Actions and Inactions

Jesus said: " 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 son and said the same;and he answered,'I go sir' but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of the father? "The first" they said. Jesus said: "truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are going to the kingdom ahead of you" Matthew 21: 28-31

Like many of the parables of Jesus, this passage is both surprising and disturbing. The story of two brothers, given identical commands to work in the vineyard appears relatively straightforward. The first brother initially says no, but then does the requested work. The second brother says yes and then does nothing.

Jesus' question to the crowds and to us is: "who did the will of the father?" Or put another way, who was most faithful? What one might expect Jesus to say is that the brother who actually did the work is most faithful. The crowds of onlookers and Pharisees certainly answered this way. But Jesus says no, it was the second brother who did nothing who was most faithful. What is this all about? What is Jesus up to?

This puzzling parable really made me question the reasons why I do the things I do. Jesus chastises those who would act only out of obligation or guilt. God does not want us to simply to do good deeds, God wants us to do things for the right reason.

Think about how easily we are drawn into doing things not because we want to or have a heart to help others, rather we do it because we feel we have to. If a friend asked you to help her move, how would you respond? Joyfully? Hesitantly? Would you make excuses?

It isn't so much that God praises the second brother's laziness and lack of action, but the willing heart and spirit which first said yes. More than anything, God wants our hearts. Are you open and willing to say yes to God or do you reluctantly do "the right thing" while motivated by guilt and obligation? The parable makes it clear, which is a challenge for each of us.