Do Prostitutes Go to Heaven? (Matthew 21:28-32). Outline.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of heaven ahead of you” (Matthew 21:31b).

1. The setting: To whom is Jesus speaking (Mt 21:23)? Why did they question his authority (Mt 21:9-10, 12-13, 15)? What prompted Jesus to tell them this parable [and the next 2] (Mt 21:24-27, 32, 38-39; 22:4, 5-6)? [These 3 parables are polemic parables.]
2. Who does the father and the 2 sons represent (Mt 21:28a, 31, 32; Lk 15:1-2)?
• What does this parable teach about the difference between words/promises, and actual obedience?
• Why is the word "today" significant in the father's command to both sons (Mt 21:28b, 30a; Heb 3:7-8, 15; Ps 95:7ff)?
3. Do you say "No" to God and then repent (Mt 21:29)? Or say "Yes" to God and then disobey? (Mt 21:30)?
• Are you upfront with God about your resistance (Mt 21:29a), or pretend to be compliant while internally disobeying (Mt 21:30)?
• Have you promised to obey God ["I'll go, Lord"], but not done so (Isa 29:13; Mt 15:8; Jas 2:14)?
• When you said "no" to God in the past [...with a specific sin, or relationship...], have you since repented and obeyed (Isa 55:7; Ac 3:19)?
• Like the religious leaders looking down on "tax collectors and prostitutes," do you look down on "outcasts" in your life or community? Does this parable challenge you to see them as candidates for God’s Kingdom?
• Are you so familiar with your Christian life and activities that you stop listening to what God is saying to you today? [cf. the Pharisees know the Bible and John the Baptist, yet they refused to obey.]
4. Explain this: Honest rebellion is better than hypocritical compliance.

Outline (Matthew, R. T. France. NICNT--The New International Commentary on the NT):

I. Introducing the Messiah (1:1-4:11).
II. Galilee: The Messiah revealed in word and deed (4:12-16:20).

* The Messiah's authority revealed in his teaching: The Discourse on Discipleship (5:1-7:29). SoTM.

* The Messiah's authority shared with his disciples: The Discourse on Mission (9:35-11:1).

* The Kingdom of Heaven: The Parable Discourse (13:1-53).

III. From Galilee to Jerusalem: The Messiah and followers prepare for confrontation (16:21-20:34).
IV. Jerusalem: The Messiah in confrontation with the religious authorities (21:1-25:46).

* Living Together as Disciples: The Discourse Relationships (18:1-19:2).

* The End of the Old Order and the Reign of the Son of Man: The Discourse on the Future (24:3-25:46).

V. Jerusalem: The Messiah rejected, killed, and vindicated (26:1-28:15).
VI. Galilee: The Messianic mission is launched (18:16-20).

• “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you” (NKJV).
• “This is true to say to you: The tax agents and the prostitutes go ahead of you into God’s Empire” Scot McKnight. The Second Testament: A new translation.

1. What are the bookends of Matthew (Mt 1:23; 28:20) and of the Bible (Gen 1:1; Rev 22:20)? What does this mean to you personally and practically, existentially and experientially?
   
2. [Outline of the Gospel of Matthew: I. Jesus' Person (1:1-4:16). Who Jesus is. II. Jesus' Proclamation (4:17-16:20). What Jesus does. III. Jesus' Passion (16:21-28:20). Why Jesus dies.] In this parable of 2 sons (Mt 21:28-32): Who is Jesus (Mt 21:28a)? What did Jesus do (Mt 21:28-30, 31a)? Why did Jesus die (Mt 21:31b-32, 45-46; 26:3-4)?
3. How does this parable connect with the themes of authority, repentance, obedience and the kingdom of God?