Book of Matthew - Chapter 21 - Verse 31

Jesus poses a question to the chief priests and elders, asking them which of two sons did the will of their father. When they respond that the first son obeyed, Jesus emphasizes the point that tax collectors and prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before the religious leaders. This verse highlights the importance of action over words, as it is not enough to merely claim to follow God's will; one must actively do so. The publicans and harlots, though not initially seen as righteous, have chosen to repent and follow God's commandments, which is why they are granted entry into the kingdom. This serves as a reminder that true faith should be reflected in deeds, and those who humble themselves and seek forgiveness will ultimately find favor in God's eyes.

Within this verse, the theological interpretation revolves around the concept of repentance and obedience to God's will. Jesus uses the parable of the two sons to illustrate that actions speak louder than words when it comes to following God. The first son initially refuses to obey his father but later repents and carries out his father's wishes, symbolizing a change of heart and a willingness to follow God's commands. In contrast, the religious leaders of the time, represented by the second son, claim to follow God but fail to do so in their actions. Jesus emphasizes that those who may have led sinful lives, such as the publicans and harlots, can still enter the kingdom of God through genuine repentance and obedience. This message serves as a reminder to prioritize true devotion and obedience to God over outward appearances of righteousness.