Title: “What do you think?”
Contents
Today's text is a parable that Jesus gave when the chief priests, scribes, and elders came and asked challenging questions when Jesus was cleaning the temple in Jerusalem.
There was a father with two sons. The father said to the eldest son, "Go and work in the vineyard." Then the eldest son said, "Yes, Father, I will." But he didn't go. To the second son, "Go and work in the vineyard." But whatever happened, he refused altogether.
Then the second son repents of his disobedience to his father and goes to the vineyard. There is no son who completely obeys the Word. There is no one righteous, not even one. not already. However, it makes me realize deeply that I must be like the second son. In particular, the text has an important message for modern people.
First, faith is not a bluff.
The eldest son believed first, but like the Pharisees, they are legalists, and they are people who habitually lead a life of faith, bound by formalities and customs.
It's very (extremely) pretentious. Their oath is an illusion and face. When my father asks me to go to work in the vineyard, I just say "Yes!" in words so as not to upset my father.
They appear to be obedient, but in reality they are disobedient. Even worse, they have no intention of being obedient in the first place.
By word and example, I have already obeyed. If you say you love your neighbor but turn around, you see the other person's evil. You say you need to help your neighbors in need, but when you turn around, it has nothing to do with me.
There are no Pharisees or legalists. These are the deeds who live in form and custom. Are you on the Lord's side now or the bluff (illusion) side?
Second, faith is not just knowledge.
The second son is an honest man.
When my father spoke, he did not behave like his older brother. It says clearly that you can't do what you can't do. He disobeyed his father's words, but it was justified.
However, the son realizes his father's heart later. I am sorry. The Greek word for "repent" is 'metanoio', repentance. This is the main topic and core of today's sermon. Repentance means to change your thinking. In my mind, I stand with the heart of the Lord (Philippians 2:5-11).
Knowing is not just algebra. Flowchart knowledge at work. You have to work hard for a year and reap the fruits of your hard work, but there are no workers. Even children disobey during the harvest (judgment) where the opportunity cannot be missed. I couldn't understand my father's heart. It's your own thoughts to the end. This is the problem.
Third, once you realize it, you must obey.
Faith is not knowledge, but knowledge of God.
You don't know with your head, you know with your life. It is a lifestyle of faith.
The second son is late but returns to the vineyard. Faith is real (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is awakening (Proverbs 4:23). True repentance and repentance are obedience to the Word (the truth).
"Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before you. John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed, and you After seeing it, he repented and did not believe.” (verses 31-32) The publican and the prostitute became disciples of the Lord. The kingdom of God does not ask whether you are a prostitute or a publican. Only those who have repentance and turn and obey are the true children of God.