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Matthew 21

Hendriksen
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  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 This Triumphal Entry was an event of outstanding significance. Note the following: ) 1. By means of it Jesus deliberately evokes a demonstration. He fully realizes that, as a result, the enthusiasm of the masses will enrage the hostile leaders at Jerusalem, so that they will desire more than ever to carry out their plot against him. ) 2. Jesus forces the members of the Sanhedrin to change their time-table, so that it will harmonize with his (and the Father s) time-table. The enthusiasm of the crowds with respect to Jesus will hasten the crisis. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|”
  1. By means of this Triumphal Entry Jesus fulfils the Messianic prophecy of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . When the people hail him as the Son of David, i.e., the Messiah, he does not try to restrain them. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.42|AUTODETECT|”
  2. However, he also shows the crowds what kind of Messiah he is, namely, not the earthly Messiah of Israel s dreams, the One who wages war against an earthly oppressor, but the One who came to promote and establish the things that make for peace 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.42|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:42) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.9.6|AUTODETECT|” ), lasting peace: reconciliation between God and man, and between a man and his fellow man. Accordingly, Jesus enters Jerusalem mounted on a colt, the foal of an ass, an animal associated not with the rigors of war but with the pursuits of peace, for he is the Prince of Peace 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.9.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 9:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.15|AUTODETECT|” ). But the people in general, their minds filled with earthly ideas concerning the Coming One, did not understand or appreciate this. In hailing him as the Messiah, the people were right; the Pharisees, chief priests, and scribes 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.39|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.39|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.40|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.40|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) were wrong. But in expecting this Messiah to reveal himself as a political, earthly Messiah the Hosanna shouters were as wrong as were their leaders. Those who in every way rejected Jesus were committing a crime, but those who outwardly accepted and cheered him were also doing him a gross injustice, for they did not accept him for what he really was. Their tragic mistake was committed with dire results for themselves. It is not surprising therefore that Luke pictures a weeping King in the midst of a shouting multitude (19:39 44), nor is it strange that, a little later, when the crowds begin to understand that Jesus is not the kind of Messiah they had expected, they, at the urging of their leaders, were shouting, Crucify (him)! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In order to be able to appreciate Matthew s account of this Triumphal Entry and the immediately following events (21:1 17) it is probably best first of all to see the story in outline form. Piecing together the different accounts (Synoptics and John) the following summary results: ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Sunday) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.1-40.21.3|AUTODETECT|” 1.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.1-40.21.3|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:1 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.6|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.7|AUTODETECT|”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.1-41.11.7|AUTODETECT|” a; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.1-41.11.7|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:1 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.28-42.19.35|AUTODETECT|” a; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.28-42.19.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:28 35) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.2|AUTODETECT|” a; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.2|AUTODETECT|” John 12:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.12|AUTODETECT|”
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 As Jesus takes his departure from Bethany he sends two of his disciples into a small village, Bethphage. He gives them detailed instructions in order to enable them to fetch from there a young donkey on which he plans to ride into Jerusalem. Matthew points out that there were two animals involved, a colt and its dam, but it appears later that Jesus makes use only of the colt. The disciples succeed in carrying out Christ s command. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.4|AUTODETECT|” 2.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.4|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.5|AUTODETECT|”
  6. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.7|AUTODETECT|”
  7. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.7|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.7|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.35|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:35) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.14|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.14|AUTODETECT|” John 12:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.15|AUTODETECT|”
  8. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” The disciples throw their garments on both of the animals, and when it becomes clear that Jesus wishes to ride upon the colt, they assist him in mounting it. Jesus starts riding toward Jerusalem. Both Matthew and John see in this event a fulfilment of the prophecy of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.8|AUTODETECT|” 3.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.8|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.36|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:36) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Most of the people who accompany Jesus from Bethany spread their outer garments on the path. Others cut branches from the trees and with these pave the way before him. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.1|AUTODETECT|” 4.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.1|AUTODETECT|” John 12:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.12|AUTODETECT|”
  9. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.13|AUTODETECT|”
  10. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.18|AUTODETECT|” a, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.18|AUTODETECT|”
  11. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Meanwhile the caravan of pilgrims that had arrived in Jerusalem previously and had heard that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead and was on his way toward the city, come pouring out of the eastern gate to meet him. With fronds cut from palm trees they proceed on their way to welcome the Messiah. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.9|AUTODETECT|” 5.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.9|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.9|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.10|AUTODETECT|”
  12. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:37) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.38|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.38|AUTODETECT|”
  13. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.13|AUTODETECT|” John 12:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b: ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 As the two throngs meet, the enthusiasm mounts. The accompanying multitude includes the following: The Twelve, a throng from Bethany, pilgrims from Galilee and Perea, and even some hostile Pharisees. ) Descending the western slope of the Mount of Olives, and drawing near to Jerusalem, everyone (with the exception of the hostile Pharisees) starts to shout Hosanna to the Son of David.& ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.12.17|AUTODETECT|”
  1. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.17|AUTODETECT|” John 12:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Those who had witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus continue to bear testimony. Result: the excitement reaches a climax. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.39|AUTODETECT|”
  2. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.39|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.40|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.19.40|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The Pharisees, beside themselves with envy as they listen to this cheering, appeal to Jesus to stop it: Teacher, rebuke your disciples! Jesus answers: I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.19.41-42.19.44|AUTODETECT|”
  1. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.41-42.19.44|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:41 44) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 When, of a sudden, the city comes into view, Jesus, fully realizing that much of the praise which he had been receiving is shallow and is based upon the identification of himself with an expected earthly, political Messiah, breaks into loud weeping. Before his prophetic eyes there arises the vision of Jerusalem as a besieged city, a city surrounded by Roman legions. In a wail of bitter lamentation he cries, Would that even today you, yes you yourself, had known the things that pertain to peace! but now they are hidden from your eyes.& ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.10|AUTODETECT|”
  2. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.11|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.11|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.12|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 As Jesus enters Jerusalem the entire city is stirred. Everybody who had remained behind, on seeing someone approaching surrounded by a huge crowd and riding into the city on a donkey, asks, Who is this? The answer comes back, This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee. In the evening Jesus returns to Bethany with his disciples. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Monday and Later) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.12-40.21.14|AUTODETECT|”
  1. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.12-40.21.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:12 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.15-41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.15-41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:15 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.45-42.19.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.45-42.19.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:45 47) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus cleanses the temple and (according to Matthew) heals the blind and the lame. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.15|AUTODETECT|” 11.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The children in the temple begin to shout, Hosanna to the Son of David. The chief priests and the scribes, in their fury, ask Jesus: Do you hear what these are saying? Jesus answers, Yes, have you never read: From the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast prepared praise for thyself ? ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=63.1.12|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=63.1.12|AUTODETECT|”
  1. John 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 :19: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The Pharisees, filled with the spirit of frustration, envy, and rage, say to each other, You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.17|AUTODETECT|” 13.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 When evening falls Jesus and The Twelve again retire to Bethany for the night. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.16|AUTODETECT|” 14.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.16|AUTODETECT|” John 12:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Not until Jesus had been glorified did the disciples, looking back and revolving all these things in their minds, realize that the Triumphal Entry was the fulfilment of prophecy. ) Of the fourteen elements that enter into the composition of this harmonized story Matthew has eight (items 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, and 13). In listing these fourteen items it is not claimed that the order in which they were presented is necessarily in each instance the exact chronological sequence in which they occurred. However, the order as here presented is probably not far removed from the actual facts of history. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 1, 2.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (see No. 1 on p. 760) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 And when they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, Go into the village opposite you, where at once you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.18|AUTODETECT|” On this Sunday, starting out from Bethany, a village located on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives and about two miles east of Jerusalem 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.18|AUTODETECT|” John 11:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Jesus and his disciples were nearing Bethphage . The Mount of Olives is a rounded ridge to the northeast of Jerusalem. At its highest point it rises to a height of over 2600 feet above sea level, about 250 feet above the hill on which the temple was built. The mountain or hill has four peaks, known (from north to south) as Karem, Ascension, The Prophets , and (Mount of) Offense. When the second and third, separated by only a shallow depression, are counted as one, there are three summits, the second, when thus counted, being sometimes called Mt. Olivet proper. Between the western slope of Mt. Olivet and the city is the valley of the winter-brook Kedron. See ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” N.T.C.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.1|AUTODETECT|” on ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.1|AUTODETECT|” John 18:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.1|AUTODETECT|” . It may well have been from the eastern slope of the Ascension summit that Jesus sent two of his disciples. The exact location of Bethphage is no longer known, but it must have been close to (northwest of?) Bethany, as a comparison of 21:1 with ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.29|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , seems to indicate. Go into the village opposite (or: over against) you can without any difficulty be interpreted as meaning just ahead of you. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.2|AUTODETECT|” The two disciples were told that at the very entrance of the village 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.2|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), hence immediately after coming to it, they would find a donkey tied up and its colt with her. In view of the fact that Mark and Luke mention only the colt, critics see another Gospel contradiction here. It is held that Matthew ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” misinterpreted ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , as if the prophet meant & upon a donkey ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 upon a colt & ; and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.7|AUTODETECT|” changed Mark s account, by substituting two animals for one, and picturing Jesus as riding on two asses at the same time 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b), in harmony with the prediction. Answer: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Matthew, the Jew, was probably better acquainted with Hebrew parallelism than his critics. He knew that the Hebrew conjunction allowed the translation even as well as and. Neither was he completely dependent upon Mark s Gospel. Was he not one of The Twelve? Moreover, would it have been an act of kindness toward the colt to separate it from its dam, and to do so before Jesus was riding upon it? And ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Verse 7 literally reads, They brought the donkey and the [or: and its] colt, and laid upon them the [meaning: their] outer garments, and he sat on them. The closest antecedent of them is outer garments, not the donkey and the colt. Besides, must we actually suppose that the evangelist was foolish enough to picture Jesus as riding on two animals at the same time? Verse 7b certainly allows the translation: and laid upon them their outer garments, on which he took his seat. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Just how it was that Jesus knew about this colt and its dam whether through union of his divine and human nature, or simply through information which he had received in a very natural way from the owners we do not know. One thing we do know, namely, that when he orders the two disciples to untie the animals and to bring them to him, he is exercising his right of requisitioning whatever he needs for the fulfilment of his mediatorial task. ) This is made even clearer in verse 3. (also included in No. 1 on p. 760) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, The Lord needs them, and immediately he will let them go.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.27|AUTODETECT|” Note especially that Jesus is here using the title Lord to designate himself 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” 28:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is clear, therefore, that this epithet was not an invention of the early church after Christ s departure. It was not something borrowed from a non-Christian culture. It came from the very mouth of Jesus!��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Note also the Lord, not merely your Lord; rather, the Lord of all, with the right to claim all for his own use. Jesus predicts that when his claim, by mouth of the two men, is asserted, the owners will immediately release the animals. These owners must have been friends and followers of the Lord. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Before Matthew even informs his readers how the two disciples fared, he marks this event as a fulfilment of prophecy: ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 4, 5.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (No. 2, p. 761) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 This happened in order that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Say to the daughter of Zion,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Look, your King is coming to you,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Meek, and mounted on a donkey,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Even upon a colt, the foal of a pack-animal.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 For in order that & might be fulfilled see on 1:22, 23, p. 133.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.16|AUTODETECT|” The daughter of Zion is Jerusalem, that is Israel, only the true Israel being able to understand the significance of this Triumphal Entry, and even then not fully until later. Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.16|AUTODETECT|” John 12:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Look, your King is coming to you is the joyful message addressed to the daughter of Zion. This King differs in certain very important respects from other kings: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. This is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 your) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 King, your very own. He is not a foreign king or a king bent on his own aggrandizement at the expense of the people, but One who had been commissioned to seek and to save. He is coming to you, that is, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to benefit you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.14|AUTODETECT|” b. In line with this is the fact that this King is meek, gentle, peaceful, gracious. See on 11:29; 12:19, 20: 20:25 28; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.14|AUTODETECT|” John 13:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.15|AUTODETECT|”
