Day 8: The two sons

The Parable of the Two Sons 

“But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went away. The the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go. “Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first”

Then Jesus explained his meaning. “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.”

This parable reminds us to not just say what we will do, but actually do what we will say. Actions speak louder than words. Jesus brings up tax collectors and prostitutes as symbolism for us to understand, it’s not about what’s on the outside that will get you into heaven. The world may judge these people and disagree with their lifestyle, but God knows their heart. Although, people disliked tax collectors because they were corrupt, that would not stop a tax collector’s faith from growing or stop them from repenting. It is better to repent without saying you will, than say you will and never do. Our words must align with our actions.

We must live according to God’s word in the bible and not follow the desires of our flesh. It is easy to pass judgement on others or look down on some, but we must keep in mind, we are all created equal and no one is perfect. Don’t just be a reader of The Word, be a doer of The word. Simply put, Don’t talk about it, be about it!

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” -Romans 3:23

“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” -James 4:11-12