Today, lots of Jesus ❤ Let’s read Matthew 21:28-32, Mark 12:1-12, Matthew 21:33-46, Luke 20:9-19, Matthew 22:1-14, Mark 12:13-17, Matthew 22:15-22, Luke 20:20-26, Mark 12:18-27, Matthew 22:23-33, and Luke 20:27-40.  Come on back and let’s talk about what we read:

“even when you saw their changed lives, you didn’t care enough to change and believe” Matthew 21:32 MSG

Wow.  Those words must have hit the disciples hard – they hit me hard today. We can’t depend on what our eyes see.  We have to trust God with and without “signs” – but how hard hearted must someone be, to see a God-change in someone and still not be inspired to act in faith?  Read that passage in context one more time (Matthew 21:28-32).  Here’s where people get it wrong: they decide whether someone is worthy of time or attention or even a life change based on their past behavior.  Here’s where Jesus gets it right: He just wants someone  to come home and be restored.  Where did you come from, what did you do?  It doesn’t matter to Jesus – just come on back and let Him change you!

“Finally there was only one left: a beloved son. In a last-ditch effort, he sent him” Mark 12:6 MSG

The parable of the vineyard (like Mark 12:1-12) – how much more powerful is that to us, given our context from the Old Testament? The MSG says the land owner sent his son as a “last ditch effort” – didn’t we see God try everything else in His efforts at restoration in the Old Testament?