Matthew 21:28-32 The Message (MSG)
“One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” – Luke 16:10
Jesus chose to surround Himself with a “team” who was completely faithful. He didn’t care about their religious practices, how popular they were, how much money they made, their level of education, or their sins; rather, Jesus cared about His “team’s” hearts, and knew by their faith they would enrich the Kingdom of God.
When you feel doubtful about the sins you’ve committed, or you question your value for the Kingdom of God, go through this list of God’s broken soldiers. Remember, like these men and women, God seeks a faithful relationship with a repentant heart that is sold out for Him. He doesn’t want part-time lukewarm religious practices. We see the difference between these two in today’s scripture: The Story of Two Sons.
Abraham – Was Old
Elijah – Was Suicidal
Joseph – Was Abused
Job – Was Bankrupt
Moses – Had Speech Problems
Gideon – Was Fearful
Samson – Was a Womanizer
Rehab – Was a Prostitute
Samaritan Woman – Was Divorced
Noah – Was a Drunk
Jeremiah – Was Young
Jacob – Was a Cheater
David – Was a Murderer
Jonah – Ran from God
Naomi – Was a Widow
Peter – Denied Christ 3x
Martha – Was a Worrier
Zacchaeus – Was Money Hungry
Disciples – Fell Asleep Praying
Paul – Persecuted Christians
Matthew 21:28-32
The Story of Two Sons
28 “Tell me what you think of this story: A man had two sons. He went up to the first and said, ‘Son, go out for the day and work in the vineyard.’
29 “The son answered, ‘I don’t want to.’ Later on he thought better of it and went.
30 “The father gave the same command to the second son. He answered, ‘Sure, glad to.’ But he never went.
31-32 “Which of the two sons did what the father asked?”
They said, “The first.”
Jesus said, “Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God’s kingdom. John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn’t care enough to change and believe him
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your Word. Help me to remain faithful to it, and to grow in my relationship with You. Please guard me from placing any emphasis over You and onto religious practices. Guide my focus to remain on You. In Your Name, Jesus. Amen!
Written by: Jen Auer