A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS      

Matthew 21:31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” (Read the entire parable: Matthew 21:28-32) 

Looking forward into eternity, you will be surprised at who you see in heaven. Outward appearance, worldly accomplishments, the world’s accolades will have no bearing on who will and who will not hear those beautiful words of Jesus the thief on the cross heard, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” 

The two brothers were asked by their father to work in his farming operation. The first, declined and then had a change of heart and went to work. The second told the father he would work but never showed up. Being today’s devotional verses are a parable, what is the spiritual application or takeaway? 

The worst sinners such as prostitutes, tax collectors and major sinners are featured in this parable as the first son. Initially in their lives they rejected God’s gracious invitation to come into His holy family. They chose to live their immoral, disobedient, sinful lives. Yet, God’s Spirit led them to recognize their sins as did for example Zaccheus, repent of them and seek His forgiveness. 

On the other hand, those who were outwardly the spiritual rock stars in reality rejected God’s gracious invitation into His kingdom. They chose to create for themselves laws, rules, and regulations to follow believing in doing so they would be rewarded by God for their piety.   

The Holy Spirit draws sinners to Christ and through Him into their heavenly Father’s family. God’s grace is sufficient . . . (2 Corinthians 12:9) This passage goes on to say that God’s grace is “made perfect in your weakness.” “Therefore,” writes St. Paul, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) The Holy Spirit works through the Gospel and Sacraments to change the hearts of the vilest of sinners from disobeying God to becoming His obedient dear children. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill my heart with God’s grace for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 

For me to live is Jesus, To die is gain for me;  
So when my Savior pleases, I meet death willingly. 

For Christ, my Lord, my brother, I leave this world so dim  
And gladly seek another, Where I shall be with Him. 

My woes are nearly over, Though long and dark the road;  
My sin His merits cover, And I have peace with God. 

Lord, when my pow’rs are failing, My breath comes heavily,  
And words are unavailing, O hear my sighs to Thee. 

In my last hour, O grant me A slumber soft and still,  
No doubts to vex or haunt me, Safe anchored in Thy will; 

And so to Thee still cleaving When death shall come to me,  
I fall asleep believing, And wake in heav’n with thee!  

For Me to Life Is Jesus // LSB 742