ACTIONS SPEAK
Opening Prayer
Lord, teach me to identify and choose the correct path to traverse.
Read MATTHEW 21:28–32
The Parable of the Two Sons
28 “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.’
29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
31 “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. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
List the questions and requests you have for God and prepare to listen.
Think Further
Have you ever come in halfway through a conversation and tried to work out what’s going on? We’re in that position now. Jesus has previously posed a question to the chief priests and elders about the source of John the Baptist’s authority. The common people have accepted John as God’s messenger; the religious authorities (who should have known better) have soundly rejected him. So Jesus presses the point, saying: “Let’s put it another way: what do you think about this example?” and leads them step by step through a story about saying and doing.
It’s easy to say we’ll do something when it’s requested of us. Often we fully intend to do so, but occasionally we forget. At other times we say we’ll do what was requested but in reality have no intention of doing so. We’re simply trying to get someone off our back. On the other hand, we sometimes say that we’re not able to meet a request but it niggles away at us until we’re forced to go and do it, willingly or unwillingly. So, Jesus concludes, even the dregs of society (the ubiquitous tax collectors and shameful prostitutes) have responded to John’s niggling and will enter the kingdom of God, whereas God’s yes-men, the religious leaders, will be left outside owing to their own decision. In saying this, Jesus has clearly demonstrated his right to determine those who choose the righteous way and those who do not. Whether they know it or not, their question about spiritual authority has been answered in no uncertain terms.
In Jesus’ brief parable of the two sons there are two lessons for us to learn: first, that doing is what actually matters, that actions really do speak louder than words. And second, that if the hat fits we must wear it. Clearly, the chief priests and elders find this impossible.
Apply
What is niggling away at you? Is now the time to get up and do it?
Closing prayer
Lord, Your people acknowledge that Your authority is supreme and beyond challenge.
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