Monthly Archive for February, 2009

Matthew 23:1f

Published on February 27, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
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1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’

This chapter is the climax of confrontations between Jesus and religion. Jesus condemns religion by lament in this chapter. Religion is a satanic counterfeit to truth. In the first twelve verses Jesus pronounces twelve public woes on religion. These are some of the most excoriating words ever spoken against religion. This is a final warning about the falsity of religion.
23:1
Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples,
Jesus addresses primarily both the crowd and His disciples in chapter 23. He spoke indirectly to the Pharisees (vv 13-34), the dominate religious group in Israel.
23:2
saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.
Both scribes and Pharisees teach the Mosaic Law. This “seat” was for those who interpreted Moses. The “scribes” were professional Torah scholars (5 books of Moses).
23:3
Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.
There was a discrepancy between the words and the deeds of the religious leaders of Israel. This is hypocrisy as Jesus will show later in the chapter; they were religious phonies. Their concern was outward conformity to the Law rather than inwardly love their Lord. They were careful to say the right words but all they did was traffic in truth.
23:4
For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Religion is legalistic and attempts to make heavy demands on those entrapped in it. Legalism is a distortion of the law. Legalists prescribed extra biblical taboos not found in the Old Testament. They pile on these burdens without any sense of compassion for their followers. These were impossible burdens to bear but these religious leaders did not care for the people. They were in the business of exploiting their followers.
23:5
But all their works they do to be seen by men.
Everything religion does it does to be seen of men. This is lust for popularity, love for admiration and praise. The word “seen” means to be seen in public; it is the Greek word from which we get the English word “theater.”
They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.
These religionists were exhibitionists. A phylactery was a small leather box with four pieces of paper with scripture written on them. They wore one phylactery on the forehead and one on the wrist. They carried these like a good luck charm. The blue tassels of the four corners of their robes were an ostentatious attempt to be viewed as special.
23:6
They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
Religious leaders love approbation lust. They valued rank and prestige; they sought the most honored seat in the synagogue. Prominence was one of their greatest values.
23:7
greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’
They liked to be recognized by the crowd in public places. They wanted the crowd to call them by the special title of “Rabbi.” A title was more important than inner integrity.
PRINCIPLE: Approbation lust is toxic ministry circles.
APPLICATION: Many evangelical leaders are full of approbation lust. They desire deference and honor (albeit there is a valid honor in 1 Th 5). They are in ministry for their own ends.
Ga 6: 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
A lot of people never read the Bible but they carry one. This is religious mechanical superficiality. It is religious observance to be seen by men, not from authenticity.

Matthew 22:41f

Published on February 26, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
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41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” 43 He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: 44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’? 45 If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” 46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.

22:41
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
After a series of different groups challenged Jesus credibility, now it is Jesus’ turn to ask the questions.
22:42
saying, “What do you think about the Christ (Messiah)? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.”
“The Son of David” refers to the Messiah. This title was the most common title for the coming Messiah. Jesus was of the lineage of David.
22:43
He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying:
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit David called the Messiah “Lord.”
22:44
‘The Lord (all large capitals indicates Jehovah) said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’?
Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1, a Psalm clearly recognized by David and as messianic Psalm. The early church alluded to this verse often (Ac 2:34-35; 1Co 15:25; Eph 1:20; Co 3:1; He 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12-13).
The first use of “LORD” refers to the Father and the second to the Messiah. David spoke of the Messiah as his Lord. The Messiah was more than the human offspring of David.
22:45
If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?”
How can David call his son “Lord”? The point of this question shows that the Messiah is more than man but one who carries the presence of God. This claim justifies Jesus’ extravagant claims earlier. He is indeed the unique “Son of the living God.” Jesus was on par with Jehovah of the Old Testament. Jesus makes an unequivocal claim to deity.
22:46
And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.
Jesus’ opponents gave up their interrogation techniques because they were completely baffled by His answers. They knew the implication that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.
PRINCIPLE: David’s son is David’s Lord.
APPLICATION: Jesus was both David’s son and David’s Lord. Messiah is David’s Lord as God. The messiah is David’s Son as man. We cannot explain the Son of God in strictly human categories.
Our decision about who Jesus is makes all the difference in the world. If we miss that decision, we miss eternity.

