Worse Than A Prostitute
Matthew 21:28-31 | NIV
“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.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.
As one with three young children in the house, I completely relate to Jesus’ teaching here. Although I’d love for my children to both say, “Yes” to my requests and follow through with obedience, if I were to only get to pick one, I’d choose obedience every time.
As worship team members, we use our words to promise God a lot of lofty things…
“I won’t bow to idols, I’ll stand strong and worship you, if it puts me in the fire I’ll rejoice cause you’re there too…” #ChristBeMagnified @codycarnes
Or an oldie,
“Lord I give you my heart, I give you my soul, I live for You alone. Every breath that I take, every moment I’m awake, Lord have Your way with me.” #IGiveYouMyHeart @hillsongworship
Or the all too familiar, “All to Thee my precious Savior, I surrender all.” #ISurrenderAll
Not that these words, prayers and pledges are bad—they can communicate to God the true desires of our heart or be signposts to the direction we intend our lives to head.
But like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day fell victim to, it can be easy to ascribe to God the right words, even approach Him with the right motive, yet still fail to practice obedience to His words.
This passage reminds us that there’s always time and grace to change our minds (repent), but in the end, Jesus says the Kingdom belongs to followers of His way—those who do, not just speak.
“The final test of love is obedience. Not sweet emotions, not willingness to sacrifice, not zeal, but obedience to the commandments of Christ. Our Lord drew a line plain and tight for everyone to see.”
A. W. Tozer - Excerpt from A Man of God. The Alliance Weekly / Witness, 1960
If you’re a worship guitarist, don’t forget that your presence on stage pegs you as a “religious leader” whether you wanted that title or not. But don’t let that intimidate you, let it call you up. Use it to spur you on toward love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24).
And soon enough, you can join the Kingdom party with the (former) tax collectors and (ex)prostitutes.