Neville Turley

“My friends, what good is it for one of you to say that you have faith if your actions do not prove it? Can that faith save you?”  James 2:14 (GNT)

Jesus was teaching in the temple when he was confronted by the chief priest and the elders, who questioned his authority. “I will tell you what right I have to do these things”, said Jesus, “If you can answer one question. Did John’s right to baptise come from God or from man?”

They quarrelled among themselves and eventually admitted that they did not know. 

So Jesus told them the parable of the “Two Sons” (Matthew 21:28-32).   There was a man who had two sons; he needed them to work in his vineyard. The elder son bluntly refused but later changed his mind. When the father asked his other son to assist, he politely agreed to do so but did not go. Jesus asked, “Which one of the sons did what his father wanted?”  They had to admit that it was the elder son.

Jesus explained the meaning of the parable to the chief priest and elders.  John the Baptist showed you the right path to take. But you, who outwardly make a great show of what men of God you are, would not believe him. Yet the people you despise, the tax collectors and prostitutes, believed John and repented of their sins. Even when you saw this happening, you still did not change your mind and believe. “I tell you tax collectors and prostitutes are going into heaven ahead of you,” said Jesus.

Every one of us, who God has called and placed in his vineyard, has work to do. We may, like the elder son, kick against the idea, but we must be open to our Father’s leading and obedient to his will. 

We are Christ’s people in the world today and there is a job to be done.  By our actions we reveal the genuineness of our faith.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may our actions be such that people will recognise that we are your beloved children and glorify your holy name.  Amen