Spiritually Reproducing

Matthew 21:43  Therefore I tell you the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing fruits.  (ESV)

In this parable (v. 33-46) Jesus gets the Chief Priests & Elders to proclaim their own ill fate (v. 41).  Note how masterfully here He turns it back to the vineyard analogy - those who do receive the kingdom will be a "fruit-bearing" people.  When those who were not worthy rejected the kingdom, God invites all to come (22:9).  It was the tax collectors and prostitutes who believed the message of John (v. 32).  "Many are called but few are chosen" (v. 14).  Of those who come, there must be a fruit-bearing transformation!

In Jesus, God takes the kingdom from the religious, legalistic, ethnically-pure, and offers it to all the world (Gentiles).  But those of us who are fortunate enough to receive it must be fruit-bearing people - spiritually reproducing!  Brad, go and make disciples - not disciples of you, followers of Jesus.  Point the way to Him.  Teach them His words, show them His way.

Who You love, I'll love.  How You serve, I'll serve.  Where You go, Lord Jesus, I will go.  I will follow You.*  You are my King, Lord God.  Come Holy Spirit.  Fill me and empower me to make disciples of Jesus.  For I have it not (this ability) within myself.  I present myself as as living sacrifice to bear fruit for the kingdom.

In Jesus' name - Amen,

                                Son

*from the song I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin