WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.240 Matthew 21 verses 23 to 32. 00:00:12.540 --> 00:00:14.220 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.699 First of all, what's the occasion? 00:00:33.979 --> 00:00:37.060 Jesus told this parable on a particular occasion. 00:00:37.579 --> 00:00:39.039 What was it? 00:00:41.299 --> 00:00:42.880 Verse 23 to 27. 00:00:43.019 --> 00:00:43.539 Look at that with me. 00:00:43.700 --> 00:00:45.000 It's a conversation. 00:00:45.179 --> 00:00:48.900 It's a conversation between the Lord Jesus Christ and certain Jews. 00:00:50.140 --> 00:00:50.920 Which kind of Jews? 00:00:50.920 --> 00:00:53.299 They were a kind of civil leaders. 00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:56.980 We're called the elders of the people. 00:00:57.280 --> 00:00:59.840 And they were the religious leader, the chief priests. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:04.040 The Lord Jesus, he camped into the temple, doesn't he? 00:01:04.060 --> 00:01:05.579 Verse 23, when he entered the temple. 00:01:06.340 --> 00:01:09.480 And the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching. 00:01:09.599 --> 00:01:10.340 They interrupted him. 00:01:12.460 --> 00:01:15.620 Previously, last week, we saw Jesus came into Jerusalem triumphantly. 00:01:15.739 --> 00:01:16.219 Do you remember that? 00:01:17.079 --> 00:01:20.539 He came in as king, riding on the foal of a donkey. 00:01:21.680 --> 00:01:25.060 He was fulfilling the Old Testament, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. 00:01:25.379 --> 00:01:27.000 And the whole city was enraptious. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:30.560 The whole city went crazy for the Lord Jesus. 00:01:32.420 --> 00:01:35.799 People were cutting down palm branches. 00:01:35.980 --> 00:01:38.819 People were taking off their coats and putting them on the floor. 00:01:39.819 --> 00:01:42.519 Because they welcomed King Jesus into Jerusalem. 00:01:45.019 --> 00:01:47.719 And then we find that he goes into the temple. 00:01:48.180 --> 00:01:48.939 His father's house. 00:01:48.939 --> 00:01:53.780 And he goes into the temple and he finds people buying and selling. 00:01:55.500 --> 00:01:58.099 And on his own authority, he cleanses the temple. 00:01:58.219 --> 00:01:59.060 He casts the people out. 00:02:00.659 --> 00:02:07.019 And now the next day, the moment the Lord makes an appearance in Jerusalem and begins his teaching, 00:02:07.019 --> 00:02:10.240 immediately he's confronted by the civil authorities. 00:02:11.560 --> 00:02:14.319 Immediately the religious leaders of the nation have had enough. 00:02:14.460 --> 00:02:15.439 And they have a question. 00:02:16.539 --> 00:02:18.180 And they've got nothing to say about his teaching. 00:02:18.180 --> 00:02:24.020 They've got nothing to say about what he's teaching them. 00:02:25.140 --> 00:02:26.760 They've got nothing to say about his life. 00:02:27.659 --> 00:02:29.099 They've got nothing to say about his followers. 00:02:30.040 --> 00:02:30.719 But they have a question. 00:02:30.840 --> 00:02:31.520 Look at verse 23. 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:33.340 Here's the question. 00:02:34.540 --> 00:02:36.120 As he was teaching, they came up to him and said, 00:02:36.240 --> 00:02:39.640 By what authority are you doing these things? 00:02:39.639 --> 00:02:43.339 And who gave you this authority? 00:02:45.339 --> 00:02:47.119 Look at that question really carefully. 00:02:48.079 --> 00:02:49.759 Because that question in verse 23 00:02:49.759 --> 00:02:54.979 is the question that enemies of the truth 00:02:54.979 --> 00:02:58.519 have asked constantly through church history. 00:02:59.739 --> 00:03:01.919 Whether they want to silence people they don't like. 00:03:03.639 --> 00:03:05.560 So think of the time of the Great Reformation, 00:03:05.759 --> 00:03:06.759 Martin Luther and all that. 00:03:06.759 --> 00:03:10.939 When the gospel in many ways was rediscovered. 00:03:11.719 --> 00:03:13.340 And men began to preach it. 00:03:13.419 --> 00:03:15.799 And people began to be transformed by it. 00:03:17.280 --> 00:03:20.099 And what was the question that the Roman Catholic Church asked? 00:03:21.060 --> 00:03:22.259 They constantly asked. 00:03:22.299 --> 00:03:23.239 It was the same question. 00:03:24.099 --> 00:03:24.899 They asked this question. 00:03:25.019 --> 00:03:26.719 They said, by what authority are you doing this? 00:03:28.139 --> 00:03:29.719 And who gave you that authority? 00:03:32.039 --> 00:03:35.699 To stand outside the recognized official church, 00:03:35.699 --> 00:03:37.859 what are you doing? 00:03:38.099 --> 00:03:39.939 And who do you think you are to be doing this? 00:03:40.419 --> 00:03:42.299 Who gave you the authority? 00:03:42.819 --> 00:03:44.199 Who gave you the authority? 00:03:45.979 --> 00:03:48.519 And that was the question which they tried to shut up the reformers with. 00:03:49.539 --> 00:03:50.979 Now let's come into our own country. 00:03:51.060 --> 00:03:52.139 Let's come into England. 00:03:52.979 --> 00:03:54.060 The Reformation in England. 00:03:54.219 --> 00:03:55.759 And you think of the Puritan movement. 00:03:55.899 --> 00:03:58.399 You think how God moved in that century. 00:03:59.519 --> 00:04:01.060 And they are slung out of the church. 00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:02.659 They are thrown out of the church. 00:04:02.659 --> 00:04:05.699 And the question that they are asked as they begin to preach is, 00:04:05.939 --> 00:04:08.979 who gave you the authority to do what you're doing? 00:04:10.159 --> 00:04:11.439 Where do you get it from? 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:16.759 By what authority do you think you can tell people about the scriptures? 00:04:18.120 --> 00:04:19.699 You're in the 18th century. 00:04:20.339 --> 00:04:24.639 Heroes like men like George Winfield and John Wesley. 00:04:25.240 --> 00:04:26.060 Daniel Rowlands. 00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:29.019 The church is in a terrible way. 00:04:29.019 --> 00:04:32.319 And God raises up these men. 00:04:33.399 --> 00:04:34.439 To preach the gospel. 00:04:35.939 --> 00:04:37.439 Women like the Countess of Hundenness. 00:04:37.620 --> 00:04:38.859 Who's a great supporter of that. 00:04:39.740 --> 00:04:40.359 And they go out. 00:04:40.399 --> 00:04:42.159 They're not allowed in chapels and churches. 00:04:42.639 --> 00:04:43.819 They go out into the streets. 00:04:43.899 --> 00:04:44.759 And they preach the gospel. 00:04:44.919 --> 00:04:46.620 And what's the question that is put to them? 00:04:46.879 --> 00:04:48.899 By what authority are you doing these things? 00:04:49.180 --> 00:04:51.060 And who gave you this authority? 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:56.120 And here we are in the 25th century. 00:04:58.060 --> 00:04:59.220 And faithful churches. 00:05:00.980 --> 00:05:02.319 That are getting kicked out. 00:05:02.439 --> 00:05:04.840 Or having to leave the established denominations. 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:06.420 And what's the question they're asked? 00:05:08.160 --> 00:05:09.699 Faithful churches that want to plant. 00:05:10.019 --> 00:05:11.899 What question are they asked by religion? 00:05:12.279 --> 00:05:13.279 They're asked this question. 00:05:13.540 --> 00:05:15.779 By what authority are you doing these things? 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:17.959 And who gave you this authority? 00:05:17.959 --> 00:05:21.079 They're trying to quiet yourself. 