Parables are often hard to understand, but if we think deeply about them, they reveal hidden motives of the heart.
Jesus told about two sons. Their father asked both to work in a vineyard. The first said no—but worked anyway. The second said yes—but did not work.
Torn between obedience and personal desires, the first son responded poorly. Nevertheless, in the end he did the right thing.
The second son might have thought his motives were right. Perhaps he desired to work until he was distracted. Most likely, however, he deceived himself. Had his love been pure, nothing could interfere with keeping his word.
When Jesus asked the religious leaders which son did the father’s will, they knew the right answer and they replied, The first. Yet Jesus was comparing them to the second son. They served God with their mouth—not with their heart.
Assuredly, said Jesus, tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. (Mt. 21:31b NKJV)
Oirignally published February 5, 1988.
Picture: Flower in Arizona desert, 2008. Photo by Patty.
Jesus told about two sons. Their father asked both to work in a vineyard. The first said no—but worked anyway. The second said yes—but did not work.
Torn between obedience and personal desires, the first son responded poorly. Nevertheless, in the end he did the right thing.
The second son might have thought his motives were right. Perhaps he desired to work until he was distracted. Most likely, however, he deceived himself. Had his love been pure, nothing could interfere with keeping his word.
When Jesus asked the religious leaders which son did the father’s will, they knew the right answer and they replied, The first. Yet Jesus was comparing them to the second son. They served God with their mouth—not with their heart.
Assuredly, said Jesus, tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. (Mt. 21:31b NKJV)
Oirignally published February 5, 1988.
Picture: Flower in Arizona desert, 2008. Photo by Patty.
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