Empty Packages
Passive Aggressive – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:28-32

Key Verse: Matthew 21:30

“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

Today’s scripture passage tells a parable by Jesus.  The purpose of this parable is to show the hypocrisy and deceit of the Pharisees and scribes.  (Remember, the Pharisees and scribes were looked upon as the spiritual leaders of the Jewish faith.)  They were pretending to do works of righteousness—deeds that were supposed to glorify God and serve people.  Unfortunately, these “spiritual leaders” were empty and miserable because their lives were one big “fake out.”  Jesus knew they needed a dose of reality if they were ever to come clean and really enjoy the life God intended for them.

Jesus looked these leaders in the eye and said, “What do you think?  There was a man who had two sons.”  Jesus goes on to tell how one said no to a request made by the father, but later decided to obey.  This father in Jesus’ story turned to his second son and made the same request of him.  This son was passive aggressive in that he said yes immediately, but did not go do the chore that had been requested!  Then Jesus turned to the Pharisees and scribes and asked: “Which of these two did what the father wanted?”  It was obvious:  The one who at first said no but later obeyed.  In other words, Jesus’ story was about lip service that these leaders were giving to God.  (Continued)

Father, I never want to give you lip service, but not follow through with action.  Grant me strength and wisdom, in Jesus’ name, amen.