00:05:23.139 --> 00:05:25.039 And so what do religious leaders. 00:05:26.019 --> 00:05:27.539 Ask about churches. 00:05:28.199 --> 00:05:28.899 Very often. 00:05:30.539 --> 00:05:31.259 They don't ask. 00:05:31.379 --> 00:05:33.399 Are people being one to the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:05:33.519 --> 00:05:35.159 What good is being done? 00:05:36.240 --> 00:05:39.399 Are people being formed more into the likeness of the Lord Jesus? 00:05:39.399 --> 00:05:40.139 Because they ask. 00:05:40.519 --> 00:05:41.479 What credentials have you got? 00:05:44.439 --> 00:05:46.719 They sweared at our Lord Jesus. 00:05:46.720 --> 00:05:48.000 How did the Lord Jesus respond? 00:05:51.120 --> 00:05:53.000 The enemy wants him to admit something. 00:05:53.100 --> 00:05:53.960 They want Jesus to admit. 00:05:54.400 --> 00:05:57.620 Actually I've not been sent by an authorised denomination. 00:05:58.940 --> 00:06:00.240 A recognised denomination. 00:06:01.760 --> 00:06:03.700 And the enemy wants Jesus to admit. 00:06:03.820 --> 00:06:06.160 I've not come from some recognised institution. 00:06:07.640 --> 00:06:09.320 They're going to try and shut him up. 00:06:09.880 --> 00:06:11.800 So how does Jesus respond to this question? 00:06:12.060 --> 00:06:13.720 By what authority are you doing these things? 00:06:13.780 --> 00:06:14.880 And who gave you this authority? 00:06:14.879 --> 00:06:15.779 In Jesus' verse 24. 00:06:16.139 --> 00:06:18.899 Our Lord replies to their question with a question. 00:06:20.120 --> 00:06:20.939 With a question. 00:06:22.759 --> 00:06:24.600 Jesus isn't trying to avoid their question. 00:06:24.759 --> 00:06:28.500 We've seen lots of political leaders this week being interviewed. 00:06:29.060 --> 00:06:29.980 And have you noticed what they do? 00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:32.199 When they don't want to answer a question. 00:06:32.620 --> 00:06:35.180 They respond by asking a question back. 00:06:35.279 --> 00:06:35.699 Don't they? 00:06:35.699 --> 00:06:38.819 But that isn't what Jesus is doing. 00:06:40.519 --> 00:06:41.860 He's asking a question back. 00:06:41.939 --> 00:06:45.159 Because it is the best and fullest way of replying to their question. 00:06:45.579 --> 00:06:46.719 And his question is quite simple. 00:06:46.819 --> 00:06:47.300 Verse 24. 00:06:47.300 --> 00:06:50.579 And I'll also ask you one question. 00:06:50.900 --> 00:06:51.819 And if you tell me the answer. 00:06:51.939 --> 00:06:53.939 Then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 00:06:54.199 --> 00:06:55.160 The baptism of John. 00:06:55.280 --> 00:06:55.819 Remember that? 00:06:55.960 --> 00:06:56.759 Where does it come from? 00:06:59.680 --> 00:07:00.780 Where does it come from? 00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:03.879 And they discussed it amongst themselves. 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:04.780 If we say from heaven. 00:07:04.860 --> 00:07:05.660 He will say to us. 00:07:05.819 --> 00:07:07.019 Why then did he not believe it? 00:07:07.259 --> 00:07:08.580 But if we say from man. 00:07:08.819 --> 00:07:09.980 Well we're afraid of the crowd. 00:07:09.980 --> 00:07:12.019 For we know they hold that he was a prophet. 00:07:12.439 --> 00:07:13.000 John the Baptist. 00:07:13.139 --> 00:07:14.199 Was he sent from heaven? 00:07:14.199 --> 00:07:16.579 Or was he self-appointed? 00:07:18.579 --> 00:07:19.300 John the Baptist. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:20.459 Did God send him? 00:07:21.319 --> 00:07:23.279 Or is he just some upstart. 00:07:23.539 --> 00:07:24.979 Who decided that he wanted to preach. 00:07:25.019 --> 00:07:26.039 And he went ahead and did it. 00:07:26.620 --> 00:07:27.379 What's the answer? 00:07:29.459 --> 00:07:31.060 Is it perfect wisdom of the Lord Jesus? 00:07:32.399 --> 00:07:33.240 They couldn't deny. 00:07:33.379 --> 00:07:35.519 They could not deny that John the Baptist. 00:07:35.719 --> 00:07:36.980 Was heaven sent. 00:07:37.279 --> 00:07:38.519 But if they admitted it. 00:07:38.659 --> 00:07:39.620 They knew they'd be in trouble. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:42.300 Because John the Baptist. 00:07:42.419 --> 00:07:43.819 That man had said of Jesus. 00:07:43.819 --> 00:07:44.959 Do you remember when he saw him? 00:07:45.199 --> 00:07:45.659 He said. 00:07:45.879 --> 00:07:46.920 Behold the Lamb of God. 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:48.199 Who takes away the sin of the world. 00:07:49.819 --> 00:07:50.699 This man of. 00:07:51.439 --> 00:07:52.740 Said of Jesus. 00:07:52.920 --> 00:07:53.219 He said. 00:07:53.579 --> 00:07:54.500 Here is the one. 00:07:54.599 --> 00:07:56.279 Who is preferred before me. 00:07:56.339 --> 00:07:57.279 Because he was. 00:07:57.959 --> 00:07:58.579 Before me. 00:08:00.620 --> 00:08:01.159 He said. 00:08:01.219 --> 00:08:02.159 I'm not even worthy. 00:08:02.159 --> 00:08:04.079 To tie this guy's sandals. 00:08:04.199 --> 00:08:04.860 I'm not even worthy. 00:08:04.959 --> 00:08:06.219 To tie this guy's shoelaces. 00:08:06.480 --> 00:08:07.420 That's how wonderful. 00:08:07.539 --> 00:08:08.480 The Lord Jesus is. 00:08:08.620 --> 00:08:09.180 John said. 00:08:10.879 --> 00:08:11.759 He said of Jesus. 00:08:12.039 --> 00:08:13.480 I'll baptize you with water. 00:08:13.480 --> 00:08:15.100 But this guy. 00:08:15.100 --> 00:08:17.120 He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 00:08:19.200 --> 00:08:20.860 At the moment that they would admit. 00:08:20.960 --> 00:08:21.960 That John the Baptist. 00:08:22.160 --> 00:08:22.900 Had come from heaven. 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:24.280 They would have to believe what he said. 00:08:26.720 --> 00:08:27.360 And therefore. 00:08:27.480 --> 00:08:28.120 They have to admit. 00:08:28.220 --> 00:08:29.160 That Jesus Christ. 00:08:29.379 --> 00:08:30.280 Was the Messiah. 00:08:30.420 --> 00:08:31.000 He was. 00:08:31.540 --> 00:08:32.220 God's King. 00:08:32.340 --> 00:08:33.420 The long awaited one. 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:34.580 That we've sung of this morning. 00:08:35.960 --> 00:08:36.860 And so they were aware. 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:38.240 Of the problem that was facing them. 00:08:38.940 --> 00:08:39.759 In verse 25. 00:08:39.759 --> 00:08:42.399 They reason. 00:08:43.179 --> 00:08:44.439 They discuss amongst themselves. 00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:44.720 Saying. 00:08:44.819 --> 00:08:45.580 Well if we say from heaven. 00:08:45.980 --> 00:08:46.639 He will say to us. 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:47.700 Why then do you not believe him? 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:50.159 But if we say from man. 00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:53.740 We're afraid of the crowd. 00:08:54.240 --> 00:08:55.120 Because they all know. 00:08:55.200 --> 00:08:55.919 Everyone knows. 00:08:56.059 --> 00:08:56.980 That John was a prophet. 00:08:57.059 --> 00:08:57.679 Said from God. 00:08:58.519 --> 00:08:59.200 And so they answered. 00:08:59.319 --> 00:09:00.000 Only Jesus. 00:09:00.080 --> 00:09:00.620 Verse 27. 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:01.100 We don't know. 00:09:01.460 --> 00:09:02.220 We do not know. 00:09:02.220 --> 00:09:04.600 But Jesus said. 00:09:04.680 --> 00:09:05.560 Well neither will I tell you. 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:06.200 By what authority. 