Matthew 22:34f

Published on February 25, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
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34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

22:34
But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced (muzzled) the Sadducees, they gathered together.
Frustrated at another success of Jesus at replying to those who sought to undermine him, the Pharisees make another attempt to discredit Him (22:34-40).
22:35
Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying,
This time they put out their spokesman lawyer to test Jesus.
22:36
“Teacher, (third time in this chapter) which is the great commandment in the law?”
This was a question Jews debated for a long time.
22:37
Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Love is a comprehensive way of picturing orientation to God. Love is not solely an emotion here. “Heart” refers to the core of one’s person. It means to act toward God with His best in mind. Such love does not approach God with merit but with a sense of reverence.
“With all…” means love with our total being: mind, emotion, and will. We love God with all our faculties.
22:38
This is the first and great commandment.
Jesus quoted the Shema which Jews recited every day. The first and greatest commandment has to do with loving God (Dt 6:5).
22:39
And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Jesus adds a second commandment (Le 19:18) which is closely related to the first commandment. He does one better. We oriented to the wellbeing of others near us
22:40
On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
All other laws depend on the two commandments of loving God and loving our fellow man.
PRINCIPLE: The two commandments of vertical and horizontal relationships hang together.
APPLICATION: The first commandment of loving God entails the second commandment of loving our fellow man. Love of self is not at the center of Christianity but love for others is. Once our relationship with God is right our relationship with man follows.

Matthew 22:23f

Published on February 23, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
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23 The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 24 saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. 27 Last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” 33 And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.

Assault after assault by religion descends on Jesus. Now the skeptical Sadducees attack Him.
22:23
The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him,
The Sadducees denied the resurrection (Ac 4:1-2; 23:6-8). They were an aristocratic and wealthy group in Israel. They were pro Roman politically.
22:24
saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother.
They refer to Moses’ reference in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 about whose wife will a man have in heaven if she marries more than one man.
22:25
Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother.
If a brother died, it was the responsibility of his brother to marry the widow. This is called the levirate (husband’s brother) marriage.
22:26
Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh.
This hypothetical practice occurred with all seven brothers.
22:27
Last of all the woman died also.
The woman married all seven brothers sequentially and died.
22:28
Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.”
If all seven brothers equally married the one woman, who will be her husband in heaven? The Sadducees thought they trapped Jesus in doctrinal absurdity.
22:29
Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken (gone astray), not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.
The Sadducees assumed that the resurrection would restore people to their former existence. This was a mistake.
22:30
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.
Angels do not procreate but their existence is sexless. Marriage is an earthly institution. There will be no procreation in heaven. Heaven holds far greater life than on earth.
22:31
But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying,
Since the Sadducees only believed the first five books of Moses, Jesus takes them to Moses.
22:32
? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

 

22:33

And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.
Instead of confounding the crowds, Jesus amazed them.
PRINCIPLE: Belief in the hereafter is a strong motivating force.
APPLICATION: People with no belief in the hereafter have no motive for living other than doing what they please. Death is cessation to them. Since there is nothing beyond the grave, why live for anything but for our existence here on earth?

 

the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’

 

‘I am (present tense)
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were immortal because they would rise from the dead. Jesus flies in the face of basic Sadducee doctrine by saying that God is still (“I am”) the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob hundreds of years after their death.

Matthew 22:15f

Published on February 22, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
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15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” 21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.

