Scripture
“For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn't believe him while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.”

Observation
The religious leaders come to Jesus and demand he tells them what authority he does his miracles. Jesus responds by asking them by what authority John the Baptist baptised.

The leaders are afraid to answer because they either answer- God or man- condemns them.

Jesus tells a parable of two sons who are asked to work in the father's vineyard. One refuses but later goes and works, while the other son agrees but does not go.

Jesus concludes by saying that the prostitutes and tax collectors will get into heaven ahead of those who seem righteous but ignore salvation.

Application
Our words of faith are far less significant than our actions. Repentance is shown by what we do rather than the words we speak.

The Pharisees claimed to be about righteousness and holiness, but their actions were far from the heart of God,

People who live lives that seem ungodly but their hearts are close to God are closer to the kingdom than those who seem respectable but their hearts are full of evil thoughts and motives.

Prayer
Lord you judge by the heart and not by our outward appearances. Teach me to repent and turn to you from my heart and not just with my lips. Amen.