"But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?' They said to Him, 'the first.' Jesus said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to yout hat tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.'" (Mt. 21:28-31)
Jesus spoke this parable to the self-righteous Jewish leaers. These religious leaders viewed themselves as holy, but in reality they had not given their hearts to God. Outwardly, they looked pious, but inwardly, they were "full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness" (Mt. 23:27). These arrogant men condemned the tax-collectors and harlots, yet they themselves were separated from God because of their own sinful hypocrisy.
Jesus' point in this parable is simple: it is better to be a sinner who repents and does what is right than it is to be a religious fraud. The one brother wickedly rebelled against his father's command, but afterward he recognized his error and obeyed. The other brother acted like he would obey, but really he never intended to follow through.
The lesson is a powerful one, and I hope that you get it. You may go to church every Sunday and you may pray before every meal, but have you given your whole heart to God? Are you outwardly obedient but inwardly rebellious? If so, Jesus condemns you in this passage.
Or perhaps you are the sinner who, until now, has refused to obey the commands of God. Won't you, like the good brother in this parable, turn from your rebellion and submit to the Father's will while you still have breath in you? Have faith in God, repent of your sins, confess Christ as Savior and be baptized for the remission of your sins. If you do these things, you will be saved!
If you have any questions, please let me know.
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