Matthew 21:31
Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus reveals the shocking truth: those outwardly seen as the worst sinners—tax collectors and prostitutes—are actually ahead of the religious leaders in entering God's kingdom. This isn't because sin is good, but because their later repentance and belief, unlike the leaders' persistent, self-righteous refusal, truly fulfilled their Father's will.
Jesus has just told a parable about two sons, one who refused his father's command but later obeyed, and another who promised obedience but never acted. He then asks his listeners, the chief priests and elders, which son did his father's will, and they correctly identify the first. Jesus then applies the parable directly to them, revealing that the notorious sinners like tax collectors and prostitutes, who initially rejected God but eventually repented, are entering the kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders who outwardly agreed to serve but inwardly refused.
Why would Jesus highlight a son who initially refused his father's command? It's not about perfect obedience from the start, but about a change of heart and action.
Jesus uses the parable of the two sons to expose the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. The first son, who initially said 'No' but later repented and went, is presented as the one who actually did his father's will.
Jesus delivers a stunning blow: 'tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.' Why would those considered the 'worst' be welcomed in first?
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Jesus applies the parable's lesson directly to the religious leaders listening. He declares that those who were outwardly sinful – tax collectors and prostitutes – would enter the Kingdom of God before them.
Understand the original words
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule and reign of God over His creation, His people, and the hearts of believers, which is inaugurated in Christ and consummated in the eternal state.
telōnēs · Greek Noun
A person who collects public revenues, often viewed in the New Testament as socially alienated, corrupt, and collaborator with the Roman occupation, yet frequently open to the message of repentance.
This parable was spoken directly to the religious elite of Jesus' day, who were resistant to his message. The 'tax collectors and prostitutes' Jesus mentions were societal outcasts, yet they were more open to repentance and belief in Jesus' ministry than the self-righteous leaders who outwardly appeared obedient but inwardly rejected God's will.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist begins ministry
John the Baptist preaches a baptism of repentance in the Judean wilderness, calling people to prepare for the coming of the kingdom of God. Many, including tax collectors and sinners, respond to his message.
c. AD 29
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee and Judea. He calls disciples, including tax collectors like Matthew, and frequently associates with 'sinners'.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus confronts religious leaders
Jesus enters Jerusalem during Passover week, where he famously cleanses the temple and engages in debates with the chief priests and elders. He tells the parable of the two sons in response to their questioning of his authority.
c. AD 30
Jesus is crucified
Following his confrontation with the religious leaders, Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified. His death and resurrection are seen as the pivotal events for the establishment of the new kingdom.
c. AD 30-33
Early Church growth
After Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles, leading to the rapid spread of the gospel. The early church includes many who were formerly tax collectors and sinners, demonstrating Jesus' prophecy.
This passage directly parallels the idea that those considered great sinners, like the woman in this story, can be deeply loved by God and find forgiveness because of their great faith, echoing how tax collectors and prostitutes are welcomed into God's kingdom.
Ezekiel 18:21-23This Old Testament passage highlights God's heart for justice and mercy, stating that if a wicked person turns from their sins, they will live, underscoring the principle that repentance, not past sin, determines one's standing with God, much like the first son in the parable.
Romans 2:12-16This passage contrasts those who have the law and those who don't, suggesting that obedience is judged by the heart and actions, not just outward religious observance. It aligns with Jesus' point that outward religious leaders might fail while those seen as 'sinners' could obey God's deeper call.
Matthew 3:7-10Here, John the Baptist also confronts the religious elite, warning them that outward religious affiliation isn't enough and that true repentance is required, just as he called tax collectors and sinners to repent, showing a consistent theme of God valuing a repentant heart over religious status.
clarkeMatthew 21:31: "Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you."
The publicans and the harlots - In all their former conduct they had said No. Now they yield to the voice of truth when they hear it, and enter into the kingdom, embracing the salvation brought to them in the Gospel. The others, who had been always professing the most ready and wil…
bengelMatthew 21:31: "Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you."
Matthew 21:31 .[932] Εἰς , into , or as regards ) the kingdom of heaven. [932] ὁ πρῶτος , the first ) Work without words is better than splendid words unaccompanied with work: and also it is better to adopt a praiseworthy course subsequently, rather than not at all. V. g.
Jesus reveals the shocking truth: those outwardly seen as the worst sinners—tax collectors and prostitutes—are actually ahead of the religious leaders in entering God's kingdom. This isn't because sin is good, but because their later repentance and belief, unlike the leaders' persistent, self-righteous refusal, truly fulfilled their Father's will.
Jesus has just told a parable about two sons, one who refused his father's command but later obeyed, and another who promised obedience but never acted. He then asks his listeners, the chief priests and elders, which son did his father's will, and they correctly identify the first. Jesus then applies the parable directly to them, revealing that the notorious sinners like tax collectors and prostitutes, who initially rejected God but eventually repented, are entering the kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders who outwardly agreed to serve but inwardly refused.
Jesus has just told a parable about two sons, one who refused his father's command but later obeyed, and another who promised obedience but never acted. He then asks his listeners, the chief priests and elders, which son did his father's will, and they correctly identify the first. Jesus then applies the parable directly to them, revealing that the notorious sinners like tax collectors and prostitutes, who initially rejected God but eventually repented, are entering the kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders who outwardly agreed to serve but inwardly refused.
"Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you." — Jesus reveals the shocking truth: those outwardly seen as the worst sinners—tax collectors and prostitutes—are actually ahead of the religious leaders in entering God's kingdom. This isn't because…
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