BY MEANS of two illustrations, Jesus has exposed the scribes and the chief priests, and they want to kill him. But Jesus is far from through with them. He goes on to tell them yet another illustration, saying: "The Kingdom of the heavens has become like a man, a king, that made a marriage feast for his son. And he sent forth his slaves to call those invited to the marriage feast, but they were unwilling to come."
Jehovah God is the King who prepares a marriage feast for his Son, Jesus Christ. Eventually, the bride of 144,000 anointed followers will be united with Jesus in heaven. The King's subjects are the people of Israel, who, on being brought into the Law covenant in 1513B.C.E., received the opportunity of becoming "a kingdom of priests." Thus, on that occasion, they were originally extended the invitation to the marriage feast. "
However, the first call to those invited did not go out until the fall of 29 C.E., when Jesus and his disciples (the king's slaves) began their work of Kingdom preaching. But the natural Israelites who received this call issued by the slaves from 29 C.E. to 33 C.E. were unwilling to come. So God gave the nation of invited ones another opportunity, as Jesus relates: "Again he sent forth other slaves, saying, 'Tell those invited: "Look! I have prepared my dinner, my bulls and fattened animals are slaughtered, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast."'" This second and final call of those invited began at Pentecost 33 C.E., when holy spirit was poured out on Jesus' followers. This call continued until 36 C.E.
The great majority of the Israelites, however, also spurned this call. "Unconcerned they went off," Jesus says, "one to his own field, another to his commercial business; but the rest, laying hold of his slaves, treated them insolently and killed them." "But," Jesus continues, "the king grew very wrathful, and sent his armies, and destroyed those murderers and burned their city." This occurred in 70 C.E., when Jerusalem was razed to the ground by the Romans, and those murderers were killed.
Jesus then explains what occurred in the meantime: "Then [the king] said to his slaves, 'The marriage feast is indeed ready, but those invited were not worthy. Therefore go to the roads leading out of the city, and anyone you find invite to the marriage feast." The slaves did this, and "the room for the wedding ceremonies was filled with those reclining at the table."
Next time: Conclusion of Illustration Of The Marriage Feast
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
6.01.2009
5.31.2009
Conclusion of Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
Since "the cultivators" mistreat and kill the "slaves," Jesus explains: Lastly [the owner of the vineyard] dispatched his son to them, saying 'They will respect my son.' On seeing the son the cultivators said among themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance!' So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him."
Now, addressing the religious leaders, Jesus asks: "When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those cultivators?" Because they are evil," the religious leaders answer, 'he will bring an evil destruction upon them and will let out the vineyard to other cultivators, who will render him the fruits when they become due."
Thus they unwittingly proclaim judgment upon themselves, since they are included among the Israelite "cultivators" of Jehovah's nations "vineyard" of Israel. The fruitage that Jehovah expects from such cultivators is faith in his Son, the true Messiah. For their failing to provide such fruitage, Jesus warns: "Did you never read in the Scriptures [at Psalm 118:22, 23], 'The stone that the builders rejected is the one that has become the chief cornerstone. From Jehovah this has come to be, and it is marvelous in our eyes"' This is why I say to you, The Kingdom of god will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits. Also, the person falling upon this stone will be shattered. As for anyone upon whom it falls, it will pulverize him."
The scribes and chief priests now recognize that Jesus is speaking about them, and they want to kill him, the rightful "heir." So the privilege of being rulers of God's Kingdom will be taken away from them as a nation, and a new nation of "vineyard cultivators will be created, one that will produce suitable fruits.
Because the religious leaders fear the crowds, who consider Jesus a prophet, they do not try to kill him on this occasion. Matthew 21:28-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19; Isaiah 5:1-7.
Next time: Illustration Of The Marriage Feast
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Now, addressing the religious leaders, Jesus asks: "When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those cultivators?" Because they are evil," the religious leaders answer, 'he will bring an evil destruction upon them and will let out the vineyard to other cultivators, who will render him the fruits when they become due."
Thus they unwittingly proclaim judgment upon themselves, since they are included among the Israelite "cultivators" of Jehovah's nations "vineyard" of Israel. The fruitage that Jehovah expects from such cultivators is faith in his Son, the true Messiah. For their failing to provide such fruitage, Jesus warns: "Did you never read in the Scriptures [at Psalm 118:22, 23], 'The stone that the builders rejected is the one that has become the chief cornerstone. From Jehovah this has come to be, and it is marvelous in our eyes"' This is why I say to you, The Kingdom of god will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits. Also, the person falling upon this stone will be shattered. As for anyone upon whom it falls, it will pulverize him."