  6. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.34|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.34|AUTODETECT|”
  7. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.35|AUTODETECT|”
  8. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.36|AUTODETECT|” 19:36) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.37|AUTODETECT|”
  9. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.2|AUTODETECT|” . This also explains why he is mounted on an unbacked ass 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.2|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b), not on a high-spirited war steed, or on a prancing white stallion. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” c. This King is not the fulfilment of men s dreams but of a specific Messianic prophecy: ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.6|AUTODETECT|” . See also ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 6:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . He is both great and humble, exalted and lowly. He is the One who in this very act is riding & to his death, and thus to victory, a victory not only for himself but also for his true people, those who believe in him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 6, 7.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (No. 1 and 2, pp. 760f.) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 So the disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and its colt, and laid upon them their outer garments, on which he took his seat.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.31|AUTODETECT|” Everything happened exactly as Jesus had predicted. The disciples found the colt and its dam at the place described by the Master. When they were in the process of loosing them from their hitching post, the owners objected. However, the answer, The Lord needs them 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.34|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.34|AUTODETECT|”
  10. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.35|AUTODETECT|” ) resulted in immediate and wholehearted compliance. The animals were brought to Jesus. He solves their problem namely, Which animal is the Rider going to use? by taking his seat, with the assistance of the disciples 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:35) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), upon the coats that had been laid on ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the colt) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . He then starts to ride away. What happened to the dam is not stated. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 8.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (No. 3, p. 761) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Most of the crowd spread their outer garments on the road; others were cutting branches from the trees and were spreading them on the road.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.9.13|AUTODETECT|” In a way the crowd was following the example of the disciples. If the latter considered it proper to remove their coats so that Jesus could sit upon them, why should not the multitude also throw down coats and tree branches before the feet of the pack-animal? Besides, were they not honoring Jesus as King? If something of this nature had been done for King Jehu 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.9.13|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 9:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), should it not most certainly take place to honor the Messiah-King? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 9.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (No. 5, p. 761) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Then the crowds that were walking in front of him and those that were following (him) began to shout,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Hosanna to the Son of David;) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Blessed (is) the One coming in the name of the Lord;) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Hosanna in the highest.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 As to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Hosanna to the Son of David,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” it should be noted that Hosanna means save now, or save, pray. The attitude of the people toward God was perhaps about as follows: We beseech thee, O Lord, save now, grant victory and prosperity at this time, since because of thy goodness the appropriate moment has arrived. Hence, in this Hosanna exclamation, the two elements: supplication and adoration, or if one prefers: prayer and praise, are combined. It is clear that the source of 21:9 is ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.117.0|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.117.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 117) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.0|AUTODETECT|” ), which from beginning to end is filled with prayer and praise; see especially verses 22 26a. It is in essence a Hallel Psalm, one of the series Ps. 113 118, sung at Passover. See N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. I, p. 121. It is also one of the six Psalms most often quoted or referred to in the New Testament; the others being ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.0|AUTODETECT|” Pss. 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.22.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.22.0|AUTODETECT|”
  11. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|”
  12. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.0|AUTODETECT|”
  13. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” ; and 110. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|” is distinctly Messianic. It speaks about the stone rejected by the builders but destined to become the cornerstone. See on ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:42) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.7|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.12|AUTODETECT|” . Note the words immediately following Hosanna, namely, to the Son of David, and cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.12|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 7:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|”
  14. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.27-40.9.31|AUTODETECT|” . See further on ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.27-40.9.31|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:27 31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.23|AUTODETECT|” 12:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.22|AUTODETECT|” 15:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.42-40.22.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.42-40.22.45|AUTODETECT|” 22:42 45) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 There were two crowds: one from Bethany that followed Jesus; and one from Jerusalem which, having arrived there mostly from Galilee, and having gone forth to meet Jesus, had then turned around so as to walk in front of him. In connection with Jesus, these two crowds are making God the object of their prayer and praise. ) As to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Blessed (is) the One coming in the name of the Lord,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.26|AUTODETECT|” this is a quotation from ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.26|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118:26) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.9|AUTODETECT|” . Combined with the Son of David, as here in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.9|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” , it must refer to Jesus as the Messiah. It was deplorable, however, that by far the most of these people did not go one step farther: they should have combined ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” with ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” and with ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.13.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.13.1|AUTODETECT|” 13:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Then they would have recognized in Jesus the Messiah who saves his people ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 from their sins) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.21|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Finally, as to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Hosanna in the highest,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.148.1|AUTODETECT|” this shows that Messiah was regarded as a gift from God, the One who dwells in the highest heaven and is worthy of the prayers and the praises of all, including even the angels. One cannot help thinking of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.148.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 148:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.148.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.148.2|AUTODETECT|”
  15. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.14|AUTODETECT|” and of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 10, 11.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (No. 9, p. 761) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 And when he entered Jerusalem the entire city was stirred up, saying, Who is this?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 When the people who had stayed behind in Jerusalem had their first glimpse of the approaching throng and heard the joyful Hosanna shouts in honor of the central figure, their curiosity was aroused. Their excitement became contagious, until the entire city was as it were electrified, or, as the Greek has it, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 was shaken) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”
  16. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Who is this? the people asked. Now Jesus was no stranger to Jerusalem and its temple 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.14|AUTODETECT|” John 2:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.14|AUTODETECT|” 5:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.14|AUTODETECT|” 7:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.28|AUTODETECT|”
  17. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.20|AUTODETECT|” 8:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.59|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.59|AUTODETECT|”
  18. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.23|AUTODETECT|” 10:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.20|AUTODETECT|” 18:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But no one expected ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 him) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to come riding into the city in the midst of a multitude singing his praises. This accounts for their question. Continued: ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The crowds kept answering, This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.15|AUTODETECT|” When those who accompanied Jesus repeatedly gave this answer, everybody learned who was entering the city; for, first of all, Jesus was known and rightly so as a prophet. According to the New Testament he was thus designated by the people in general 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.15|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.16|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.14|AUTODETECT|” John 6:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.40|AUTODETECT|” 7:40) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ); by the woman of Samaria 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.19|AUTODETECT|” John 4:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.22|AUTODETECT|” ); by Peter 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 3:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.23|AUTODETECT|”
  19. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.15|AUTODETECT|” , quoting ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 18:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.37|AUTODETECT|” ); and by Stephen 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.37|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:37) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.15|AUTODETECT|” , also quoting ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 18:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.57|AUTODETECT|” ). He used this same title in reference to himself 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.57|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 13:57) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.33|AUTODETECT|” Luke 13:33) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.44|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.44|AUTODETECT|” John 4:44) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.39|AUTODETECT|” ). The Pharisaic refusal to honor him with this title 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.39|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) seems not to have been very effective. He was, and is, indeed a prophet, for he revealed and reveals the will of God to man. Note how in the present connection he is represented both as the fulfilment of prophecy (21:4, 5, 9) and as being himself a yes the prophet (21:11). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.24|AUTODETECT|” The further description was also very appropriate: Jesus from Nazareth or Jesus, the Nazarene was a designation used, in referring to Jesus, by a demoniac 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.34|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.47|AUTODETECT|” ), Bartimaeus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.47|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:47) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:37) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.67|AUTODETECT|” ), a portress 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.67|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:67) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.71|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.71|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:71) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.6|AUTODETECT|” ), an angel 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.45|AUTODETECT|” ), the apostle Philip 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.45|AUTODETECT|” John 1:45) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.5|AUTODETECT|” ), the temple police 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.5|AUTODETECT|” John 18:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.7|AUTODETECT|”
  20. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.19|AUTODETECT|” ), Pilate 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.19|AUTODETECT|” John 19:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.22|AUTODETECT|” ), Peter 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.3|AUTODETECT|”
  21. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” :6; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” 4:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.38|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.38|AUTODETECT|” 10:38) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.14|AUTODETECT|” ), false witnesses 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.14|AUTODETECT|” Acts 6:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.9|AUTODETECT|” ), Paul 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.9|AUTODETECT|” Acts 26:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.8|AUTODETECT|” ), and even by the exalted Christ himself 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.8|AUTODETECT|” Acts 22:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.19|AUTODETECT|” ). The full combination the prophet Jesus from Nazareth is reflected in the words used by Cleopas and his companion to describe the One whom they thought they had lost 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Finally, of Galilee. Was it with pride in their tone of voice that especially those in Christ s company who had come from Galilee, as pilgrims to attend the Passover, stressed this fact, as if to say, he is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 our own) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.17|AUTODETECT|” prophet ? Had not Jesus performed most of his miracles and spent most of his time in Galilee? Did these pilgrims recount some of the mighty works which Jesus had done among them, just as the friends from Bethany kept on testifying about the resurrection of Lazarus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.17|AUTODETECT|” John 12:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 )? This is very well possible. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 This prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee was the One, therefore, who was being enthusiastically proclaimed on this, his last Sunday on earth before the crucifixion, as being the Son of David, the Blessed One, coming in the name of the Lord, that is, not only at God s command but as God s voice to the people. ) 21:12 17 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Cleansing of the Temple) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 5 3 8 0 0 12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple. He turned upside down the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those selling doves. 13 And he said to them, It is written, ) My house shall be called a house of prayer ; ) but you are making it a robbers den. 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children (who were) shouting in the temple, Hosanna to the Son of David, they became angry, 16 and said to him, Do you hear what these are saying? Yes, Jesus said to them, Have you never read, ) From the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast prepared praise for thyself ? ) 17 And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.15-41.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.15-41.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:15 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.45-42.19.48|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.45-42.19.48|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:45 48) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.13-43.2.22|AUTODETECT|” ; and for earlier cleansing, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.13-43.2.22|AUTODETECT|” John 2:13 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.11|AUTODETECT|” Jesus spent Sunday night at Bethany 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.11|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The story continues, describing what happened afterward, beginning on Monday 8 1 -1 9 0 0 not immediately) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 on that day; see on verses 18 22): ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 12.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (see No. 10, p. 762) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 And Jesus entered the temple. He drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and turned upside down the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those selling doves.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus entered the outer enclosure of the Jerusalem sanctuary, the section open not only to Jews but also to Gentiles, hence called the Court of the Gentiles. What a sorry spectacle greets his eyes, ears, and even nostrils! He notices, as had happened also in the early part of his ministry,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”
  22. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� that this court hence, the temple was being desecrated. It resembled a market-place. Business was booming, lucrative too. Some men were selling oxen and sheep. At this time of the year, with passover so close at hand and pilgrims crowding into the court from everywhere, there were many buyers. They paid high prices for these sacrificial animals.

