Show Don't Tell: Matthew 21:28-32

Instead of saying "Jesus told the parable of two sons," contrast the responses. "A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'" The first son: "I will not." Flat refusal. But later he changed his mind and went. The father goes to the second: same request. "I will, sir." Respectful, agreeable. But he did not go. "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" The first. Jesus drives it home: "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." They said no to God but repented at John's preaching. You religious leaders said yes with your lips but didn't respond to John. Obedience matters more than profession. The rebels who repent outpace the religious who don't.