The scribes and chief priests now recognize that Jesus is speaking about them, and they want to kill him, the rightful "heir." So the privilege of being rulers of God's Kingdom will be taken away from them as a nation, and a new nation of "vineyard cultivators will be created, one that will produce suitable fruits.
Because the religious leaders fear the crowds, who consider Jesus a prophet, they do not try to kill him on this occasion. Matthew 21:28-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19; Isaiah 5:1-7.
Next time: Illustration Of The Marriage Feast
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.30.2009
Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
JESUS is at the temple. He has just confounded the religious leaders who demanded to know by whose authority he was doing things. Before they recover from their confusion, Jesus asks: "What do you think?" And then by means of an illustration, he shows them what kind of persons they really are.
"A man had two children," Jesus relates. "Going up to the first, he said, 'Child, go work today in the vineyard.' In answer this one said, 'I will sir,' but did not go out. Approaching the second, he said the same. In reply this one said, 'I will not.' Afterwards he felt regret and went out. Which of the two did the will of his father?" Jesus asks. "The latter, his opponents answer.
So Jesus explains: "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the harlots are going ahead of you into the kingdom of God." The tax collectors and the harlots, in effect, initially refused to serve God." But then, like the second child, they repented and did serve him. On the other hand, the religious leaders, like the first child, professed to serve God, yet, as Jesus notes: "John [the Baptizer] came to you in a way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and the harlots believed him, and you, although you saw this, did not feel regret afterwards so as to believe him."
Jesus next shows that the failure of those religious leaders is not simply in neglecting to serve God. No, but they are actually evil, wicked men. "There was a man, a householder," Jesus relates, "who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and erected a tower, and let it out to cultivators, and traveled abroad. When the season of the fruits came around, he dispatched his slaves to the cultivators to get his fruits. However, the cultivators took his slaves, and one they beat p, another they killed, another they stoned. Again he dispatched other slaves, more than the first, but they did the same to these."
The "slaves" are the prophets that the "householder," Jehovah God, sent to "the cultivators" of his vineyard." These cultivators are leading representatives of the nation of Israel, which nation the Bible identifies as God's "vineyard."
Next time: Conclusion of Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
"A man had two children," Jesus relates. "Going up to the first, he said, 'Child, go work today in the vineyard.' In answer this one said, 'I will sir,' but did not go out. Approaching the second, he said the same. In reply this one said, 'I will not.' Afterwards he felt regret and went out. Which of the two did the will of his father?" Jesus asks. "The latter, his opponents answer.
So Jesus explains: "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the harlots are going ahead of you into the kingdom of God." The tax collectors and the harlots, in effect, initially refused to serve God." But then, like the second child, they repented and did serve him. On the other hand, the religious leaders, like the first child, professed to serve God, yet, as Jesus notes: "John [the Baptizer] came to you in a way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and the harlots believed him, and you, although you saw this, did not feel regret afterwards so as to believe him."
Jesus next shows that the failure of those religious leaders is not simply in neglecting to serve God. No, but they are actually evil, wicked men. "There was a man, a householder," Jesus relates, "who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and erected a tower, and let it out to cultivators, and traveled abroad. When the season of the fruits came around, he dispatched his slaves to the cultivators to get his fruits. However, the cultivators took his slaves, and one they beat p, another they killed, another they stoned. Again he dispatched other slaves, more than the first, but they did the same to these."
The "slaves" are the prophets that the "householder," Jehovah God, sent to "the cultivators" of his vineyard." These cultivators are leading representatives of the nation of Israel, which nation the Bible identifies as God's "vineyard."
Next time: Conclusion of Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.29.2009
Conclusion Of Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The nation of Israel, like this fig tree, has a deceptive appearance. Although the nation is in a covenant relationship with God and my outwardly appear to observe his regulations, it has p roved to be without faith, barren of good fruitage. Because of lack of faith, it is even in the process of rejecting God's own Son! Hence, by causing the unproductive fig tree to wither, Jesus is graphically demonstrating what the end result will be for this fruitless, faithless nation.
Shortly, Jesus and his disciples enter Jerusalem, and as is their custom, they go to the temple, where Jesus begins teaching. The chief priests and older men of the people, no doubt having in mind Jesus' action the previous against the money changers, challenge him: "By what authority do you do these things? And who gave you the authority?" In reply Jesus says: "I, also, will ask you one thing. If you tell it to me, I also will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism by John, from what source was it? From heaven or from men?"
