Devotion • July 6
Today’s Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:23–32
When 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?” Jesus 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. Did 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?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So 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.
“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which 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. For 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. (NRSV)
Reflection
Overconfidence.
A few things strike me about today’s scripture. First is the arrogance of the religious authorities of the day. They assumed that, because of their position, their training, and their societal caste, they knew more than Jesus and could, in their righteous indignation, call him out. “What gives you the right to do these things?”
How often have we been so sure that we were correct or that we were doing the right thing that we judged someone else harshly for their actions? But those actions turned out to have been right all along. I am thinking specifically about words and actions regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity.
Like many great teachers, Jesus answers the question with a better question. One that generates significant trouble for the authorities. Specifically, about who and what John was. What a quandary! If we say this one thing, Jesus will call us out, but if we say the other, we’re afraid that we’ll lose face. What is politically expedient versus what is the right thing to do. So, they simply kick the can down the road with a non-answer. “We don’t know.”
Yet Jesus pursues the issue through the parable of the two sons. Which one did the will of his father? The one who said he wouldn’t but did versus the one who said he would but didn’t? That is a straightforward question and one that they couldn’t avoid. Neither can we. What have we been called to do? Whom are we called to include? Whom have we heard but not believed or, worse, ignored? Is it time to change our minds about something and live into new ways to be siblings in Christ?
It is easy to find ourselves on the right side of a parable. We read to justify ourselves rather than to look more deeply into our tendencies. Does “sticking to our religious principles” put us in the role of Pharisee? These are questions to ask and answer regularly.
Prayer
Omniscient and omnipresent God, search me. Help me to see myself truly and deeply. Especially, Lord, help me to locate my blind spots and to address them in my living. In the name of Christ. Soli Deo Gloria. Amen.
Written by Robert Sinclair, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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