Photo illustration by Phil Younk
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Actions do speak louder than words
Based on Ez 18:25-28; Phil 2:1-11; Mt 21:28-32
“Yes, I will.” “No, I won’t.” We make choices every day. This Sunday, Jesus talks about choices.
Speaking to the high priests and elders, Jesus told a parable about a vineyard owner with two sons. The man said to the first son, “Go out and work in the vineyard today.” The son answered, “I will not.” Later, he had a change of heart and headed for the vineyard.
The man gave the same order to his second son and the son answered, “Yes, I will go.” But he ignored his father and did not go.
Jesus asked the crowd, “Which of these sons did what the father wanted?” They answered, “The first son.”
Jesus compared the first son to the people the high priests called sinners. These people did many wrong things.
But they, like the first son, had a change of heart and tried to do what is right.
Jesus compared the second son to the high priests. They heard John the Baptist’s teachings but did not listen.
They didn’t admit making wrong choices and didn’t ask for God’s forgiveness. They challenged Jesus’ authority and weren’t ready to live as Jesus taught.
God gave each of us a free will. That means we can make choices. When we make right choices and do good things, we act as Jesus taught us. Others can see that in our actions.
When we make wrong choices and sin, God doesn’t give up on us. He will always give us a second chance – if we have a change of heart and try to do what is right.
Jesus’ lesson is simple: What really matters is not what we say we’re going to do, but what we actually do. Actions do speak louder than words.
