Jesus continued by asking these chief priests and elders what they think. There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first son and told him to go and work today in the vineyard.
The son replied that he would not, but then later changed his mind and went and worked the vineyard.
Then the father went to the other son and told him the same thing. The son said that he would, but never went.
Jesus asks them which of the two sons did what the father wanted, and they answered the first one.
Jesus said tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of heaven ahead of you. John came and showed you the way to righteousness but you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Jesus is saying it doesn’t matter what background you come from, if you believe and follow Him you will inherit eternal life. This is huge…because it means we can’t earn our salvation. It’s not by anything we can do, but all about what He has already done. This is great news for us all! Don’t let your life hold you back from the freedom His grace offers. Repent and believe…follow the path that leads to righteousness.
A Journey With Jesus 