Pentecost Season · Year A
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 27, 2026
Overview & Insights
“The tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” (Matthew 21:31)
Two symbolic actions of Jesus—his entry as king into Jerusalem and his temple critique (21:1–22)—provoke a contest of authority with the chief priests and Jewish elders (21:23–27). Jesus refuses to answer their question about the source of his authority directly; instead, he tells three parables that provide an implicit claim of his messianic identity and implicate the Jewish leaders in their rejection of his identity and authority (21:28–22:14). In their rejection, Jesus contrasts them to those who have believed his message (and John’s): tax collectors and prostitutes (21:31–32; cf. 9:9–13) and people who produce fruit (21:43; cf. 3:8; 7:15–20; 12:33). It is at this point in Matthew’s story that the Jerusalem leaders begin the final plot to arrest and execute Jesus (21:46; see 26:3–4).
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Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 21:23-32 Working Preacher
A named seminary scholar's exegesis of the authority scene and the two-sons parable.
Matthew 21:23-32 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on obedience shown in deeds rather than words.
Matthew 21 - The Two Sons Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical study of the parable and its warning.
Matthew 21 Commentary Precept Austin
An inductive study page with Greek word notes and cross references on the chapter.
Matthew 21:28 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries gathered verse by verse on the two sons and the tax collectors.
The Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year A) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Brant Pitre explains the Sunday readings in their Jewish and Catholic context.
Sunday Connection, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic background and reflection questions linking the day's readings to daily life.
Background & Word Study
Matthew 21 (Matthew Henry Complete) Bible Study Tools
Matthew Henry's full exposition of the chapter for a classic devotional reading.
Matthew 21:28 Interlinear BibleHub
The Greek word by word with parsing for the father's request and the sons' replies.
Enter the Bible: Matthew Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's book introduction to Matthew and the Jerusalem conflicts.
Gospel of Matthew Overview BibleProject
An animated overview of Matthew's design and themes.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the parable of the two sons about?
Two sons are told to work in the vineyard; one refuses but goes, the other agrees but does not. Jesus tells the chief priests and elders that tax collectors and prostitutes, who repented at John’s preaching, are entering the kingdom ahead of them (Matthew 21:28–32). Obedience is measured by action, not by words.
Where does this fall in the Catholic lectionary?
This is the Gospel for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (September 25 to October 1). The Catholic reading is the parable of the two sons alone (Matthew 21:28-32).
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