Turning Talking into Walking
First in Line

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 21:28-32

Key Verse: Matthew 21:31

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “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.

According to Jesus’ story in today’s scripture, who will be first in line for heaven?  Will it be the very educated and thoroughly trained theologians?  Will it be the hated tax collectors and prostitutes that go in first? Jesus’ answer must have stunned these experts in the Jewish law.  They saw themselves as the spiritual leaders of God’s people.  No wonder they hated Jesus and would eventually arrange for His crucifixion.

            Jesus’ story of the father with two sons explains why Jesus concluded with this shocking statement.  The father asked his first son to go work in his vineyard and he refused.  This same son later changed his mind and went to work.  The father went to his other son and asked him to go to work in his vineyard.  This son immediately said he would, but never made it.  Jesus, being the master teacher that he was, concluded with a question: “Which of the two did the father’s will?”  It was obviously the one who actually did go do the work.

            We have covered the basics of theology this month, as far as who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are, but it is never enough to know and agree with these concepts.  It is not pleasing to God if all you can end up with is knowledge.  We must go out today and live out the teachings in our lifestyle!  Let’s get to work!

Father, I will say yes to your teachings and I will put them into practice in my behaviors and be transformed by them.  In Jesus’ name, amen.