The priests and older men begin consulting among themselves as to how they will answer. "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why, then, did you not believe him? If, though, we say, 'From men,' we have the crowd to fear, for they all hold John as a prophet."
The leaders do not know what to answer. So they reply to Jesus: "We do not know." Jesus in turn says: "Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things." Matthew 21:19-27; Mark 11:19-33; Luke 20:1-8.
Next time: Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Shortly, Jesus and his disciples enter Jerusalem, and as is their custom, they go to the temple, where Jesus begins teaching. The chief priests and older men of the people, no doubt having in mind Jesus' action the previous against the money changers, challenge him: "By what authority do you do these things? And who gave you the authority?" In reply Jesus says: "I, also, will ask you one thing. If you tell it to me, I also will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism by John, from what source was it? From heaven or from men?"
The priests and older men begin consulting among themselves as to how they will answer. "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why, then, did you not believe him? If, though, we say, 'From men,' we have the crowd to fear, for they all hold John as a prophet."
The leaders do not know what to answer. So they reply to Jesus: "We do not know." Jesus in turn says: "Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things." Matthew 21:19-27; Mark 11:19-33; Luke 20:1-8.
Next time: Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.28.2009
Beginning Of A Crucial Day
WHEN Jesus leaves Jerusalem on Monday evening, he returns to Bethany on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Two days of his final ministry in Jerusalem have been completed. Jesus no doubt again spends the night at his friend Lazarus. Since arriving from Jericho on Friday, this is the fourth night he has spent in Bethany.
Now early Tuesday morning, Nisan 11, he and his disciples are on the road again. This proves to be a crucial day of Jesus' ministry, the busiest thus far. It is the last day he appears in the temple. And it is the last day of his public ministry before his trial and execution.
Jesus and his disciples take the same route over Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem. Along that road from Bethany, Peter notices the tree Jesus cursed the previous morning. "Rabbi, see!" He exclaims, "the fig tree that you cursed has withered up."
But why did Jesus kill the tree? He indicates why when he goes on to say: "Truly I say to you, if only you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what I did to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain [the Mount of Olives on which they are standing]. 'Be lifted up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. and all the things you ask in prayer, having faith, you will receive.
So by causing the tree to wither, Jesus is providing for his disciples an object lesson on their need to have faith in God. As he states: "All the things you pray and ask for have faith that you have practically received, and you will have them." What an important lesson for them to learn, especially in vies of the awesome tests that are soon to come! Yet, there is another connection between the withering of the fig tree and the quality of faith.
Next time: Conclusion of Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Now early Tuesday morning, Nisan 11, he and his disciples are on the road again. This proves to be a crucial day of Jesus' ministry, the busiest thus far. It is the last day he appears in the temple. And it is the last day of his public ministry before his trial and execution.
Jesus and his disciples take the same route over Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem. Along that road from Bethany, Peter notices the tree Jesus cursed the previous morning. "Rabbi, see!" He exclaims, "the fig tree that you cursed has withered up."
But why did Jesus kill the tree? He indicates why when he goes on to say: "Truly I say to you, if only you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what I did to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain [the Mount of Olives on which they are standing]. 'Be lifted up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. and all the things you ask in prayer, having faith, you will receive.
So by causing the tree to wither, Jesus is providing for his disciples an object lesson on their need to have faith in God. As he states: "All the things you pray and ask for have faith that you have practically received, and you will have them." What an important lesson for them to learn, especially in vies of the awesome tests that are soon to come! Yet, there is another connection between the withering of the fig tree and the quality of faith.
Next time: Conclusion of Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.27.2009
Conclusion of God's Voice Heard A Third Time
The Jew's lack of faith in Jesus fulfills the words of Isaiah about the 'eyes of people being blinded and their hearts being hardened so that they do not turn around to be healed.' Isaiah saw in vision the heavenly courts of Jehovah, including Jesus in his prehuman glory along with Jehovah. Yet, the Jews, in fulfillment of what Isaiah wrote, stubbornly reject the evidence that this One is their promised Deliverer.
On the other hand, many even of the rulers (evidently members of the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin) actually put faith in Jesus. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are two of these rulers. But the rulers, at least for the present, fail to declare their faith, for fear of being expelled from their positions in the synagogue. How much such ones miss out on!
Jesus goes on to note: "He that puts faith in me puts faith, not in me only, but in him that also sent me. . . but if anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world. . .The word that I have spoken is what will judge him in the last day."
