Jesus Wants More Than to Win – October 2, 2026
Read: Matthew 21:23-32
[Jesus said] “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus Wants More Than to Win
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Locked in a battle of wills with a stubborn young child or teenager, more than a few parents have said—or at least thought—“You don’t get to win today!” Parents sometimes need to stand firm. Yet those tense situations can quickly change from loving correction into a stubborn contest. What began as an effort to guide a child becomes more about winning the argument.
Jesus’ tense conversation with the religious leaders was different. It happened during Holy Week, just days before Jesus would go to the cross. Jesus was teaching in the temple when the religious leaders challenged him: “By what authority are you doing these things?” (Matthew 21:23).
Jesus answered their challenge with a question about John the Baptist. The leaders knew that admitting John had been sent by God would also express their refusal to believe his message. They were more concerned about protecting themselves than listening to God.
Jesus then told them about two sons. One son told his father, “No,” but later changed his mind and obeyed. The other said, “Yes,” but never went. The religious leaders said the right things about God, but they refused to repent and believe. Meanwhile, people known for openly sinful lives heard God’s warning, repented, and believed his promise.
Jesus was not trying to outsmart the religious leaders or win an argument. He wanted to break through their stubbornness. He wanted them to recognize his authority, repent, and receive the forgiveness he would soon win on the cross.
We can be like both sons. Sometimes we openly resist what God says. Other times we say the right words while stubbornly doing what we want. We need Jesus to expose our stubborn hearts and turn us back to him.
Jesus wants more than to win an argument with us. He wants to win us back. He speaks with God’s authority because he is God. He uses his Word to turn us from stubborn sin to the forgiveness he freely gives. Because his love does not change, he keeps calling us to repent and believe.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, you speak with the authority of God because you are God. Forgive us for saying “yes” with our mouths but “no” in our hearts. Break through our stubbornness. Turn us by your Word and love to repentance and faith. Help our family to repent, trust your forgiveness, and gladly follow you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Which son eventually did what his father asked?
- What does Jesus want us to do when we have sinned?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why is it easier to say the right thing than to do it?
- How can pride or stubbornness keep someone from admitting that God’s Word is right?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why was Jesus’ goal more than simply winning his argument with the religious leaders?
- How does knowing that God’s love does not change help you when you struggle with stubbornness, sin, or admitting you are wrong?
