Jesus Enters Jerusalem, 21:1-11 (Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19)
[1] Bethphage means “house of figs.” The exact location of Bethphage is not known. Since it was near the Mount of Olives, it was very near Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives was just east of Jerusalem.
[2-3] We do not know who supplied the donkeys. Matthew was the only writer to mention two animals. The owner could have known Jesus. Jesus is often called Lord (see Matthew 15:22). Here, and one other time, Matthew used “The Lord” to indicate “Jesus” (Matthew 26:18). This may have been a way of indicating who wanted the animals since “Lord” was a form of polite speech used for both humans and God (see Matthew 15:25).
Matthew 21:4-13
4 This took place to make what God said through the prophet come true: 5 “Tell this to the city of Jerusalem: ‘Listen! Your king is coming to you. He is gentle; he is riding on a donkey even upon a young donkey, born of a work animal.’ ” Zechariah 9:9 6 The two followers went into town. They did exactly as Jesus told them. 7 They brought the mother donkey and her young colt. They put their robes on top of the donkeys. Jesus took his seat upon the robes. 8 A very large crowd spread their robes on the road for Jesus. Other people began to cut down branches from trees and to spread them on the road. 9 The crowds were shouting. Some people were in front of Jesus and some were behind him. They said, “Hosanna to the son of David! Give praise to this one who is coming with the authority of the Lord God. Hosanna to God! ” 10 When Jesus came into Jerusalem, the whole city was excited, asking, “Who is this man?” 11 The crowds continued to say, “He is Jesus, the prophet from the town of Nazareth in Galilee.”
12 Jesus went into the temple courtyard. He threw out all the people who were selling and buying things there. He turned the money-exchangers’ tables upside down. He also turned over the chairs of the people who were selling pigeons. 13 Jesus said to them, “It is written, ‘My house will be called a place for praying,’ Isaiah 56:7 but you have changed it into a hiding place for thieves!”
[4-7] Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem not because He was tired or the journey was long. He had already walked from Jericho, approximately 25 kilometres away. He rode the donkey as a Messianic action. The quotation Matthew used was two quotations together (Isaiah 62:11; Zechariah 9:9). “City of Jerusalem” is literally “daughter of Zion.” “Daughter of Zion” means the city of Jerusalem (Psalm 9:14; Isaiah 37:22; 62:11). A king would ride a horse during times of war. He would ride a donkey during times of peace. Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Luke indicated that the garments were put on the colt (Luke 19:35).
[8-9] When Jesus began riding, it was the beginning of a royal celebration. People put coats and branches on the road for Him. “Hosanna” means “Save us,” “Help, please save” or “Save now.” They used the Messianic title “Son of David” (see Matthew 1:1). These cries were to acclaim Jesus as King.
[10-11] Jesus was not as well-known in Jerusalem as He was in Galilee. His entry into the city in such a grand fashion troubled the Jewish leaders.
Jesus Goes to the Temple, 21:12-17 (Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48; cf. John 2:13-17).
[12-13] Many Jews came to sacrifice, but they were foreigners. Acts 2:9-11 indicates many of the places where Jews lived, They travelled with foreign money. The moneychangers exchanged Greek and Roman money into temple currency. People used temple money to pay the temple tax and to buy their sacrifices. Pigeons and other sacrificial animals were kept close by for convenience. The temple began to resemble a market more than a place of worship. The exchangers charged too much and were not fair. Jesus called them thieves.
Matthew 21:14-27
14 Blind people and crippled people came to Jesus in the temple courtyard. He healed them. 15 The most important priests and teachers of the law became very angry. They saw the amazing things which Jesus did. They saw children crying out in the temple courtyard, “Hosanna to the son of David!” 16 The most important priests and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus answered them, “Yes! Have you not read this: ‘I will make praise complete by using the words of small children and babies.’ ” Psalm 8:2 17 Then Jesus left them and went outside of Jerusalem to the town of Bethany where he spent the night. 18 Early the next morning, when Jesus was going back into Jerusalem, he was hungry. 19 He saw a fig tree next to the road. He went to it, but found no fruit on it—only leaves. Then Jesus spoke to the tree, “May no fruit ever come from you!” The fig tree soon dried up. 20 When Jesus’ followers saw this, they were amazed. They asked, “How could the fig tree dry up so quickly?”
