Bible In A Year | Read: Matthew 21
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. Matthew 21:28-32
Overview of Chapter
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey amidst the praises of the people, but things quickly change as Jesus challenges current religious practices. He angrily removes people from the Temple who are taking financial advantage of those who are coming to worship God. Jesus recognizes that most Jews have decided to reject him, so he begins to illustrate the fact that God will reject the Jews for their unbelief. The fig tree had leaves on it, but should have also had fruit on it. The Jews were like the tree: they appeared to be healthy, but on closer inspection they were not. The story of the servants who kill the master’s son predicts that Jesus will be killed by those who should have served him. Jesus is making it clear that those who have rejected him will be rejected. The Jewish rejection of Jesus is demonstrated by the Jewish leaders’ challenge of Jesus. They ask from where his authority is coming. Jesus’ authority had been affirmed by John the Baptist, and the leaders wanted to appear to be in support of John, but they had actually rejected his message. These people wanted the appearance of being loyal followers of God but were rejecting him.
The seriousness of rejecting Jesus cannot be overestimated. Like the Jews at that time, if we reject him, we cannot bear fruit by accomplishing things for him and cannot enjoy the joy of being with him for eternity.
Thoughts on the verses
Jesus answers the question that He asked the religious leaders—“was the message of John the Baptist from God?” He uses a parable. The story is simple and the answer is obvious. The spiritual meaning of the parable surprised them. When they refused to follow John’s teaching, they rejected the instructions of the Father.
How do we respond to what God asks us to do? Do we say “yes, we will do what God wants”—and then do nothing? Or do we recognize we are rebelling against the Father—and repent and walk in obedience? Jesus will expose our hearts if we allow Him to speak. He will show us what our hearts are doing.
Take time and ask Him.
Prayer
Father, show me where I say one thing, but then fail to follow through with obedience. The religious leaders did not see themselves acting this way—and I would be the same. Everyone thinks that we are okay (well, with some small failures). You see it differently. So give me understanding. Give me a picture that I need to follow just like you gave the parable to them. Then I choose to listen. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action Step
What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
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