Message: The Parable of True Repentance and the Last First (04/28/'24) -Message

Message: The Parable of True Repentance and the Last First Dear Friends, In reflecting upon a powerful moment in the Scriptures, we find a profound lesson from Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. It's captured succinctly in Matthew 21:31b, where Jesus declares, “Truly I say to you that the tax-gatherers and harlots will get into the kingdom of God before you." This statement, though brief, cuts to the heart of a critical spiritual truth about the nature of God’s kingdom. Jesus spoke these words in the context of the parable of the two sons, directed pointedly at the chief priests and elders—those who believed they were the most religious and upright. Through this parable, Jesus highlighted a startling truth: those often deemed the worst sinners, like tax collectors and prostitutes, were embracing the message of repentance and the kingdom of God ahead of the religious elite. The Core Message: Grace and Redemption: This teaches us that God's grace is astonishingly inclusive. The past does not disqualify us; rather, our willingness to turn back to God opens the way to redemption. Judgment and Humility: We are reminded to avoid the trap of self-righteousness. Humility is crucial in our spiritual journey—no one is inherently more deserving of God's grace. Genuine Faith: True faith is not just about outward religious observance but is demonstrated by a life transformed by God's values like mercy, justice, and love. Inclusivity in Faith Communities: Finally, we learn the importance of embracing everyone in our faith community. The Kingdom of God is not exclusive to those who appear righteous but is open to all who seek God sincerely. As we share this message, let's challenge ourselves and others to reflect on the nature of our faith. Are we like the first son, who despite initial refusal, truly repented and did the father’s will? Or are we like the second son, who promised obedience but failed to follow through? Let this parable encourage us to embrace true repentance and live out the radical inclusivity of the Gospel. Let's extend our hands and hearts to all, fostering a community where everyone is welcome, and where grace prevails over judgment. Warm regards, Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 28, 2024)