True, a worshipper could bring in an animal of his own choice. But if he did that he was taking the chance that it would not be approved. The temple merchants had paid generously for their concession, which they had bought from the priests. Some of this money finally reached the coffers of sly, wealthy Annas and of clever Caiaphas. It is therefore understandable that the tradesmen and the priestly caste were partners in this business. As Jesus enters he notices the hustle and bustle of all the buyers and sellers; also the noise, filth, and stench produced by all the animals.

Could this, in any sense whatever, be called ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 worship?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.13|AUTODETECT|” Also in evidence were the money-changers, sitting cross-legged behind their little coin-covered tables. In the temple area foreign money was not accepted in payment. Also, the temple tax of half a shekel 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.13|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 30:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.24-40.17.27|AUTODETECT|” ; see on ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.24-40.17.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 17:24 27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.24|AUTODETECT|” ) had to be paid in Jewish coin. And money was needed to fulfil the various rites of purification 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 21:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). So, the money-changers would exchange foreign money, carried especially by those who came from foreign lands, for Jewish money, charging a small fee for the favor. This business, too, was profitable. It presented abundant opportunity for cheating the unsuspecting pilgrim. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.12.6|AUTODETECT|” And then there were the vendors of pigeons and turtledoves, probably standing near the seats or benches on which the crates filled with doves were piled. Not everybody was able to buy even a lamb. So, in connection with purification, two turtledoves or two young pigeons could be substituted 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.12.6|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 12:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.12.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.12.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). However, by now conditions had deteriorated to such an extent that even the poor were often being grossly overcharged. I) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ne having to pay at least $4 for a pair of doves worth not much more than a nickel.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10” 726) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 It is not difficult to picture the righteous indignation that must have flashed from the eyes of Jesus when he drove out all both the buyers and the sellers who were engaged in this nefarious business, and overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those selling doves. Whether also at this time, as in the first temple cleansing, he made a whip out of cords that were lying around and then let fly with that scourge, we do not know. One thing is certain: Jesus revealed himself as being indeed Lord of the temple (cf. 12:6). This is clear also from the words he spoke: ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 13. And he said to them, It is written,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 My house shall be called a house of prayer;) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 but you are making it a robbers den.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.56.7|AUTODETECT|” The first part of this statement is quoted from ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.56.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 56:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.13|AUTODETECT|” b, which reads, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. The final phrase for all peoples is reproduced neither in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.46|AUTODETECT|” nor in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.46|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:46) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” , but only in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.29|AUTODETECT|” ( Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations ? ). It is clear from this that the temple was intended to be the place where God met with his people, a sanctuary for quiet, spiritual devotion, meditation, and fellowship, in connection with sacrifice. See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.29|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 8:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 27:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.65.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.65.4|AUTODETECT|” 65:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.1.9-9.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.1.9-9.1.18|AUTODETECT|” I Sam 1:9 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.56.7|AUTODETECT|” . The second part of the statement is Christ s own comment, in which he contrasts the divine ideal for worship as described in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.56.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 56:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.7.11|AUTODETECT|” b with the present situation, a condition that reminded him of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.7.11|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 7:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , which he quotes. In the days of Jeremiah, too, as is proved by that prophet s famous Temple Discourse, the Jews were oppressing aliens, stealing, murdering, etc. Nevertheless, they continued to offer their sacrifices in the temple; as if such merely formalistic worship of Jehovah would do any good, and as if the very presence of the temple would protect them from the outpouring of God s wrath. It was then that Jeremiah had said, Do not trust in lying words, saying, The temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah is this, & Has this house that is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? In the days of Christ s sojourn history was repeating itself: the temple had again become a cave of thieves, an allusion, perhaps, to the rocky caves in the hills of Judea, where thieves and robbers would often assemble. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 It has been objected that this story, as recorded in the three Synoptics, and the similar one, referring to the beginning of Christ s public ministry and recorded by John, cannot be true, for certainly the temple police would have interfered with Christ s action. However, note the following: ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.32|AUTODETECT|” a. Right at this moment think of the Triumphal Entry Jesus was so popular that the Jewish authorities did not immediately dare to touch him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.32|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.2|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.2|AUTODETECT|” 14:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.2|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.2|AUTODETECT|” 22:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.13-43.2.22|AUTODETECT|” b. So unpopular was the temple trade, because of the greed of those who conducted it, that three years before the destruction of Jerusalem the people in an uprising against it swept away the bazaars of the sons of Annas, as the temple market was called. In this connection Philip Schaff draws an interesting parallel between the first century temple-cleansing 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.13-43.2.22|AUTODETECT|” John 2:13 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and the sixteenth century Reformation. He states, Jesus began his public ministry with the expulsion of the profane traffickers from the court of the temple. The reformation began with a protest against the traffic in indulgences which profaned and degraded the Christian religion. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11” 727) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. The majesty of Christ s person the godhead veiled in flesh must not be discounted. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.18|AUTODETECT|” d. Nevertheless, the Jewish authorites did afterward question Jesus concerning the source of his right to do these things. See on verse 23. Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.18|AUTODETECT|” John 2:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 The lessons taught by this cleansing of the temple can be summarized as follows: ) a. Jesus punished degradation of religion and insisted on reverence. ) b. He rebuked fraud, in the present connection especially religious (?) racketeering, and demanded honesty. ) c. He frowned upon indifference toward those who desired to worship God in spirit and truth, and by declaring that the temple must be a house of prayer ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 for all peoples) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.41-11.8.43|AUTODETECT|” ) gave his endorsement to the wonderful cause of Christian Missions. Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.41-11.8.43|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 8:41 43) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 d. By means of all this he glorified his heavenly Father. Was not the temple his Father s house? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 14. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 What a scene! While some people are expelled, others are welcomed. Jesus has not changed any. He is still the Good Shepherd. So, when the blind and the lame come to him right here, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 in the temple,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 his eyes, a moment ago flashing with the fire of holy indignation, fill with tender compassion. He did not say, Come back some other time. I am not now in the mood for healing you. On the contrary, the Great Physician is standing there in the midst of overturned tables, scattered coins, and knocked down benches, manifesting his healing power and marvelous compassion to those in need. None of those who came to him went away disappointed. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 15, 16a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (see No. 11 on p. 762) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children (who were) shouting in the temple, Hosanna to the Son of David, they became angry and said to him, Do you hear what these are saying?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Finally the chief priests and the scribes gather enough courage to do something about Jesus. For both groups, representing respectively the Sadducees and the Pharisees, see on 2:4; 3:7; for the scribes see also on 5:20; 7:28, 29; 15:1, 2; and chap. 23. How it was that men who differed so widely in their views on religion could unite against Jesus has already been explained. See pp. 201 204. What irked them at this particular moment was the following combination of facts: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the cleansing of the temple; ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the miracles performed on the blind and the lame; and last but not least, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the shouting of the children, repeating yesterday s joyful outburst by their parents, etc., Hosanna to the Son of David. Was not this blasphemy? And that right here in the temple! That they, these very enemies of Jesus, were themselves guilty of blasphemy because of the desecration of the temple which they had allowed and to some extent even encouraged, and because of the murderous design in their hearts against him, they did not acknowledge. But these children must be stopped! What they are doing is terrible, and even more reprehensible is the fact that Jesus is allowing this to continue.

