The Passionಮಾದರಿ

If you’ve ever raised or met a strong-willed kid, you’ll know this scene: you ask them to do something simple, and their answer is a clear—and with plenty of attitude—“No.”

But then something shifts. Later, they come back and say, “I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that…. I’m sorry.”

As a parent, there is so much joy in that moment because they let their heart be changed. That’s what Jesus is describing in this story.

In Matthew 21, Jesus tells the story of two sons. One says no to his father’s request, but later changes his mind and obeys. The other gives a polite yes, but never actually follows through.

It’s not the one who sounded obedient that pleased the Father; it was the one who repented and acted. As a parent, that hits deep because I know the joy when a child turns back— not with excuses, but with honesty and humility. God feels that way about us. He rejoices when we change direction.

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret…”
- (2 Corinthians 7:10, ESV)

Repentance is not weakness—it’s a healthy way of living. It’s how we keep our hearts soft, how we stay close to Jesus, and how we grow to be more like Him.

Repentance is making a U-turn on a long road trip. You’re driving to your destination, but ignoring Google Maps, thinking you know better. It is not long before you realise you’re completely off course, heading in the wrong direction and far from your destination. But the moment you recognise you were wrong, and decide to turn around, everything changes. You’re finally heading where you were always meant to be.

God is not focused on how far off-track you’ve gone. He’s focused on the fact that you turned around.

Father, thank you for loving me like a parent who rejoices when their child returns. Help me to see repentance not as shameful, but as beautiful. Where I’ve resisted you, give me the courage to turn around. Help me lead by example, being quick to apologise, quick to forgive, quick to grow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

​​Today, ponder this: Is there an area in your life where you’ve said “no” to God, but you know it’s time to turn around? What’s stopping you from doing that today?