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An Important Question – 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.
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An Important Question – 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. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?“The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, 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.”
Which of the two did the will of his father? • A timeless question: • Enemies were desperately trying to find sin in the life of Jesus. • This parable and the one that follows exposes the hypocrisy in them. • A question for us today! • A question from God to us: • Are you doing the will of the Father? • _______ are you doing the will of the Father? • What could be more important? Andy
Which of the two did the will of his father? • Why is this question asked? • The only question that really matters. • Entire Bible echoes this question. • The book of Kings is not concerned with the outward successes or failures of the rulers, but how they stood in reference to the will of God. • 1 Kings 11:4 (Solomon); 11:38 (Jeroboam); 15:1-3 (Abijam); 15:11 (Asa); 15:26 (Nadab); 15:34 (Baasha) • It’s no different in the New Testament: • Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven (Matt. 7:21).
Why Ask? Emphasize the Most Important Fact! • Doing the will of the Father is Christianity. • Highest achievement we can ever reach. • Reason for being here: • To have an easy time? • To avoid opposition? • To live and let live? • To get the most out of life? • Worldly success: • Inventor? • Politician? • Humanitarian? • Jesus (Jn. 6:38; 17:4)!
The Command: • Go work in my vineyard. • Command of a father, not a slave driver. • Vineyard = Church (1 Cor. 3:9). • Today is the day to work (Jn. 9:4). • The fool is so busy seeing the distant, that he forgets the here and now. • Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. (Prov. 17:24). • Recognizes personal freedom. • Does not force us; we must open (Rev. 3:20).
The Responses: • Second son is quite courteous – “I go, sir.” • Seemed respectful, but how disappointing. • What is wrong? • Not his manner or quick reply to do the work. • Rather, his failure to obey the father. • All else is meaningless without obedience. • First son’s response is shocking – “I will not.” • Brazen and ugly reply. • No respect and no hint of obedience. • He changes his mind. • Look of disappointment in father’s face??? • Remembrance of father’s sacrifices???
All Appreciate the Conduct of this Son • Why? • Not the ugly reply. • Not the delay of obedience. • Because he repented of his ugly, shameful conduct. • He said “yes” to his father instead of “no.” • God commands us all to work in His vineyard. • What is your answer? • No! • Yes, but no action! • Yes, and righteous action!
