Matthew 21:28-32
Lead in #1: In Matthew 21:28, after refusing to do what his father asked, the son “changes his mind” and does what he is asked. The Greek translation for “changed his mind” connotes a remorse for having fallen short of what a relationship requires. Jesus’ opponents appear to lack this awareness. They cannot imagine themselves as sinners in need of forgiveness.
Prompt #1: Reflect on a time that you came to regret something that you previously thought nothing of.
Prompt #2: Was there ever a time when, like the Pharisees, you were convinced you were free of any wrongdoing but later came to see you were mistaken?
Lead in #2: In the parable Jesus tells in Mathew 21, the first son initially resists his father’s request but later changes his mind and does as his father has asked. The second son says to his father, “Sure, I’ll go,” but then never got around to doing what his father asked him to do.
Prompt #3: Was there ever a time when you initially refused a request but, trusting the nudge of the Holy Spirit, followed what your conscience was calling you to do?
Prompt #4: Was there ever a time when you initially said yes to a request, but didn’t do it when you learned the cost involved was more than you anticipated?
Lead in #3: Jesus addresses the story of the two sons to the chief priests. The point of the parable is clear, “Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom before you.” Like the religious authorities of Jesus’ day, we too can do all the right things yet miss the mark.
Prompt #5: Can you identify any area of your life where you’re doing what is asked of you, yet because your heart is not in the right place, you know you’re missing the mark?
Lead in #4: During Jesus’ time, the tax collectors and the prostitutes were among the most despised of groups. The tax collectors were getting rich by collaborating with their Roman oppressors, and the prostitutes’ business thrived with the presence of Roman soldiers who occupied their land. As a result, people’s resentment toward the tax collectors and prostitutes robbed them of the humility needed for the change of heart Jesus was inviting them to.
Prompt #6: Where is it in your life that resentment is robbing you of the humility needed for the change of heart that Jesus is inviting you to?
Prompt #7: If Jesus preached this parable today, who would our “tax collectors and prostitutes” be?