00:09:06.240 --> 00:09:06.940 I do these things. 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:09.460 And so you see. 00:09:09.660 --> 00:09:10.440 The divine wisdom. 00:09:10.560 --> 00:09:11.060 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:09:11.200 --> 00:09:12.000 He doesn't fall. 00:09:12.160 --> 00:09:12.920 Into that trap. 00:09:13.700 --> 00:09:14.740 But he didn't stop there. 00:09:15.700 --> 00:09:16.700 He now tells a parable. 00:09:18.139 --> 00:09:19.300 Which was specifically. 00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:19.960 Directed. 00:09:20.040 --> 00:09:21.120 To those different priests. 00:09:21.200 --> 00:09:21.740 To those people. 00:09:22.600 --> 00:09:23.759 People who knew the truth. 00:09:23.820 --> 00:09:24.700 But wouldn't own up to it. 00:09:25.700 --> 00:09:27.080 Because it would lead them. 00:09:27.080 --> 00:09:27.820 To admitting that. 00:09:27.899 --> 00:09:28.480 Jesus Christ. 00:09:28.660 --> 00:09:29.540 Was the Messiah. 00:09:29.940 --> 00:09:30.600 And these people. 00:09:30.779 --> 00:09:31.519 Would not admit. 00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:32.419 To what they knew. 00:09:32.419 --> 00:09:33.019 Was true. 00:09:34.919 --> 00:09:35.799 But there were. 00:09:36.120 --> 00:09:36.519 Prostitutes. 00:09:37.919 --> 00:09:38.559 And there were. 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:39.319 Tax collectors. 00:09:40.759 --> 00:09:41.819 Who were twisted. 00:09:42.500 --> 00:09:42.939 Dishonest. 00:09:43.199 --> 00:09:43.579 Men. 00:09:43.960 --> 00:09:44.759 Who would. 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:45.399 Admit. 00:09:46.340 --> 00:09:47.000 What they knew. 00:09:47.059 --> 00:09:47.500 To be true. 00:09:48.379 --> 00:09:49.600 So Jesus tells a parable. 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:50.480 To bring home this point. 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:51.559 That's the occasion. 00:09:51.860 --> 00:09:52.539 And let's see the parable. 00:09:52.600 --> 00:09:52.860 Number two. 00:09:52.980 --> 00:09:53.699 The parable. 00:09:53.779 --> 00:09:54.579 From 28th to 22. 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:56.139 The parable is about. 00:09:56.179 --> 00:09:56.819 Two sorts of people. 00:09:58.439 --> 00:09:59.679 There are some people. 00:10:00.259 --> 00:10:01.340 Whose action. 00:10:01.519 --> 00:10:03.819 Are better than their words. 00:10:05.419 --> 00:10:06.240 There are some people. 00:10:06.319 --> 00:10:07.039 Whose actions. 00:10:07.579 --> 00:10:08.840 Are better than their words. 00:10:08.899 --> 00:10:09.480 And they're represented. 00:10:09.559 --> 00:10:10.159 By the first son. 00:10:11.419 --> 00:10:12.199 But sadly. 00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:13.539 There are some people out there. 00:10:13.759 --> 00:10:14.960 Whose words. 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:17.139 Are better than their actions. 00:10:18.600 --> 00:10:19.480 And they're represented. 00:10:19.579 --> 00:10:20.259 By the second son. 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:22.460 Now if you look at verse 28. 00:10:22.559 --> 00:10:23.480 You'll see both sons. 00:10:24.319 --> 00:10:25.399 They have the same father. 00:10:25.399 --> 00:10:28.539 Jesus is not teaching here. 00:10:28.899 --> 00:10:30.120 That God is the father. 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:30.879 Of all people. 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:31.919 That isn't the point of the parable. 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:32.899 Don't make that mistake. 00:10:33.959 --> 00:10:34.659 He's talking about. 00:10:34.740 --> 00:10:35.500 Two sets of people. 00:10:35.860 --> 00:10:36.819 Who at that time. 00:10:36.980 --> 00:10:37.679 Found themselves. 00:10:37.819 --> 00:10:38.600 In the Jewish community. 00:10:40.240 --> 00:10:41.019 There was a scam. 00:10:41.699 --> 00:10:42.000 It's beautiful. 00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:45.279 There were the prostitutes. 00:10:46.459 --> 00:10:47.360 The cheating. 00:10:47.579 --> 00:10:48.659 And tax collectors. 00:10:48.659 --> 00:10:52.179 And then there were the religious leaders. 00:10:52.360 --> 00:10:52.699 Both of them. 00:10:52.779 --> 00:10:53.759 In the same Jewish nation. 00:10:54.459 --> 00:10:55.740 And that's what this parable is about. 00:10:56.919 --> 00:10:58.480 They both received the same command. 00:10:58.620 --> 00:10:59.659 You see it there in verse 28. 00:11:00.659 --> 00:11:02.419 It's a very fatherly command. 00:11:02.559 --> 00:11:02.939 Isn't it? 00:11:03.159 --> 00:11:03.679 Verse 28. 00:11:05.159 --> 00:11:06.139 A man had two sons. 00:11:06.299 --> 00:11:07.139 And he went to the first. 00:11:07.219 --> 00:11:07.620 And he said. 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:08.100 Son. 00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:10.039 Go and work. 00:11:10.439 --> 00:11:11.319 In the vineyard. 00:11:11.860 --> 00:11:12.139 Today. 00:11:12.139 --> 00:11:12.459 Today. 00:11:12.460 --> 00:11:16.420 Now when we see vineyard. 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:17.100 What would we have to think? 00:11:17.160 --> 00:11:18.240 We've been through Matthew's gospel. 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:19.560 What is that vineyard? 00:11:19.660 --> 00:11:20.780 That Matthew keeps talking about. 00:11:21.740 --> 00:11:22.620 That vineyard. 00:11:22.780 --> 00:11:24.160 It's a picture of the kingdom of God. 00:11:25.259 --> 00:11:26.340 We've already seen that. 00:11:27.700 --> 00:11:28.139 Repent. 00:11:28.259 --> 00:11:29.379 John the Baptist was preaching. 00:11:29.780 --> 00:11:30.700 Come to the Messiah. 00:11:30.800 --> 00:11:32.200 That was what John the Baptist was preaching. 00:11:32.920 --> 00:11:33.940 Come to the Messiah. 00:11:34.280 --> 00:11:34.920 Come to Christ. 00:11:35.040 --> 00:11:36.759 Live under the government of God. 00:11:36.759 --> 00:11:37.600 That's not being a Christian. 00:11:37.860 --> 00:11:40.180 It's living with Christ as your ruler. 00:11:40.560 --> 00:11:42.340 Have the Holy Spirit of God. 00:11:42.340 --> 00:11:43.420 Living within you. 00:11:43.940 --> 00:11:47.259 Become a real heart subject of God. 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:49.480 Go into the vineyard. 00:11:49.860 --> 00:11:50.680 And work for him. 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:54.000 And we saw recently. 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:54.280 Didn't we? 00:11:54.320 --> 00:11:55.519 That we become Christians. 00:11:56.100 --> 00:11:57.680 We come into the kingdom of God. 00:11:57.759 --> 00:11:59.259 To work for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:59.340 --> 00:12:00.259 That's what we want to do. 00:12:01.180 --> 00:12:02.860 To do something for Christ. 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:06.000 And to do it now. 00:12:06.300 --> 00:12:07.000 To do it today. 00:12:07.560 --> 00:12:08.300 To live for him. 00:12:09.660 --> 00:12:10.360 So it's the command. 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:12.800 So here are two sets of people. 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:13.960 They hear the same command. 00:12:14.740 --> 00:12:16.500 But they don't respond in the same way. 00:12:16.659 --> 00:12:17.340 In verse 29. 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:18.200 Here's the first sentence. 00:12:19.639 --> 00:12:22.539 His actions are better than his words. 