Which Son?

Matthew 21:28-32 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ 29 ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. 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. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”
 
HAVE you noticed how often Jesus contrasts tax collectors and prostitutes with the ruling Jews? To the priests and elders – and to the culture – there were no greater sinners than tax collectors and prostitutes. They were social and cultural outcasts. It was easy to judge them because their outward lives revealed their sins. Surely God had no time for them!
   Then Jesus proves us wrong. Jesus ministers his grace with two consistent points throughout the gospels. First the priests, Pharisees and Sadducees should be the most righteous in Israel. They are the ones who have received the legacy of service and the education of God’s Word. They know the Scriptures in their heads. But Jesus often points out they have no heart knowledge.
   The second point is that the LORD God is willing to receive all who repent and turn to him in love. In this case, Jesus reminded the Jews, “You did not believe him (John the Baptist), but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did.”  These disdained public sinners had heard John’s preaching. They listened and obeyed. Their lives changed from wrong to right as they began to walk in the favor of God’s forgiveness. With God all things are possible.
   Repentance is not merely saying, “Forgive my sins, Lord.” and then deliberately repeating your sins. Repentance is a heart change that leads to heart righteousness. Such a life is purposefully and lovingly marked with God’s holy law. One joyfully does what must be done because God has said this is what you must do.
   The elders and priests were like many today who say, “I’m faithful to God.” But as the second son, their lives are based on their own convenience, not their heart’s obedience. Only in their self-view are they righteous, thinking “I’m good.” when really they are not.
   Which son are you? The one who did right or the one who just said he would? Jesus commands Kingdom citizens to be disciples of integrity. Words you speak must be words from your heart.