Parables of Christ - Part 23

Words and Deeds

The Audio Version of today’s note

The House of Bread · Voice Note For 20241026 - Words And Deeds - Parables Of Christ - Part 23

Matthew 21:28-32 KJV

[28] But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. [29] He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. [30] And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. [31] Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. [32] For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Note for 20241026

I might as well have called this hypocrisy. A few times now, over the last couple of weeks, we have discussed what we are called to do as followers of Christ. We have looked at what the Lord Jesus Christ said our faith must look like, and what the Kingdom of GOD is like.

This parable was spoken unto the Pharisees and Scribes, who had an outward appearance of righteousness, but Christ called them hypocritical. They spoke all the written words and judged others harshly according to the Law, but were without substance within themselves. This serves us as a reminder that our yes must be yes and our no, no. But, it is almost more important to repent if we are in the wrong and get on with what we were instructed to do and to live as we should, in righteousness. Remember how we read in the Sermon on the mount that our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees and scribes? And were we not called to testify for Christ Jesus, the Savior of Mankind, and bring the Gospel (Good News) to every creature on earth?

Many today are like this second son, who say will do something but never follow through on it. Some you see in church on Sundays, but when you look at the rest of the week; there is a major departure in what they say and do. We have discussed this too, when we looked at the fact that Jesus said we cannot serve two masters. Remember also, how we looked at what James wrote, that faith without works is dead?

What do we agree to in the sight of GOD when we say we will follow Christ? Is it with a bumper sticker on our car? Let me tell you about the time I had a bumper sticker on my car. It read "JESUS" in bright yellow on the back bumper. One day, I was driving faster than I should on the highway at night. Passing under a bridge, that famous moment arrived where my car was lit up by a bright flash, and in the Spirit I heard, "You just gave Jesus a speed fine." Christ fulfilled the Law, but I drag His Name into shame.

When we say we follow Christ, but live as if we don't, what do we teach others? What is the testimony of our actions? It is actions like this that brings our faith in Jesus Christ to shame. The fact is, that all our sin was pinned on Christ, when He hung on that cross in our place. So, it does not require a bright yellow sticker on the bumper of your car to bring shame on the House of GOD, but the sticker does make it clear.

On the Spiritual side of things, we all wear the Name of Christ when we accept Him. So, I will end off with another scripture that will serve us well to remember.

Acts 19:13-18 KJV

[13] Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. [14] And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. [15] And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? [16] And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. [17] And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. [18] And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

These wanted to use the Name of Jesus Christ for their purpose, but even the evil spirit could see that they were not of Christ. This is one account. Now, when the bottomless pit is opened, as we read in the Book of Revelation; do you think a bumper sticker will be enough?

We must carry Christ out, in Word and Deed.

Shallom

The House of Bread

Verse of The Day

(YouVersion - Extended from verse 16)

Ephesians 3:14-21 KJV

[14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [15] of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, [16] that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [17] that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; [19] and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. [20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, [21] unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.