What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, “Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.” He said in reply, “I will not,” but afterwards he changed his mind and went. Matthew 21:28 NABRE
Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders about John the Baptist. He had asked them if they thought John the Baptist was doing heavenly work or human work. The religious leaders wouldn’t answer Jesus out of fear their answer would cause opposition among the people. So Jesus comes back at them with this question about two sons asked to work in the vineyard of their father. One son when asked says he won’t work but actually works in the vineyard. The other son says he will work in the vineyard but does not. Jesus is making a comparison to these religious leaders indicating they are like the second son. The leaders of the church are said to be in place because they are called to do the will of God and serve God. But Jesus is challenging these leaders as being self-serving, not people serving. The leaders have the law, and by taking office they affirmed that they would do God’s will. But God sent John the Baptist and these leaders did not believe him. Jesus declares even tax collectors and prostitutes, seen as the lowest in the socioreligious scale, first did not believe John the Baptist but repented after hearing his exhortation. Jesus challenge implies our action is more important than our words. We see this throughout history, people will say they believe in God, follow God’s will and are obedient to God, but a view of their life doesn’t support they are walking their talk.
There is a statement attributed to Francis of Assisi, preach the gospel daily, when necessary use words, i.e. live repentance, speak minimally.
What does your living say about you? Accepting Jesus; have you changed how you live?
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