Focal Passage: Matthew 21:23-32
We’ve all heard it said or probably have said it ourselves: “I’ll take care of it.” But then it never gets done. The idea is that words are easy but follow through is harder. What really matters is not just what we say, but what we do. Here in Matthew 21, Jesus confronts a group of people who said all the right things but refused to live under His authority. Then, Jesus tells a parable that exposes the difference between saying and submitting.
We see first these religious leaders questioning Jesus’ authority without surrendering to it themselves. They ask Him, “By what authority are you doing these things?” (v. 23). Jesus knows their question is not sincere. When he asks about John’s authority, they refuse to answer. It’s not that they lack the information, they lack the willingness. It shows us that they are not actually seeking truth; they are avoiding submission. It’s like my boys when they continually ask “why?” They aren’t trying to understand, but they are avoiding doing what they are told. I think we need to ask ourselves the question, “Do I question things because I want to grow or because I want to avoid surrender?”
Then, Jesus uses this opportunity to tell a story, or parable. He tells of two sons. One says, “I don’t want to,” but later goes and works. The other says, “I will, sir,” but never goes. This story shows us a couple of things. First, we can say the right things without actually obeying. The second son in this story represents outward religion that is polite and respectful, but ultimately disobedient.
The principle is this: Words without obedience are empty. Have you ever sent in an RSVP to an invitation saying you will be there, but then you didn’t show up? The commitment was spoken but not lived. On a much greater scale, Jesus is teaching that you can say all the right things, but if you don’t truly follow Him, then you don’t actually believe in Him. The question for us is, “Am I more focused on looking the part than actually obeying and surrendering to Jesus?”
The next thing this story shows us is that true submission to authority comes through repentance. Jesus explains that the first son did the will of the father. Then He makes it clear: tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom ahead of the religious leaders, not because they are better or look the part or say the right things but because they repented.
Repentance is the evidence of submission. It doesn’t mean perfection, but it does mean turning. The first son started wrong but ended right. The second looked right but remained unchanged. I think the important question for us is have we truly repented or are we just maintaining an image? One of my great fears is that many people in the church today are simply maintaining an image of following Jesus while not actually following Him.
Jesus’ authority is not up for debate. It is a reality to be received or rejected and there is no middle ground. The difference between those who enter the kingdom and those who do not is not what they say, but how they respond. True faith is surrender, not just lip service. B&R
