Will of the Father

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. Matthew 21:23-32

The religious leaders of Jesus' day were very threatened by his ministry and his followers. They worked in a very rigid structure, followed all the rules and were terribly upset by Jesus. He lived and worked with the people they thought to be sinners. They tried to judge him by their standards and were confused and often angry with him. They were not ready to see outsiders as insiders, as many are today, unable to accept different culture, language and practice as acceptable. Jesus invites us to see behind the pretense and know others' hearts.

Gracious Creator, author of astonishing beauty

you revel in our many colors in nature and humans

and invite us to likewise revel in our great diversity.

Today, we live in a time where difference is mocked

when folks are judged by rigid and outdated standards

and our hearts are closed off to growing and learning.

Lord Jesus, teach us how to open our hearts today

help us to see the blessings in the different gifts

and embrace the many sweet gifts diversity brings. Amen.