AUG 2 - Believing Without Refusing
…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 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.
Matthew 21: 30-32 NLT
Jesus didn’t hold back. Ever.
When he tells them that tax collectors and prostitutes will get to the Kingdom before they do, he’s attacking their religion. Religion will make you think that because you go to church, you’re better than others. It’s not true.
There are pornstars and thieves that will get to God’s kingdom before religious Christians. That’s what Jesus is saying. But why?
Because sometimes we’re in church or in group, and we hear the word of God but we refuse to believe.
Refusing to believe and yet staying in church will create a religious Christian. A Christian that isn’t happy that God has saved them, because they don’t even believe God has saved them.
What does God need then? He needs Christians willing to believe in his word on not in their own logic.
A prostitute, a thief tax collector, they’re not going to break down Jesus’ theology. They’re going to believe.
How often do you doubt God’s word?
Do you often question God’s word or do you often believe it?
If you met a newly converted prostitute today are you more likely to encourage them or judge them?