THE RESPONSE OF THE SONS.

We have noted that both of the sons refused to serve their father. It is an underlining of the sinfulness and rebellion of all of humanity.
Now please note the important difference in the attitudes of the two sons.

1. One son sought to conceal his disobedience. "And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not," verse 30. He knew what he should do but only pretended to do it! He thought nothing of deceiving his father.

How many there are like that? They have a mere pretended 'religion'! A sham 'obedience' of God commands! Their whole behaviour is a lie!

2. The other son was openly defiant but repented. "He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went," verse 29.

It is possible to change your ways.

First word Christ used as a preacher. "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," Matthew 4:17.

It is not how you start but how you end that counts.