Matthew 21:18-32
One item struck me anew this morning. In the morning, as He was returning to the city, He became hungry. (v. 18) It’s a small matter, I know, but with Jesus and his disciples staying evenings in Bethany this Holy Week, did Martha and Mary not offer them breakfast before they left for the day? I know, not an earth-shattering discovery…!!
The two sons… Neither had the perfect response. The first son relented, but did he repent? Was it guilt that sent him to the vineyard or a real recognition that he had wronged his father? And what was his continuing attitude while he was in the vineyard working – grumpy at having to be there or happy that he was helping his father? So, a mixed response for this first son. But the second son – clearly a problem! Nothing more to say on that one. But my further reflection is on the father. In the end he sees he must be happy to see his first son engaging in the work, but he probably feels some anger or disappointment at the second son not going out.
Jesus was speaking to the chief priests and elders when he spoke this parable, but He could just as easily be speaking to us. What has Jesus asked us to do and how have we responded? There are two other responses that Jesus did not mention in this parable, yes-yes and no-no. Forgetting the no-no, Jesus would surely like to see our yes-yes! But what is His reaction to a no-yes? I think the key is in our response – do we do His work because we relent or because we repent? If we’re just doing His work because “we have to” (we relent), I doubt that He rejoices over our work. But I daresay that His response to a repentant no-yes is every bit as joyful to Him as a yes-yes. But save yourself the trouble. If He asks something of you, speak Isaiah’s words: “Here I am, Lord, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
See also: September 3 / Matt. 21:18-22; September 5 / Matt. 21:23-32
Reading these stories together, they all seem to be about religion without substance or with substance. The fig tree is a parable in action about the unfaithful religion of the Pharisees, no fruit. (According to my Bible study). Then in the next story, He goes on about praying in faith, not just that God can do it, which He can. But in faith about whether it will further God’s kingdom, is it in His will, are we seeking His way, not just our selfish interests? Maybe it is praying in The faith. Finally He goes on to the parable of the two sons. Obviously the yes-no son who gave lip service but no action was about religion with no substance again. Three ways of looking at it. He really is digging into those “Pharisees”! Praying that you and I are not modern Pharisees.