Jesus tells a parable about two sons: one who tells his father he will not work in the vineyard but changes his mind and works and one who says he will go and then does not. He then tells how the religious leaders will be behind the tax collectors and the prostitutes who are going into the Kingdom of God.

The story was a response to the religious leaders asking Jesus about where He got the authority to do what He had been doing. They were struggling about the difference between power and authority. Jesus had real authority (internal respect and humility) vs the religious leaders exercised power (external control) over the people. Consequently, Jesus disturbed the status quo by turning over the tables in the courtyard. Sometimes doing the right thing disturbs the status quo.

The difference between the two sons was that the first son had faith in mercy while the second son had faith in works. The first son realized that even though he offended his father, his relationship was worth being obedient. The second son thought that he could impress his father even when he would not fulfill his promises.

Ultimately, the goal to work in the vineyard is to produce fruit. What kind of fruit are you producing?

We learn that God is not the boss of you but rather He is our Author...the one who gives us true authority to represent Him in His Kingdom.