Change Your Mind (Matthew 21:32)


 

Wednesday, 5 November, 2025


Psalms 15; 16

2 Kings 13:14-25

Matthew 21:23-32


Change Your Mind (Matthew 21:32)


Jesus said, ‘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.’


One of Jesus’ favourite messages is his call for us to repent. Repentance is one of those words that is only really used by Christians, and even we seem to have differing opinions on its meaning.


But here in this parable I think we get a nice down-to-earth idea of it. Jesus seems to suggest that we could think about repentance as being asked to do something, initially refusing, but then changing our mind, and doing it. And he praises those who do this, as opposed to those who say they will do it, but in fact had no intention at all of following through.


It also really cuts to the core of the idea of hypocrisy. While the first son in the parable was disobedient, he was at least honest about it. And there was nothing dishonest about changing his mind – he changed his mind. Meanwhile the second son, for whatever reason, acted with dishonesty. And as we hopefully know by now, Jesus has zero time for hypocrites.


I think we all know what is inside us that we really need to get on with bringing before the Lord and asking help for. Maybe we are upset at our inclination towards anger, or greed, or envy, perhaps. Instead of pretending that all is well – or telling God we will change, but not asking him to help us – we should at least be honest and tell God that we really don’t want to change. Hypocrisy won’t get us any closer to inward holiness. Then, once we are being honest, God will be honest with us – and by presenting ourselves to the Lord we will be transformed by the renewal of our mind. (Romans 12:1-2) We will change our mind.


What would you like to change your mind on about God and who he wants you to be? How might honesty towards God help you with that?

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