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Matthew 21:31

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 21:31

Verse 31 of 46

Scripture focus

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

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 21:31

Theological / Devotional

Whether of them? With which of the two sons would the father be the more pleased? Obviously, neither was perfect. Both erred, the one in his original attitude, and the other in his performance.

Will of his father. Profession without action is of no value (see on ch. 7:21).

Verily. See on ch. 5:18.

Publicans and the harlots. See on Mark 2:14; Luke 3:12. This expression was a catch-all phrase designating all social and religious outcasts, who generally avoided the Temple and synagogue and were usually unwelcome when they did attend. Compare the expression “publicans and sinners” (Matt. 9:11; see on Luke 5:30).

Before you. So far as the baptism of John was concerned this was literally true (see Luke 7:29, 30). Many of the irreligious were painfully aware of their dire spiritual need, and rejoiced that John and Jesus made room for them in the kingdom of heaven. The scribes and Pharisees, on the other hand, were self-satisfied and therefore impervious to the gospel (see on Luke 15:2).

By SdaBc