Do The Will of the Father

Intro:

Who do you believe? Why do you believe? We believe people and resources and other things we trust. When we do not trust something or they are not in the circle of trust we are slower to trust the information. Another barrier of trust is pride. We are slow to listen and receive something that is contrary to what we already know. This comes from ego off self. The ego is proud because over time it has developed a belief of being well informed on certain information. We hold to beliefs that are not grounded in fact and when faced with facts we reject this truth. How we have to grow with humility and openness to learn and change our behavior.

God teaches humility is acceptable behavior and desire for us to humble ourselves and repent in the presence of this truth.

Lead into the text:

Jesus is addressing chief priests, elders of the people, and others who were in the temple. The chief priest along with the elders are challenging Jesus asking him, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

Jesus response to them...

Matthew 21:24–25 NLT

24 “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. 25 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?” They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn’t believe John.

Jesus is addressing their reception or lack there of the baptism of John. Jesus is looking to address their rejection of John is rejecting God! So he goes into this parable, which is the text for us this morning.

Matthew 21:28–32 NLT

28 “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.’ 29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30 Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go. 31 “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. 32 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.

Understanding this parable:

This parable teaches on repentance in response to God’s message. Belief in God’s Word should be evident in change of lifestyle.

The First son

Matthew 21:28–29 NLT

28 “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.’ 29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway.

The father comes to the first son with the message to work in the vineyard.

The son hears the message and gives a negative response.

How do we first receive messages?

We filter messages from what we know.

Some information will challenge our beliefs and may lead us to grow in knowledge and wisdom.

The truth can make one angry when it challenges you to grow or believe what you are not familiar with.

Questions to ask why it is hard to receive the message.

What is hindering you to believe?

Do you need more evidence?

Do you just refuse to believe no matter what evidence is presented before you?

He internalized the message and had a change of heart.

Matthew 21:29 NLT

29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway.

The second son

Gives lip service

Matthew 21:30 NLT

30 Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.

He said what the father wanted to hear but his heart was not in it.

Jesus’ questions to the parable serves as condemnation to the tented audience.

Matthew 21:31 NLT

31 “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.

Changed Life in response to the Gospel

Jesus came to show us the way to Christ.

The gospel tells us of the great love of God demonstrated through the son.

Our response to this gospel is our choice alone.

We can reject the message at first but choose to respond in the affirmative.

Testimony of rejection and rebellion

Rebelling against God and living to satisfying selfish desires and not submitting to the call of God. There is none righteous. We are lost by ourselves. We are in desperate need of the grace of God.

Thank God for his patience with us.

The patience of God desires for us to repent and know the power of redemption.

We have chance to receive the message and choose to be changed.

Let us give God our heart and lead to action

Matthew 21:32 NLT

32 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.

Believe the gospel it will change your life.

The choice is yours.

You have to see if it is worth it for yourself.

Professor says God is not real.

Student in the class objects by telling the Teacher I know God is real.

Professor: How do you know God is real?

Student: I know just like I know this apple is good. You have to taste and see for your self. Just like I have bitten this apple and see that is good. I have tried God and seen that God is good!

Isaiah 29:13 NLT

13 And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.