That Tuesday

Like the two previous days, Tuesday of Passion Week was very busy, but in somewhat a different fashion.  Sunday was largely about the entrance into Jerusalem and Jesus presenting Himself in the temple along with teachings and healings.  Monday was full of healings and teachings along with anger and discouragement.  Tuesday was largely marked by confrontations.

Returning to the temple Tuesday, the fig tree, cursed the day before as it bore no fruit, was dried up from the roots causing the disciples to marvel (Mark 11:20).  Back on the temple grounds, Jesus found the various Jewish sects lying in wait for Him – not surprising and even necessary if He was to be declared flawless.  They all in looking for Him had found some unity with other sects as they all stood in opposition to Jesus as He threatened their very existence.  If He was successful, either Rome would crush all of them or Jesus would take the reins of power.  He had to be stopped so the common enemy created some unity.

The Pharisees with elders, chief priests, and scribes (the Sanhedrin) came asking Jesus about the source of His authority (Matthew 21:23).  Raising people from the dead, healing the blind and lepers, and walking on water did not matter – rather, did He have the right “license”?  The correct “permits”?

He retorted with two parables.  One was of a father with two sons.  One son was vocally compliant yet disobedient while the other was feisty yet obedient (Matthew 21:28).  The second parable was of the owner of a vineyard who entrusted his property to tenants.  When it came collection time, the tenants killed those coming to collect including the owner’s son.  Jesus asked the leaders what the owner might do.  They understood He was talking of them – they just didn’t understand what He meant.

Jesus then quoted from the Egyptian Hallel (Psalm 113-118) that tells of a rejected stone exalted by God and becoming the cause of destruction or change in others (Matthew 21:42).  The leaders, reeling with greater anger, sought a way to take Him but the crowds were too immense and engaged.  He told another parable about a father putting on a wedding feast for his son but those invited were filled with excuses to not attend (Matthew 22:1).  The father then went to street people and filled the wedding feast.  The initial challengers faded and other Jewish sects stepped up.

The Pharisees came with the Herodians asking about paying taxes to Rome (Matthew 22:15).  Jesus, using a coin, told them to give Rome its due and God His due.  Then came the Sadducees asking about marriage after the resurrection (Mt 22:23).  Lastly, the Pharisees sent a Scribe/lawyer to question Jesus about priorities in the Law (Mt 22:34) – which would He say were the weightier?  He replied with love God fully and love your neighbor as self.  Jesus asked the Pharisees how David could call the Messiah, his son, “Lord” (Mt 22:45) and seated by God – thus declaring again that He was deity.  With this, His interrogation came to an end.

Jesus next turned to the crowds and talked about the arrogance of their leadership (Mt 23:3), then turned to the Pharisees and scribes and pronounced seven woes upon them ending with a scathing condemnation (Mt 23:13).  He declared that Jerusalem would be desolate until the Jews will come to say “Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Mt 23:39).  Note, He left a window for a future restoration.

Jesus moved into the Court of the Women where there were boxes in each corner to receive tithes and offerings.  He noted a widow putting in a pittance and remarked that she gave vastly more than did the rich (Mark 12:41).  Jesus took note of what she kept – not what she gave.

As they left the city later that afternoon, the disciples commented about the temple complex to which Jesus declared that it was going to be completely dismantled.  What??  The confused disciples asked what He meant, so as they sat on the side of the Mt. of Olives looking across the valley at the temple, He talked about future events culminating in His second coming (Matthew 24).  He told two more parables (Matthew 25), one about ten virgins desiring to join a wedding party but only five were ready when the call came.  And another about three given talents and the one who did nothing and was rejected.

That evening Jesus had a meal with one named Simon, who had apparently once been a leper.  There a woman poured costly perfume on His head which caused indignation from His men saying it was money that could have blessed the poor.  Jesus had to refute His own (Matthew 26:6).  Ugh!