Be Doers of the Word in Every Season

Devotional

Day 1: When “No” Becomes “Go” Through Changed Hearts

The parable’s first son rejects his father’s request but later acts. Jesus highlights the power of repentance over empty promises. What matters isn’t initial resistance but the willingness to realign with God’s call. Like the son, we often wrestle with obedience—yet grace meets us in our turning. True faithfulness isn’t polished perfection but the humility to change course. Even flawed actions born of repentance honor God more than hollow words. [20:04]

“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went.” (Matthew 21:28-29, ESV)

Reflection: Where have you said “no” to God but later acted? How does this reveal grace at work in your imperfections?

Day 2: Smoked Turkey Theology in Grief’s Silence

George’s smoked turkey became sacred language when words failed. Deeds carry resurrection weight—feeding, visiting, showing up. Jesus elevates practical love as holy work, whether teaching Sunday school or quietly sustaining neighbors. Our hands become God’s voice when speech feels inadequate. Every tangible act of care writes “amen” to prayer. [28:36]

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me… Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35-40, ESV)

Reflection: Whose pain feels too deep for words? What simple deed could embody God’s presence for them this week?

Day 3: Sacred Space Between Checkout Lines

The “between” ministry transforms Kroger chats into altars. God dwells in shared glances, paused steps, and nodded hellos. Ordinary moments become holy when we recognize Christ in the space between us. Faithfulness isn’t about grand gestures but consecrating daily intersections. Even road rage can become communion when we remember whose image we’re facing. [30:23]

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12, ESV)

Reflection: Where do you rush past “between spaces”? How might pausing to see Christ there reshape one routine interaction?

Day 4: Aging Hands Still Holding Heaven’s Tools

The church’s backpack generosity and phone-checking saints show seasons change, not faithfulness. When teaching becomes turkey-smoking or leading becomes listening, God’s work continues. Obedience adapts but never retires. Our capacities shift—yet every act of prayer, giving, or presence remains kingdom labor. Wrinkled hands still build altars. [26:23]

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)

Reflection: What former act of service do you mourn? What new “sacrifice of doing” is God inviting in this season?

Day 5: Repentance’s Second Act: Feet Moving Forward

The first son’s “no” became a “go” through repentance’s pivot. Jesus cares less about our stumbles than our willingness to rise. Like tax collectors turning toward the vineyard, we’re judged by where our feet land, not our lips’ first protest. Every U-turn toward love writes a psalm. [34:22]

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: Where has God been patient with your delayed obedience? What one step forward honors that grace today?

Sermon Summary

Matthew places this parable after Jesus has entered Jerusalem, where the scribes and Pharisees continue to press against him. Jesus asks a plain question about two sons and their father’s call to work in the vineyard. The first son says no, then changes his mind and goes. The second son says, “I go, sir,” but never does. Jesus makes the answer easy enough: the one who did the father’s will was the one whose actions finally matched obedience.

Jesus does not hold up either son as ideal. The father surely would have preferred a willing yes that became faithful action. But Jesus insists that words alone do not carry a person into the kingdom of God. Matthew keeps returning to that thread: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,” but the one who does the will of the Father. Jesus also names the sheep in Matthew 25 as those who fed the hungry, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, and visited the prisoner.

The contrast between the two sons exposes the trouble with a righteousness that knows the right words but will not move toward the will of God. Jesus tells the religious leaders that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering God’s kingdom ahead of them because those whom others had dismissed believed John and changed their minds. The first son’s change of mind matters because it becomes a change of direction.

God’s call to action does not look the same in every season of life. The deeds of faithfulness may change as energy, ability, and circumstances change, but God still gives ways to respond. Prayer, compassion, phone calls, visits, generosity, care for neighbors, and attention to those who cannot make it to church are all ways that love takes shape. A smoked turkey brought quietly to a grieving family can say more than many words. A simple “I’m sorry,” joined to a costly act of care, becomes a gift that speaks volumes.

God is also present in the space between people. A brief greeting at Kroger, a smile at the pharmacy, a nod to someone crossing the street, and a pause to recognize another person can become sacred encounters. God’s presence between people calls for intention, even in ordinary moments and even when road rage threatens to take over. Jesus calls his people to be doers of the word, in whatever capacity they are able, because love of neighbor is finally lived in deeds rather than words.