21 Jesus answered them, “I am telling you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will be able to perform this, too! You can even say to this mountain, ‘Pick yourself up and throw yourself into the sea!’ and it will happen. 22 If you believe, then you will receive everything you ask for in prayer.” 23 Jesus went into the temple courtyard. He was teaching the people. The most important priests and some of the Jewish elders came to him. They asked, “What sort of authority do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I will ask you a question, too. If you answer me, I will tell you what sort of authority I have to do these things: 25 Where did John’s immersion come from? Was it from God or from man?” They began thinking to themselves: “If we say, ‘From God,’ then he will say this to us: ‘Why didn’t you believe John?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the people. All of them thought of John as a prophet.” 27 They answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said to them, “Then I am not telling you what sort of authority I have to do these things.”
[14-17] These were the last recorded miracles before His death, For “Hosanna,” see verse nine. The children were fulfilling a prophecy from Psalm 8:2.
A Fig Tree, 21:18-22 (Mark 11:11-14, 20-24).
[18-22] This miracle seems to be destructive. Passover was not the time for figs (Mark 11:13). Since the tree had leaves, one would have expected it to have figs. Jesus was teaching a lesson as well. Israel had shown no fruit (good works) and would suffer. Of all people, Israel should have been ready for the Messiah. The disciples were surprised that the tree withered so quickly. Jesus gave them another lesson on the power of prayer (see Matthew 17:20-21). Prayer can accomplish what seems very difficult.
Where Does Your Authority Come From? 21:23-27 (Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8).
[23-25] Two questions were asked. The important priests and some Jewish elders asked the first question. Some of them had wanted the children to stop praising God (Matthew 21:16). Because Jesus had had no formal training, they wanted to know where He got His authority. Jesus asked them about John’s baptism. Was it from God (heaven) or man?
[26-27] They would be in trouble with any answer they gave. They chose to say, “We do not know.” Jesus did not answer their question either.
Matthew 21:28-41
28 Jesus said to them, “What do you think? A man had two sons. The man came to the first son and said, ‘Son, go work in the vineyard today.’ 29-31 He answered, ‘Yes sir,’ but he did not go. Then the man went to the second son and said the same thing. The son answered, ‘I don’t want to!’ but later he changed his mind and went. Which of the two sons did what their father wanted?” The Jewish leaders answered, “The second one.” Jesus said to them, “I am telling you the truth: The tax collectors and prostitutes will go into the kingdom of God before you ever do! 32 John came to you preaching the way of righteousness, but you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. You saw this, but you did not change your mind later to believe what John was saying.” 33 “Listen to another story: There was a man who owned some land. He planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a hole for the wine press, and built a lookout tower. Then he rented the land to some farmers and went away on a trip. 34 When harvest time was near, he sent his servants to the farmers to receive his part of the grapes. 35 But the farmers grabbed his servants. They beat one and killed another. They threw stones at another servant until he died. 36 Again the owner sent servants, more than before, but they did the same thing to those servants. 37 Finally, the owner sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the farmers saw the son, they thought to themselves, ‘When the owner dies, his son will own the vineyard. Come, let us kill him and we will get his field!’ 39 So they took the son, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?” 41 The Jewish leaders answered Jesus, “He will kill those evil men! After that, he will give the field to some other farmers who will share the fruits with him at harvest time.”
Two Sons, 21:28-32.
[28-32] Jesus told this story to show that first appearances were not always right. The son who agreed appeared to obey his father, but he did not. The son who did not agree appeared not to obey his father, but he did. It would appear that religious leaders would enter the kingdom of God and that tax collectors and prostitutes would not. Because the religious leaders would not listen to God’s messenger (John), they would not enter the kingdom (see Matthew 7:21-23; James 2:14-26). Others who listened (outcast people like tax collectors and prostitutes) would enter the kingdom. The important thing is to obey. That is the difference in the two sons and the two groups of people. In this way, Jesus answered His own question about John’s baptism. They should have listened to John because he did come from God.
The Wicked Servants, 21:33-46 (Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19).
[33] Jesus told a story of a man who took good care of his vineyard (grape field). He did everything necessary and then rented out the field.