00:12:24.180 --> 00:12:25.480 His answer is really bad, isn't it? 00:12:27.779 --> 00:12:28.779 He says, doesn't he? 00:12:28.879 --> 00:12:29.259 The father. 00:12:29.659 --> 00:12:30.039 Son. 00:12:31.419 --> 00:12:31.860 Son. 00:12:31.860 --> 00:12:31.960 Son. 00:12:31.960 --> 00:12:32.060 Son. 00:12:34.560 --> 00:12:36.220 Go into the vineyard. 00:12:37.379 --> 00:12:38.620 And work for me today. 00:12:41.220 --> 00:12:43.360 I will not go. 00:12:43.560 --> 00:12:45.220 That is a bad answer, isn't it, children? 00:12:45.840 --> 00:12:48.320 That is not a good answer, isn't it? 00:12:48.560 --> 00:12:50.360 When your mum or dad say to you. 00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:53.600 Ethan, can you go and tidy your room? 00:12:54.160 --> 00:12:56.300 I will not go. 00:12:56.939 --> 00:12:59.259 I can't imagine that gets a good response, does it? 00:12:59.299 --> 00:13:00.759 From your dad or mum. 00:13:01.199 --> 00:13:01.719 What do you think? 00:13:02.459 --> 00:13:03.039 It doesn't, does it? 00:13:03.079 --> 00:13:05.679 It doesn't go down well, does it, Anis? 00:13:05.819 --> 00:13:07.120 Don't try that at home, alright? 00:13:07.679 --> 00:13:09.559 I will not go. 00:13:10.240 --> 00:13:11.439 The answer is really bad, he answered. 00:13:11.440 --> 00:13:14.340 But his actions were good. 00:13:16.400 --> 00:13:18.360 Afterwards, the student says he regretted it. 00:13:18.620 --> 00:13:19.180 And he went. 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:25.120 The father of the son comes and says, go into my vineyard and work in my vineyard today. 00:13:25.300 --> 00:13:26.880 No, I will not. 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:28.540 He's not a fellow making excuses. 00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:33.460 He's just bare-faced rude. 00:13:34.680 --> 00:13:36.020 When his father speaks to him. 00:13:36.800 --> 00:13:37.980 There's a downright refusal. 00:13:39.640 --> 00:13:40.240 Like some of you. 00:13:41.440 --> 00:13:44.400 But then your second thoughts. 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:49.100 And isn't that one of the most wonderful things? 00:13:49.960 --> 00:13:51.940 About the good news of Lord Jesus. 00:13:54.380 --> 00:13:56.000 There are boys and girls. 00:13:56.240 --> 00:13:57.100 And there are young people. 00:13:57.380 --> 00:13:58.720 And there are men and there are women. 00:13:59.040 --> 00:14:01.540 Who are very, very unpromising. 00:14:03.060 --> 00:14:05.460 But they come to something in the kingdom of God. 00:14:06.700 --> 00:14:07.660 That's great, isn't it? 00:14:07.659 --> 00:14:11.120 There are some people when they hear the gospel. 00:14:11.259 --> 00:14:12.199 They refuse it. 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:13.839 And they're actually rude about it. 00:14:15.500 --> 00:14:16.740 And then they change their mind. 00:14:17.219 --> 00:14:17.679 And they repent. 00:14:19.319 --> 00:14:20.179 And they obey. 00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:22.679 And they come into the kingdom. 00:14:22.939 --> 00:14:24.179 And they work. 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:28.339 The son wasn't just sorry for what he said. 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:30.200 He changed his mind. 00:14:30.720 --> 00:14:32.100 And he went into the vineyard. 00:14:32.220 --> 00:14:33.700 And that is what repentance is. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:38.820 Repentance is not just being sorry for what you've done. 00:14:39.940 --> 00:14:42.300 Repentance is regretting what you've done. 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:45.920 That you've done something that you shouldn't have done. 00:14:46.440 --> 00:14:48.259 Or you've not done something that you should have done. 00:14:48.259 --> 00:14:51.460 It is a changing of your mind about it. 00:14:52.340 --> 00:14:55.700 And that change of mind is seen in a changed life. 00:14:57.279 --> 00:14:59.779 And so this guy's life is changed. 00:15:01.019 --> 00:15:02.720 He forsakes his rebellion. 00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:04.860 He stops saying no. 00:15:05.220 --> 00:15:06.759 He starts saying yes. 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:09.019 And he gets to work in the vineyard. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:11.360 Didn't he deserve to be punished? 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:15.720 Didn't he deserve to be thrown out of his father's house? 00:15:15.720 --> 00:15:19.980 Didn't he deserve his father to chastise him? 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:22.660 To disobey him completely? 00:15:24.840 --> 00:15:26.320 But he went to the vineyard. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:31.980 And here's the glory of the good news of the Lord Jesus this morning. 00:15:33.160 --> 00:15:35.120 That the vineyard was still open to him. 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:37.500 It was still open to him. 00:15:38.680 --> 00:15:40.759 And he worked in the father's vineyard. 00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:43.740 That is the grace and the kindness of God. 00:15:43.820 --> 00:15:45.120 That is the father's blessing. 00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:46.820 And so some of us. 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:48.860 You refuse and you refuse. 00:15:49.160 --> 00:15:51.759 And sometimes you refuse God spitefully. 00:15:52.200 --> 00:15:53.200 And stubbornly. 00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:56.180 And then you repent. 00:15:57.920 --> 00:15:59.160 And you change your mind. 00:16:00.540 --> 00:16:03.080 And you forsake your place of rebellion. 00:16:03.660 --> 00:16:06.779 And you go back on your sinful words. 00:16:06.920 --> 00:16:08.180 And you come to the kingdom. 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:09.939 And you come to Christ. 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:12.179 And you find that the door is open. 00:16:13.859 --> 00:16:14.719 And you come in. 00:16:16.719 --> 00:16:18.179 And you may work for the king. 00:16:20.279 --> 00:16:21.239 Let's look at the second son. 00:16:21.299 --> 00:16:21.879 Look at this 30. 00:16:23.319 --> 00:16:24.259 These words are better aren't they? 00:16:25.299 --> 00:16:26.239 He went to the other son. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:27.419 And he said the same thing. 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:29.959 He said son go work in my vineyard today. 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:33.600 And the second son answered. 00:16:33.820 --> 00:16:34.920 I go sir. 00:16:37.480 --> 00:16:38.440 But did not go. 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:43.040 Now all those who hear the gospel of good news. 00:16:43.280 --> 00:16:44.120 Hear the same gospel. 00:16:46.060 --> 00:16:46.800 People in this room. 00:16:46.900 --> 00:16:47.940 You hear the same commands. 00:16:49.100 --> 00:16:50.740 You hear the same instruction. 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:53.240 You receive the same encouragement. 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:54.779 And so here is a man. 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:55.879 He hears the gospel. 00:16:56.460 --> 00:16:57.639 He hears the command. 00:16:57.879 --> 00:17:00.200 And he is very very respectful. 00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:04.700 And his words are very submissive. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:05.200 Look what he says. 00:17:05.259 --> 00:17:06.240 He says I go sir. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:07.799 I'm on my way. 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:09.660 You count on me. 00:17:11.400 --> 00:17:13.799 Like so many who promise so much. 00:17:15.079 --> 00:17:16.859 He has got a nice spirit about it. 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:19.640 But nothing comes of it. 00:17:19.640 --> 00:17:23.000 That is because. 00:17:23.580 --> 00:17:24.820 In this man's life. 00:17:25.560 --> 00:17:26.780 In some people's lives. 00:17:27.020 --> 00:17:28.200 Saying and doing. 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:30.500 Are two different things. 00:17:32.360 --> 00:17:34.259 That's something that God absolutely hates. 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:37.440 And that's one of the main points of this parable. 00:17:38.820 --> 00:17:40.480 It's interesting in the Hebrew Old Testament. 00:17:41.080 --> 00:17:42.820 Saying and doing are the same verb. 00:17:42.920 --> 00:17:43.460 Now actually. 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:47.420 Saying or doing are not separate things. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:49.060 In the mind of God. 00:17:50.300 --> 00:17:51.640 But saying and doing. 00:17:51.780 --> 00:17:52.720 But they are separate things. 00:17:52.780 --> 00:17:53.580 In this guy's life. 00:17:55.220 --> 00:17:56.160 He said he would go. 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:56.960 But he did not go. 00:17:58.400 --> 00:18:00.380 Can any parallel be simpler than this? 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:03.280 The point of the parallel is this. 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:05.100 Will it be real obedience? 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.920 Or will it be just words? 00:18:10.800 --> 00:18:11.580 Which will it be? 00:18:13.420 --> 00:18:14.220 Real obedience. 00:18:15.800 --> 00:18:16.700 Or just words? 00:18:16.700 --> 00:18:19.799 We've seen the occasion. 00:18:20.120 --> 00:18:21.059 We've seen the parable of 30. 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:22.080 That's the point. 00:18:23.539 --> 00:18:24.900 The real point is in verse 31. 00:18:26.539 --> 00:18:27.900 The point is brought home. 00:18:28.080 --> 00:18:29.059 To that original audience. 00:18:29.160 --> 00:18:30.059 By another question. 00:18:30.160 --> 00:18:31.100 Look at verse 31. 00:18:33.360 --> 00:18:34.680 Which of these two. 00:18:35.140 --> 00:18:36.360 Did the will of his father? 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.160 What do you think children? 00:18:40.160 --> 00:18:42.660 Was it the first son? 00:18:43.200 --> 00:18:44.300 Or the second son? 00:18:44.300 --> 00:18:45.440 That did the will of the father? 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:47.540 What do you think? 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:48.160 How do you think? 00:18:49.160 --> 00:18:50.220 The first son isn't it? 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:51.980 The youngest person here. 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:53.460 Can understand the point of the parable. 00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:55.100 It was the first son. 00:18:55.160 --> 00:18:56.620 The one who said no. 00:18:56.900 --> 00:18:57.900 But changed his mind and went. 00:18:58.420 --> 00:18:59.140 He was the one. 00:18:59.380 --> 00:19:00.540 That fulfilled the will of his father. 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:02.540 It's a really obvious question. 00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:04.300 One was rude. 00:19:05.259 --> 00:19:06.279 The other was a liar. 00:19:08.119 --> 00:19:09.159 They were both faulty. 00:19:09.279 --> 00:19:09.599 Weren't they? 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:12.139 But which one was the better one? 00:19:13.619 --> 00:19:15.299 Which one was the least at fault? 00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:17.460 The answer is easy. 00:19:18.159 --> 00:19:18.879 And they found it out. 00:19:19.919 --> 00:19:20.899 You see in verse 31. 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:26.339 Which of the two did the will of his father? 00:19:26.339 --> 00:19:28.019 They said the first. 00:19:29.599 --> 00:19:29.980 Why? 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:33.200 Because his actions. 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:35.220 Were better than his words. 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:37.839 His end. 00:19:38.220 --> 00:19:39.240 Was better than his beginning. 00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:42.299 No one with any common sense. 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:43.360 Could miss the answer this morning. 00:19:44.579 --> 00:19:46.000 The right answer is as obvious. 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:47.279 As those on your face. 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:49.559 And the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:19:49.620 --> 00:19:50.700 Then takes up the right answer. 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:52.319 And he applies it to the discussion. 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:53.259 That's going on at the minute. 00:19:54.400 --> 00:19:56.059 To their in Jewish society. 00:19:56.059 --> 00:19:57.299 To those prostitutes. 00:19:57.420 --> 00:19:57.900 And twisted. 00:19:58.140 --> 00:19:59.319 Cheating tax collectors. 00:19:59.319 --> 00:20:01.539 They were the ones that were outside. 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:02.779 Of organised religion. 00:20:04.599 --> 00:20:05.819 Now let's think back for a minute. 00:20:05.960 --> 00:20:07.039 To Jewish society. 00:20:08.299 --> 00:20:10.059 Where did the kind of children go to school? 00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:12.220 Synagogues. 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:14.599 What was the local community centre? 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:15.500 Synagogues. 00:20:16.359 --> 00:20:17.779 What was the local law court? 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:18.419 A society? 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:19.039 Synagogue. 00:20:20.179 --> 00:20:21.779 What was the centre of society? 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:22.579 Synagogue. 00:20:24.099 --> 00:20:25.919 Everything revolved around the synagogue. 00:20:27.119 --> 00:20:28.079 The religious place. 00:20:28.079 --> 00:20:32.500 And so if you were outside organised religion. 00:20:33.619 --> 00:20:36.460 You were outside society in lots of ways. 00:20:37.419 --> 00:20:38.819 You were an outcast. 00:20:38.939 --> 00:20:40.259 You were not one of the insiders. 00:20:40.379 --> 00:20:41.519 You were one of the outsiders. 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:44.139 You were a complete outcast. 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:46.579 If the synagogue threw you out. 00:20:47.139 --> 00:20:48.519 And said you're no longer welcome here. 00:20:48.519 --> 00:20:50.159 You really were a social outcast. 00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:52.519 And so hear words. 00:20:52.600 --> 00:20:53.440 Social outcast. 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:55.120 And along comes John the Baptist. