“For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him.’” Matthew 21:32
Heaven is going to be full of repentant sinners of all kinds; people who turned from rebellion and disobedience toward God. Do you know who won’t be there? Those who are merely religious. These people know what the Bible says and even pretend to follow it, but their hearts are still in rebellion to God. They’re all talk and no walk. Today’s Holy Week conversation points out the danger of practicing religion rather than entering a relationship.
Jesus had just told a parable about two sons. The first son initially rebelled against his father but then repented and obeyed. The second son gave only lip service to his father’s wishes, pretending to obey (Matthew 21:28-30). The religious leaders must have been indignant by Jesus comparing them to the second son, not to mention His assertion that tax collectors and prostitutes would get into the kingdom of God before them (Matthew 21:28-31).
The truth behind this parable is just as relevant today. Some people recognize their rebellious hearts because their habits are so obviously contrary to God’s Word. Others hide their rebellion behind religion. You can be religious without being righteous. But even the worst sinners become righteous in Christ through genuine repentance, transforming both their hearts and habits. They will be readily accepted into Heaven because they know Christ personally.
People who are religious, but don’t have a relationship with Jesus, tend to cover their rebellious hearts with righteous talk and self-righteous actions. While the true condition of one’s heart can be hidden from others it cannot be hidden from God. Those who are merely religious will one day be exposed. Worse still, they will be left out of God’s kingdom. Jesus died, not just because we have sinful habits, but because we have sinful hearts. Some rebellious habits and hearts are just more noticeable than others.
What about you? Have you entered into a personal relationship with Jesus or are you merely practicing religion? You don’t have to be all talk and no walk. By placing your faith in Christ alone, you’ll celebrate this Easter like never before. Or maybe you’re like the first son in the parable—your rebellious heart was obvious to everyone before you knew Jesus. Then worship Him freely this Easter, and gratefully celebrate Christ, the Risen Lord!
More Holy Week devotions here!
