Articles
Reading Matthew 23
READ AS ONE LONG READING! So often read/study/teach just ONE short part of this section. It would have been exciting to be with Jesus and experience this climatic ending. Although Jesus has foretold the end (some 3 times... including here ), they didn’t understand until AFTER the d/b/r – and illumination (cp. Luke 24:44ff). BUT we have a eye-witness testimony of these events. What Happened?
Matt. 21-22 – religious controversies – Pharisees, scribes, elders, chief priests, Sadducees
21:1-
21:12-
21:18
21:23
21:28
21:33
22:1
22:15
22:40
| Triumphant Entry – Leaders vs. ‘common people’
Cleansing of Temple and controversy
Barren fig tree – judgment upon ungodly leaders They are no ‘unreligious’
CHALLENGE of AUTHORITY Leaders took it as a challenge! And it WAS.
Parable of two sons – and application vs. 31-32 (AGAINST LEADERS – CP. VS. 21)
Landowner and wicked fine-growers Their conclusion . application – vs. 41 Jesus’ application to them (vs. 42 Rejected cornerstone & a stone of stumbling THEIR response – vs. 45-46
Parable of the Marriage Feast
Response of Pharisees – try to trap Jesus. Caesar’s $ 22:23 – Sadducees also debate
Jesus question – how David’s son AND LORD Directed to the Pharisees |
Ch. 23
Ch. 24
Ch. 25
26 | Woe to Pharisees
Followed by destruction of Jerusalem and 2nd coming speech Three parts 1. Parable of 10 virgins (preparedness) 2. Parable of talents 3. Picture of the Judgment 21ff
PLOT TO KILL announced by Jesus! |
These Jewish leaders then fulfilled the same – arrest, humiliation, crucifixion, resurrection, GLORY!
The challenge – become one of HIS DISCIPLES – renewed into His image – newness of life!
Hugh DeLong
