Matthew 21:23-32 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 21:23-32 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" Verse 24Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Verse 25Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' Verse 26But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet." Verse 27So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
Verse 28"What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' Verse 29He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went. Verse 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go. Verse 31Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. Verse 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
Devotion
Our culture seems to value people who make decisions and then stand by them. Changing one's mind is often perceived as weakness, or waffling. Politicians and other public leaders are often judged harshly for changes in positions or policies.
Those who know me well know that I can be a bit indecisive at times. At a restaurant, I can have a hard time narrowing down my choices, when everything looks so good! Taken together, our readings for this week feel like vindication. They make clear that the ability to change one's mind is a necessary aspect of Christian living. In the parable of the two sons, it is the one who changed his mind who does the will of the Father. The Holy Spirit is always at work in each one of us, changing our minds and hearts in order to bring them into alignment with the mind of God revealed to us through the person and ministry of Christ. Creating openness to being transformed is the holy work of God. Changed lives is what God is looking for—and that can only begin with a change of heart and mind.
Prayer
Shine into our hearts the light of your wisdom, O God, and open our minds to the knowledge of your word, that in all things we may think and act according to your will and be of one mind with Christ. Amen.