“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
“‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” (Matthew 21:28-31)
In this parable, Jesus tells a story of a father and his two sons whom he asked to do some work, and their response to his request. The first son initially refuses to do the work but later changes his mind and goes to do the work. The second son initially agrees to do the work but ultimately doesn’t. Jesus concludes by asking which son did the father’s will.
I don’t know about you, but I certainly can relate to this!!! Sometimes I know what must be done, but, I.JUST.DON’T.WANT.TO.DO.IT. Other times, I have full intentions to get the work done that I know is necessary, but then I don’t … I procrastinate and delegate.
This parable highlights themes of obedience, repentance and the importance of actions over mere words in faith. And it has given me times of deep meditation as I ponder it. While researching these Scriptures, I find Israel referenced, and the Israelites’ propensity to disobey God’s commands/instructions. They verbalized wanting to obey God and do His will, but they constantly disobeyed — phony, just going through the motions. When something became difficult, the Israelites whined and complained; and ultimately, they simply just didn’t do it.
God knows our heart. God is truth. And He is just. It is dangerous to pretend to obey God when our hearts are far from Him, because God knows our true intentions. Our actions must match our words. Thinking back to when I was a new believer and new to studying Scripture, I remember a teacher saying to me “when it’s written in red, pay attention because that is Jesus Himself speaking!!” (The Scriptures for today are written in red ink = pay attention!!!)
So Jesus concludes: the tax collectors (known for their dishonesty) and the prostitutes (known for dishonoring God with their bodies) will enter God’s Kingdom ahead of all pretenders/disobeyers/Pharisees. Harsh? Perhaps. At the very least, it sounds backwards or counterintuitive. But it is truth.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Hell is paved with good intentions”? Think about it. This is serious stuff! Think about a chronically dishonest person or someone who sells their body to another — entering into Heaven before me. Now THAT is something to meditate upon!
What is God asking you to do today? What area of your life is not following God’s will? Where are you pretending? What is your attitude?
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
Be still before the Lord, and ask Him to reveal any wicked way within … leading you in His ways everlasting.
Note any areas of your life that you have not fully submitted to God, and ask Him to help you have genuine faith.
“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15) Is there an area of your life you’re finding it hard to turn over control to God, and trust that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do? Ask Him to grow your faith to a place of complete trust in Him.
Are there any areas of your life in which you are refusing to obey God?
Consider that God supplies all the power needed to His children for doing His will. (2 Peter 1:3-4) Which is easier? 1: Not doing God’s will in your own strength OR 2: Doing God’s will with God’s strength. Explain your answer.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that YOU are truth, the way and the life. We recognize that You are all-knowing and ever-present; that nothing is hidden from You. So please help us to be honest with You. We desire to spend eternity with You, Lord. Lead us in Your ways everlasting; draw us close to You and teach us to abide and obey. And, Father, I pray that out of Your glorious riches, You would strengthen me with power through your Spirit in my inner being, so that You, Christ, may dwell in my heart through faith. I pray that my faith will be genuine; please give me a deep desire to honor you, Lord. I also ask that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart would be pleasing and acceptable to You; that You, Father, would be glorified in my life. I pray in Jesus’s name. Amen.