The Saviour's application of the parable

"Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him." verses 31 & 32.

We are coming to the end of our study of this wonderful parable, which is providential since I go over to England next week to fulfil some preaching engagements. I would not have liked to have had to leave you with our study unfinished.

Let us look at the two verses we read.

1. How quickly the Jewish leaders gave the right answer. (See V 23) Men have a knowledge of what is right and wrong. These men had heard God's Word. "For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not," verse 32. However, they don't act according to what they know!

The Saviour was here talking to "the chief priests and the elders of the people," Matt 21:23.

2. This they did because these men knew the truth. "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not," Matthew 23:1-3.

3. Furthermore, they had the example of others obeying the gospel. "For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him," Matthew 21:32. They had the further encouragement of seeing others coming forward in faith but they rejected the Word of God and refused the example of those around who repented.

Boys and girls give heed to God's Word and to the good example of those around you who receive the Lord Jesus.