October 1st Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
What Do You Think?
“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
[Reading Above - Matthew 21:28-32]
The importance of following Jesus with humble obedience continues to be an important theme in the closing chapters of Mathew’s gospel. Jesus offers a spirit of transformation that turns us toward the values of God—values of grace, peace, reconciliation, and kindness. This transformation is revealed in our actions of grace, peace, reconciliation, and kindness. In this parable, Jesus also re-emphasizes another important theme in his teaching: those considered last in our society but are transformed by grace become first in the kingdom of heaven.
Questions for Reflection:
A father with two sons brings to mind the stories of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), Esau and Jacob (Genesis 27), and the Parable of the Prodigal (Luke 15). How do these stories bring understanding to the parable in Mathew 21?
Jesus seems to be highlighting the importance of changing one’s mind and living one’s faith as actions of his followers. Where do you need a change in your life? How might a commitment to a faithful action support that change?
A Spiritual Practice to Try:
Take a close look at how you spend your time. What do your actions say about what maters most to you? Ask Christ to change your mind and behavior so you can reflect more faithfully humble obedience to the way of grace, peace, reconciliation, and kindness. Make sure this change is reflected in your daily schedule.
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship:
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures, respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes, make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons, create a to-do list of discipleship actions, list questions you want to explore, write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.