What does the son's change of mind teach about obedience to God's will? Setting the scene Matthew 21:29: “‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went.” Jesus tells of two sons. The first flat-out refuses to work in his father’s vineyard but later heads out and gets the job done. That quiet pivot—“he changed his mind and went”—is where the lesson on obedience shines. What the change of mind shows • Repentance is practical. – The Greek term (metamelētheis) carries the idea of regret that leads to new action. – Obedience isn’t sealed by a verbal “yes” but by movement in the right direction. • God values the heart’s turnaround more than the initial response. – A bad start isn’t fatal; staying stubborn is. • True obedience is measured by completed will, not good intentions. – The son’s deed, not his earlier words, answered the father’s desire. Lessons on obedience for us • A sincere “no” can still become a faithful “yes.” • Delay is dangerous, but it is not defeat if we repent. • Words alone can deceive us; actions clarify where we stand. • God’s will welcomes those who come late but come in truth. • Obedience flows from a softened heart, not from outward show. Scriptures that echo the point • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Luke 15:17–20—the prodigal “came to his senses,” then walked home. • Ezekiel 18:30–32—God calls Israel to “repent and turn … so that iniquity will not be your downfall.” • 2 Corinthians 7:10—“Godly sorrow produces a repentance that leads to salvation.” • 1 John 3:18—“Let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Each passage links inner change to outward obedience, mirroring the first son’s journey from refusal to faithful action. Bringing it home • Scan your last “no” to God—an ignored prompting, a postponed act of service. • Ask: Have I truly changed my mind like the first son, or am I lingering in good intentions? • Take the next concrete step (a call, an apology, a commitment kept). The vineyard is still open. Key takeaways 1. God’s will is fulfilled by doers, not promise-makers. 2. A changed mind that leads to changed behavior is the essence of obedience. 3. Grace leaves room for latecomers—but only if they actually go. |
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