Jehovah's love for the world of mankind moved him to send Jesus so that those who put faith in him might be saved. Whether people are saved will be determined by whether they obey the things God instructed Jesus to speak. The judgment will take place "in the last day," during Christ's Thousand Year Reign.
Jesus concludes by saying: "I have not spoken out of my own impulse, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a commandment as to what to tell and what to speak. Also, I know that his commandment means everlasting life. Therefore the things I speak, just as the Father has told me them, so I speak them." John 12:28-50; 19:38, 39; Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Isaiah 6:1, 8:10.
Next time:Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
On the other hand, many even of the rulers (evidently members of the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin) actually put faith in Jesus. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are two of these rulers. But the rulers, at least for the present, fail to declare their faith, for fear of being expelled from their positions in the synagogue. How much such ones miss out on!
Jesus goes on to note: "He that puts faith in me puts faith, not in me only, but in him that also sent me. . . but if anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world. . .The word that I have spoken is what will judge him in the last day."
Jehovah's love for the world of mankind moved him to send Jesus so that those who put faith in him might be saved. Whether people are saved will be determined by whether they obey the things God instructed Jesus to speak. The judgment will take place "in the last day," during Christ's Thousand Year Reign.
Jesus concludes by saying: "I have not spoken out of my own impulse, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a commandment as to what to tell and what to speak. Also, I know that his commandment means everlasting life. Therefore the things I speak, just as the Father has told me them, so I speak them." John 12:28-50; 19:38, 39; Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Isaiah 6:1, 8:10.
Next time:Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.26.2009
God's Voice Heard A Third Time
WHILE at the temple, Jesus has been agonizing over the death that he soon must face. His main concern is now his Father's reputation will be affected, so he prays: "Father, glorify your name." At that, a mighty voice comes from the heavens proclaiming: "I both glorified it and will glorify it again."
The crowd standing around are bewildered. "An angel has spoken to him," some begin to say. Others claim that it thundered. But, indeed, it is Jehovah God who spoke! This, however, is not the first time God's voice was heard in connection with Jesus. At Jesus' baptism three and half years earlier, John the Baptizer heard God say of Jesus: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." Then sometime after the previous Passover, when Jesus was transfigured before them, James, John and Peter heard God declare: "This is my Son the beloved, whom I have approved; listen to him." And now for the third time, on Nisan 10, four days before Jesus' death, God's voice is again heard by men. But this time Jehovah speaks so that multitudes can hear!
Jesus explains: "This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes." It provides proof that Jesus is indeed God's Son, the promised Messiah. "Now there is a judging of this world," Jesus continues, "now the ruler of this world will be cast out." Jesus' faithful life course, in effect, confirms that Satan the Devil, the ruler of this world, deserves to be "cast out," executed.
Pointing to the consequences of his approaching death, Jesus says: "And yet I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw men of all sorts to me." His death is in no way a defeat, for by means of it, he will draw others to himself so that they may enjoy everlasting life. But the crowd protests: "We heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever; and how is it you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man."
Despite all the evidence, including hearing God's own voice, most do not believe that Jesus is the true Son of man, the promised Messiah. Yet, as he did six months earlier at the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus again speaks of himself as "The light" and encourages his listeners: "While you have the light, exercise faith in the light, in order to become sons of light." After saying these things, Jesus goes off and hides, evidently because his life is in danger.
Next time: Conclusion of God's Voice Is Heard A Third Time
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
The crowd standing around are bewildered. "An angel has spoken to him," some begin to say. Others claim that it thundered. But, indeed, it is Jehovah God who spoke! This, however, is not the first time God's voice was heard in connection with Jesus. At Jesus' baptism three and half years earlier, John the Baptizer heard God say of Jesus: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." Then sometime after the previous Passover, when Jesus was transfigured before them, James, John and Peter heard God declare: "This is my Son the beloved, whom I have approved; listen to him." And now for the third time, on Nisan 10, four days before Jesus' death, God's voice is again heard by men. But this time Jehovah speaks so that multitudes can hear!
Jesus explains: "This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes." It provides proof that Jesus is indeed God's Son, the promised Messiah. "Now there is a judging of this world," Jesus continues, "now the ruler of this world will be cast out." Jesus' faithful life course, in effect, confirms that Satan the Devil, the ruler of this world, deserves to be "cast out," executed.
