S – What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘My son, go work in the vineyard today.’ 

²⁹ “He answered, ‘I don’t want to,’ but later he changed his mind and went. ³⁰ Then the man went to the other and said the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he answered, but he didn’t go. ³¹ Which of the two did his father’s will?” 

Matthew 21:28–31 CSB

O – The first son displayed violated Jewish culture by saying he didn’t want to do his father’s request.  “Change” means regret afterward, not repenting like changing his mind and going a different direction.  He felt remorse and did what his father asked.  The second followed custom with his words.  But his actions revealed his true heart and he didn’t follow through.  Obedience won over disobedience.

A – We need to examine our own hearts and actions.  There are times we don’t want to do something but we do it because it needs to be done.  (Ex. Taking out the garbage.). In following God, our obedience to his Word and will demonstrate our love for him.

R – Lord, give us the courage to obey you.  There are times it is not pleasant.  Yet, we know that your heart for us is for our good.  As we are obedient, it opens up yet another opportunity for you to display your pleasure and power.