Main Text: Matthew 21:28–32 (ESV) 28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

Preaching Point: Knowing how much God despises counterfeit confessions should strengthen our resolve to come to him with genuine faith marked by repentance and obedience.

Teaching Points:

1. Understand What God Expects from You (vv. 28-31a)
2. Respond to God with Repentance and Faith (vv.31b-32)

Application Questions:

1. Read Matthew 21:28–32. Why exactly did Jesus condemn the religious leaders?
2. What should you take away from this parable?
3. Read Luke 6:46–49. What does Jesus’ parable in Luke 6 teach you about the nature of genuine faith?
4. Why must obedience be determinative in examining whether or not you truly follow Jesus?
5. James 1:22–25. How do James’ words help you grasp what God thinks about the person who hears his words and does not act on them?
6. Where in your life are you most tempted to say the right things to God but fail to follow through? Be specific.
7. Read Luke 24:46–47 and Mark 1:14–15. Repentance and faith are the foundational elements to responding to Jesus. What dangers arise when faith is defined purely as “a mental ascent to the facts” and the importance of repentance is diminished or outright rejected?
8. How would you explain the concept of repentance and faith as they pertain to the gospel to a non-Christian?
9. How would you tell a Christian how they can apply repentance and faith in their life each day?