Matthew 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
This question—“Whether of them twain did the will of his father?”—cuts to the heart of the matter: which son did what the Father wanted? The audience answers “the first,” recognizing that decisive, although initially reluctant, obedience counts. The gospel then declares the surprising reversal: “the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” In Jesus’ critique, those considered religious insiders (the chief priests and elders) are contrasted with marginalized sinners who repent and respond to God’s call. The vineyard parable thus translates into a critique of hardness of heart and a call to repentance that transcends social status. The publicans (tax collectors) and harlots symbolize universal appeal of grace: no one is beyond reach when they respond to God’s beckoning.
This verse foregrounds the priority of true obedience over outward status. It shows that repentance and trust in God’s messengers—the ones society deems unworthy—are the entry points into God’s kingdom. It also demonstrates the universality of the gospel: Gentile and sinner alike can respond to God’s invitation and receive his grace ahead of the “righteous” who rely on their own heritage or works. The reversal motif—unexpected entrants ahead of expected ones—exposes human hierarchies and highlights God’s gracious sovereignty in salvation.
Assess your own heart for exclusivity. Do you assume you’re in the kingdom because of background, church attendance, or reputation? Remember that repentance and obedience—when genuine—move you toward God, not away from others. Practice humility: welcome and learn from people you might overlook, especially those who demonstrate true repentance and transformation. Extend grace to those who show readiness to follow, regardless of their past. Let the gospel’s grace reshape your understanding of who’s in and who’s out, guiding you toward a more inclusive, transformative faith in daily life.
Cross-References: Luke 7:29-30; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:28; Acts 10:34-35; 1 Timothy 1:15