28 “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.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. 31 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. 32 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
Jesus told this parable to the chief priests and the elders in the temple after they refused to answer if the baptism of John was from God or man. The point of the story is that while the first son initially refused to do the will of his father, he eventually obeyed, while the second son said he will do his father’s will, but then does not. Which son ultimately obeyed? Obviously the first son, because saying you will obey, and then not obeying, like the second son, is not obeying at all. Jesus has just entered Jerusalem in a triumphant manner, only to have the chief priests and elders challenge his authority. Jesus’ point is that those who accept Jesus, no matter what they have done in the past, will be saved, as opposed to those who have tried to appear holy, but reject Him.
This parable has application in our time as well. Jesus came to save sinners. Some may attend church regularly, have a pious manner, have a lot of Biblical knowledge, and even criticize those who appear less holy, but they may not have accepted Jesus. To know Jesus is to love Him. To love Him is to worship Him daily, to grow in your faith, and for Him to be central in your life. Jesus cannot be a casual part of a true believer’s life. He must be the most important part.
Do you love Jesus with all of your heart, mind, soul? Do you pray daily and sincerely? Are you growing in your faith? Or are you just going through the motions? Has your faith become stale?
Faith is not a natural part of our fallen nature. It must be nurtured and tended to daily. Prayer, studying scripture, and active church participation are key. Don’t take your faith in Jesus for granted. It is the most important thing in your eternal life.