22:15
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk.
We come now to another attempt to entrap Jesus by a question (22:15-22). In this case, the strange bedfellows of Pharisees and Herodians conspired together to discredit Jesus in His words.
22:16
And they sent to Him their (the Pharisees) disciples with the Herodians, saying,
The Pharisees and Herodians were usual enemies but they came together because of their opposition to Jesus. The Herodians were Jews loyal to the ruler Herod (not a Jew). They were not a religious party but a political party. The Pharisees were a very legalistic group of people. Both religious and government oriented people opposed to Jesus.
“Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men.
These foes of Jesus disingenuously praised Jesus’ truthful teaching and His independence of prevailing opinion. Their flattery attempted to evoke a response that would undermine Jesus’ authority. Jesus was not susceptible to their flattery.
22:17
Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
This alliance asked a cleverly devised question. They wanted to trick Jesus into make a political statement adverse to the Roman government. The Herodians had a tolerant view over Jewish allegiance to Rome.
The question put Jesus at odds with either group He chose. If Jesus were to say that it was wrong to pay taxes to Rome, He would antagonize the Roman government. If He said that it was right to pay taxes, He would run afoul of popular opinion.
22:18
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?
Jesus called their bluff and deplored them as “hypocrites.” A hypocrite is a phony. They tried to “test” Jesus on two previous occasions (16:1; 19:3). They will try again in verse 35. Their purpose was to bring Jesus in disfavor with the crowds or with Rome.
22:19
Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius.
Jesus asked them to bring “tax money.” They brought Him a denarius which was the coin to pay taxes to Rome.
22:20
And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”
The denarius had the likeness of Tiberius Caesar on it.
22:21
They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Since the denarius had Caesar’s picture it could be regarded as belonging to him. It would be right to give back what belongs to him. The word “render” means to give back. The word implies a debt; paying tax to Caesar is an obligation. On the other hand, God must get His due as well. We owe God offerings as well.
22:22
When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.
Jesus defeated His opposition so they left Him. They could not help but admire His answer. He transcended the box in which they tried to trap Him.
PRINCIPLE: Christians own dual citizenships.
APPLICATION: All Christians have dual citizenship–one on earth and one in heaven. God expects us to honor our government while at the same time honoring God. Jesus was no zealot who tried to overthrow the Roman government but He maintained a loyalty to government as well. We are to keep the same balance as well. We put our loyalty to government in the larger context of loyalty to God. Taxes are important for sustaining any national entity.

Matthew 22:11f

Published on February 21, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
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11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

We now come to the second scene in the parable of the wedding feast.
22:11
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
The person without a “wedding garment” is from the category of “bad” in the previous verse. This was a shock to go to the wedding of a son of the king without proper wedding garments. It was outrageous to Jesus for the rags of religion to try to show up at His kingdom disheveled. A new kind of apparel is necessary for the kingdom.
22:12
So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.
There is no excuse for a man coming to a wedding without proper attire. There was a custom to provide wedding garments for those who did not have them. No wonder this person had no excuse; he was left “speechless.” He had no excuse for coming to the wedding on his own terms.
22:13
Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
This verse suggests he was cast into “hell.” Religious leaders in Israel will land in hell because of the way they treated the Messiah. These people cannot participate in the kingdom.
22:14
“For many are called,
The gospel invitation goes out to many. This phrase relates to man’s will. Many are invited into the kingdom but few accept the call. Many hear the summons of the gospel but few respond to it.
but few are chosen.”
Those who refuse the invitation are not chosen. Those who respond to the invitation are “chosen” because they accept the death of Christ forgives sin.
PRINCIPLE: God clothes us with the righteousness of Jesus when we become Christians.
APPLICATION: The invitation is to the “many.” The Great Commission is to make disciples of all the nations (Mt 28:19).
The proper wedding garment of a person going into the presence of God is imputed (accounted) righteousness. Imputed righteousness is God’s own righteousness that He accounts to our balance sheet with Him. When a person becomes a Christian they have absolute or perfect righteousness in status with God. We are not experientially righteous but we possess positional righteous. When God looks at us, He looks at us with the same status of righteousness that Jesus has (Romans 3-5).

Matthew 22:1f

Published on February 20, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
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1 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’ 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

