31 “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.
I don't remember this story. But, its a great one. Really quick, but loaded with brain-hurting philosophy questions. Jesus is unbelievable at telling these stories, asking the priests questions that they can't answer. Its really funny. It shows his greatness. He is on top of everything!
In this story, he is showing that a person can be sinful their whole like and then turn to him in the end. They will be in better shape than the priest who keeps the laws all of their life...but doesn't accept him as the savior.
Awesome! Its a great reminder that we need to keep him in our hearts and not just follow through the motions of what we are "supposed to do" to be a good Christian.
it is hilarious how he so effortlessly confounds them with simple questions. Going through the motions is something I sometimes feel guilty of doing. I'm sure I appear fairly clean and probably strong in my faith on the outside, but I sure don't feel that way on the inside.
ReplyDeletethe following verse has been a stumbler for me over the years.
22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
I probably have written about it in the past, but it seems like such a simple verse. I know I have had prayers that I did not get what I asked for as far as I can tell. My dad is the biggy, I wanted him healed so we could spend more time together here on earth. So since that did not happen that always convicted me in my lack of faith. Not sure if that is the right way to look at it but that is the feeling I have struggled with for years and probably will continue to feel in the future.
knut