##

Key Takeaways

1. Actions reveal the will of God Jesus does not excuse the first son’s refusal, but he honors the repentance that becomes obedience. The second son’s polite answer carries no weight because it never reaches the vineyard. God looks for lives that turn toward faithful action, not religious language that remains untouched by obedience. [22:31]
2. Changed minds can change directions Jesus names the first son as faithful because he changes his mind and goes. Repentance is not merely regret, and it is not simply agreeing with what is true. Repentance becomes visible when a person turns from resistance and begins to do the Father’s will. [34:22]
3. Faithfulness changes with life’s seasons God does not measure faithfulness only by public activity, strength, or busyness. Prayer, compassion, giving, calls, visits, and care for the homebound remain real deeds of love. The form of service may change, but God still receives a life that is ready to respond. [25:45]
4. God is present between people The space between two people can be holy ground, even in a grocery store or at a pharmacy counter. A pause, a smile, and honest recognition of another person’s worth can become acts of grace. God’s presence in those encounters calls for attention rather than hurried indifference. [30:12]
5. Love often speaks through quiet deeds George’s smoked turkey gave comfort where elaborate words could not. Grief, loneliness, and pain often need presence, food, a shoulder, or a simple act of care more than an explanation. God makes ordinary acts of mercy into sacred exchanges.

## [28:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:39] - Matthew Nears Jerusalem
[20:04] - The Parable of Two Sons
[21:11] - Which Son Did the Father’s Will?
[22:49] - Actions Rather Than Words
[23:24] - Doing the Father’s Will
[24:40] - Faithfulness in Every Season
[26:23] - Everyday Deeds of Compassion
[28:03] - A Smoked Turkey for Grief
[29:52] - Sacred Space Between People
[31:23] - God at Kroger and on Main Street
[34:03] - Be Doers of the Word

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 21:28-32
“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” [20:04]

Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” [23:24]

James 1:22
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” [34:54]

Observation questions

In the parable, how do the two sons’ first responses to their father differ, and how do their final actions differ? [20:04]
What answer do the listeners give when Jesus asks which son did the father’s will, and what does that answer show about the importance of action? [21:27]
Which groups does Jesus say responded to John’s message, and which group refused to change their minds even after seeing others believe? [20:41]
What examples of faithful action are named for people whose energy, abilities, or circumstances have changed? [26:23]

Interpretation questions

Neither son responds to his father in the best possible way, yet Jesus identifies the first son as the one who did the father’s will. What does this show about repentance and the possibility of a changed direction? [34:11]
Why might religious words and a respectful outward appearance be tempting substitutes for actually doing God’s will? How does Matthew 7:21 challenge that temptation? [23:16]
Jesus connects doing God’s will with concrete care for people in need. What kinds of needs in a church, neighborhood, or family might require more than kind words? [23:38]
James calls believers to be doers and not hearers only. How can prayer, generosity, a phone call, or a visit be real acts of obedience rather than “small” forms of service? [34:49]

Application questions

Is there an area where someone has been saying “yes” to God, to another person, or to a need in the community, but has not yet taken a next step? What would a faithful and realistic first action look like?
When have you changed your mind about something God was calling you to do? What helped you move from resistance, delay, or fear into action? [34:22]
What form of service fits your present season of life—whether that is praying, giving, calling, visiting, preparing food, offering a ride, or noticing someone who is isolated? What is one person or need you could respond to this week? [26:33]
Think of someone who is grieving, lonely, overwhelmed, or quietly carrying a burden. What simple deed of care could communicate love more clearly than trying to find perfect words? [29:16]
How might seeing God present “between” people change the way you treat a cashier, neighbor, stranger, family member, or another driver this week? [30:12]
What situations make it hardest for you to pause, show patience, or recognize another person’s worth—such as being rushed, irritated, or stuck in traffic? What could help you respond with greater intention? [33:13]

Sermon Clips

39s

#FaithInAction

“But in the end, the one who's celebrated in this text is is the one who changes his mind toward the will of the father, the one who acts. And god wants us to act, wants us to be doers of the word in whatever capacity we're capable. God wants us to live our faith in obedience to what God tells us to do, like the father in the parable expected of his two sons.”

55s

#ActsOfKindness

“So a man in my congregation, his name is George, was particularly close to the person who died. And so, George said nothing when he learned about his friend's death. He simply got up from his chair, and he went out to his smoker, and he smoked a turkey that he had raised on his own farm. And then he took that smoked turkey, and he went down the road to the family of this friend who died. And he just presented to them and said, I'm sorry. That's all he said. I'm sorry. Then he got in his truck, drove home. Now I know George. He's one of very, very few words. So this was not out of character for him. But his deeds, this deed, this gift spoke volumes.”

45s

#DeedsNotWords

“And sometimes, what can you say to a family who's lost a loved one? What can you say after a well lived? I mean, few words can comfort the pain and the loss. But you can be there. You can share food. You can offer a strong shoulder, a comforting arm, and that's what George did. And I think that's what you do. I've seen you do it for one another. It's deeds rather than words.”

Ask a question about this sermon

First Presbyterian Church - Georgetown, KY This sermon · AI assistant

What does doing the Father’s will require?

How can ordinary encounters become sacred moments?

Can changing our minds demonstrate genuine faithfulness?