Parable of the Two Sons — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the two sons, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Matthew 21:28 (KJV)
How many sons did the certain man have?
Answer: Two
Study note. But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. (Matthew 21:28)
Lesson 2 · Matthew 21:28 (KJV)
What did the father ask the first son to do?
Answer: Go work to day in my vineyard
Study note. ...Son, go work to day in my vineyard. (Matthew 21:28)
Lesson 3 · Matthew 21:29 (KJV)
What did the first son say?
Answer: I will not
Study note. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. (Matthew 21:29)
Lesson 4 · Matthew 21:29 (KJV)
What did the first son do afterward?
Answer: He repented, and went
Study note. ...but afterward he repented, and went. (Matthew 21:29)
Lesson 5 · Matthew 21:30 (KJV)
What did the second son say?
Answer: I go, sir
Study note. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. (Matthew 21:30)
Lesson 6 · Matthew 21:30 (KJV)
Did the second son actually go?
Answer: No, he went not
Study note. ...And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. (Matthew 21:30)
Lesson 7 · Matthew 21:31 (KJV)
Which son did the will of his father?
Answer: The first
Study note. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. (Matthew 21:31)
Lesson 8 · Matthew 21:31 (KJV)
Who did Jesus say go into the kingdom before the chief priests?
Answer: The publicans and the harlots
Study note. Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. (Matthew 21:31)
Lesson 9 · Matthew 21:32 (KJV)
In whose way did John the Baptist come?
Answer: In the way of righteousness
Study note. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him. (Matthew 21:32)
Lesson 10 · Matthew 21:32 (KJV)
What did the chief priests refuse to do, even after seeing it?
Answer: Repent... that ye might believe him
Study note. ...and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. (Matthew 21:32)
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the two sons point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?