Encore Post:
From Monday to Wednesday of Holy Week, Jesus taught in the temple. His opponents challenged him several times. He told parables against them and warned people about them. First, the priests asked by what authority he did the things he did. Jesus countered by asking them whether John the Baptist was from God. Because they would not answer, he would not either. (Matthew 21:23-27)
Jesus’ three parables were his last attempt to call his opponents to repentance. They were the Parable of the Two Sons, the Parable of the Wicked Vineyard Tenants, and the Parable of the King’s Wedding Feast. The point of all three was that his opponents pretended to serve God but were really disobedient. (Matthew 21:28-22:14)
His opponents responded with several test questions: Should we pay taxes to Caesar? Who will be the husband of a woman in the resurrection who was married to seven brothers without having a child? His answers were so profound that they did not follow up. (Matthew 22:15-40)
These questions were not meant to learn from Jesus. His opponents hoped to trap Him into saying something that would discredit Him with either the people or the Romans. If He opposed paying taxes to Caesar, they could accuse Him of rebellion. If He denied the resurrection, He would anger many of the people. If He chose one commandment over another, they could accuse Him of false teaching. Instead, every answer showed such wisdom that His opponents could only admire Him or remain silent.
He then asked them, “If Christ is David’s son, why does David call Christ Lord?” They did not answer.
Most of what Jesus taught that week, however, was about His second coming and eternity. While His enemies plotted His death, Jesus prepared His disciples for the future. He taught them to watch, to remain faithful, and to live in hope as they waited for His return in glory. In this way, he prepared them for his approaching death.
One evening that week in Bethany, Jesus’ friend Mary anointed him with expensive perfume for his coming burial. While many still dreamed of a conquering Messiah, Mary seems to have understood that Jesus was preparing to die.
Originally posted at What does this Mean? Blog: https://whatdoesthismean.blog
The posts in the blog What does this Mean? are now available at What does this Mean? | Rev. Robert E. Smith | Substack
Rev. Robert E. Smith
Pastor Emeritus
Fort Wayne, Indiana
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