Scripture

Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get to the kingdom of God before you do.”

Observation

The priests and elders come to Jesus as He teaches in the Temple precinct. They demand to know in what authority Jesus teaches. He responds by asking them if John’s authority came from heaven or from himself.

The leaders recognise the trap in this question. If they say John’s authority came from heaven, Jesus will ask why they rejected John. If they say it was human authority, then the people will turn on them because John was recognised as a prophet.

Jesus goes on to tell a parable about a man with two sons. He asks them to go out and work in the vineyard. The older son says, “No”, but then goes anyway, and the younger one says “Yes” but stays inside.

Application

The truth is that many people whom we look down on will turn to Jesus and be in God’s kingdom. Those who claim to be righteous but refuse to obey God will not enter into God’s kingdom at all. They will end up in the torment of hell.

There are many people who claim to be born again, even Spirit-filled, but they have not surrendered their hearts and their wills to Jesus. They have said the “sinner’s prayer,” but their heart was untouched by the grace of God.

To be a wicked person is a terrible thing, but it does enable a person to recognise they need a Saviour. To be a self-righteous person may lead to disaster, because such a person thinks they are right with God when they really are not.

Prayer

Father, grant me a humble heart that I always live in dependence on you. I pray for everyone I know who is not yet right with you, both the wicked and the self-righteous. Lord bring them to the place of true repentance. Amen.