June 27, 2022 -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Entering the Kingdom of Jesus

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
Matthew 21:28-32 ESV

This is scandalous. The most unlikely people ever—tax collectors and prostitutes—getting into the Kingdom of God. Tax collectors were colluders. They’d take the Roman tax from the Jewish people and they’d also extort more money. They were hated as betrayers of their own people. I am guessing that the sins of prostitutes is obvious enough, and there is no explanation why their inclusion in the Kingdom of God is so shocking.

Notice what Jesus is teaching. In the parable of the two sons, one is defiant, but afterwards is obedient and other pretends to be obedient, but is utterly cold towards his father and does not do what was requested of him. Then look at verse 32, John taught the way of righteousness—that is he baptized with the water of repentance—and those who believed him left their way of sin and obeyed Jesus. Those who appeared to be good on the outside, who had a pretense of obedience, they did not truly make any change in their life at all.

As a man who has the privilege of conducting prison ministry, I have first-hand testimony that there are men who have clearly seen the error of their ways and have repented, deeply and truly. They are the most unlikely candidates for salvation, indeed, they are the first to say so, expressing wonder and gratitude that God the Father should receive them in Christ. The Spirit is working to apply the sanctification of Jesus’ work to every part of their lives.

Faithful church-goer, any friend who claims Jesus, I urge you now to examine you life. Ask yourself: “do I believe in Jesus—and does my life reflect this belief?” When no one is looking, do you, in your heart and in your thought-life enthrone Jesus as Lord? Does such faith and knowledge then compel you to go into the fields, which are ready for harvest, and bring into discipleship more followers of Jesus?

Father in heaven, Source of every good gift, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. Move me, by Your Spirit, to confess Jesus with my lips and to live for Him in every part of my life. Forgive me for work undone and fields unwon. Renew in me, a holy zeal so that my life will be spent in service to You—triune God of Glory. Amen.

https://youtu.be/GFs_C134zQM