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Matthew 21 · a question people ask

In the parable of the two sons (21:28-31), whom did Jesus mean?

In the text

Jesus draws the point himself. He asked, "Which of the two did the will of his father?" (21:31). "They said to him, “The first.”" (21:31). Then he said, "Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into God’s Kingdom before you" (21:31), and "For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn’t even repent afterward, that you might believe him" (21:32). He doesn't say which son is whom. He sets those who believed John beside those who didn't, and he speaks to you. These notes go no further than his words, and apply them to no one today.

From Favor's study of Matthew 21

Matthew 21: Your King comes to you

In Matthew, those Jesus is speaking to answer his questions on both parables: "The first" (21:31), and "He will miserably destroy those miserable men" (21:41). And changed his mind (21:29) and repent (21:32) are one Greek verb, each with afterward.

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