Matthew 21:28-32

Welcome back to another episode of God is Better Than Cake

I’m your host, Lottie! 

Have you ever heard the phrase, “actions speak louder than words”? The idiom as we know it today was first published in a book called Will and Doom in 1692 by Gershom Bulkeley but the idea is as old as time.

Jesus actually told a parable about this. Let’s take a closer look!

Matthew 21:28-32

“What do you think? A man had two sons. 

And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’

And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 

And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 

Which of the two did the will of his father?” 

They said, “The first.” 

Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 

For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. 

And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.”

– Matthew 21:28-32 ESV

Wouldn’t you agree that it was pretty disrespectful of the first son to tell his dad that he will not obey him and work in the vineyard? Yet his change of heart and actual obedience are what matter more here. 

The other son said he would go but then never did. Not only did his inaction reveal his character, he also wasn’t true to his word.  

What we do matters. What Jesus was showing us is that the Pharisees would say the right things but their actions were opposite.  In contrast, sinners that were coming to repentance were acting in obedience.

Which brother are you more like? 

Dear Lord, help us all to be obedient to your commandments and to serve you with our whole hearts. Help us to do even better than both of these brothers by saying, “Yes, I will obey” and actually obeying too.

Thank you that we can have the power to do your will because of Jesus.

Fill our hearts today with love for one another and for you!

In Jesus name, amen!

Thank you for listening to another episode of God is Better Than Cake. 

Remember to be kind to one another.

Until next time, Ciao