Pointing to the consequences of his approaching death, Jesus says: "And yet I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw men of all sorts to me." His death is in no way a defeat, for by means of it, he will draw others to himself so that they may enjoy everlasting life. But the crowd protests: "We heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever; and how is it you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man."
Despite all the evidence, including hearing God's own voice, most do not believe that Jesus is the true Son of man, the promised Messiah. Yet, as he did six months earlier at the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus again speaks of himself as "The light" and encourages his listeners: "While you have the light, exercise faith in the light, in order to become sons of light." After saying these things, Jesus goes off and hides, evidently because his life is in danger.
Next time: Conclusion of God's Voice Is Heard A Third Time
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.25.2009
Conclusion of Visiting The Temple Again
Jesus knows he has only a few days of life left, so he nicely illustrates his situation: "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Most truly I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just one grain; but if it dies, it then bears much fruit."
One grain of wheat has little value. Yet, what if it is put into the soil and "dies," ending its life as a seed? It then germinates and in time grows into a stalk that produces many, many grains of wheat. Similarly, Jesus is just one perfect man. But if he dies faithful to God, he becomes the means of imparting everlasting life to faithful ones who have the same spirit of self-sacrifice that he has. Thus, Jesus says: "He that is fond of his soul destroys it, but he that hates his soul in this world will safeguard it for everlasting life."
Jesus obviously is not thinking only of himself, for he next explains: "If anyone would minister to me, let him follow me, and where I am there my minister will be also. If anyone would minister to me, the Father will honor him." What a marvelous reward for following Jesus and ministering to him! It is the reward of being honored by the Father to associate with Christ in the Kingdom.
Thinking about the great suffering and agonizing death that awaits him, Jesus continues: "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me out of this hour." If what awaits him could only be avoided! But, no, as he says: "This is why I have come to this hour." Jesus is in agreement with the entire arrangement of God, including his own sacrificial death. Matthew 12:12, 13, 18, 19: Mark 11:12-18; Luke 19:45-48; John 12:20-27.
Next time: God's Voice Heard A Third Time
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
One grain of wheat has little value. Yet, what if it is put into the soil and "dies," ending its life as a seed? It then germinates and in time grows into a stalk that produces many, many grains of wheat. Similarly, Jesus is just one perfect man. But if he dies faithful to God, he becomes the means of imparting everlasting life to faithful ones who have the same spirit of self-sacrifice that he has. Thus, Jesus says: "He that is fond of his soul destroys it, but he that hates his soul in this world will safeguard it for everlasting life."
Jesus obviously is not thinking only of himself, for he next explains: "If anyone would minister to me, let him follow me, and where I am there my minister will be also. If anyone would minister to me, the Father will honor him." What a marvelous reward for following Jesus and ministering to him! It is the reward of being honored by the Father to associate with Christ in the Kingdom.
Thinking about the great suffering and agonizing death that awaits him, Jesus continues: "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me out of this hour." If what awaits him could only be avoided! But, no, as he says: "This is why I have come to this hour." Jesus is in agreement with the entire arrangement of God, including his own sacrificial death. Matthew 12:12, 13, 18, 19: Mark 11:12-18; Luke 19:45-48; John 12:20-27.
Next time: God's Voice Heard A Third Time
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.24.2009
Visiting The Temple Again
JESUS and his disciples have just spent their third night in Bethany since arriving from Jericho. Now the early morning light of Monday, Nisan 10, finds them already on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus is hungry. So when he catches sight of a fig tree with leaves, he goes over to it to see whether it might have some figs. The tree's leaves are unseasonably early, since the season for figs is not until June, and it is now only late March. However, Jesus evidently feels that since the leaves are early, the figs might also be early. But he is disappointed. The leaves have given the tree a deceptive appearance. Jesus then curses the tree, saying: "Let no one eat fruit from you anymore forever." The consequences of Jesus' action and it significance are learned the following morning.
Continuing on, Jesus and his disciples soon reach Jerusalem. He goes to the temple, which he had inspected the previous afternoon. Today, however, he takes action, just as he did three years earlier when he came to the Passover of 30 C.E. Jesus throws out those selling and buying in the temple and overturns the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. He does not even allow anyone to carry a utensil through the temple.
Condemning those who are changing money and selling animals in the temple, he says: "Is it not written, "My house will will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?" But you have made it a cave of robbers." they are robbers because they demand exorbitant prices from those who have little alternative but to buy from them the animals needed for sacrifice. So Jesus views these business dealings as a form of extortion or robbery.
