of John the Baptist and decided to change their minds and repent.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order.
He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.
The second son may have thought about going, might even briefly have meant to go. But he found it sufficient to stop at the satisfaction of the appearance of obedience. Was it initially an intent to deceive? It could certainly have been the case that he never intended for a moment to set about the work in the vineyard. But perhaps it didn't initially begin as intent to deceive, but rather gradually evolved to require deceit to maintain what he truly cared about: appearance. It was exactly appearance in which the Pharisees themselves seemed most invested, much more so than actual obedience of fidelity to the command of the Father. The Pharisees had thus allowed themselves to be deluded, they made it necessary for their own self-image to believe a lie, and were thus unable to respond to John about the way of righteousness.
Which of the two did his father’s will?”
They answered, “The first.”
We must be willing to see things as they really are, to see ourselves as we really are, if we want to be able to respond to the call of John to prepare our hearts for the Messiah. The witness of the transformation of those who are honest enough to do so ought to be an inspiration for us to lay aside any pretense that prevents us from a more full embrace of the Father's will.
Yet even when you saw that,
you did not later change your minds and believe him.
Whether we are the first son or the second Jesus has a plan to reach us. He himself will help unmask deceptions which cloud or judgment, in which we ourselves are at least somewhat complicit. He himself will empower us to become "a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuse in the name of the LORD". Neither son could have responded without grace to empowered a response. It was God himself, at work in their hearts, who alone was able to "change and purify the lips of the peoples". Those lips had been used insincerely by both of the sons, but could now be put to their intended use, that of right praise. Both sons probably feared owning up to their disobedience. But God promised them that if they did respond they "need not be ashamed". It can be so for us as well.
They shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.
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