THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 21:28-32
“The tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” (Matthew 21:31)
It is not the people who say yes to God that please God, but those who actually do what He asks.
John’s message was to repent, and to start being gracious and merciful, like God (Luke 1:1-14).
Jesus is challenging the religious leaders because their actions do not agree with their words.
Much of what we do as Christians is more about religion than about right living.
Going to church, reading the bible, giving our offering, saying prayers, serving at church…
These are outward religious practices that CAN be helpful toward right living.
But they are not right living themselves; God is looking for grace, mercy, peace, love, forgiveness, etc.
It is not right beliefs that God blesses (saying yes, professing faith), but right practices.
The tax collectors and prostitutes were sinful, but they were repenting, they were open to change.
They recognized their moral failings, and they eagerly looked to Jesus for help and hope.
This is what a citizen of the kingdom is like; admitting sin, and working with Jesus to change.
These are the kinds of people that sit with Jesus at God’s table, humble sinners struggling to change.
Claiming forgiveness alone is not the sign of a ‘christian’; it also requires claiming obedience.
As God’s loved and forgiven child, will I take steps to actually DO what God asks of me?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I admit that my actions fall far short from my words. Give me a gentle kick in the pants to move beyond saying I am a Jesus follower, to take my obedience to the next level with Your help!