Matthew 21:28-32 Devotional

Matthew 21:28 "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.

The passage today instructs us about "lip service" and "life service".  One son said he would do what his father commanded and did not do it.  He gave "lip service" to his father.  The other son said he wouldn't do what his father commanded, but changed his mind (repented) and obeyed his father.  He gave "life service" to his father.

Many people say they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but give only "lip service".  These people do not do what Jesus commands them to do.  These are the people that call Jesus, "Lord", but do not do what He commands.  The "lip service" people continue in a life of sin with no repentance.  The "lip service" people walk the broad road that leads to destruction and take many with them to destruction.  Matthew 7:21-23 describes these type of people.

The "life service" people recognized themselves as sinners, repented of their sin and began to follow Jesus.  The "life service people" exercise faith in the Son of God by attempting to obey His commands expecting Him to fulfill their attempt with His power.  1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 describes these type of people.

Lip service people think they are right with the Lord Jesus and do not repent of the sin they live in.  They don't acknowledge they are in sin.  The life service people recognize their sin, repent of it, receive His forgiveness and by faith seek to follow Jesus.  The lip service people end up in eternal torment.  The life service people live an abundant and eternal life.  Which person are you?  Would Jesus agree you are attempting to do His will by faith?