Matthew 21:28-32“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

Jesus gives us a simple illustration to signify true belief and dedication to God. Most of us who have a testimony can recall how we initially rejected God’s love. Then after some time and experience we gave our lives to Christ. Many of us don’t have the best backgrounds. The tax collectors and harlots were some of the most despised in society. Yet Jesus uses them and their repentant and humble response to God as an example of who is going to be in God’s presence. The super holy on the other hand say they are the doers of God’s will but when it really comes down to it they never have a changed heart in reaction to God’s call. They see themselves as perfect already and too holy to be next to a tax collector or prostitute. What is so interesting about this illustration is Jesus is showing the tax collector and the prostitute are far more Holy than the religious.

Lord thank You for opening up the Kingdom to tax collectors, prostitutes, drug addicts, thieves, murderers and sinners in general. Thanks for making room for me!