We now come to the parable of the marriage feast (22:1-14). Jesus is still in the process of judging religion. There are two divisions to this parable: 1) an invitation to the kingdom rejected by many and extended to a broad group (vv. 1-10), 2) invited persons expected to be properly attired (vv. 11-14).
22:1
And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:
This is the third and last parable dealing with Jesus’ authority before religious leaders.
22:2
“The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,
Jesus now pictures a king who made arrangements for the marriage of his son. By analogy the “king” is the Father and the “son” is Jesus the Son of God. The bride is the regenerate of Israel.
22:3
and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.
The king sent invitations to the wedding but the invitees were not willing to come to the marriage. The “servants” here represent those who communicate the gospel. Israel did not accept the invitation to come to the Messianic kingdom.
22:4
Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner (evening meal); my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’
The king sent out another notice that the dinner was ready for the wedding guests. This may have been John the Baptist and his disciples.
22:5
But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.
The people offered excuses not to come to the wedding. They were ostensibly too busy to come. These people did not have a special excuse but were involved in ordinary pursuits.
22:6
And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.
Others even treated the king’s servants “spitefully” and “killed them.” These people represent those who disregarded and killed prophets of God.
22:7
But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
Treason warrants judgment. The king punishes those who refused to come to the wedding.
22:8
Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
The king pronounces the unworthiness of those to whom the first invitation went out. “Not worthy” has to do with not responding to the invitation.
22:9
Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’
Another invitation when out to whoever wished to come to the wedding. This represents the free offer of the gospel. “As many as you find” broadens the invitation from the chosen Israel to anybody. 
22:10
So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
The second invitation was a general invitation to the public to come. This resulted in a full “wedding hall.” People came who were both “bad and good” morally. There was no qualification to come to the banquet whether a flagrant sinner or a “nice” sinner.
PRINCIPLE: God rejects those who actively reject His offer of the gospel.
APPLICATION: This passage deals with national rejection of the Messiah. Jesus would have set up His Millennial Kingdom if the nation embraced Him as the Messiah. However, they rejected Him as their Messiah. God sent judgment on Israel for this then opened the gospel for all to hear.
People do what is in their best interest regardless of an invitation to come to the kingdom. Israel failed to claim God’s promises and people today will not claim them either. Those actively hostile to the gospel are those involved in religious liberalism, mysticism, cults and other forms of false teaching.

Matthew 21:42f

Published on February 19, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
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42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’ ? 43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” 45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.

 
In verses 42-46 Jesus continues the parable of the tenant farmers to show that His authority is from the Father. This parable focuses on one element of the parable of the tenant farmers—rejection of the son.
 
21:42
 
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’ ?
 
After religious leaders condemned themselves (21:41), Jesus quotes the messianic Psalm 118:22 to show that people will reject the Messiah when He comes. This is the same Psalm they sung in the Triumphal Entry.
 
Christ is the stone the builders rejected but He became “the chief cornerstone.” The cornerstone was stone that aligned all other stones in the building. The leaders of Israel (builders) rejected Jesus as the Messiah while building their religious organization. They missed the chief cornerstone for rubbish (Acts 4:10-12; Eph 2:19-20; 1 Pe 2:6-8).
 
21:43
 
“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
 
Jesus announces that God will take the kingdom from them and give it to a future generation of Israel. This will take place in the Millennium after His Second Coming to claim His kingdom (“nation”).
 
21:44
 
And whoever falls on this stone will be broken;
 
In this situation the stone is on the ground and people who trip over it will be “broken.” People will fall into judgment that rejects the Son in His first coming. He is the stone of stumbling.
 
but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
 
In this case the stone falls on someone and it grinds them to powder. The rejected Stone will one day become a Stone of judgment.
 
21:45
 
 
Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.
 
The religious leaders got the point that Jesus spoke of them.
 
21:46
 
But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.
 
They would have dealt with Jesus summarily but they were afraid of the crowd’s reaction. Later they would say to Pilate “Let Him be crucified!” (Mt 27:21-22).
 
PRINCIPLE: Everyone will be accountable for revelation they received.
 
APPLICATION: Jesus not only carries grace but He will judge those who reject Him as their Savior. He will judge many religious people. Religion itself holds no water as far as He is concerned. The great issue is what will we do with the Son of God and what He did on the cross.

Matthew 21:33f

Published on February 18, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
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33 “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. 34 Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. 35 And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. 37 Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ 39 So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” 41 They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.”

 
Jesus continues to argue for His authority by giving a second parable. This parable is about wicked tenant farmers who represent religious leaders who challenge His authority.
 
21:33
 
“Hear another parable:
 
Jesus challenges religious leaders to hear another parable.
 
There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.
 
