Scripture:

Matthew 21:

31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered.

Observation:

Beginning with this parable Jesus tells three parables in a row that basically reject the Jewish leadership.  It’s never more obvious than in this first parable of the two sons.  It’s the difference between promise and performance.

One son initially rejects his father’s plea to work but then changes his mind.  The second son says he will work but then never does.  One promises, the other performs. 

One professes, the other practices.

Application:

Unfortunately, the church is full of people who make professions but never follow it up with practice.  Faith becomes real…when we put it into action.  It becomes the very nature of faith that we step out…sometimes into the unknown and do something.  To just “say” that you have faith isn’t enough.  James says even the demons say that.

James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

How different are we if we say we follow Christ but our lives don’t match up with our words? Strangely enough it’s the outcasts (the tax collectors and prostitutes) of Jesus’ day that are ultimately accepted.  Why?  They believed and it showed.  In the words of my grandmother…the religious leaders “were too heavenly minded to be any earthly good”. 

They might have said they believed…but in the end…it didn’t show.

How is God prompting you to live out your faith today?

Prayer:

Commit to God today that you won’t make any more promises to him…you will just do what he says!