Bible Reading
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 the vineyard.' He answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he came to the second son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. 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. 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.”
[14:46]Matthew 21:23-27 “And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, 'By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?' Jesus answered them, 'I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?' And they discussed it among themselves, saying, 'If we say, "From heaven," he will say to us, "Why then did you not believe him?" But if we say, "From man," we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.' So they answered Jesus, 'We do not know.' And he said to them, 'Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
[13:27]Matthew 21:12-13 “And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, 'It is written, "My house shall be called a house of prayer," but you make it a den of robbers.”
[16:56]Observation questions
- What actions by Jesus in the temple had disrupted the leaders’ plans as Passover approached? [18:18]
- When the chief priests and elders questioned Jesus’ authority, what question did Jesus ask them about John’s baptism, and why did they refuse to answer?
- How do the two sons respond differently to their father’s command to work in the vineyard, and what does each one ultimately do? [23:01]
- What contrast does Jesus make between the religious leaders and the tax collectors and prostitutes in their response to John’s message?
Interpretation questions
- What does the leaders’ fear of the crowd reveal about the difference between authority based on public approval and authority that comes from God? [20:38]
- Why does Jesus connect the question of his authority with the parable about obedience? What does this connection show about faithful discipleship? [22:05]
- The first son eventually goes to the vineyard, but his first response rejects his father’s command. How might delayed obedience still allow a person to remain in control on his or her own terms? [24:33]
- Why do tax collectors and prostitutes enter God’s kingdom ahead of religious people who appear outwardly faithful? What role do humility, repentance, forgiveness, and changed living play? [28:29]
Application questions
- Where might the desire for comfort, control, reputation, or “keeping the peace” make it difficult to welcome Jesus’ authority in daily life? [17:23]
- Is there an area where a person may be doing something good but still resisting God’s authority by doing it only on personal terms, timing, or preferences? What would humble surrender look like there? [25:19]
- In what ways can saying “yes” to Jesus become disconnected from actual obedience—in prayer, Scripture reading, serving others, or generosity? Which one of these areas needs a practical next step this week? [27:01]
- When it is easier to notice the sins or failures of other people, what helps a believer honestly recognize his or her own need for grace? [28:01]
- What is one specific pattern, relationship, habit, or decision where repentance would need to include more than regret and lead to a changed way of living? [29:06]
- How can the group encourage one another to live as forgiven sinners—humble before God, compassionate toward others, and ready to obey—rather than trying to prove that they are good enough? [30:21]
