From the times of ancient past viticulture (cultivation of grapes) has played an important role in Israel’s history, with their region having very favorable terrain and climate for this crop which was an important contributor to their life. In Matthew 21:28-32 Jesus uses these facts as the focal point of a parable teaching us that words without action are very worthless and useless! In His parable He spoke of a viticulturist that had two sons whom he approached saying, “Son, go work today in my vineyard.” The first said “I will not; but afterward he repented, and went” KJV. The second said “I go sir,’ but he did not go.” Jesus then asked which one of them did the father’s will, with the obvious answer being the first. Perfect words without a corresponding lifestyle are useless! The beautiful words of the second son because of inaction were as valueless as those of the Scribes and Pharisees of whom Jesus said “…they say and do not do” Matthew 23:3. James 2:20 says, “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” KJV. The pure gospel comes, “not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power” 1 Corinthians 2:4. I believe this includes the miraculous signs, but also words that are empowered by the Holy Spirit to have impact, and a lifestyle empowered by Him likewise! Jesus then draws the conclusion to the parable that sinners who truly repent, as exemplified in the first son, will be given a glorious entrance into the kingdom of heaven, no matter how deep in sin they used to be; while the religious pretenders, exemplified by the second son with only high sounding words, will be shut out in judgment
Fake religion
By Rose Hill
Be careful that what you say you will do,
To your word be always faithful and true.
If not, no one can believe a word you say,
And they can’t even trust you in any way!
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.