Actions Speak Louder Than Words — September 8 [Description]Overview of the Passage:This passage centers on the parable of the two sons—one who initially refuses to obey his father but later repents and does the work, and another who agrees to obey but never follows through. Jesus uses this story to illustrate that true obedience to God is measured by action, not empty words or religious appearances. This message is aimed at religious leaders who witnessed Jesus’ miracles and authority firsthand yet rejected Him out of pride and fear of losing influence. Christ contrasts lip service with genuine repentance and challenges the sincerity of those claiming to follow God. Ultimately, it’s not what we say about faith that matters most—it’s what we do with it.

Spirit of Prophecy Reading

Christ’s Object Lessons pp.272-275:365D 251.1

This chapter is based on Matthew 21:23-32.365D 251.2

“A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir; and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first.”365D 251.3

In the sermon on the mount Christ said, “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21. The test of sincerity is not in words, but in deeds. Christ does not say to any man, What say ye more than others? but, “What do ye more than others?” Matthew 5:47. Full of meaning are His words, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17. Words are of no value unless they are accompanied with appropriate deeds. This is the lesson taught in the parable of the two sons.365D 251.4

This parable was spoken at Christ’s last visit to Jerusalem before His death. He had driven out the buyers and sellers from the temple. His voice had spoken to their hearts with the power of God. Amazed and terrified, they had obeyed His command without excuse or resistance.365D 251.5

The father went to the second son with the same command, “Go work today in my vineyard.” This son made reply, “I go, sir,” but he went not.365D 251.6

In this parable the father represents God, the vineyard the church. By the two sons are represented two classes of people. The son who refused to obey the command, saying, “I will not,” represented those who were living in open transgression, who made no profession of piety, who openly refused to come under the yoke of restraint and obedience which the law of God imposes. But many of these afterward repented and obeyed the call of God. When the gospel came to them in the message of John the Baptist, “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” they repented, and confessed their sins. (Matthew 3:2.)365D 251.7