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Matthew 21:31 (BSB)
Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.” — Matthew 21:31
In this moment, Jesus is asking a simple but powerful question about obedience. It’s like a spotlight shining on two brothers—one who says he’ll help out but doesn’t, and the other who initially refuses but ends up doing the work. Jesus highlights that the ones you might expect to be on the outside, like tax collectors and prostitutes, are actually responding to God’s call in ways you might not see. It’s a wake-up call to look beyond appearances and assumptions. Can you feel the surprise and challenge in his words? It’s like he’s saying, 'Hey, don’t judge a book by its cover!'
Matthew, one of Jesus’ followers, wrote this book. He was a tax collector himself, which gives his perspective a unique twist. He knows what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, judged by others. By including this detail, Matthew emphasizes that God’s love isn’t limited to the 'good' people—the ones who seem to have it all together. His own story of transformation makes this message resonate even more, showing how powerful it is when people open their hearts to change.
This was happening in first-century Judea, a time of political tension and social division. The Jewish people were under Roman rule, and there were strict social classes. Tax collectors were often despised for collaborating with the oppressors, while prostitutes were marginalized. The cultural landscape was one of judgment and exclusion, making Jesus’ message revolutionary. By speaking to these outcasts and including them in God’s kingdom, he was shaking up the status quo and inviting everyone into a new way of thinking and living.
This verse is a powerful reminder that it’s not about how you appear or what others think of you; it’s about your heart and your choices. You might feel like you don’t belong or that your past defines you, but Jesus flips that narrative! This verse challenges you to consider where you stand—are you more like the brother who says he will help but doesn’t, or the one who initially refuses but ultimately does the right thing? It encourages you to reflect on your own actions and how they align with what you say. It’s about real transformation and finding your place in a community of acceptance.
Take a moment this week to reflect on your commitments. Are there areas in your life where you’re saying one thing but doing another? Maybe you’ve promised to help a friend but haven’t followed through. This week, take action! Choose one thing you can do that aligns with your words. It could be reaching out to someone you’ve neglected or volunteering your time in your community. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being genuine and taking those steps toward a better you.
This verse is nestled in a tense moment where Jesus is confronting the religious leaders of the time. They are questioning his authority, and he's using this parable to flip their expectations on their head. Just before this, Jesus had entered Jerusalem in a triumphant way, and now he’s using this story to show that those who seem far from God can actually be closer than they think. It’s a powerful contrast that builds up to his message about the kingdom of God being open to everyone, even those you might overlook. This moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for the deeper conversations that follow about faith and acceptance.
What areas of your life might you be saying one thing but doing another? How can you take a step towards being more genuine in your actions?
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