JMNT(i)
28 "But how is it normally seeming to you men (= What are you now thinking of this situation; What is your opinion)? A man had two children. Upon coming to the first one, he said, 'Child, be going (or: lead the way) under [my directive] today, and continue working in the vineyard.
29 "Now he, giving a determined reply, said, 'I am neither wanting nor intending [to] (or: I will not)!' – yet afterward, changing his thoughts and interests (or: regretting his behavior), he went off.
30 "So, upon going to the different one, he said similarly. Now, giving a considered reply, he said, 'I [go], sir,' – and yet, he did not go off.
31 "Which of the two did the will of the father?" They [as a group] are saying, "The first one." [other MSS read vs. 29-31 thus: "Now he, giving a considered reply, said,' I {go}, sir,' and yet he did not go off. So, upon approaching the second one, he said likewise. Yet he, giving a determined reply, said, 'I will not! 'Subsequently, he thought better of it {and} went forth. Which of {these} two fulfilled the desire of {his} father?" They are saying, "The latter one."] Jesus said, "That's right (You got it; Amen)! I am now saying and laying it out for you that the tax (or: tribute; toll) collectors (or: tax farmers; businessmen who bought the contract to collect taxes for the government) and the prostitutes are constantly preceding you men into God's reign (or: the kingdom of God; the sovereign activity of God)!
32 "You see, John came toward you men within the path (or: on the road) of fairness and equity, in accord with the way pointed out, and in the right relationship which pertains to justice – and you men did not trust him or put your faith in him (or: you did not believe him). However, the tax collectors and the prostitutes trusted him (put their faith in him; believed him), yet you men – upon seeing [this] – still did not change your thoughts or interests (or: regret your behavior and think better of it) [so as] to trust in him (put faith in and believe him).