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:57.180 And he doesn't preach in the synagogue. 00:20:58.120 --> 00:20:59.759 He doesn't go to IBC and preach. 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:02.220 He goes out into the deserts to preach. 00:21:02.279 --> 00:21:03.360 He wants a horse to get in hell. 00:21:04.580 --> 00:21:05.840 And they hear him preach. 00:21:07.380 --> 00:21:08.200 And the people. 00:21:08.380 --> 00:21:09.200 The normal people. 00:21:09.940 --> 00:21:11.160 They're sorry for their sins. 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:12.080 And they're smitten. 00:21:12.420 --> 00:21:13.279 And now hearts. 00:21:13.880 --> 00:21:15.180 And they break their hearts. 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:15.980 And they repent. 00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:18.079 And they prepare for the coming of Christ. 00:21:19.779 --> 00:21:21.160 And when Christ comes. 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:22.120 They come to him. 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.519 But at the same time. 00:21:26.599 --> 00:21:28.420 You're the Jewish religious leaders. 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:30.759 And oh they're so religious. 00:21:32.339 --> 00:21:33.759 They've got rules in their religion. 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.460 About everything. 00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:36.460 Rules which they keep. 00:21:38.620 --> 00:21:40.019 Rules about what you should wear on your head. 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:43.120 Rules about what shoes you should wear. 00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:47.659 And there are rules about how far you should walk on a certain day. 00:21:48.919 --> 00:21:50.739 Rules about which food you should eat. 00:21:52.459 --> 00:21:53.979 Rules about who you should speak to. 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:54.899 And who you shouldn't speak to. 00:21:56.519 --> 00:21:58.000 Rules about how you introduce. 00:21:58.199 --> 00:21:59.000 And how you say goodbye. 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:01.899 Rules about how you walk downstairs. 00:22:02.119 --> 00:22:03.059 And how you walk upstairs. 00:22:03.179 --> 00:22:03.879 And there are rules about everything. 00:22:05.619 --> 00:22:06.339 Absolutely everything. 00:22:06.879 --> 00:22:07.739 They are so religious. 00:22:07.879 --> 00:22:09.399 But when John the Baptist comes along. 00:22:10.659 --> 00:22:12.339 They're going to hear him out of curiosity. 00:22:12.339 --> 00:22:13.539 They can't believe it. 00:22:16.159 --> 00:22:17.459 They've got to hear this man. 00:22:17.539 --> 00:22:18.779 It's kind of a religious phenomenon. 00:22:19.819 --> 00:22:21.899 But they don't recognise that they have any sin. 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:26.000 And they don't prepare for the coming of the Messiah. 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:29.459 And so when the Messiah comes. 00:22:29.939 --> 00:22:31.299 They don't actually recognise him. 00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:33.619 And they don't come to him. 00:22:34.959 --> 00:22:37.099 And they're filled with religious words. 00:22:37.359 --> 00:22:38.980 They sing their religious words. 00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:41.159 They say their religious words. 00:22:41.160 --> 00:22:42.420 They're filled with promise. 00:22:42.580 --> 00:22:43.660 I go sir. 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:44.960 I go sir. 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:45.980 I go sir. 00:22:48.519 --> 00:22:49.779 But when the Savior comes. 00:22:49.860 --> 00:22:50.540 They don't go to him. 00:22:52.640 --> 00:22:53.640 And they're hypocrites. 00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:57.700 Hypocrites are now saying. 00:22:57.800 --> 00:23:00.180 They don't know if John the Baptist was sent by God or not. 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:03.019 You should have known. 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:03.500 You should have known said Jesus. 00:23:03.620 --> 00:23:04.320 In verse 32. 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:07.660 You should have known verse 32. 00:23:07.840 --> 00:23:11.539 That John was an outstanding example of righteousness. 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:16.920 He did good amongst the worst kind of people. 00:23:18.320 --> 00:23:20.180 It's not the proof that the Lord had sent him. 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:25.060 Jesus is saying in verse 32. 00:23:25.060 --> 00:23:28.820 Your problem is that you're not willing to admit that God sent him. 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:32.240 And so you have tax collectors. 00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:34.120 You have prostitutes. 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:36.880 Who are represented by the first son. 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:42.240 And you've got the Jewish civil and religious leaders represented by the second son. 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:45.000 I hear these people. 00:23:45.099 --> 00:23:46.460 They are not promising at all. 00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:47.279 They are rebellious. 00:23:47.380 --> 00:23:48.299 And they are rude. 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:50.259 But they are the ones that enter the kingdom of God. 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:52.500 Because they repent. 00:23:54.319 --> 00:23:56.700 I hear of the ones who are very very promising. 00:23:57.099 --> 00:23:58.559 And they are filled with religion. 00:23:58.759 --> 00:23:59.559 And with good works. 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:00.880 But they don't go into the kingdom. 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:02.640 When it's preached. 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:03.779 They go the other way. 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.720 Now Jesus made his point. 00:24:08.440 --> 00:24:11.579 And his point I hope is not lost on you or me or us. 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:17.220 Because first of all here is a parable that holds out immense encouragement. 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:21.220 Immense encouragement to you this morning. 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:23.859 If you will repent. 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:27.200 If you will say. 00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:30.500 I'm sorry Lord. 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:35.319 And I've lived my life for myself. 00:24:37.079 --> 00:24:39.240 And I've lived without you as Lord. 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:40.799 And I know that's wrong. 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:43.099 And I want to change. 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:44.200 But I can only change Lord. 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:46.079 If you help me by the power of your spirit. 00:24:47.379 --> 00:24:50.919 And the Lord Jesus Christ has come to enable me to change. 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:52.680 And has taken my sin. 00:24:54.339 --> 00:24:55.599 It's immensely encouraging. 