Matthew 21:23-46

“That, I tell you, is why the realm of God will be taken from you, and given to a people that does produce its fruit.”  After listening to  these parables, the chief priests and the Pharisees saw that it was about them that he was speaking;”   ~Matthew 21:43-45

Please take a few minutes to go and read these two parables.  

Do you think Jesus was trying to be gentle in his reproach of the chief priests and Pharisees?  His telling of the parables seems like a gentle yet stern rebuke. Instead of just saying you guys have got to do better!  He told a story, two stories, to try to  help them see how wrong they are behaving.  I feel like he was trying to open their eyes to the truth of their behavior.  Like holding up a mirror for them.

Sometimes, it can be really hard to look in that mirror of truth.  Having to face an unfavorable truth about ourselves is very difficult.  Having to admit when we are wrong is hard.  Saying out loud for ourselves and others to hear, “I was wrong.  Now I know better and will strive to be better, “ can be quite grueling but it’s necessary.

Recently, I reminded someone that even though saying, “I was wrong and I’m sorry” is hard it is still necessary.  Not only does it make us a “grown-up” but it models good behavior for others. It’s not always just enough to move on.  It is necessary to have remorse and to admit when we are wrong so that we can do better, be better, so that we can learn from our mistakes. 

What is it they used to say?  Sometimes we need to eat a slice of humble pie.  Is that right?  I don’t know, I think it is.

It’s hard to say we’re sorry and even harder to say we were wrong but we all are from time to time.  We don’t always get it right, and sometimes our wrongs hurt others and we need to be able to admit that.

I wonder, if after Jesus asked them about John and Baptism if they had admitted they were wrong straight away, if Jesus would have hugged them, patted them on the back, or something like that and said, “I’m proud of you! Today, the world is little a bit closer to heaven.”

It’s taken a while but sometimes I think the best words that have helped my marriage have been, “I’m sorry, I was wrong and you were right.”  It was really hard at first, even for the little things, and sometimes it still is but you know,  humble pie isn’t so bad when it draws you closer to those you love, when it builds better, stronger relationships.  It makes us better people and creates a better world.

May we all find the courage to admit when we are wrong and to say, “I’m sorry it took me so long to admit it.”  May we all be forgiving and loving in hearing these words too.  

“What a wonderful world this would be.” ~ Sam Cooke

Until next time…♥️