Faithful on Fridays Blog

Chapters 21-22

Jesus’ final week arrived, but He had much more to teach His followers. All four gospels describe this memorable event called the ‘triumphant entry’, even quoting Old Testament prophecies, but after entering Jerusalem He continued to His destination: the Temple, God’s dwelling place. Appalled by the commercialism, He drove it out, got back to loving and healing people as evidence of God’s presence among them. Reaction of the religious leaders? Not good.

His arrival, surrounded with praise and welcoming people, became a stumbling block; the leaders developed rage and resentfulness believing He wasn’t worthy of the display. It was just wrong. However, Jesus countered their attitudes by quoting a passage,

Out of the mouth of babies and infants, You have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. Psalm 8:2 

They undoubtedly knew that verse in it’s entirety and realized Jesus was calling them His avenging enemies, adding fuel to the fire. The next day they demanded to know where He received His authority. Again, the other gospels record these verses about authority, but only Matthew includes Jesus’ parable (vs. 28-32) about a man and 2 sons. 

Which son did the will of his father? The one who was asked to work in his vineyard and refused, but then acquiesced? Or the other son who agreed to do it, but didn’t. Thinking only in the lower story the religious leaders answered the ‘first one’, of course, however, Jesus answered them that sinners will get into the Kingdom of Heaven before they do because they are the second son. Changing your mind means repentance and they refused. Vs. 43 is the kicker; the Kingdom of God will be taken away from them and given to people who produce the fruit of faith and the leaders clearly recognized these parables were speaking against them. They were more intent than ever to have Him arrested.

In Chapter 22 Matthew alone records Jesus telling one last parable directed to these leaders using the metaphor of a wedding, which they clearly understood, and foreshadowing for us His return to begin the new world with His Bride. The invited people refused to attend and the analogy was not lost; Jesus is indicating that the Kingdom will include anyone who accepts the invitation. Matthew records a stipulation; you must be properly dressed in order to attend, wearing a white robe signifying purity and righteousness. He didn’t miss this opportunity to show how crucial it was to have a pure heart.

We have a new group entering into the conspiracy against Jesus: the Herodians. They were political, not agreeing with the religious leaders in anything, except Jesus’ demise which made them a perfect addition. Jesus saw through them as well, calling them hypocrites or pretenders thus silencing them.  

Matthew has this miraculous, inspired gift of memory, recording Jesus’ words 50-60 years after His ascension. I think you’d agree that his name-change proves he’s the ‘gift’ Jesus declared him to be.