Matthew 21:28-32
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In classic rabbinic tradition, Jesus tells a story to confront the religious authorities who have just questioned the source of his power. Read Matthew 21:28-32 “listening” to the parable of the two sons as if you had never heard it before.
Jesus isn’t just messing with the religious leaders when he leads with a story. These priests and elders are accustomed to the use of parables in discussions about religious matters, so they are willing to listen and even give the obvious answer to Jesus’ question about the story. But as these leaders know, parables point to something deeper.
Take some time to sit with the parable Jesus is telling in this passage. Use the lens of your own life to view the parable and see if there is anything deeper Jesus might want to communicate with you.
“…what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go. Which of the two obeyed his father?”
Read Matthew 21:28-32 again imagining the inner reactions of the priests and elders as Jesus speaks very clearly about the meaning of the parable.
It is often true that movements of God begin on the fringes of society among desperate people who recognize their need for God. When we are comfortable and able to exercise our rights freely, we can be less likely to understand the fragility of our lives and our deep and basic helplessness apart from Jesus.
For the final moments of this meditation sit in silence with your hands open, palms up, and just be in the presence of Jesus. You can start by breathing in and out calling on the name of Jesus. If thoughts intrude, notice them and then let them pass as you return to silence. Stay with this as long as you can.
What do you believe Jesus wants you to remember or do as a result of today’s passage?
Before you move on with your day, make a plan to follow through.
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