The Lord introduces another parable about a vineyard but in this case he uses the image of tenant farmers. The owner of the vineyard leased it to these farmers to produce fruit. The analogy is that Israel has the responsibility to be true to God’s revelation.
 
21:34
 
Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit.
 
At vintage-time the owner sent his people to harvest the grapes. By analogy, these are the prophets.
 
21:35
 
And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.
 
The tenant farmers persecuted those that came to harvest the grapes. The farmers hijacked the plan. Religious Israel hijacked God’s original plan.
 
21:36
 
Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them.
 
The owner sent other people to harvest with the same result.
 
21:37
 
Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’
 
Finally, the owner sent his own son assuming that they would honor his flesh and blood. The Father sent His Son as well.
 
21:38
 
But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’
 
The farmers decided to kill the son because he was heir to the fortune.
 
21:39
 
So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.
 
They killed the son. This is an obvious reference to religion killing Jesus.
 
21:40
 
“Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?”
 
Jesus asked the religious leaders of Israel what they thought the owner would do with those who killed his son.
 
21:41
 
They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.”
 
The religious leaders condemn themselves again (as in the previous parable). They were about to put Jesus on the cross along with the Roman authorities.
 
 
PRINCIPLE: People with no allusions respond to grace.
 
APPLICATION: Here is the interpretation. God is the landowner. Israel is the vineyard. Religious leaders are the tenant farmers. God repeatedly sent prophets to speak about the Messiah but religion persecuted the prophets. In God’s final revelation, He sent His son whom they killed.
 
The greatest issue today is what will people do with the Son of God. Accept Him or reject Him? Religion always gets in the way of Christ. It is a phony substitute for reality. Religion is the enemy of Christ. People with no allusions respond to grace.

Matthew 21:28f

Published on February 18, 2009 in Matthew. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to Matthew

28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

Jesus speaks to religious leaders with a series of parables beginning with 12:28. He continues explaining the authenticity of His authority.
In the parable of the two sons Jesus presents two contrasting responses to the gospel. The two sons represent two different classes of reaction to the gospel
21:28
“But what do you think?
Jesus invites religious leaders to actively engage with this parable.
A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’
The “vineyard” here refers to Israel in parabolic form.
21:29
He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.
The first son initially outright rejects his father’s authority but later regrets that decision and changes his mind about working in the vineyard. He followed initial refusal with positive response.
21:30
Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.
The father then approached a second son with the same request. His response was the exact opposite to the first son. He agreed to go to the vineyard but did not go. He followed initial agreement by no response.
21:31
Which of the two did the will of his father?”
Jesus asks religious leaders to react to the first part of the parable about which son did the will of the father.
They said to Him, “The first.”
Religious leaders respond with the right answer—“the first” son who disagreed initially but eventually went to the vineyard. They judged themselves by this admission; they testified against themselves.
Jesus said to them, “Assuredly (important statement), I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.
Often Jesus makes caustic statements to religious leaders because they hold more vulnerability to convey truth to their followers. Jesus asserts that just because they are religious they will not “enter the kingdom of God.” They knew the Word of God and gave assent to it but they did not follow it. Sinful outcasts (tax collectors and harlots) have a greater chance to enter the kingdom than them. These dregs of society were more like the first son who eventually went.
21:32
For John came to you in the way of righteousness,
“Righteousness” here is repentance about the Messiah and His kingdom.
and you did not believe him;
Jesus now links religious leaders with the second son who agreed to go but did not ultimately go to the vineyard. Religion was skeptical about John.
but tax collectors (extortioners) and harlots believed him;
John the Baptist introduced the Messiah to the religious leaders of Israel but they did not believe him. The religious elite did not believe yet outcasts did believe John. It changed their lives.
and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
Religious leaders were not like the first son who initially rejected the father’s request but eventually went to the vineyard. They were like the second son who said he would work in the vineyard but didn’t. They “saw” but did not believe, therefore, they were culpable. They have no excuse.
PRINCIPLE: Profession without practice is phony.  
APPLICATION: It is one thing to say something but it is another to do it. Words by themselves mean little. The doing in the above parable has to do with acceptance of the gospel by faith.
There are people who understand their desperate need of the grace of God and embrace it. These people have no allusions about themselves. There are others who put on a phony religious front.