February 22, 2025
A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
Have you ever noticed patterns in how siblings behave based on their birth order? Do these descriptions match your experience?
Firstborns are often seen as responsible and reliable. They tend to take on leadership roles and strive for success, feeling pressure to meet high expectations. They may respect authority, follow rules, and sometimes aim for perfection, which can make them critical of themselves or others.
Middle children are often peacemakers, skilled at resolving conflicts and building relationships outside the family. They are adaptable, independent, and value fairness. Sometimes they feel overlooked, which can lead them to seek attention through unique interests or creating their own identity.
Youngest siblings are usually outgoing and charming, often acting as the family entertainer. They are adventurous, creative, and open to trying new things. They may enjoy attention and use their charisma to stand out, often embracing unconventional approaches to life.
What do you think? Do these descriptions align with what you’ve observed or experienced in your family, or ones you are close to?
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
Read Matthew 21:28-32:
The Parable of the Two Sons
28 “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.’
29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
31 “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. 32 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.
The Greek word for "first" ("protos") refers to the eldest in sequence, emphasizing the challenge to examine not just what we say, but what we do. Jesus contrasts two sons: one who initially refuses his father’s request but later obeys, and another who agrees to obey but fails to follow through.
The first son symbolizes sinners like tax collectors and prostitutes who repent ("metanoia" which means to change your mind ) and align their actions with God’s will. The second son represents the religious leaders whose outward claims of obedience mask their disobedience. Have we ever said “yes” to God but failed to follow through? Or, have you spoken hastily, but then acted properly when you planned not to?
This theme parallels the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, in which the younger son repents, but the older son struggles with self-righteousness and bitterness, resisting the father’s compassion. Both parables challenge us to examine whether our lives reflect God’s grace. Are we ever like the older son, resistant to celebrating God’s mercy for others? This week, take time to act out your faith—do something kind and unexpected, not for recognition but to reflect a heart transformed by grace.
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.