00:24:57.359 --> 00:24:59.879 God speaks to you this morning. 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.740 Through his word. 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:03.619 He speaks to congregations. 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:05.700 He speaks to every congregation when the Bible is opened. 00:25:06.799 --> 00:25:07.399 And explained. 00:25:07.400 --> 00:25:09.700 And through the Bible. 00:25:09.840 --> 00:25:11.440 God tells every man and every woman. 00:25:12.080 --> 00:25:12.960 And every boy. 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:15.120 And every girl in church this morning. 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:16.360 To go into the vineyard. 00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:20.400 And God is telling you. 00:25:20.540 --> 00:25:21.380 This Sunday morning. 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:22.060 Right now. 00:25:22.220 --> 00:25:23.580 Come into my kingdom. 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.800 Come to Christ. 00:25:27.000 --> 00:25:29.600 Live under the government of God. 00:25:29.599 --> 00:25:29.679 God. 00:25:30.519 --> 00:25:32.139 And come and work for me. 00:25:33.799 --> 00:25:35.559 And be a member of that new race. 00:25:35.639 --> 00:25:36.339 And that new kingdom. 00:25:38.919 --> 00:25:40.319 And some of you this morning. 00:25:40.639 --> 00:25:42.919 You are flatly refusing to obey. 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.839 But others of you. 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:50.219 Are promising to obey. 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:52.539 But frankly. 00:25:52.639 --> 00:25:53.839 You are doing nothing about it. 00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:57.079 What your lips say. 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:58.279 Is very very good. 00:25:59.699 --> 00:26:00.980 But that's not matched. 00:26:01.079 --> 00:26:02.419 By what's going on in your life. 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:05.539 And so the parable speaks to us. 00:26:05.639 --> 00:26:06.079 Do it isn't it? 00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:09.539 Now first of all. 00:26:09.639 --> 00:26:11.720 Are words to those who flatly refuse. 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:11.980 Okay. 00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:13.399 To those who just say no. 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:17.640 The gospel tells you. 00:26:18.540 --> 00:26:20.900 That God is infinitely willing. 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:22.380 To receive. 00:26:22.800 --> 00:26:24.340 The worst of sinners. 00:26:27.320 --> 00:26:28.720 You flatly refuse. 00:26:28.840 --> 00:26:29.620 You say no. 00:26:31.280 --> 00:26:33.580 But if you will repent of your sin. 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:35.460 In spite of all that you've done. 00:26:35.560 --> 00:26:36.360 And all that you've said. 00:26:36.460 --> 00:26:37.560 And all that you've thought. 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:40.200 However unpromising you have been. 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:43.019 If you leave the place of rebellion. 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:44.759 And you turn your back. 00:26:44.840 --> 00:26:46.540 On those awful words. 00:26:47.300 --> 00:26:48.080 And thoughts. 00:26:49.040 --> 00:26:50.019 And you will turn. 00:26:50.140 --> 00:26:51.500 And you will come to the door. 00:26:52.800 --> 00:26:54.920 And you will find that that door is open. 00:26:56.720 --> 00:26:57.759 And you may go in. 00:26:59.620 --> 00:27:00.640 And even today. 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:06.519 Today you can enter into all the privileges of the gospel. 00:27:08.280 --> 00:27:09.800 And you can find work to do. 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:11.140 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:12.040 And purpose in living. 00:27:13.400 --> 00:27:14.900 And the door is open this morning. 00:27:15.040 --> 00:27:15.640 If you will repent. 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:18.560 The door is wide open. 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:19.320 If you will repent. 00:27:20.920 --> 00:27:21.900 And that's the gospel. 00:27:23.360 --> 00:27:24.160 We're not Buddhists. 00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:25.100 We're not Buddhists. 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:25.340 We say. 00:27:25.400 --> 00:27:26.540 When you go to such and such a temple. 00:27:26.900 --> 00:27:29.019 And give such and such an offering. 00:27:29.560 --> 00:27:30.820 And you do such and such. 00:27:31.380 --> 00:27:31.940 A journey. 00:27:32.600 --> 00:27:33.220 And you can get in. 00:27:34.060 --> 00:27:34.620 We're not Muslims. 00:27:35.140 --> 00:27:35.620 Who say. 00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:36.180 Go to Mecca. 00:27:36.540 --> 00:27:37.340 And do this. 00:27:37.440 --> 00:27:38.380 And don't do that. 00:27:38.380 --> 00:27:39.380 And dress like this. 00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:40.600 And don't dress like that. 00:27:41.380 --> 00:27:43.140 We are people who are saying to you. 00:27:43.180 --> 00:27:43.920 Whatever you've done. 00:27:44.020 --> 00:27:45.180 However bad you've been. 00:27:45.280 --> 00:27:47.000 And however rude you've been to God. 00:27:48.040 --> 00:27:50.520 And however spiteful your words have been. 00:27:50.800 --> 00:27:51.620 Whatever it is. 00:27:51.680 --> 00:27:52.940 And however long you've done it. 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:55.000 If you will turn free from it. 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:56.620 There's a place in the kingdom for you. 00:27:58.080 --> 00:27:59.500 There's bread and wine at the table. 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:05.079 Because of the mercy of God. 00:28:09.660 --> 00:28:13.339 Our assurance of pardon was what Christ Jesus came into this world to what? 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:14.859 To save sinners. 00:28:16.619 --> 00:28:17.660 He brought the punishment. 00:28:18.180 --> 00:28:19.299 Which has come for sinners. 00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:21.019 He suffered the agony of the punishment. 00:28:21.380 --> 00:28:22.359 Which sinners deserved. 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:24.039 He's not then going to turn you away is he? 00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:26.220 This is great news. 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:29.259 For the sinner who turns. 00:28:29.360 --> 00:28:30.880 All things have passed away. 00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:32.779 All things have become new. 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:34.759 And Jesus Christ is emphasising to you. 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:36.839 How wide the door is this morning. 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:40.140 And repentance is the way in. 00:28:42.319 --> 00:28:43.259 Now a word is there. 00:28:43.319 --> 00:28:44.640 To give lip service to all this. 00:28:46.620 --> 00:28:47.259 And your doctrine. 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:48.360 Your doctrine is correct. 00:28:49.400 --> 00:28:51.019 And you can't fault. 