Approach: Reading the first parable in Jesus' series on rebuking Jewish religious leaders (Matt 21:28-32).

Hermeneutic objective: Practice the use of a chart to record one's observations to compare and contrast what Jesus is teaching.

Theological objective: Jesus' question, "which of the two did the will of the father?" placed the point of comparison on obedience. This sets up the parable to rebuke the religious leaders. The parable is constructed in such a fashion that it is obvious which son was obedient, and Jewish religious leaders answer accordingly without realizing the admission of their offense. The lesson of the parable is hidden behind the indignation directed towards the disobedient son. Jesus charged the religious leaders as saying yes to God, but never doing what God wanted; their "pious acts" did not grant them entrance into the kingdom of God.