God Keeps Working On Us

God Keeps Working On Us
Matthew 21:23–32; Philippians 2:1–13
September 27, 2026
Jesus tells a story familiar to parents and grandparents.
A father tells his first son, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He refuses, then changes his mind and goes. The second son agrees, but does not go.
The story contrasts saying yes with living yes: our words and lives do not always match.
Jesus asks the religious leaders which son did his father’s will. They answer, “The first,” yet their behavior contradicts their answer. Jesus shocks them: “The tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.” Those they dismissed believed John, repented, and changed; the leaders did not.
That is the point: Jesus values not the right answer, but doing what the father asks.
This challenges Christians. We know the language, hymns, and rituals—but Jesus asks: What does our life say?
Paul offers a powerful example. As Saul, he persecuted Jesus’ followers, believing he served God. On the Damascus road, the risen Christ confronted him, and the persecutor became an apostle. Grace changed his no into yes. God was not finished with him—and can redirect any life.
Jesus’ parable says God is never finished with us. Paul shows how to live that promise: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Faith is more than right belief; it is a life shaped by Jesus.
The first son began wrongly, but “later he changed his mind.” Those hopeful words remind us that our first response need not be final.
Perhaps you have said no to God in anger, disappointment, silence, or doubt. Jesus offers freedom: God is not finished with us. Both sons had another chance to say yes; so do we.
Faith is not always a straight line. We move toward God and away; we believe, struggle, pray confidently, or admit uncertainty. Faith may mean staying open to God’s power to change us. God can work with an imperfect, hesitant, hard-won yes—even one that begins with no.
Philippians explains why: our faith centers not on getting everything right, but on Christ, who meets and loves us where we are. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” does not mean earning salvation, for “God is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
God works in you even when faith is small and you struggle, fail, or say no. That work appears in how we treat others, face disappointment, listen, admit fault, forgive, and notice quiet pain. It shows whether we merely speak Christianity or live it.
Which son are we? Both. Sometimes we say yes but fail to act; sometimes we say no and later find God still working in us. Faithful yet selfish, generous yet afraid—we are complicated.
God calls us to the vineyard again and again. Each morning offers another chance to answer: Lord, help me try, forgive, be patient, and love. I do not understand what you are doing, but I will walk with you.
God works in us, gradually changing both our actions and desires until we want what God wants. Let us leave with more than right words; let the humble, obedient, compassionate, serving mind of Christ become visible in our forgiveness, service, love, and lives. Amen.