Matthew 21:28-32

Matthew 21:28-32
The chief priests and elders had initiated a challenge to Jesus concerning the origin of His authority. After exposing their dishonesty, Jesus challenged their rebellious attitude by a simple parable. A man had two sons and gave them both the command to go into the vineyard and work. The first son flatly refused to go but later considered his attitude, repented and went to work. The second son told his father he would go, but then did not. Jesus’ question was, which son was obedient? Notice that Jesus was not concerned with what the sons said, but with what they did. Which son was obedient? The Jewish leaders and nation in general had talked a good game, but had never truly been obedient. They had a long history of disobedience and the first century Jews were no different.
The Jewish leaders disdained the common people and despised even more the open sinners such as the tax collectors and prostitutes. But these were the ones Jesus compared to the first son. Yes, they had originally been disobedient and had turned away from God. But when John and then Jesus came, these sinners were the ones who were flocking to Him and changing their lives. Therefore, they would enter the kingdom and these hypocritical leaders would be left out.
The Lord is not impressed with those who claim to be His followers but do not live the life of self-denial and righteousness that He has required. The world is filled with people like these chief priests and elders. They put on a good show, but they are far from being true disciples.
This is also an important lesson to every Christian who is looking for evangelistic opportunities. The outwardly religious person is often the one to whom we are drawn to share the gospel. But they are the least likely to be obedient. They have convinced themselves that professing Christ is all that is needed. On the other hand, we are often repulsed by the open sinner and think that he or she would never want to give up their sin. But that was not Jesus’ experience, nor is it what happens today. Open sinners know they are sinners. One reason they are living as they do is because they are searching for something to fill their inner emptiness. The gospel is the answer to their needs. We make a big mistake when we shy away from the very ones who need the gospel the most and who deserve to be given the opportunity to obey the good news.
Berry Kercheville