Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 21:28

"But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard." — Matthew 21:28 (ASV)

This is the first of three parables by which Jesus rebukes the Jewish leaders (vv.28–32, 33–46; 22:1–14). It is introduced without any preamble other than the question, “What do you think?” The normal way to take “first” and “second” in this context is “older” and “younger” son respectively.