Apparently he approves of it. Such was their reasoning. That was why they whether as a group of individuals who happened to be on the scene, or as men who had been officially delegated by the Sanhedrin��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12” 728) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� became angry.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13” 729) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� That is also why, motivated by envy (27:18), they asked, Do you hear what these are saying? ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 That these children were shouting Hosanna should not have surprised them at all. Are not children imitators? Besides, as has been shown see on 18:2 Jesus was the children s Friend. In all probability ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 their) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 hosannas were far more pure in spirit than those of the older people. It is hard to i) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ne that the hearts and minds of children were as filled with chauvenistic dreams as were those of the middle-aged and the elderly. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 16b. Yes, Jesus said to them.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 He affirms that he hears what the children are saying, and implies his approval. Continued: ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Have you never read.& ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.2|AUTODETECT|” Cf. 12:3, 5; 19:4; 21:42; 22:31. Then, quoting ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.2|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 8:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (8:3 according to the Hebrew and the LXX), ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 From the mouth of babes and sucklings thou has prepared praise for thyself?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus is quoting these words according to the LXX version.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14” 730) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� He is telling the chief priests and the scribes that children sometimes speak the truth; better still, that God takes even the incoherent prattle of babes and sucklings, in order out of such material to prepare praise for himself.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15” 731) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The implication is: God is also using for his own glory the shouts of the children who are now saying, Hosanna to the Son of David. If those who heard Jesus give this answer were listening carefully, they must have realized that in a veiled manner he was here affirming what he is going to declare openly in 26:63, 64. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 17.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (see No. 13 on p. 762) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 And he left them and went out of the city, to Bethany, and spent the night there.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 As he had done the previous evening so also now Jesus returned to Bethany. The rendering spent the night is broad enough to include either of two possibilities: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.38-42.10.42|AUTODETECT|” he spent the night with his friends in their hospitable home 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.38-42.10.42|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:38 42) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.3|AUTODETECT|” John 11:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.1-43.12.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.1-43.12.8|AUTODETECT|” 12:1 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ); or ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.39|AUTODETECT|” he lodged out in the open somewhere in or near the village; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.39|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” 732) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 21:18 22 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Cursing of the Fig Tree) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.12-41.11.14|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.12-41.11.14|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:12 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.20-41.11.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.20-41.11.24|AUTODETECT|” 20 24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 18 Now in the morning, when he was returning to the city, he was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road he went up to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, Never again let there be fruit from you! And the fig tree withered at once. 20 And when the disciples saw (it) they were astonished and said, How did the fig tree wither at once? 21 But Jesus answered and said to them, I solemnly declare to you, If you have faith and do not doubt, you shall not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea, it shall be done. 22 And whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you shall receive. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.11|AUTODETECT|” That the Gospel writers were not mere copyists but independent authors, each using his own method, appears very clearly in the present instance. Since part of the Fig Tree story occurred on Monday and part on Tuesday 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.11|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), with the cleansing of the temple taking place (on Monday) between these two parts, it is clear that this story could be handled in two ways: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 chronologically or ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 topically. Mark follows the first method, describing the first part of the Fig Tree story, the part that took place on Monday morning, in 11:12 14; then, the cleansing of the temple, later that same day, in 11:15 19; and finally, the second part of the Fig Tree story, the part that happened on Tuesday morning, in 11:20 24. Matthew, on the other hand, uses the second method. He wishes to tell the entire story all at once, in one connected and uninterrupted account. In doing this he does not come into real conflict with Mark, for his (Matthew s) time indications are very indefinite. For example, he says, Now in the morning (21:18), but does not indicate which morning.

He does not say, on the following day (as he does in 27:62). Also, when he begins to report the second part of the Fig Tree story he simply says, And when the disciples saw it & (21:20). He does not indicate on what day this conversation between Jesus and his disciples took place. It is Mark who makes it very clear that what Matthew states in 21:18, 19 occurred on Monday; and what Matthew says in 21:20 22, on Tuesday. Each of these two methods (chronological and topical) has its merits. The combination of the two is something to be thankful for. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
18. Now in the morning, when he was returning to the city, he was hungry.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.1.35|AUTODETECT|”
If it was at the home of his friends that Jesus had spent the night of Sunday to Monday, it is not clear why he should be hungry on this Monday morning. Had he arisen very early, before breakfast 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.1.35|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 1:35) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
)? We simply do not know. How thoroughly human is this Jesus, how close to us: even becoming hungry at times! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
19a. And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road he went up to it and found nothing on it but leaves.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.3.6|AUTODETECT|”
The fig tree is the first common fruit tree whose presence on earth is clearly implied in Scripture 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.3.6|AUTODETECT|”
Gen. 3:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.3.7|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.3.7|AUTODETECT|”
7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=11.4.25|AUTODETECT|”
). It was and is not only a fruit tree but also a shade tree 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=11.4.25|AUTODETECT|”
I Kings 4:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.8.8|AUTODETECT|”
). It is characteristic of Palestine 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.8.8|AUTODETECT|”
Deut. 8:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=4.13.23|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=4.13.23|AUTODETECT|”
Num. 13:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
), and today is found not only in most of the lands of the Mediterranean, where its fruit is called the poor man s food, but in an area extending also all the way east to northern India. In the United States figs are grown in California, Texas, Louisiana, and other southern states. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
In the region referred to here in Matthew, the early or smaller figs, growing from the sprouts of the previous year, begin to appear at the end of March and are ripe in May or June. The later and much larger figs that develop on the new or spring shoots are gathered from August to October. It is important to point out that the earlier figs, with which we are here concerned, begin to appear simultaneously with the leaves. Sometimes, in fact, they even precede the leaves. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.13|AUTODETECT|”
Passover (about April) was at hand. Accordingly, the time when either the earlier or the later figs are ripe had not yet arrived. It was therefore not the season for figs 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.13|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 11:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.13|AUTODETECT|”
). But Jesus, being hungry, notices even from a distance 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.13|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 11:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) that this particular tree, growing by the side of the road, was something special. It had leaves, was probably in full foliage, and could therefore be expected to have fruit. So Jesus went up to it. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.17.27|AUTODETECT|”
We are confronted with a mystery here: the secret of the interaction between Christ s human and his divine nature. According to his divine nature Jesus was and is omniscient. That even during the days of Christ s humiliation this divine nature at times communicated its knowledge to the human nature is clear from such passages as ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.17.27|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 17:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.9.33|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.9.33|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 9:33) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.9.34|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.9.34|AUTODETECT|”
34) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.47|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.47|AUTODETECT|”
John 1:47) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.48|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.48|AUTODETECT|”
48) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.2.25|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.2.25|AUTODETECT|”
2:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.19|AUTODETECT|”
. That this did not always happen appears not only from the present passage 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.19|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 21:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.13.32|AUTODETECT|”
) but also from 24:36 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.13.32|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 13:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
). Jesus, then, went up to this fig tree to see whether he could find any fruit on it. He found nothing but leaves! ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
19b. He said to it, Never again let there be fruit from you! And the fig tree withered at once.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.20|AUTODETECT|”
On the spot, as the original states, the tree began to lose its luster, the process of withering beginning in the roots 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.20|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 11:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.13.6-42.13.9|AUTODETECT|”
It is impossible to believe that the curse which the Lord pronounced upon this tree was an act of punishing it, as if the tree as such was responsible for not bearing fruit, and as if, for this reason, Jesus was angry with it. The real explanation lies deeper. The pretentious but barren tree was a fit emblem of Israel. See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.13.6-42.13.9|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 13:6 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.5.0|AUTODETECT|”
11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.5.0|AUTODETECT|”
Isa. 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
). Jesus himself would interpret the figure the next day (Tuesday); see on 21:43. In fact, the disciples did not even have to wait until the next day for the explanation: The pretentious fig tree had its counterpart in the temple where on this very day (Monday), as has already been noted, a lively business was being transacted so that sacrifices might be made, while at the same time the priests were plotting to put to death the very One apart from whom these offerings had no meaning whatever. Plenty of leaves but no fruit. Bustling religious (?) activity, but no sincerity and truth. In cursing the fig tree and in cleansing the temple Jesus performed ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
two) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
symbolic and prophetic acts, with ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
one) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
meaning. He was predicting the downfall of unfruitful Israel. Not that he was through with the Jews, but that in the place of Israel an international and everlasting kingdom would be established, a nation bringing forth not just leaves but fruits, and gathered from both Jews and Gentiles. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
20. And when the disciples saw (it) they were astonished and said, How did the fig tree wither at once?) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.20|AUTODETECT|”
The next day 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.20|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 11:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.21|AUTODETECT|”
, as already explained) the disciples noticed that the fig tree in such a very short time only twenty-four hours had completely withered. They, especially Peter 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.21|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 11:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
), gave expression to their astonishment. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
21, 22. But Jesus answered and said to them, I solemnly declare to you, If you have faith and do not doubt, you shall not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea, it shall be done. And whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you shall receive.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
This mountain is the Mount of Olives; the sea is the Dead Sea. For this mountain to be cast into the sea, taken literally, would mean a sudden plunge of about 4,000 feet altogether. Now there would be no sense in even trying, by faith concentration, to dump Olivet into the sea. The dramatic figure, in the light of its context, which speaks of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
faith) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
prayer,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
must mean therefore that no task in harmony with God s will is impossible to perform to those who do not doubt.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref17
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17”
733) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.29|AUTODETECT|”
We should not try in any way whatever to minimize the force of this saying and to subtract from its meaning. Both in the physical and in the spiritual sphere the apostles had already been doing things that would have been considered just as impossible as causing a mountain to be lifted up and thrown into the sea. Had not Peter by faith walked on the water? See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.29|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 14:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.10.17|AUTODETECT|”
. Did not The Twelve exclaim, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in thy name ? 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.10.17|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 10:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.14.12|AUTODETECT|”
). A few days later was not Jesus going to make the promise, I most solemnly assure you, he who believes in me, the works that I do will he do also, and greater (works) than these will he do, because I am going to the Father 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.14.12|AUTODETECT|”
John 14:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.41|AUTODETECT|”
)? See also ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.41|AUTODETECT|”
Acts 2:41) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.3.6-44.3.9|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.3.6-44.3.9|AUTODETECT|”
3:6 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.3.16|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.3.16|AUTODETECT|”
16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.5.12-44.5.16|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.5.12-44.5.16|AUTODETECT|”
5:12 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.9.36-44.9.43|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.9.36-44.9.43|AUTODETECT|”
9:36 43) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.19.11|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.19.11|AUTODETECT|”
19:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.19.12|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.19.12|AUTODETECT|”
12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
. In fact, does not the entire book of Acts prove that what Jesus said here in verses 21 and 22 was true? For the rest, since verse 21 closely resembles 17:20, see on that passage; and for verse 22 see on 7:7, 8; 18:19. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
21:23 27 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
Christ s Authority: Question and Counter Question) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.27-41.11.33|AUTODETECT|”
Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.11.27-41.11.33|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 11:27 33) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.20.1-42.20.8|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.20.1-42.20.8|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 20:1 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) 7 1 3 8 0 0
23 Now when he had entered the temple and was teaching there, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him with the question, By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority? 24 Jesus answered and said to them, I too have a question to ask you; if you give me the answer, I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John, where did it come from, from heaven or from men? They were reasoning among themselves, If we say, From heaven, he will say to us, Why, then, did you not believe him? 26 But if we say, From men, we are afraid of the people, for they all consider John a prophet. 27 So they answered Jesus, We do not know. He, in his turn, said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
23. Now when he had entered the temple and was teaching there, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him with the question, By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.10.23|AUTODETECT|”
Jesus was teaching, no doubt, in one of the porches, porticos or halls of the temple. These porches were beautiful and huge. They were covered colonnades that ran all around the inside of the wall of the vast temple complex. Or, to put it differently, these halls were bounded on the outside by the temple wall, on the inside by the Court of the Gentiles. Most splendid and widest of them all was the Royal Porch (Stoa Basilica) built where according to tradition the palace of Solomon used to be consisting of four rows of columns, 162 in all, forming three vast halls, on the south side of the temple complex. Famous also was Solomon s Porch on the east side 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.10.23|AUTODETECT|”
John 10:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.3.11|AUTODETECT|”
) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 3:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.5.12|AUTODETECT|” 5:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.1|AUTODETECT|” While Jesus was teaching and preaching the gospel 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.27|AUTODETECT|” ) in one of these places, the chief priests and elders (thus Matthew), the chief priests and the scribes and the elders 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.27|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.1|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), came up to Jesus. See on 2:4 and 16:21 for a description of these three groups. Again, as in 21:15, it is impossible to say definitely whether these groups were acting on their own initiative or as a delegation sent by the Sanhedrin, though in the present instance because they ask Jesus about his ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 authority) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the latter seems probable. Their question is clear. They want to know by what authority Jesus was doing these things, that is, who had given him this right. They were saying, Show us your credentials! It was an attempt to embarrass Jesus. If he admitted that he had no credentials the people could be expected to lose respect for him. On the other hand, if he considered himself authorized to do the things he had been doing, was he not arrogating to himself rights that belonged only to God? Could he not then be accused of being guilty of blasphemous behavior? By not assaulting him directly, for example by having him arrested, they reveal that they are afraid of him because of his following. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.18|AUTODETECT|” But what do they mean by these things ? They must have been referring to recent or present activities, that is, to things he had done on Sunday or on Monday, or to what he was doing on this Tuesday. Among commentators there is general agreement that the cleansing of the temple was included in these things. This opinion is undoubtedly correct 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.18|AUTODETECT|” John 2:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.39|AUTODETECT|” ). But was this the only thing to which these enemies of Jesus referred? There is a wide difference of opinion among commentators. Some would include Sunday s royal entry into Jerusalem. Others say, No, for the ovation he received at that time was not his own doing. Over against this stands the fact that he did not at all oppose the hosannas of his disciples and of the children 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.39|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The royal entry may therefore have been included in these things. And if we bear in mind the fact that Christ s enemies ascribed his miracles to the power of Beelzebub operative within him, even the deeds of kindness to the blind and the lame may have been included. However, the context in Luke would seem to indicate that it was especially the teaching in the temple and the preaching of the gospel there that must have irked the Jewish leaders. To say, with some, that the chief priests, elders, etc., could not have had this in mind because any rabbi had a right to teach misses the point: these Jewish dignitaries certainly did not want the gospel preached there! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 24, 25a. Jesus answered and said to them, I too have a question to ask you. If you give me the answer, I will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism of John, where did it come from, from heaven or from men?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 By means of this counter question Jesus was by no means evading the question that had been asked him, for an honest and correct answer to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.26|AUTODETECT|” question would unmistakably have pointed to himself as the Greater One whom John had proclaimed, and would therefore have meant that Jesus right or authority to do these things had come from God. It was while John was baptizing that he had proclaimed Jesus as being his superior 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.26|AUTODETECT|” John 1:26) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.27|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” ), and it was soon after the Lord s baptism by John that the latter had described Jesus as the Lamb of God who is taking away the sin of the world 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” John 1:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.6|AUTODETECT|” By means of Christ s question his enemies had been driven into a corner. Obviously they did not want to answer, The baptism of John had a heavenly source, for they knew very well that the reply would be, Why, then, did you not believe him? On the other hand, were they to come out with what was probably that which most of them believed, or at least wanted to believe, namely, that the baptism of John was from men, the general public perhaps especially the crowds of pilgrims that had come from Galilee would become definitely hostile toward them, and might even stone them 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Did not these people consider John a prophet? So these dignitaries start reasoning among themselves as to what to answer. Their decision was dishonest, though not surprising. They do not say, We don t want to answer that question, which would at least have been honest, but We do not know. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Having given this background, verses ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 25b 27) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 require no further explanation. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 They were reasoning among themselves, If we say, From heaven, he will say to us, Why, then, did you not believe him? But if we say, From men, we are afraid of the people, for they all consider John a prophet. So they answered Jesus, We do not know. He, in his turn, said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 21:28 32 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Parable of the Two Sons) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 28 Now what do you think (of the following)? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, Son, go and work in the vineyard today. 29 But he answered and said, I will not. Afterward, however, he repented and went. 30 Then he went to the other and said the same thing. That one answered, I will, sir, but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did what the father wanted? They answered, The first.

Jesus said to them, I solemnly declare to you that the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are getting into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Yet when you saw this, you did not even repent afterward so as to believe him. ) As verse 32 indicates, this parable is closely connected with the immediately preceding account. The attitude of the authorities to John the Baptist, verses 24 27, is the link. The inexcusable character of this attitude is here set forth. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 28 30. Now what do you think (of the following)? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, Son, go and work in the vineyard today. But he answered and said, I will not. Afterward, however, he repented and went. Then he went to the other and said the same thing. That one answered, I will, sir, but he did not go.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19” 735) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In order to do justice to the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 point) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 thrust) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 of the parable it is probably best to refrain from changing it into an allegory. One should not ask, What does the vineyard, etc. represent? The story should be allowed to proceed as Jesus told it. He himself, in verses 31b, 32, will make the application. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 We note, therefore, that the father of two sons asks one of them to go to work in the vineyard. It is not necessary to give the the meaning my. I) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ne a similar situation today. Is it not natural for a father to assume that not only he himself but also his sons would be sufficiently interested in that precious plot to regard it as the family s vineyard, not just his own? The lad s answer, I will not, or I won t, I don t want to, also has a modern ring. Children have not changed much over the centuries. Happily, however, that even applies to the boy s further reaction: subsequently he repented��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” 736) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� and went. For one reason or another he regretted his earlier flat refusal. He rues his blunt, negative reply and goes to work. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 With the same request the father then goes to his other son. The latter s reaction is the exact opposite. His response, I will, sir has the flavor of ready and eager compliance, but it leads to nothing: he did not go. ) Jesus now turns to his audience: those who had gathered about him in the temple, particularly the chief priests and the elders (see 23) and asks, ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 31a. Which of the two did what the father wanted? They answered, The first.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The answer was so obvious that, were they to reply at all, this was the only possible way to do it. The application is driven home with tremendous force: ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 31b, 32. Jesus said to them, I solemnly declare to you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for this see on 5:18 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are getting into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Yet when you saw this, you did not even repent afterward so as to believe him.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.30|AUTODETECT|” The tax-collectors, for reasons stated in connection with 5:46 see on that passage were despised by the Jewish people, especially by their leaders. They were considered in a class with prostitutes or whores, women of ill fame 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.30|AUTODETECT|” Luke 15:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.15|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.16|AUTODETECT|” 6:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.31|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.25|AUTODETECT|” James 2:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.1|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 17:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; etc.). Matthew uses this term prostitutes only here in 21:31, 32. For the related noun (5:32; 19:9) see footnote 684 on p. 716. Tax-collectors by means of their greed and extortion, prostitutes by means of their gross immorality, had said I will not to God s demand. They were like the first son in this parable. Afterward, however, as a result of the preaching of John the Baptist see the present passage and ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Luke 3:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 many publicans had become converted. We now learn (21:32) that prostitutes, too, probably in considerable numbers, had responded favorably to John s message. They had been impressed with John s way of righteousness : his own righteous conduct coupled with the righteous conduct which he, as God s prophet, demanded of the people, namely, that they repent, etc.