THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS

Matthew 21:28-32
Key Verse: 21:31b

     "Jesus said to them, `I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and
      the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.'"


1. Read verses 28-32. To whom was Jesus speaking this parable? How is
   it related to the previous passage? (18-27)

2. Review the father's conversation with the first son (29-30). What
   kind of person is he? Can you think of anyone in the Bible or
   anywhere else who first said "no" but later obeyed?

3. Review the conversation with the second son (30). What kind of
   person is he? Why did he agree to go in the first place? Why did he
   back out?  What question did Jesus ask? What was the answer?

4. How did Jesus apply this parable to the tax collectors, prostitutes
   and the religious leaders? How had they responded to the preaching
   of John the Baptist? Why is this important?

5. What can we learn here about Jesus from Jesus' parable? With whom do
   you identify?