Journey Into Holiness – p.10 “The Problem of Hypocrisy” Matthew 21:28-32

John 13:35 (NIV) By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 14:15, 21, (NIV) "If you love me, you will obey what I command. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

John 14:15, 21, (NIV) Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

John 14:15, 21, (NIV) These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

In all these scriptures: Jesus links “believing” to “behavior.” The two are inseparable.In all these scriptures: Jesus links “believing” to “behavior.” The two are inseparable.

The story: The story begins with a questionThe story begins with a question "What do you think? - Matthew 21:28"What do you think? - Matthew 21:28 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” - Matthew 21:31“Which of the two did what his father wanted?” - Matthew 21:31

The story: The master figure (father) asks for helpThe master figure (father) asks for help There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' - Matthew 21:28bThere was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' - Matthew 21:28b

The story: The contrasting subordinates (sons) have contrasting responses (vv.29-30)The contrasting subordinates (sons) have contrasting responses (vv.29-30) " 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. - Matthew 21:29 " 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. - Matthew 21:29

The story: The contrasting subordinates (sons) have contrasting responses (vv.29-30)The contrasting subordinates (sons) have contrasting responses (vv.29-30) "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. – Matthew 21:30"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. – Matthew 21:30

The story: The contrasting subordinates (sons) have contrasting responses (vv.29-30)The contrasting subordinates (sons) have contrasting responses (vv.29-30) The first son said no but lived yesThe first son said no but lived yes “metamelomai” which could be translated “repent”.“metamelomai” which could be translated “repent”. The second son said yes but lived noThe second son said yes but lived no

The story: The story ends with a question (v.31a)The story ends with a question (v.31a) "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" - Matthew 21:31"Which of the two did what his father wanted?" - Matthew 21:31 "The first," they answered."The first," they answered.

Jesus explains the story 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. – Matthew 21:32

Jesus explains the story Statement #1: The religious group is indicted for their disbelief in God’s prophet JohnStatement #1: The religious group is indicted for their disbelief in God’s prophet John For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him,

Jesus explains the story Statement #2: The tax collectors and prostitutes are vindicated by their beliefStatement #2: The tax collectors and prostitutes are vindicated by their belief but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did

Jesus explains the story Statement #3: The religious group is indicted for rejecting their second chance to repentStatement #3: The religious group is indicted for rejecting their second chance to repent And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Jesus explains the story Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. – Matthew 21:31b – Matthew 21:31b

Jesus explains the story "the tax collectors and the prostitutes enter the kingdom of God—and you do not"

Jesus explains the story The Contemporary English Version You can be sure that tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you ever will!

Bottom Line: People who really make a difference in the world are committed to round the clock radical holiness!People who really make a difference in the world are committed to round the clock radical holiness!

Just starting or starting over… We are all working to become holy like Jesus is holy – please give us grace.We are all working to become holy like Jesus is holy – please give us grace. God invites you, no matter what your past looks like, to receive His message of hope and transformation.God invites you, no matter what your past looks like, to receive His message of hope and transformation.

Just starting or starting over… You will be judged by what you do with God’s truth delivered to you – regardless of the presence of hypocrites.You will be judged by what you do with God’s truth delivered to you – regardless of the presence of hypocrites.

For those following hard… God evaluates us based on our actions not our intentions.God evaluates us based on our actions not our intentions. Authentic Christ followers are genuine worshippers.Authentic Christ followers are genuine worshippers.

For those following hard… Living in repentance impacts others.Living in repentance impacts others.