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” 737) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 It is worthy of note, in this connection, that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 women,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.9|AUTODETECT|” too not only men must have repented at the teaching of John. More and more the gate of the kingdom was being opened also to them 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.9|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.36-42.7.50|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.36-42.7.50|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:36 50) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.27|AUTODETECT|” 23:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.7|AUTODETECT|” John 4:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.1|AUTODETECT|” 11:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.1|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.1|AUTODETECT|” 12:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:28) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). These penitent tax-collectors and prostitutes had said, We will not, but afterward had repented, so as to believe. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 On the contrary, the religious leaders of the Jews, men who were deemed to be well at home in God s law, and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 outwardly) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 behaved in such a manner as if they were constantly saying, Yes, Lord, we will do whatever thou dost require of us, and we will go wherever thou dost want us to go, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 did not do) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 did not go) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.8|AUTODETECT|” . It was concerning them that Jesus was going to declare, They say, and do not (23:3). Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.8|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 19:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.1|AUTODETECT|” 32:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.29.13|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.29.13|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 29:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . They had rejected John (3:7 10), and even the conversion of the publicans and prostitutes through his preaching had failed to change their minds and hearts. They were like the second son therefore. Having rejected the Baptist, they were now in the process of planning the murder of the One whom he had proclaimed. And by answering, The first (the first son did what the father wanted), they had condemned themselves! So the tax-collectors and the prostitutes were getting into the kingdom of God ahead of these leaders; that is, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 they) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 were obtaining the blessings of the kingdom, from which the hostile chief priests and elders and their followers were by their own choice being excluded. For the term kingdom of God see on 4:23; 13:43. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Though this parable of the Two Sons, found only in Matthew, is perhaps not as well-known as many of the others, it is by no means less important. In fact, a more important lesson than the one taught here is scarcely i) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 nable. That lesson is, of course, this: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the doing of the will of God is the one thing needful) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.22|AUTODETECT|” . Is not that the teaching of both the Old and the New? See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.22|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 15:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.25.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.25.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 25:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.11|AUTODETECT|” 27:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.86.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.86.11|AUTODETECT|” 86:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.0|AUTODETECT|” 119) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.2.3|AUTODETECT|” passim; 143:10; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 2:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.21-40.7.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.21-40.7.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:21 27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.20|AUTODETECT|” 28:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.14|AUTODETECT|” John 15:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.29|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.2|AUTODETECT|” . And the will of God is that men should everywhere be converted and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to the glory of God Triune 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 3:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” 4:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” 11:28 30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.36|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.36|AUTODETECT|” 36) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.5|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.34|AUTODETECT|” ). As for the Mediator s own relation to the will of his Sender, did he not say, My food is to do the will of the One who sent me, and to accomplish his work 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.34|AUTODETECT|” John 4:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 )? ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 21:33 46 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Parable of the Wicked Tenants, and Its Sequel) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.1-41.12.12|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.1-41.12.12|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:1 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.9-42.20.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.9-42.20.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:9 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 33 Listen to another parable. There was an owner of an estate who planted a vineyard. He set a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watch-tower. Then he leased the vineyard to share-croppers,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” 738) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� and went abroad. 34 When the time approached to harvest the grapes, he sent his servants to the share-croppers to collect his (share of the) fruit. 35 But the share-croppers took his servants, and beat up one, killed the other outright, and stoned a third. 36 Again he sent other servants, more in number than the first group, but they treated these the same way. 37 Finally he sent to them his son, saying, They will have regard for my son. 38 But when these share-croppers saw the son they said to each other, This is the heir; come on, let s kill him and get possession of the inheritance (that would have been his. 39 So they took him, cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard arrives, what will he do to those share-croppers? 41 They said to him, He will bring those dreadful scoundrels to a dreadful end, and will lease the vineyard to other share-croppers, who, when the fruit is ripe, will give him his share. ) 7 8 3 8 0 0 42 Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the Scriptures, ) The stone which the builders rejected ) This became the cornerstone; ) By the Lord was this done ) And it is wonderful in our eyes ? ) 43 Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation producing its fruit. [44 And he who falls against this stone will be dashed to pieces; but when it falls on anyone it will crush him]. ) 45 Now when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. 46 But although they wanted to arrest him, they were afraid of the crowds, who considered him to be a prophet. ) Between the parable of the Two Sons (verses 28 32) and that of the Wicked Tenants there are certain resemblances, also certain differences. As to the first: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 both parables mention a vineyard; ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in both parables Jesus had in mind the leaders of the Jews, whom he condemns. As to the second: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the parable of the Wicked Tenants is much longer and more detailed than that of the Two Sons; for example, the figure of the vineyard is far more prominent in the parable which we are about to study; ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 although also this second parable has one main lesson, clearly brought out in verses 40 43, nevertheless it approaches an allegory far more closely than does the first; and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.13|AUTODETECT|” the first parable stresses the rejection of John the Baptist by the leaders; the second, the rejection, not only by the leaders but by the entire people, of the Father s beloved Son 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), whose forerunner John had been. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 33. Listen to another parable. There was an owner of an estate who planted a vineyard. He set a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watch-tower. Then he leased the vineyard to sharecroppers and went abroad.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.2|AUTODETECT|” For owner of an estate see on 20:1, including footnote 697. This man reserved a portion of his ground for a vineyard. He planted vines in that plot, enclosed it with a fence or hedge as a protection against thieves and animals, and equipped it with a winepress and a watch-tower. The winepress generally consisted of two excavations dug into the earth and lined with stonework, or hewn out in a cliff. The upper cavity, wide and shallow, served as a receptacle for the grapes. Here they were crushed by the feet of the grape-treaders 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 63:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=37.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ). Through a pipe the juice would run into the lower, narrow and deep compartment. Afterward it was put into jars 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=37.2.16|AUTODETECT|” Hag. 2:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ). The watch-tower may have been constructed from the very stones that had been gathered when the ground set aside for the vineyard was cleared 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=22.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ). A watchman had to be stationed in such a tower to warn of any danger from pillagers, jackals, and foxes 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=22.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Sol. 2:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The tower could also be used for storage. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.2|AUTODETECT|” When the owner had thus fully prepared his vineyard he leased it to share-croppers, that is, to tenants or lessees who, as the parable itself clearly indicates 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.2|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), had to give the owner a definite amount of the vintage. Having made this arrangement the owner went away from home, that is, went abroad. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 34. When the time approached to harvest the grapes, he sent his servants to the share-croppers to collect his (share of the) fruit.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 These servants must be distinguished from the tenants or share-croppers. The latter are the vine-growers with whom the owner has made a contract, amounting to this: I will let you manage this vineyard and harvest its crop for yourselves provided that at the time Of the vintage you give me this or that definite portion of the grapes. The servants, on the other hand, were commissioned by the owner to collect and carry to their master s home the portion of the fruit that belonged to him. Having been delegated by him, it follows that they were invested with his authority. They made their demand or request in his name. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 35, 36. But the share-croppers took his servants, and beat up one, killed another outright, and stoned a third. Again he sent other servants, more in number than the first group, but they treated these the same way.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The tenants proved to be wicked men, scoundrels, dishonest and cruel. When the servants asked for the portion of the grape-harvest to which the owner had a legal claim, they were refused. Not only that, but one servant was beaten, another was killed outright, and still another was slowly stoned to death.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23” 739) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� One might have expected that the owner would have responded most vigorously to the cruel treatment his servants had received, treatment which at the same time was an insult to himself. But he did not. He decided to give the share-croppers another chance to do their duty. So again he sent servants, more in number than the first time. However, these were treated similarly. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The parable now reaches a dramatic climax: ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 37 39. Finally he sent to them his son, saying, They will have regard for my son. But when these share-croppers saw the son they said to each other, This is the heir; come on, let s kill him and get possession of the inheritance (that would have been) his. So they took him, cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 It might be argued that at this point the story goes way beyond the boundaries of reason, that in the ordinary course of life no proprietor whose rights had been so rudely trampled upon would have been generous enough to give the criminals still another chance, and certainly that he would not have delivered over his own dear son to the whims and wiles of those who had bludgeoned his servants. This must be granted. But then, it should be borne in mind that this is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a parable) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Moreover, as will be shown later (see on verse 42), it is a parable depicting ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sin most unreasonable) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 love incomprehensible!) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Considered in this light, the story is one of the most beautiful and touching ever told. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The word finally ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24” 740) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.6|AUTODETECT|” �� is full of intense emotion and pathos. The owner has a son, a beloved son, his only child 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Besides that son there is no longer anyone else he can send. That son is his one and all. He is all there is left, the owner s last word. So he sent his son, thinking, They will be ashamed of hurting my son. They will respect him. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25” 741) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.4|AUTODETECT|” �� He spared not his own son! But what happens? When these wicked tenants see his son approaching they begin to plot. They enter into a consultation with each other. Accordingly, what they are going to do to him is not a matter of impulse. On the contrary, it is malice aforethought, the result of wicked deliberation, of corrupt, selfish scheming.

It is premeditated murder. They reason as follows: This is the heir. When we kill him, there will be no other heir to worry about. So the inheritance which he would have obtained will be ours. In their sinister folly they forget that the owner, the son s father, is still alive, and will certainly wreak vengeance. How blatantly foolish is sin!

How absurd! He who dwells in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will hold them in derision 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.4|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 2:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
The villains carry out their wicked plan. When the son arrives they take him, cast him out of the vineyard and kill him.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref26
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26”
742) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
The story is finished. Jesus has told it but has not yet explained it. First, he elicits a reaction from his audience (verses 40, 41). The explanation which is at the same time the application will follow like a crash of thunder (verses 42, 43). Do we perhaps have an Old Testament parallel in the procedure followed by Nathan when he addressed David? Note: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=10.12.1-10.12.4|AUTODETECT|”
Nathan s parable 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=10.12.1-10.12.4|AUTODETECT|”
II Sam. 12:1 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
); ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
David s reaction (verses 5 and 6); ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
c.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
the explanation and application: You are the man! & (verses 7 12). While Nathan was telling the story, David was unaware that the prophet was, in a concealed manner, talking about him. So also it is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
possible) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
that the chief priests and Pharisees, among others, were at first unaware of the fact that they themselves were the wicked tenants. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
In any event what now happens is this: these enemies of the Lord begin to condemn ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
themselves:) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
40, 41. When therefore the owner of the vineyard arrives, what will he do to these share-croppers? They said to him, He will bring those dreadful scoundrels to a dreadful end, and will lease the vineyard to other share-croppers, who, when the fruit is ripe, will give him his share.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
These concluding lines closely parallel the close of the preceding parable. In both cases Christ s question is followed by an answer from the audience, which, in turn, is followed by a sentence of condemnation pronounced by Jesus upon those who have just given a correct reply (cf. verses 31, 32 with verses 40 43). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
It may be objected that those whose answer, as recorded in the parable of The Two Sons, had led to a stinging retort can hardly have been the same individuals who also in connection with this new parable risk giving a reply to Christ s question. But here there are several possibilities: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
as already suggested, they ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
may) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
have been unaware of the fact that also in this parable Jesus was talking about ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
them; b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
those who now reply may have been other persons belonging to the same group; ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
c.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
the fact that the answer was so obvious may have made it almost impossible not to reply; and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
d.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
those who answered may even have expected and welcomed a scathing retort, in order that it might help them to carry out their plan to destroy Jesus! See verses 45, 46. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0
Among the Jews audiences were used to being asked to reply to questions asked by teachers. This question-and-answer method was employed by the rabbis to hold the students attention and to increase their interest in the subject that was being discussed. On the present occasion Christ s question was the expected one, for after hearing about the terrible wickedness of the share-croppers everyone was wondering how they would be punished. ) As to the answer Jesus receives, note the sound repetition (paranomasia)��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref27
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27”
743) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
�� : He will bring those dreadful scoundrels to a dreadful end. As a matter of course, those who answer add that the vineyard will be leased to other share-croppers, men who will meet their obligations when the time of the vintage has arrived. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
Then suddenly the thrust of the parable is driven home: ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
42, 43. Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the Scriptures,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
The stone which the builders rejected) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
This became the cornerstone;) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
By the Lord was this done,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
And it is wonderful in our eyes?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation producing its fruit.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|”
Have you never read & ? As if to say, You people who are always boasting about your knowledge of the Word, have you not even read ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 118) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
(LXX 117):22, 23? The quotation as here reproduced is from the Septuagint, which, in turn, for this passage very faithfully renders the Hebrew original. It will be recalled that the parable reached its climax when the wicked tenants were described as casting the owner s son out of the vineyard and killing him. They had utterly ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
rejected) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|”
not only the servants but even the son! They had done this in order to enrich themselves. The son was gone now, so they thought, so his inheritance would be theirs. Jesus now surprises them by reminding them about this passage from the psalms. Here a very similar transaction had been described: builders had rejected a stone; meaning: leaders, prominent men, had rejected, despised, scoffed Israel. Nevertheless, Israel had become in a very true sense the head of the nations 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 147:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|”
). This, moreover, had not happened because of Israel s own intrinsic moral and spiritual excellence or because of its power. On the contrary, by the Lord this wonderful thing had been accomplished. Jesus now shows that the words of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 118) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
reach their ultimate fulfilment in the owner s son, that is, in himself, the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
true) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|”
Israel. He is that stone that was being rejected by the chief priests, scribes, and their followers; at Calvary, by the nation as a whole . See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|”
John 1:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
. But something marvelous was going to happen: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
the rejected stone would become the cornerstone:) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
Christ crucified would rise again triumphantly. And what about the nation, namely, the old unconverted Israel, the rejectors of the Messiah? From you, says Jesus, the kingdom of God, that is, the special kingdom privileges the special standing in the eyes of God which this people had enjoyed during the old dispensation, to which had now been added the blessed words and works of Jesus will be taken away. Why? Because they had not lived up to their obligations. They had been like the share-croppers who at the time of the vintage had refused to render to the owner that portion of the vintage that was his due. So, in the place of the old covenant people there would arise was it not already beginning to happen? a nation producing its fruit, a church international, gathered from both Jews and Gentiles. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.12|AUTODETECT|”
Briefly, therefore, the thrust the one main lesson of the parable can be expressed in the words of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.12|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 2:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
Kiss [or: pay homage to] the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way; for soon shall his wrath be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 As to the separate items in this parable, it has now become clear that: ) a. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The vineyard) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” reminds us immediately of Israel. See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:1 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.32|AUTODETECT|” , on which the parable is clearly based. Notice the mention of the vineyard, the fence or hedge, the winepress, and the watch-tower in both. Also cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.32|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.80.8-19.80.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.80.8-19.80.16|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 80:8 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 27:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.3|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 2:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.15.1-26.15.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.15.1-26.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 15:1 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.19.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.19.10|AUTODETECT|” 19:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.10.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.10.1|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 10:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Nevertheless, not the nation as such but the special advantages and opportunities which were given to the people as the chosen seed, and in virtue of God s covenant with them 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Parables of Our Savior) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 140) is what is signified, for we are told that the vineyard will be given to a nation producing its fruit. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The one who planted and owns the vineyard) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The wicked share-croppers or tenants) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 are Israel s leaders: chief priests, scribes, elders, and all their followers; hence, the nation as a whole. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 d. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The servants) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 who were sent to collect the portion of the vintage that could be rightfully claimed by the owner, and who were treated shamefully, are the prophets. The treatment they received has been described in some detail in connection with the explanation of 5:12b; see on that passage. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 e. As already indicated, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the owner s son) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is Jesus Christ himself. An additional word, in conclusion, should be said about Jesus as the stone which the builders rejected. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22|AUTODETECT|” �� Other references to this stone 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.23|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|” and the present passage, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:42) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” ) are ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 28:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:33) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . The cornerstone of a building, in addition to being part of the foundation and therefore ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 supporting) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the superstructure, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 finalizes) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 its shape, for, being placed at the corner formed by the junction of two primary walls, it determines the lay of the walls and crosswalls throughout. All the other stones must adjust themselves to this cornerstone. Such is the relation of Christ to his church. By his glorious resurrection, ascension, and coronation he has become highly exalted, and from his place at the Father s right hand sends out the Spirit to dwell in the hearts of his followers and to rule over the entire universe in the interest of the church, to the glory of God Triune. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 [44. And he who falls against this stone will be dashed to pieces; but when it falls on anyone it will crush him.]) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.18|AUTODETECT|” The textual support for the inclusion of this passage is not very strong. Besides, as everyone can see for himself, if Matthew wrote it he would in all probability have added it after verse 42. The passage is probably an interpolation from ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.12|AUTODETECT|” . It is thoroughly inspired but was probably not written by the former publican. The meaning of the verse may be briefly summarized as follows: anyone who opposes Christ is going to be pulverized 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 3:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). If Christ strikes him with his judgment, the person so stricken will be crushed. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Now when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The reference is to the men also mentioned earlier (see on verse 23). If some of them had in the beginning not fully understood that even in the parable of The Two Sons there had been a reference to them think of the second son , they surely could not fail to understand that the parable of The Wicked Tenants was directed at them. They knew very well that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 they) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 their) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 followers were rejecting Jesus. Besides, in verse 43 Jesus had used the second person plural 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 that the kingdom of God shall be taken away from ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 & ). Perhaps, at the moment when this became clear to them, they may also have understood that in the parable that preceded it Jesus had been speaking especially to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 them) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . The result? ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
  2. But although they wanted to arrest him, they were afraid of the crowds, who considered him to be a prophet.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” They would have liked to arrest Jesus on the spot, but they remembered the hosannas shouted in his honor, the popularity he enjoyed especially among the pilgrims that had come down from Galilee and among those who had witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus. To be sure, the people in general even now did not honor Jesus for what he really was, the Messiah who had come to lay down his life as an atonement for sin 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but by far the most of them considered him to be at least a prophet. See 21:11. And that sufficed to keep the leaders from taking any radical measures against him before further careful planning. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.12-41.11.25|AUTODETECT|” The Week of the Passion begins with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Sunday (21:1 11) and the cleansing of the temple on Monday (verses 12 17). For a brief summary of these two events see above, items 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, and 13, on pp. 762 772. The paragraph on the cursing of the fig tree follows in verses 18 22. This took place on Monday (even before the cleansing of the temple). The tree started to wither immediately. Yet the full effects were not visible until the following day. A chronological arrangement of these events is found in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.12-41.11.25|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:12 25) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . While Mark separates the two parts of the fig tree story, the first occurring ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 before,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the second the following day, hence ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 after) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.13|AUTODETECT|” the temple cleansing, Matthew keeps the two parts together, telling it as one story. It was (Monday) morning, and Jesus was hungry. Though it was not yet the season for figs 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.0|AUTODETECT|” ), this particular fig tree growing by the side of the road looked promising, for it was in foliage, indicating that it might have at least some early figs. But when Jesus went up to it he saw that it had nothing but leaves. So he cursed it, saying, Never again let there be fruit from you. Result: it withered. Having cursed the fig tree Jesus cleansed the temple. The unfruitful fig tree, as ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.43|AUTODETECT|” and ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.43|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:43) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.6-42.13.9|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.6-42.13.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 13:6 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) show, symbolizes unfruitful Israel. By means of what the Lord did to the tree and to the temple he was predicting Israel s downfall. The disciples were astonished that the tree had withered so quickly. Jesus assures them that no task done in harmony with God s will is impossible for those whose faith does not waver. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 When Jesus was teaching in the temple the chief priests and the elders asked him, By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority? (verses 23 27). Just what things they were referring to is not entirely certain, though all or most of the following must have been included: the triumphal entry, the cleansing of the temple, teaching and preaching the gospel there, and performing miracles. Christ s heavenly origin had been clearly set forth by John the Baptist. But the chief priests, elders, and scribes had not accepted John s testimony. However, by many of the common people John was regarded as having been a prophet. So Jesus asks a counter question, namely, The baptism of John, where did it come from, from heaven or from men?

This question greatly embarrassed the leaders, for the reason indicated in verses 25, 26. So they answered, We do not know. Jesus replied, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. ) In the parable of The Two Sons (verses 28 32), the first of whom, having refused the father s request that he work in the vineyard, afterward repented; and the second of whom had promised much but accomplished nothing, Jesus pictured respectively penitent sinners and impenitent leaders. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22|AUTODETECT|” In the parable of The Wicked Tenants (verses 33 46), who not only refused to give the owner his share of the vintage but even abused the servants who came to collect it, killing some of them, and who in the end murdered even the owner s beloved son, resulting in their own terrible destruction, Jesus pictured the Jews, as represented by their leaders. Though they had killed the prophets and were about to crucify Jesus, he at last would triumph over them, as predicted in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 718 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For proof of the fact that this chronology is at least reasonable see N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. II, pp. 171 173. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” N.T.C. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 719 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For more information on the Mount of Olives, Bethphage, and Bethany see M. C. Tenney (editor), ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , articles Bethany (p. 107), Bethphage (p. 112), and Olives, Mount of (pp. 607, 608); and L. H. Grollenberg, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 maps 24 (p. 96), 33 (p. 115), and 34 (p. 116); plates 192 (p. 69) and 326 (p. 113). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 720 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For a statement of the position of those who charge Matthew with twisting the Scripture see S. V. McCasland, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 145. For an excellent refutation of the view that Matthew here deliberately altered the narrative see R. V. G. Tasker, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Gospel according to St. Matthew) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Grand Rapids, 1961, p. 198. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 721 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 J. G. Machen, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Origin of Paul s Religion) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1947, pp. 296, 297, makes proper use of this argument to bolster his position that Paul s religion was derived from Jesus himself. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 722) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” The main variations from the original Hebrew 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) are: ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.45.4|AUTODETECT|” a. Matthew omits righteous and victorious is he. The idea riding on to victory is certainly implied in this event, for the evangelist is describing Christ s triumphal entry. Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.45.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 45:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.14|AUTODETECT|” 17:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Nevertheless, the emphasis is on the manner in which this victory is obtained, namely, through peaceful methods, for the Rider is described as meek. Does this perhaps account for the omission? ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 b. Instead of riding, Matthew follows the LXX and writes mounted. ) On the other hand, Matthew approaches the Hebrew more closely than does the LXX, in the following respects: ) a. He first describes the animal on which Jesus was mounted as a donkey, where the LXX has a pack-animal or beast of burden. ) b. In the last of the four lines he, like the Hebrew but unlike the LXX, describes the animals as a colt, the foal of a pack-animal. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Taken in its entirety (all four lines) the passage does not in any essential differ from its original in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . This is true especially because the Greek conjunction (at the beginning of the fourth line), like the Hebrew, can be translated even as well as and. In the present case even is, of course, correct. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 723 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For a brief review of Zechariah s prophecies see N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. II, p. 190; and the author s ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Bible Survey) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 283 286. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 724 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For the cognate noun see on 8:24. The verb used here (21:10) is ������, third per. sing. aor. indic. passive of ����, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to shake) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.26|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.26|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 12:26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but here used in figurative sense ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 was stirred up, became upset with emotion) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . For the literal sense: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to be shaken by the wind) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.13|AUTODETECT|” see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; for ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 earthquakes,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.7|AUTODETECT|” ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.54|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.54|AUTODETECT|” 27:54) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.2|AUTODETECT|” 28:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , etc. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 725 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.12-40.21.17|AUTODETECT|” The attendant historical circumstances and the literary contexts of the two temple cleansings 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.12-40.21.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:12 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.13-43.2.22|AUTODETECT|” and ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.13-43.2.22|AUTODETECT|” John 2:13 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) differ so widely that the attempt to equate the two has not met with any success. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 726 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For this and many other details, with references to Jewish sources, see A. Edersheim, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Vol. I, pp. 367 376. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 727 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 History of the Christian Church) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , New York, 1916, Vol. VI, p. 146. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 728 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Note similarity between 2:4 and 21:15 as to designation of combined group. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 729 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For the verb ���������� see footnote 711, p. 747. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 730 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|” Although it is true that where the LXX and ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.2|AUTODETECT|” have praise, the Hebrew word basically means strength, bulwark, yet even this Hebrew word can mean praise, as the context in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.2|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 15:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and in other passages indicates. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 731 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The verb ��������� second per. sing. aor. indic. of ���������, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to put in order, prepare:) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 nets (4:21); ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to restore) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.1|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to complete) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.10|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 3:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), here in the middle voice means ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 thou hast prepared) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [or ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 perfected) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ] ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 praise for thyself) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 732 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Basically this aorist �P����� from �P������� means ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 lodged in an open court-yard;) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 then, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 lodged out in the open,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 or simply ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 spent the night, lodged, stayed) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . The meaning of the noun �P�� 8 1 -1 9 0 0 aula) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) also varies rather widely and in certain passages is disputed. See N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. II, pp. 104, 391. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 733 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ���������� 2nd per. pl. aor. pass. subjunctive of ��������: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to be of a divided mind, at odds with oneself) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.23|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.23|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; etc. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 734 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Cf. A. Edersheim, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Temple) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , London, 1908, see especially frontispiece diagram and pp. 42 45; L. Halberthal, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Plan of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , colored print with accompanying description, Montreal, Canada. A copy was obtained at Pavilion of Judaism at Expo, 1967; and T. Kollek and M. Pearlman, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Jerusalem, A History of Forty Centuries) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , New York, 1968, pp. 99 106. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 735 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The textual evidence showing whether the son who refuses and later repents comes first (as reflected in A.V., R.S.V., Beck, etc.), or whether the order should be reversed (N.A.S., Phillips, N.E.B., etc.), is about equally divided. It makes little difference which order is followed. To me it seems somewhat more natural that Jesus would save to the end the reference to the son who promised much but accomplished nothing, in order to connect the illustration with his stern condemnation (verses 31b, 32) of the chief priests and elders. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 736 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Much has been written about the word �����������, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to become a care to one afterwards,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.10|AUTODETECT|” the nom. sing. masc. aor. participle ������������ of which is here used. It is clear that no deeply religious sense can be assigned to the word as used in verse 29 (contrast verse 32). On the other hand, even in verse 29 it has a favorable connotation, for otherwise it could not serve as a basis for its occurrence in verse 32: there must be a link between the parable and its lesson. Only the verbal form is used in the New Testament, not the cognate noun ����������. Also, in the New Testament the verb occurs only five times 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.4|AUTODETECT|” ; and in a quotation from ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 110:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.21|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 7:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It should be compared with its synonym ��������, discussed in connection with 3:2. While the idea of repentance or regret is certainly implied in both verbs, �������� goes much farther, as has been indicated, while ����������� stops here; that is, here the emphasis is on the negative and retrospective. While heart, mind, and will are all deeply involved in ��������, it is especially the emotional element that is stressed in �����������. For that reason, too, ����������� is not used in the imperative. The regret of which this verb speaks ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 may) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 have value for eternity, leading to and being an element of full-fledged faith (see verse 32), but the word as such does not necessarily imply this. Judas repented and then hanged himself (27:3 5). He experienced remorse. On ����������� see also W. G. Chamberlain, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 27 34; R. C. Trench, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Synonyms of the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , par. lxix; and L. Berkhof, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Systematic Theology) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 482. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 737 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.2|AUTODETECT|” For analogous figurative uses of the word way (way of life, teaching, religion, the Christian religion) see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23|AUTODETECT|” 19:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|” 22:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.22|AUTODETECT|” 24:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.17|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.2|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 2:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.1.0|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. also the two ways in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.13|AUTODETECT|” and in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , the exact meaning in any specific passage to be determined in the light of the context in each individual case. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 738 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Or tenants ; literally workers of the soil. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 739 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A distinction will have to be made between killed and stoned. Otherwise tautology results. This can be avoided in one of two ways: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 by translating as I have done ( killed outright and stoned, cf. R. Knox s New Testament Translation, supported also by R. V. G. Tasker) or ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.19|AUTODETECT|” by conceiving of the stoning as only partial, resulting in a rendering such as, killed another, and threw stones at a third. This, too, is possible, for not all stoning resulted in death. See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.19|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.25|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 740 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.32|AUTODETECT|” U������ is here used adverbially and as a superlative: last of all. Cf. 22:27; 26:60; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 741 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The verb is ������������ third per. pl. fut. indic. passive of ������, with active or middle sense, something like: they will turn themselves about, being ashamed of hurting ; hence, they will stand in awe of, will have respect or regard for. German: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Sie werden sich vor meinem Sohne scheuen) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Dutch (Nieuwe Vertaling): ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Mijn zoon zullen zij ontzien) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 742 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 In footnote 35, under ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 h,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.8|AUTODETECT|” p. 38, reference was made to the fact that ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.39|AUTODETECT|” has the order killed him and cast him out of the vineyard, instead of cast him out of the vineyard and killed him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.15|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Is this an essential difference, due, let us say, to a later stage of theological understanding in Matthew and Luke? Would it not be more simple to say that in this passage Matthew and Luke are giving us the historical sequence, while in Mark s parallel passage the climactic order is presented, meaning: They killed him, and this in the most shameful manner, casting him out of the vineyard as an accursed one ? There is, then, no real conflict between Mark and the others. The figure refers to the death of Christ of course. Whether he was crucified inside the gate or outside the gate must have been a matter of common knowledge.

The answer cannot very well have been a product of later theological reflection. Mark (15:22 ff.), Matthew (27:33 ff.), Luke (23:33 ff.) and John (19:17 ff.) all bear witness to the fact that Jesus was led outside the gate, being crucified on Calvary or Golgotha, a place which until the reign of King Herod Agrippa I was outside the wall. See L. H. Grollenberg, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 notation in connection with plate 373 on p. 130. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref27” 743 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 This striking feature of the original is not retained in the A.V., nor in several modern-English translations. It is, however, nicely reflected in (among others) the following versions, each in its own way: Latin, Weymouth, A.R.V., N.A.S., N.E.B., Dutch (both Staten Vertaling and Nieuwe Vertaling), Swedish, Frisian, and South African. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” 744 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See the following: F. F. Bruce, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 99, 100; G. H. Whitaker, The Chief Cornerstone, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Exp) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Eighth Series (1921), pp. 470 472; J. M. Joffatt, Three Notes on Ephesians, Eighth Series (1918), pp. 306 317; and F. G. Selwyn, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The First Epistle of St. Peter) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , London, 1946, pp. 268 ff. )

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