[34-41] What happened in the story was the same as what happened to the prophets God sent and what happened to His Son. Selfish desire kept the farmers from accepting the owner’s representative or his son. The same thing was true with the Jewish leaders (John 11:48). The men who listened judged both the men in the story and themselves (verse 41).
Matthew 21:42-46
42 Jesus said to them, “You have read this in the Scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders did not want will become the cornerstone. The Lord God makes this happen. It is a wonderful thing for us to see.’ Psalm 118:22-23 43 This is why I am telling you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will make it produce fruit. 44 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken. If that stone falls on you, it will crush you!” 45 When the most important priests and the Pharisees heard these stories, they knew that he was talking about them. 46 They wanted to arrest Jesus, but they were afraid of what the crowds might do to them, because the people believed that Jesus was a prophet.
[42-44] Jesus told them very clearly that He was talking about them. Because of their rejection of Christ, they would be removed from the kingdom of God. Jesus is the chief cornerstone (Matthew 16:16; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20). Christ, as the stone, will defeat those who oppose Him. Some ancient copies of Matthew leave out verse 44.
[45-46] Prophets often used hard words. The crowds believed Jesus to be a prophet, and so the priests and Pharisees feared to arrest Him.
Matthew 22:1-12
22 1 Again Jesus used an example to answer them: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who gave a wedding party for his son. 3 The king sent his servants to invite the guests to the wedding party, but the guests didn’t want to come. 4 Again, the king sent more servants saying, ‘Tell the guests, Look, I have prepared the dinner – the steers and fattened calves have been killed – everything is ready!’ 5 However, the guests didn’t care. They left. One went to his field. One went to his business. 6 The others grabbed the king’s servants, insulted them, and killed them. 7 The king was very angry. He sent his army to destroy those murderers and to burn their city. 8 Then the king said to his servants, ‘The wedding party is still ready, but the guests were not worthy enough to come. 9 So, go to the street corners and invite whomever you can find to the wedding party.’ 10 Those servants went out to the streets and gathered up everyone they could find, good people and bad people. Then the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 The king entered and looked at the guests. He saw a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 The king said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man had nothing to say.
Story of the Wedding Banquet, 22:1-14 (Luke 14:15-24).
[1-2] This is the third in a series of parables (Matthew 21:28-32; 21:33-46). Wedding parties were important in Jewish culture. The wedding party of a king’s son would be very important. The parables in Matthew and Luke are probably not the same story, but similar stories. The king represents God and the son, Christ.
[3-6] The prophets (represented by the servants) had told the Jews about the coming of the Messiah. They were getting the people ready for what God was going to do. Like the king, God had done everything to get things ready. Both John the Baptist and Jesus had given invitations to get the people ready for the kingdom of God (Luke 3:4-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:17). Jesus referred to the bad way the prophets were treated (Matthew 5:12).
[7-8] The king punished the people for their rejection. The city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman armies in A.D. 70. The people could have been guests but chose not to be (see Acts 13:46). Wealth and power do not make one worthy. The word “worthy” indicates those whom God accepts because they accept God’s invitation. The very poorest people can be worthy.
[9-10] The ones who attended the king’s party were not the ones expected to attend, Jesus sent His disciples out to bring people into the kingdom of God (Matthew 28:18-20). Many unexpected people rejoiced, received the invitation, and came in (tax collectors, prostitutes, Matthew 21:31, 43; Luke 7:29, 50, and Gentiles, Acts 13:46-48).
[11-12] It is assumed that each guest could have put on clean clothes for the feast. The wedding clothes symbolize righteousness (Revelation 19:8). This man was not spiritually prepared. Anyone in the church can be properly clothed (spiritually prepared) (Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:24). The king addressed this man as friend even though he was wrong (see Matthew 20:13; 26:50).
Matthew 22: 13-22
13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Tie his hands and feet and throw him outside in the dark. In that place there will be screaming and grinding of teeth.’ 14 Many people are invited, but few people are chosen.” 15 Then the Pharisees came. They had made a plan to trap Jesus with a question. 16 The Pharisees sent some of their followers and the followers of Herod Antipas to him. They said, “Teacher, we know that you are true and you teach God’s true way. It does not matter to you what people think. You don’t pay attention to how important someone is. 17 So, tell us, what do you think? Is it right that we should pay taxes to Caesar? Yes or no?” 18 But Jesus knew their evil plan. He said, “You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” They brought a silver coin. 20 Jesus said to them, “Whose name and picture is on it?” 21 They answered, “Caesar’s.” Jesus said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and give to God the things which belong to God.” 22 When they heard this, they were amazed. They left him and went away.