When the chief priests, scribes and principal ones of the people hear what Jesus has done, they again seek a way to have him killed. They thereby prove that they are irreformable. Yet, they do not know how to destroy Jesus, since all the people keep hanging on to him to hear him.
Besides natural Jews, Gentiles have also come to the Passover. These are proselytes, meaning they have converted to the religion of the Jews. Certain Greeks, evidently proselytes, now approach Philip and ask to see Jesus. Philip goes to Andrew, perhaps to ask whether such a meeting would be appropriate. Jesus is apparently still at the temple where the Greeks are able to see him.
Next time: Conclusion of Visiting The Temple Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Continuing on, Jesus and his disciples soon reach Jerusalem. He goes to the temple, which he had inspected the previous afternoon. Today, however, he takes action, just as he did three years earlier when he came to the Passover of 30 C.E. Jesus throws out those selling and buying in the temple and overturns the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. He does not even allow anyone to carry a utensil through the temple.
Condemning those who are changing money and selling animals in the temple, he says: "Is it not written, "My house will will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?" But you have made it a cave of robbers." they are robbers because they demand exorbitant prices from those who have little alternative but to buy from them the animals needed for sacrifice. So Jesus views these business dealings as a form of extortion or robbery.
When the chief priests, scribes and principal ones of the people hear what Jesus has done, they again seek a way to have him killed. They thereby prove that they are irreformable. Yet, they do not know how to destroy Jesus, since all the people keep hanging on to him to hear him.
Besides natural Jews, Gentiles have also come to the Passover. These are proselytes, meaning they have converted to the religion of the Jews. Certain Greeks, evidently proselytes, now approach Philip and ask to see Jesus. Philip goes to Andrew, perhaps to ask whether such a meeting would be appropriate. Jesus is apparently still at the temple where the Greeks are able to see him.
Next time: Conclusion of Visiting The Temple Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.23.2009
Conclusion of Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
As Jesus draws close to Jerusalem, he views the city and begins to weep over it, saying: "If you, even you, had discerned in this day the things having to do with peace-but now they have been hid from your eyes." for her willful disobedience, Jerusalem must pay the price, as Jesus foretells: "Your enemies [the Romans under General Titus] will build around you a fortification with pointed stakes and will encircle you and distress you from every side, and they will dash you and your children within you to the ground, and they will not leave a stone upon stone in your." This destruction of Jerusalem foretold by Jesus actually occurs 37 years later, in the year 70 C.E.
Just a few weeks earlier, many in the crowd had seen Jesus resurrect Lazarus. Now these keep telling others about the miracle. So when Jesus enters Jerusalem, the whole city is set in commotion. "Who is this?" People want to know. And the crowds keep telling: "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee!" Seeing what is happening, the Pharisees lament that they are getting absolutely nowhere, for, as they say: "The world has gone after him."
As in his custom on visits to Jerusalem, Jesus goes to the temple to teach. There the blind and the lame come to him, and he cures them! When the chief priests and the scribes see the marvelous things Jesus is doing and when they hear the boys in the temple crying out, "Save, we pray, the Son of David!" They become angry. "Do you hear what these are saying?" They protest. "Yes," Jesus replies: "Did you never read this, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have furnished praise?' "
Jesus continues teaching, and he looks around upon all things in the temple. Soon it is too late. So he leaves, along with the 12, and travels back the two miles or so to Bethany. There he spends Sunday night, probably in the home of his friend Lazarus. Matthew 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9.
Next time: Visiting The Temple Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Just a few weeks earlier, many in the crowd had seen Jesus resurrect Lazarus. Now these keep telling others about the miracle. So when Jesus enters Jerusalem, the whole city is set in commotion. "Who is this?" People want to know. And the crowds keep telling: "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee!" Seeing what is happening, the Pharisees lament that they are getting absolutely nowhere, for, as they say: "The world has gone after him."
As in his custom on visits to Jerusalem, Jesus goes to the temple to teach. There the blind and the lame come to him, and he cures them! When the chief priests and the scribes see the marvelous things Jesus is doing and when they hear the boys in the temple crying out, "Save, we pray, the Son of David!" They become angry. "Do you hear what these are saying?" They protest. "Yes," Jesus replies: "Did you never read this, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have furnished praise?' "
Jesus continues teaching, and he looks around upon all things in the temple. Soon it is too late. So he leaves, along with the 12, and travels back the two miles or so to Bethany. There he spends Sunday night, probably in the home of his friend Lazarus. Matthew 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9.
Next time: Visiting The Temple Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
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