Jesus said to them, Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. (Matthew 21:31-32)
Within this portion Jesus made a profound statement to the pharisees. The pharisees saw themselves as religious and righteous. But their righteousness was according to their own opinion of themselves. Contrary to them, tax collectors and harlots realized that they were unworthy in themselves. Hearing John preaching to them, it cut them to the heart. They realized the truth put to them, came to repentance and mended their ways. They humbled themselves. This was difficult for the ‘righteous’ pharisees to do as they felt content in their own view of themselves. Confronted by John’s sermons they disliked it, and rejected it. Through their own actions they closed the door to enter into God’s kingdom.
We as humans are always quick to defend ourselves against any kind of criticism. However, when realizing the truth and humbling ourselves admitting to our own wrongs, we become part of His Kingdom. Being cleansed by Jesus blood, the door is open to anyone coming in this manner. Are you one of them?
