Disobedient Children and Second Chances - Matthew 21:28-32
All the signs in first century Israel pointed to who Jesus was, but were ignored by those who said they did everything they did for God – we must not make the same mistake today!
Matthew 21:28-32
Last week Jesus showed us that one of the most effective ways to answer questions is with questions that make people think. Another great way to communicate truth is to tell stories that relate to the situation being asked about – Jesus shows us that this week!
Two responses to Jesus in the parable of the two sons - V. 28-32
The word for changed his mind in verse 29 is metamelomai (G3308). It’s a compound of two words – the first being “after/afterward,” and the second being “care about.” It can be translated “Change of mind” or “REGRET.” Not too far down the Greek word tree we find metanoeo (G3340), which can be translated “change of mind” or “REPENT.”
How can Jesus make the statement in verse 32, that sinful rebels will get into heaven before the religious leaders?
Because the sinners far from God had recognized their lack of righteousness and need of the Savior, while the religious were trusting in their own righteousness and rejecting their Messiah.
What was John the Baptist’s “way of righteousness?”
1. The call to repent of sinful self-focus and turn to God (Matt. 3:2).
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” - Matt. 3:2
2. The call to turn to Jesus who takes away our sin (John 1:29).
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” - John 1:29
3. The call as a disciple to have Jesus increase in your life (John 3:30).
He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3:30
4. The call to bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:8a).
“Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” - Luke 3:8a
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and do mighty works in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:21-23
