Matthew 21:31

The leaders rightly identify the first son as the one who did the father's will, and Jesus declares that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom ahead of them. Repentant sinners outrun self-righteous religion.

Cross-references · 22

• Luke 7:29When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with John’s baptism.
• Luke 7:37–50Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of ointment.
• Matt 7:21Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
• Rom 3:19Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
• 2 Pet 3:9The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
• Rom 5:20The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;
• Matt 20:16So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
• Rom 9:30–33What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn’t follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith;
• 1 Tim 1:13–16although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
• Luke 15:10Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.”
• Matt 9:9As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him.
• Luke 19:9–10Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.
• Luke 15:1–2Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming close to him to hear him.
• Luke 19:22“He said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an exacting man, taking up that which I didn’t lay down, and reaping that which I didn’t sow.
• Matt 18:3and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
• Matt 12:50For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
• Acts 17:30The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,
• Job 15:6Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you.
• Matt 6:5“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
• 2 Sam 12:5–7David’s anger burned hot against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As Yahweh lives, the man who has done this deserves to die!
• Ezek 33:11Tell them, As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn, turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, house of Israel?
• Matt 5:18For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.

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