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:53.480 I can't fault you when you talk about the Christian faith. 00:28:54.100 --> 00:28:55.380 And your ethics are correct. 00:28:56.220 --> 00:28:59.000 And no one can fault you when you talk about Christian behaviour. 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:03.740 But are you really giving up on your sins? 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:07.059 And that's the question isn't it? 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:08.559 The challenge the word of God puts. 00:29:08.680 --> 00:29:09.559 Because good words. 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:10.500 Even good words. 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:12.279 Even godly words. 00:29:12.380 --> 00:29:13.140 Even true words. 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:14.500 Even prayerful words. 00:29:16.579 --> 00:29:17.559 Disgust God. 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:20.799 If they're not followed up by actions. 00:29:21.200 --> 00:29:22.220 Which match themselves. 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:27.279 But if you will repent. 00:29:27.279 --> 00:29:28.220 Even of that sin. 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:31.880 And you will turn from your hypocrisy. 00:29:31.880 --> 00:29:36.140 You will find that that door is open. 00:29:37.520 --> 00:29:37.880 Amazingly. 00:29:39.740 --> 00:29:40.820 Because the Bible says. 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:41.900 The Bible says. 00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:43.040 If we confess our sins. 00:29:43.100 --> 00:29:44.160 He is faithful and just. 00:29:44.280 --> 00:29:45.360 And will forgive us our sins. 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:47.420 And cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:51.380 Finally a word about today. 00:29:51.460 --> 00:29:52.539 Can you just look at verse 28. 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:56.819 The father comes to their son. 00:29:56.899 --> 00:29:57.200 And he says. 00:29:57.259 --> 00:29:58.460 Son go and work in the vineyard. 00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:00.319 A little word today. 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:01.379 Today. 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:06.279 When will God meet with a rebellious sinner? 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:08.839 When will God. 00:30:11.139 --> 00:30:13.519 Forgive the person who said nice words. 00:30:13.619 --> 00:30:16.259 But has not decided to back them up with right actions. 00:30:17.399 --> 00:30:19.460 When does God promise to meet with you? 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:22.420 Only today. 00:30:23.480 --> 00:30:24.180 Only today. 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.840 God has no promises. 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:29.700 To deal graciously. 00:30:30.120 --> 00:30:31.779 And kindly with a sinner tomorrow. 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:32.799 Or next week. 00:30:32.860 --> 00:30:33.380 Or next year. 00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:34.759 Only today. 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:37.819 The person you are. 00:30:37.900 --> 00:30:38.860 Is the person you are today. 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:39.259 Isn't it? 00:30:41.140 --> 00:30:42.579 And the need you have. 00:30:42.840 --> 00:30:44.559 Is the need that you have today. 00:30:45.019 --> 00:30:46.920 And delay is a terrible thing. 00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:51.660 It is the devil's tactic. 00:30:51.740 --> 00:30:52.019 Isn't it? 00:30:52.039 --> 00:30:53.039 For people who grew up in churches. 00:30:53.200 --> 00:30:54.100 It's the devil's tactic. 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:54.539 Tomorrow. 00:30:54.680 --> 00:30:55.259 When I'm older. 00:30:55.340 --> 00:30:56.360 When I'm old. 00:30:56.660 --> 00:30:56.960 Later. 00:30:58.800 --> 00:31:00.400 And the devil will try and scold you. 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.080 If you can. 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:03.779 But God always. 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.240 Always. 00:31:04.320 --> 00:31:04.680 Always. 00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:04.720 Always. 00:31:04.720 --> 00:31:04.720 00:31:04.720 --> 00:31:04.720 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:06.019 In terms of today. 00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:10.620 And if there is a time. 00:31:10.779 --> 00:31:10.900 To. 00:31:10.900 --> 00:31:12.320 To foresee rebellion. 00:31:12.500 --> 00:31:14.080 To stop going your own way. 00:31:14.160 --> 00:31:14.720 It's today. 00:31:15.580 --> 00:31:16.400 It's now. 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:18.080 And if there is a time. 00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:18.880 To come into the kingdom. 00:31:19.019 --> 00:31:19.779 It is now. 00:31:20.120 --> 00:31:20.860 And if there is a time. 00:31:20.920 --> 00:31:22.400 To give yourself to Jesus Christ. 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:23.240 It is now. 00:31:23.560 --> 00:31:24.560 And if there is a time. 00:31:24.640 --> 00:31:25.640 To live under his government. 00:31:25.800 --> 00:31:26.700 It is now. 00:31:28.560 --> 00:31:29.539 And God makes a promise. 00:31:29.620 --> 00:31:30.300 To receive you. 00:31:30.580 --> 00:31:30.940 Now. 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:34.060 But he doesn't make any promises. 00:31:34.200 --> 00:31:34.620 Beyond that. 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:39.700 And so I want to say something. 00:31:39.700 --> 00:31:41.080 Just a Christian siphonish. 00:31:42.940 --> 00:31:44.320 Because I think that same truth. 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:45.500 Is for us today. 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:46.900 Is that if we've got something. 00:31:47.019 --> 00:31:47.519 In our life. 00:31:47.680 --> 00:31:48.819 That needs sorting out. 00:31:49.160 --> 00:31:50.359 And many of us have. 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:52.539 God is pleased to deal with it today. 00:31:54.660 --> 00:31:55.680 But he demands. 00:31:55.819 --> 00:31:56.460 And he requires. 00:31:56.579 --> 00:31:57.319 That you give attention. 00:31:57.319 --> 00:31:58.519 To that right now. 00:31:58.519 --> 00:32:04.779 That this whole question. 00:32:04.779 --> 00:32:06.160 Of words which are spoken. 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:07.299 Which are not followed up. 00:32:07.359 --> 00:32:07.940 By the actions. 00:32:07.940 --> 00:32:09.180 Which match those words. 00:32:09.259 --> 00:32:10.200 That is to be dealt with. 00:32:10.379 --> 00:32:10.720 Now. 00:32:12.019 --> 00:32:12.460 Today. 00:32:12.579 --> 00:32:13.220 This very hour. 00:32:14.680 --> 00:32:16.379 The parable is very brief. 00:32:17.740 --> 00:32:18.619 The message. 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:19.920 Is very brief. 00:32:21.359 --> 00:32:21.799 Life. 00:32:21.799 --> 00:32:24.299 Is very brief. 00:32:26.039 --> 00:32:27.519 And so what life will it be. 00:32:28.940 --> 00:32:29.960 A life of. 00:32:30.379 --> 00:32:31.139 Lip service. 00:32:32.759 --> 00:32:33.680 Or service. 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:35.359 Let's pray.