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N 4 different instances, parts of
the Old Testament are quoted in this chapter (vs. 5, 13, 16 & 42). It is
evident then that Matthew was adding more evidence backing his claim that Jesus
of Nazareth was indeed the Messiah of God and the rightful King of Israel.
Chronologically, Jesus was nearly
at the end of His earthly ministry. The event recorded at the outset of this
chapter is commonly called the "Triumphal Entry" and in our culture
is celebrated annually on "Palm Sunday," the week before Easter.
Christ's entry – riding on a donkey into Jerusalem (to a very enthusiastic
reception from a large crowd of Jews) – should draw our attention to the
future, when He will come again. The next time He enters Jerusalem, He will
come as a conqueror.
Jesus' power to conquer was
demonstrated when He cursed the fig tree and caused it to immediately wither
and die. Additionally, Jesus' right to conquer was communicated by His action
right after His triumphant entry. He went into the temple and cleaned house. He
threw out the crooks. This bold action elicited 2 very different reactions from
2 very different groups of people. The young people in Jerusalem worshipped Him
vigorously (vs. 15). The religious leaders were upset and cynical.
Jesus did not even dignify the criticism of the
scribes and Pharisees with a response. Instead, He began to interrogate them
concerning their rebellious response to John the Baptist. Since the religious leaders didn't believe or
respect John's ministry, they were not prepared to follow Christ when He began
to exercise His authority over them. They had rejected this Cornerstone (vs. 42).
In other words, although Jesus was the chosen one of God, these religious Jews
refused to include Him in their futile efforts to build a spiritual house. Regardless, Jehovah had elected to build with
His Son as the foundation.
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