The parable of the two sons: Prostitutes, tax collectors, and God's kingdom
Text Matthew 21:28-32; Matt 3:13-17)
In this parable, the first son said he would do what God said, but did not. The second son said he
would not, but later changed his mind and did what he was told.
Lessons
Those who do what God wants are those entering the kingdom of God (Matt 7:21-23).
The tax collectors and prostitutes (rejected sinners in the society) are entering God’s kingdom ahead of you. Why? Because they believe (do, or follow) God’s way of righteousness.
Righteousness is the solution to the human problem.
Those who will make it to heaven are righteous (Rev 7:13-17; 22:14-15 ). There is healing in righteousness (e.g., John 5:14); Righteousness solves family problems (Eph 5:21-32). Righteousness solves monetary problems (16:10-13; Mark 12:13-17). What is God’s way of righteousness? Whatever God prescribes is righteous (e.g., Matt 3:13-17; Romans 1:17).
Human righteousness is like a filthy rag in God’s sight ( Isaiah 64:6); hence, human righteousness is useless (Prov. 14:12).
Jesus describes God’s way of righteousness as narrow and only a few find it ( Luke 13:22-25). What is this way?
Prostitutes and tax collectors
Prostitutes and tax collectors have not had the chance to hear the gospel, and so once they hear, they believe. They come to God for cleansing and forgiveness of sins (Luke 19:1-10).