Read Matthew 21:28-32
Fake Respect = Mere Words. True Respect = Obedience.
Jesus is still talking with the religious leaders and tells this parable about a man who had two sons.
The father says to his first son, “Go work today in the vineyard.” The son answered with words of great respect saying, “I will sir.” In Greek, “SIR” means ” Master” or “One With Authority.” But then he didn’t go!
The father also went to the second son saying, “Go work in the vineyard.” The second son responded with, “I Will NOT!” The second Son showed no respect at all. His words meant a Big Fat NO!! Nothing any father would be proud to hear from their child.
However, later, the second son had a GREAT REGRET. His disrespect must have eaten at his conscience and heart because he had a change of heart and actually went and worked in the vineyard.
Jesus asked the religious leaders which son did the will of his father? They replied, the second son.
Jesus then hit them with hard facts saying:
1. The tax gathers and harlots (the “Worst” of sinners) will enter the kingdom of God before you (the religious leaders). The reason is because, although they were the “worst sinners,” they realized they were lost and showed great regret for their lifestyle. And in respect to God’s call, they repented of their sins and believed in the Lord Jesus.
2. The religious leaders, had a respect for God’s Word, but the respect was mere words. In their arrogance, they refused to listen to God’s prophet, John the Baptist, when he said the Messiah has come. Therefore, they did not believe in the Lord Jesus.
It doesn’t matter what your past is. It doesn’t matter if you were the “worst sinners.” Jesus came for you!! Show a deep regret or remorse for your sins. Lay them before Jesus and he will forgive you and save you and use you for the Kingdom of God. There’s Hope for all of us! How will you respond?
