The Fourth Commandment and the Parable of the Two Sons

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The Fourth Commandment and the

Parable of the Two Sons

In the 4th Commandment, God tells us to honor our parents. It isn't enough just to love them, we should be respectful when we talk to them, listen carefully to what they say, and obey the rules they set for us.
Jesus told a story about a man with two sons. He asked them both to go out and work in the vineyard. The first son said no, but after he thought about it for awhile he did the work his father had asked him to do. The second son said he would do the work, but then he didn't do it.
Just like you and me, neither of the sons was perfect! But Jesus taught us that actions were more important than words when he said the first son, who said no but actually did the work, was a good son to his father. Jesus said that even though the son said yes, he didn't honor is father's wishes at all. The second son just told a lie!
Martin Luther said that this commandment really applies to all of our elders and people in positions of authority in general. He wrote that the fourth commandment includes obeying the law and treating grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers and other authority figures with respect.
As school begins for another year, it is important to remember what Luther has to say, so that we treat our classmates, teachers, and everyone we come in contact with in an honorable way. September 11 is Grandparents Day, and that is a great time to think of ways you can let your grandparents know that they are loved and honored, too!

September 2011

The story in the Bible