Day 9 - Matthew 21-22

What an amazing two chapters focusing on the glory and wisdom of Christ!

Jesus is preparing to meet death, but there are a few things left for Him to accomplish. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem was one of them. It struck me as I read vs6 that this is just what disciples are supposed to do - exactly what their Lord tells them to do! It also hit me that there is a crowd cheering on Palm Sunday, and yet by the end of the week another crowd will be shouting; not to praise the Savior, but to call for His death! How quickly things can change!

In these chapters, once again, there are warnings to those who would merely profess to be Christians. The parable of the two sons (21:28-32) demonstrates that it is not what a person says, but what he does that determines his obedience. The parable of the tenants (21:33-41) shows that the kingdom is for those who render to the Lord His fruit (vs41). Finally, the parable of the wedding feast (22:14) highlights the fact that you must not just respond to the call to the feast, but you must have the accompanying works in order to be accepted at the table (vs11-13 - the wedding garment is a picture of the righteous works that accompany true regeneration!).

The other big thing that seemed to keep coming up was the brilliant ways that Jesus would answer those who were questioning Him. He answers questions with questions (21:28-32). He silences His questioners with astounding logic (22:15-22). He points out the ignorance of His questioners by using incredible inferences from the Scriptures (22:29-33). His answers take the people completely by surprise (22:34-40 - no doubt the man was expecting Jesus to refer to one of the 10 Commandments). And then, while the people who were trying to trip Him up are still hanging around, He asks them His own question for which they have no answer (22:41-46 - this, by the way, is a wonderful testimony to the Deity of Jesus). This rightfully silences the Pharisees (22:46). How masterful He was in dealing with such hypocritical questioners! Thought: Have you ever questioned the reasoning of God as contained in the Scriptures? Keep reading them and you will be corrected and silenced as well!

In answering His critics, Jesus made some incredibly significant statements. None are quite as powerful as His words in 22:37-40. Let's take this teaching to heart and strive by God's grace to love God and love people and in so doing fulfill the Law and the Prophets!