The Son Who Changed His Mind and Went
There can be hope in a changed response. We realize we have resisted something good, and we choose to turn toward it. An honest change of direction matters.
but later he changed his mind and went.
(Matthew 21:29, NIV, excerpt)
Jesus told religious leaders about a father who asked two sons to work in his vineyard. One refused, then changed his mind and went. The other agreed but never went. Jesus connected the parable to their response to John the Baptist: people known for sin had believed his message, while these leaders continued to resist repentance and belief.
Let your response become action
The story presses beyond what we say we are willing to do. Jesus calls for a response of repentance and faith that reaches into our lives.
You may already know a clear step you have been putting off. Perhaps you need to tell the truth, stop participating in unkind talk, or begin taking Jesus’ teaching seriously. Bring that resistance to Him in prayer and ask for a willing heart.
Then choose the next faithful action available to you. Keep it honest and concrete. If someone has been affected by your choices, consider what a thoughtful response to them requires.
This passage gives us a hopeful place to begin: we can listen to God’s call and change direction. Today can contain a sincere response to the truth we have heard.
A prayer
Jesus, help us respond to Your truth with repentance and faith. Turn our resistance into willing obedience and guide us toward actions that honor You and love others. Amen.
Read Matthew 21:28-32 in the NIV.
Keep reading: When Jesus Calls Your Name · Keeping Your Word in Everyday Life.
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Repentance turns a willing heart into a new direction.
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