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NASB | Matthew 21:28 ¶ "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go work today in the vineyard.' |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 21:28 ¶ "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' |
Bible Question: Jesus said "Assuredly,I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you" Matt 21:31 This makes me believe that Jesus is saying their answer was the wrong answer. Can you exlpain the answer that Jesus gave them? |
Bible Answer: Hi, Regguh... Be sure to look at the context of a verse and take into account the rest of scriptures as well. In this chapter we have the cursed fig tree. Why did Jesus curse it? Because it appeared to have fruit, but actually was barren. In the parable in question, the son that answered respectfully, looked like he would be accomplishing something for his father. In reality, he accomplished nothing. The other son looked like he would accomplish nothing for his father. In reality, however, he accomplished the work that his father wanted him to do. In the same way, the Pharisees *look* fruitful in Godly things, but they are without fruit. The tax collectors and harlots, through repentence, bear Godly fruit, though they *look* like they would never do so! Hence, the latter will enter the kingdom of God far ahead of the former, who may never acknowledge their hypocrisy. The lesson is clear: God despises the appearance of fruitfulness that is barren. Far better to repent of our barreness and go on to fruitfulness by obedience to the Gospel. In Him, Doc |