Delayed Obedience is Better than Disguised Disobedience

Do you respond to God with good intentions and, yet, do not do what He asks? Do you say, “Yes,” then do “No.” The Jewish leaders had questioned Jesus’ authority (see Matthew 21:23-27). It was most likely Tuesday of Holy Week under one of the Temple porches. Jesus described two sons, each defined by what he says and does.

Delayed obedience says, “No,” then does, “Yes” (see Matthew 21:28-29).

The term, two sons, alluded to Jews and Gentiles, namely tax collectors and prostitutes. The vineyard referred to kingdom work. In Judaism, the father’s request to his son was considered normal. The response, “I will not” (Matthew 21:29) related to the original attitude of the tax collectors and prostitutes toward God. The son’s reluctance to go was considered disobedient and was a punishable offense. Eventually, the son “changed his mind,” metamelomai, in Greek (Matthew 21:29). The NASB translates this as, regretted. Consequently, the son went, honoring his father’s request.

Has God been prompting you to kingdom work that He designed only for you? Perhaps, there are relationships where you have a unique connection to build an eternal bridge. How are you responding?

Disguised disobedience says, “Yes,” then does, “No” (see Matthew 21:30).

The second son responded to the father’s request to go and work in the vineyard with, “I will sir,” but he did not go. In Judaism, a son breaking his word to his father was considered worse than not responding to his father’s request, so Jesus’ audience felt the weight of the second son’s response. It was disguised disobedience.

Is it time for you to obey and do what God is asking of you? Maybe He’s asking you to walk across a room, a street, a city, a county, a state, a country, or an international border with the message of His kingdom. Take your first steps, today.

Episode 240: Parable of the Two Sons from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.