The King Enters
‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. Matthew 21:29 · Berean Standard Bible
The first son says, 'No way.' But later, he changes his mind and goes to work.
His first answer was wrong, but his heart caught up. Actions speak louder than words.
The first son is honest — initially defiant, but eventually obedient.
He started with a no but ended with a yes. What matters isn't your first response — it's your final one.
The first son initially refuses but later repents (metamelētheis) and goes — representing those who initially reject God's call but ultimately obey.
The verb metamelētheis ('changed his mind/felt remorse') describes a change of heart leading to action, not mere verbal assent.
The narrator describes the first son's initial refusal and subsequent obedience.
The first son says no but does yes — his actions, not his initial words, reveal his true heart.
27So they answered, “We do not know.”
28But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
29‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went.
30Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing.
31Which of the two did the will of his father?”
Read all of Matthew 21 — Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey while the crowds shout hosanna. Within hours, he's overturning tables in the temple.
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