Words and Deeds (Matthew 21:28-41)

            The parable of the two sons (Matt. 21:28-32) is about two brothers whose father tells them to go work in his vineyard. One tells his father that he will, but doesn’t do it. The other tells his father that he won’t go, but ends up working all day among the vines. Jesus then asks the question: “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The answer is clear: the one who actually worked, though initially refusing to do so. This parable continues earlier stories in Matthew about the people who actually are part of God’s kingdom. Jesus tells the religious leaders in his audience that “Tax collectors and prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you” (Matt. 21:31).[18] The folks who look the least religious will enter God’s kingdom ahead of religious leaders because in the end they do God’s will.

            In work, this reminds us that actions speak louder than words. Many organizations have mission statements declaring that their top aims are customer service, product quality, civic integrity, putting their people first, and the like. Yet many such organizations have poor service, quality, integrity and employee relations. Individuals may do the same thing, extolling their plans, yet failing to implement them. Organizations and individuals falling into this trap may have good intentions, and they may not recognize they are failing to live up to their rhetoric. Workplaces need both effective systems for implementing their mission and goals, and impartial monitoring systems to give unvarnished feedback.

            The parable immediately following, the parable of the wicked tenants (Matt. 21:33-41), takes place in a workplace, namely a vineyard. However, Jesus makes it clear that he is not talking about running a vineyard, but about his own rejection and coming murder at the instigation of the Jewish religious authorities of his day (Matt. 21:45). The key to applying it to today’s workplace is verse 43: “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.” We all have been given responsibilities in our work. If we refuse to do them in obedience to God, we are working at odds to God’s kingdom. In every job, our ultimate performance appraisal comes from God.