[13-14] The man had nothing to say in his own defense. He was to be thrown out to receive the punishment of the wicked (see Matthew 8:12; 13:42, 50; 24:51; 25:30). Even within the church, the Lord continues to seek for good in His people. The follower of Jesus must live righteously. Many are invited, but few are chosen or saved.
Jewish Leaders Try to Trick Jesus, 22:15-22 (Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:19-26).
[15-17] For “Pharisee,” see Matthew 3:7. Jesus had told some stories that had made the Pharisees angry (Matthew 21:28-22:14). Herod Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea. He was the Herod that had John beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12). His followers would have favoured the payment of taxes. Usually, the Pharisees opposed taxes themselves. The question which was to trick Jesus was actually asked by some of the followers of the Pharisees. The Romans taxed every male from 14 to 65 years old. To pay this tax was to recognize the rule of Rome and her right to tax the people. Under Jewish law, a foreigner could not be king (Deuteronomy 17:14-15). Many Jews like the Pharisees insisted that God was the king of Palestine. To them, recognition of any other king would have been treason. If Jesus agreed to pay taxes, He would be guilty of treason in their eyes. If He forbade the payment of taxes, He would have opposed the law of the land. The trap seemed secure. “Caesar” was the title given to Roman rulers.
[18-22] Jesus knew their plan. He could know men’s minds and hearts (thoughts) (see Matthew 9:4; 12:25). For “hypocrites,” see Matthew 6:2. Their hypocrisy was shown in their empty words of praise (verse 16). They praised Him when they really wanted to trap and destroy Him. The coin they showed Jesus was a denarius. On it was the image of Tiberius Caesar. Jesus evidently did not carry money. He was a poor man but rich in the eyes of God. This coin was used for a day’s wages (Matthew 20:2). Jesus did not say, “You must pay taxes” or “You must not pay taxes.” He told them that they had a duty to both God and Rome (the government). The money had Caesar’s picture on it; it belonged to him; it had been issued by the government, and it should be given back to him. Christians do have a duty to the governments under which they live (Romans 13:1-7). Man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). He belongs to God. Christians are marked with God’s seal of ownership (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14). Men could not trap the Son of God.
Matthew 22:23-36
23 That same day some Sadducees came to Jesus. (Sadducees believe that no one will rise from death.) They asked Jesus, 24 “Teacher, Moses said that if someone has no children and he dies, his brother must marry the widow. Then they will have children for the dead brother. 25 There were seven brothers among us. The first one got married, but died. He left his wife with no children. 26 In the same way, the second brother, the third brother—all seven brothers —died without having children. 27 Last of all, the woman died. 28 All seven men had married her. So, when this woman rises from death, whose wife will she be?” 29 Jesus answered them, “You are wrong. You don’t know the Scriptures or God’s power. 30 When people rise from death, they don’t marry one another. Instead, they are like angels in heaven. 31 Do people rise from death? I know you have read what God said to Moses: 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Exodus 3:6, 15, 16 God is not a God of dead people; He is the God of people who are alive!” 33 When the crowds heard this, they were very surprised at his teaching.
34 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 One of them, an expert on the law of Moses, tried to trap Jesus. He asked, 36 “Teacher, what is the most important command in the law?”
The Sadducees & the Resurrection, 22:23-33 (Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40; Acts 23:6-8).
[23-28] For “Sadducees,” see Matthew 3:7. The question they asked Jesus involved levirate marriage among the Jews (Deuteronomy 25:5-7; Genesis 38:8). Levirate marriage was to occur only if the wife of the dead brother had no children. Their question really concerned the resurrection or life after death. They thought this example showed how foolish it was to believe in the resurrection of the dead.
