Jesus Punks the Religious to Our Benefit

“Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31 ESV)

The priests and the Pharisees were looking for something to pin Jesus on. They were out to have him arrested. It was coming close, but now was not his time. But Jesus takes the opportunity to tell a few parables and essentially punk the religious leaders that were pressing him and his followers.

On the question of faithfulness and obedience, Jesus tells the story of two sons. One says he will not work but later does. The other son says he will work but then later does not. Surely the first one is the obedient one. And in telling the story Jesus is making clear that the ones with lots of words and declarations of obedience will not actually be the first in his kingdom. No, it is the appallingly sinful and disgraceful tax collectors and prostitutes.

Friend, if you have faith in Jesus, recognize today that you are the tax collector and prostitute. We, in our sin and need, are that appallingly bad. But Jesus says that those who repent and believe will be the first in his kingdom, the first to have security and the hope of eternity. And it is those most aware of their need of a Savior that come. This is us.

We recognize our need. We are actually humbled by our ongoing need for Jesus each day. And he pours out his grace on us. The fact that he punked the religious with his parables and authoritative teaching benefits us, the scandalous ones.

Today, know where Jesus met you. Remember your ongoing need for him and his grace. Repent anew and turn again to Jesus. Then let his grace put a spring in your step and joy in your heart. You have entered the kingdom first.