“Through the Looking Glass” The Kingdom of Heaven as seen through the parables of Jesus

“For now we see through a glass…” – I Cor. 13:12

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“Follow Through”

The Two Sons – Matthew 21:28-32

²⁸ What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.” ²⁹ “I will not,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. ³⁰ Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, “I will, sir,” but he did not go. 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. ³² For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Try throwing a ball without following through (stop at point of release/contact)

TWO DIFFERENT MINDS… TWO DIFFERENT ANSWERS.

“FIRST SON” (OLDEST)… “I WILL NOT.”

• SELFISHNESS ANSWERED
• ENTITLEMENT: “IT WILL BE MINE WHETHER I WORK FOR IT OR NOT”

“OTHER SON” (YOUNGEST)… “I WILL.”

• SELFISHNESS ANSWERED
• “SAY WHAT DAD WANTS TO HEAR… BUT IT WON’T BE MINE.”

THE PHARISEES’ ANSWER, THE SINNERS’ ANSWER, MY ANSWER.

TWO DIFFERENT HEARTS… TWO DIFFERENT ACTIONS.

“FIRST SON” (OLDEST)… “CHANGED HIS MIND AND WENT

• TRUE, IT WILL BE MINE… BUT DAD HAS TO DIE FOR ME TO GET IT
• LOVE CREATED HIS FOLLOW THROUGH

“OTHER SON” (YOUNGEST)… “HE DID NOT GO.”

• “NEVERMIND… MAKE MY BROTHER EARN IT… I’LL ENJOY UNTIL IT IS ALL HIS”
• SELFISHNESS STOPPED HIS FOLLOW THROUGH

THE PHARISEES’ ACTIONS, THE SINNERS’ ACTIONS, MY ACTIONS.

SELFISHNESS OR LOVE FOR THE FATHER?

A CHANGE OF HEART = A CHANGED MIND = CHANGED ACTIONS.

ACTIONS ARE FAITH’S FOLLOW THROUGH!

“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” – #Jesus@matthew11.15