[29-33] Jesus’ answer was about life after death and the condition of people after they rise from death. God will change men so that they will be like the angels. The Sadducees did not believe in the existence of angels. From Jesus’ statement, we can assume that angels do not marry and do not die. Perhaps they are not even male and female. When men rise from the dead, they will not be mortal any more (1 Corinthians 15:35-55). Jesus then responded to their denial of life after death. From the reading of Scripture, they should have known that men who lived (and died) still lived. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are examples of this. When God spoke to Moses, He spoke as though all three of those Jewish fathers were still alive (Exodus 3:6). The spirits of the dead are subject to God. He is the God of the living and not the dead.
The Most Important Command From God, 22:34-40 (Mark 12:28-34).
[34-36] The Pharisees wanted to try again to trap Jesus (Matthew 22:15-22). Instead of sending some followers (Matthew 22:16), they sent an expert on the law of Moses. Jesus had been tested before (Matthew 4:1ff.; 16:1; 19:3; 22:15, 23). Among the Jews there was much arguing about what the greatest commandment was.
Matthew 22:37-46
37 Jesus answered him, ” ‘You must love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Deuteronomy 6:5 38 This is the most important command. 39 The second most important command is like it: ‘You must love other people the same way you love yourself.’
Leviticus 19:18 40 These two commands support the whole law and the prophets.” 41 When some Pharisees gathered, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
They answered Jesus, “David’s son.” 43 Jesus asked them, “Then why did the Spirit (through David) call the Messiah ‘Lord’? David wrote: 44 ‘The Lord God said to my Lord: Sit at My right side until I put your enemies under your feet.’ Psalm 110:1 45 Since David called him ‘Lord,’ how could Messiah be David’s son?” 46 No one was able to answer Jesus. From that time on, no one dared to ask him any more trick questions.
[37-40] Jesus not only gave them the most important commandment, but also gave the second most important commandment. Mark added “strength” to the list of “heart, soul, and mind” (Mark 12:30). The Scripture was from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. God wants us to be loyal to Him. Every part of our lives is to be given to Him in love. The second commandment is to extend this love to other people. These two commands cover all of man’s life (his life with God and his life with other men). In Luke 10:25-27 Jesus explained how to treat others. These two commands are the foundation for our relationship with God and with others. All Scripture is supported by these two commands (see Romans 13:8-10; John 14:15).
Is the Messiah the Son of David? 22:41-46 (Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44).
[41-42] Jesus asked the Pharisees a question they were unable to answer. Jesus’ ability to explain Scripture left people amazed (Matthew 22:22, 33). They believed correctly that the Messiah was to be the Son of David. For “Messiah,” see Matthew 1:1.
[43-46] David was inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16; 2:30; 2 Peter 1:21). David, through the Spirit, said something about the Messiah that they did not understand. The Messiah would be a descendant of David but also be Lord (divine). How could a king call his own descendant (son, grandson, etc.) by the title “Lord”? “Under your feet” means “in your control.” Peter also used this Scripture in Acts 2:34. The only answer to Jesus’ question was to say that the Messiah (Jesus, a descendant of David) was divine (God). In this way, the descendant could be greater than King David. After this, people stopped trying to trick Jesus with questions.
Matthew 23:1-15
23 1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his followers. 2 He said. “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat of authority. 3 Therefore, do everything they tell you. Obey them. But don’t act as they do, because they say one thing and do another. 4 They bind heavy loads and put them on people’s shoulders, but they don’t want to lift a finger to help move them. 5 Everything they do, they do so that people will notice them. They show off their phylacteries and they make their tassels long. 6 They like to have the best seats at the dinners and the most important seats in the synagogues. 7 They like the greetings of respect which people give them in the marketplaces. They like people to call them, ‘Rabbi.’ 8 You should not be called ‘Rabbi,’ because there is only one teacher for you. You are all brothers. 9 On earth, you should not be called ‘Father,’ because you have only one Father – the heavenly Father. 10 You should not be called, ‘Leader’ because the Messiah is your only Leader. 11 The most important one among you will be your servant. 12 Every person who acts as though he is important will be made ashamed, but every person who truly humbles himself will be made important.” 13 “It will be horrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees. You hypocrites! You shut the door to the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You will not go in and you stop those who are trying to get in.” 14 15 It will be horrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees. You hypocrites! You travel all over the world to make one convert. And when you convert him, you make him twice as much a child of hell as you are!”