On loving God
A reflection on Matthew 21:28-32 and Matthew 22:1-14
Welcome back, today I want to reflect with you on two parables told by Jesus. One about two sons and the other one about a wedding banquet. Before we start looking at the parables, let’s look at the setting:
Jesus just arrived in Jerusalem and was welcomed as king (Palm Sunday)1. He was at the temple and drove out the money-changers that exploited the people coming to worship2. The chief priests and the elders of the people questioned Him on where He got his authority from and after Jesus denies them an answer3 He starts with this first parable. I think even though this parable was directed at this religious elite questioning Him, we should also examine ourselves. Especially as someone that has grown up in the church, it’s easy to become self-righteous if we don’t let ourselves be corrected by Jesus again and again.
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 go, 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
What was the heart of both of the sons? I think neither one actually wanted to do what was asked of them. So why did one do it, and the other only said he would?
When I put myself in both positions the only explanation that I can come up with for the different behaviour is, the first loved the father, while the second was indifferent.
Where the English translation says that he changed his mind, my German Bible tells it as: “Later he felt sorry and went to work”. He regrets his attitude because he cares about the father.
The second one maybe didn’t want to fight with the father or he wanted to have the appearance of an obedient son, but in the end he didn’t do what he was asked and he probably also didn’t care that he didn’t do it.
Are we actually obedient when God asks something of us, or do we only care about appearing obedient without actually intending to be? Do we play with sin, testing how far we can go, or are we actually concerned with doing what pleases God?
The second parable asks us a similar question:
Jesus told them more stories. He said,
2 ‘Here is what the kingdom of heaven is like. A king prepared a wedding dinner for his son.
3 He sent his slaves to those who had been invited to the dinner. The slaves told them to come. But they refused.
4 ‘Then he sent some more slaves. He said, “Tell those who were invited that I have prepared my dinner. I have killed my oxen and my fattest cattle. Everything is ready. Come to the wedding dinner.”
5 ‘But the people paid no attention. One went away to his field. Another went away to his business.
6 The rest grabbed his slaves. They treated them badly and then killed them.
7 The king became very angry. He sent his army to destroy them. They killed those murderers and burned their city.
8 ‘Then the king said to his slaves, “The wedding dinner is ready. But those I invited were not fit to come.
9 So go to the street corners. Invite to the dinner anyone you can find.”
10 So the slaves went out into the streets. They gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good. Soon the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 ‘The king came in to see the guests. He noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes.
12 “Friend”, he asked, “how did you get in here without wedding clothes?” The man couldn’t think of anything to say.
13 ‘Then the king told his slaves, “Tie up his hands and feet. Throw him outside into the darkness. Out there people will weep and grind their teeth.”
14 ‘Many are invited, but few are chosen.’
Matthew 22:1-14
I think many people know this parable. Jesus basically tells the religious elite of His time that because they didn’t care about Gods good plan for salvation, He instead invited everyone.
The verses, I want to concentrate on in this reflection is verse 11-14. Who is this man that comes to the wedding feast but is not dressed in wedding clothes?
I think Ephesians 4:22-24 explains it
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
I believe the person of verse 11 is someone that wants to have all the benefits of a life in Gods kingdom, but doesn’t want to adhere to it’s rules. Someone that doesn’t want to put on the new self, that is righteous and holy but rather wants to keep living their old sinful life - which will ultimately lead to death.
The king is basically asking him, “Why would you want to be in my kingdom, if you don’t want to life by it’s laws?”. His laws are good and are for the good of the people of the kingdom.
So let us not be that guy and instead let us put on our new selfs that Christ has given to us!
How does this new righteous and holy self look like? Paul has some suggestions:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. 26 ‘In your anger do not sin’[3]: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:25-32
This new self is not something that we will just be able to live out. In order to live like that we need to be in constant connection with Jesus. Listening to the Holy Spirit and then be willing to let ourselves be corrected. It means that when we feel bitterness rise in ourselves, that we bring it immeadiately to God to deal with it. Don’t hold on to your old nature, it’s only harmful.
God has so much better for you. The way of His kingdom, might seem hard looking from the outside, but we don’t have to walk it alone, and that is what makes it worth it.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Jesus, in Matthew 11,28-30
Let us be loving children of our father, let us put on our new and righteous self, that has been gifted to us. And remember, we can’t do it alone. Stay in connection with Jesus who carries your burdens with you!
Have a blessed week!
Matthew 21:1-11
Matthew 21:2-17
Matthew 21:23-27