“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 (KJV)
“Which of the two obeyed his father? They said, The first. Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.”– Matthew 21:31 (NLT)
“Which of the two did what his father asked? They said, The first. Jesus said, I’ll tell you the truth, the crooks and the whores are going to precede you into God’s kingdom.”– Matthew 21:31 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 21:31 Mean?
In this verse, Jesus poses a question about obedience through a parable of a father and his two sons. The father asks both sons to go and work in the vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later changes his mind and goes. The second son agrees to go but does not follow through. When asked which son did the father’s will, the answer is the first son, who ultimately obeyed. This is a powerful illustration of true obedience and repentance, showing that actions speak louder than words. It reveals the nature of genuine faith and how true repentance can lead to entry into God’s kingdom.
This teaching can resonate deeply with us as we think about our own lives. It serves as a reminder that just professing faith or saying the right things is not sufficient. What truly matters is the sincerity of our actions and our willingness to follow through on our commitments to God. It calls us to examine our lives, looking beyond mere words and evaluating whether our actions align with our faith and commitments.
Matthew 21:31 Explanation and Commentary
In this parable, we find a deep truth about the nature of repentance and acceptance in God’s kingdom. The response given by Jesus reveals the surprising truth that those who are often seen as the least likely to enter the kingdom are, in fact, the ones who will. The tax collectors and prostitutes, individuals typically marginalized by society and by the religious leaders of Jesus’s time, are highlighted by Jesus because they recognize their need for forgiveness and redemption.
By contrasting the two sons, Jesus points out that mere words are not enough; it’s our willingness to act in agreement with God’s will that matters. The first son symbolizes those who might stubbornly resist God’s call at first yet ultimately turn to Him in repentance. The second son symbolizes those who may outwardly appear obedient but fail to follow through with their actions.
This teaching encourages us to consider our own lives and what it means to truly follow Jesus. Are we like the first son, who may struggle but ultimately acts upon the call of God? Or are we like the second son, who agrees to do what is right yet does not genuinely follow through? The Christian faith is dynamic, requiring continued growth and transformation.
In our daily lives, we may find ourselves in various situations where we are called to choose the path of obedience, even when it is difficult. Each of us has moments where we may falter but can still turn back to God. We are reassured by the stories of those in the Scriptures who strayed but experienced redemption through obedience to God’s calling.
This parable teaches us that God’s grace is readily available to those willing to turn from their ways and seek Him genuinely, reiterating the importance of the continuous journey of faith.
Context of Matthew 21:31
To fully grasp the significance of Matthew 21:31, it’s important for us to understand the context in which it was spoken. This verse occurs within a parable told by Jesus during the final days before His crucifixion. He was addressing the religious leaders — the chief priests and elders — who were entrenched in their rigid interpretations of the law and their misunderstandings of God’s grace.
The parable serves as a direct response to the questioning of Jesus’s authority. The religious leaders were attempting to trap Him with their questions. However, Jesus, in His wisdom, turned the table on them by using a relatable story to challenge their understanding of righteousness and obedience.
This setting is crucial because it highlights the contrast between societal views and God’s perspective. While those in religious authority were focused on the outward observance of the law, Jesus pointed to the heart’s condition, emphasizing that God looks beyond appearances.
Understanding this context allows us to appreciate the radical nature of Jesus’s message. It’s a reminder that the kingdom of God is not reserved for those who believe they are righteous but is available to anyone who repents and turns towards Him, regardless of their past. This concept remains a cornerstone of the Gospel message and speaks powerfully to our ongoing need for mercy and grace.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 21:31
When we look deeper into Matthew 21:31, we can identify several key components worth reflecting on. The first aspect is the concept of obedience. Jesus emphasizes that true obedience is measured by actions, not by promises or intentions. This is illustrated through the behavior of the two sons. We must ask ourselves if we are living out our faith actively through our actions.
The next key component involves the reminding of the outsiders. By mentioning tax collectors and prostitutes, Jesus highlights that the kingdom of God is inclusive and welcoming to those who may feel marginalized or unworthy. This encourages all of us, regardless of our past mistakes, to seek forgiveness and align our lives with God’s will. It’s a beautiful reminder of the depth of God’s mercy for all.
Another vital component is the idea of repentance. The first son, who initially refused the father’s command but later obeyed, shows that acknowledging our faults and making the choice to turn back to God is essential for experiencing His love and grace. It illustrates that it’s never too late to change our minds and our direction toward God.
We should also reflect on the identity of the audience at the time of Jesus’s message. He was speaking directly to those who held great religious authority. By pointing out that those who the religious leaders marginalized would enter the kingdom ahead of them, Jesus challenged the status quo and encouraged self-examination. It’s a powerful call for humility and an opening for those who may have felt excluded from God’s favor.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 21:31
There are many vital lessons we can take away from Matthew 21:31. One of the primary lessons is about the importance of genuine obedience. We learn to focus on aligning our actions with God’s directives, rather than merely giving lip service. We can reflect on our individual lives and ask if we are truly living out our faith daily.
Another critical lesson is about embracing humility. Just like the first son who realized his mistake and chose to obey his father, we are encouraged to acknowledge our shortcomings. It reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. This teaching invites us to offer grace to others, recognizing that we all come to God in different ways and at different times.
This passage also underscores the transformative power of repentance. We are continuously reminded that returning to God, regardless of how far we have strayed, is a vital aspect of our faith practice. This teaches us to encourage others to seek God without fear of judgment because everyone is welcomed into the kingdom with open arms.
Finally, we learn about the inclusivity of God’s kingdom. It invites everyone, regardless of social status, background, or past choices. This teaches us about God’s love and offer of grace for all people, challenging us to be more inclusive and loving in our communities, just as Jesus demonstrated.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 21:31 puts forth a profound message that encourages us to reflect on our actions, understand the nature of repentance, and embrace the inclusivity of God’s grace. This call to active obedience is crucial as we seek to walk faithfully in our lives today.
As we read and contemplate this scripture, let it inspire us to live authentically, seek forgiveness, and show grace to others. Let’s remember that true faith is defined by how we respond to God’s call in our lives. Each of us is invited into a relationship with Him, and it’s our actions that reveal the depth of that relationship.
We invite you to explore more on this journey of faith by diving deeper into other biblical teachings and parables. For instance, check out Matthew 11 or explore the stories in Genesis to further enrich your understanding of God’s word and His call on our lives.