The publicans will enter the kingdom before the religious rulers. [1]
Matthew Levi, the former publican, followed Jesus and dedicated his life to the kingdom, preaching the gospel and baptizing believers until his triumphant death in Thrace. [2]
God's salvation is a free gift that cannot be earned by works of self-righteousness, as illustrated in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. [3] When Jesus arrived in Jericho, he called out to Zaccheus and stayed at his house for the night, much to the delight of the chief publican. [4]