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Matthew 21:28-31

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered.

In order to communicate that the religious leaders were turning away from Him and “sinners” were joining with Him, Jesus told a story of two brothers. We considered the first brother yesterday. Let’s consider the second brother today.

When I was growing up there was a television program called Leave it to Beaver. The program had a character named Eddie Haskell who was sweet and polite in public, but a bit of a scoundrel at heart. The second brother reminds me of Eddie. “Sure I’ll work in the vineyard,” he told his dad. “I will do anything you want me to do.” But he never set foot in the vineyards. His words were sweet, but his heart was empty.

Maybe there is a part of you in the second brother’s story. You lead the Bible studies, sing the songs, and play the part of the obedient child; but your spiritual life is superficial. You have no intention of obedience. Your words are sweet. Your heart is empty.

Father, forgive me for making promises that I don’t intend to keep. Forgive me for public religion with hidden sin. Move my heart from any resemblance to the second brother. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

God, What Are You Trying to Teach Me? – Part 2