The conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus started to intensify in chapter 21. Jesus used object lesson (The fig tree withers 21:18-19) and parables (21:28-32; 33-46) to show the nation Israel is rejecting their king. The penalty of this rejection is “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.” (Mat 21:43) The phrase “a people producing its fruits” can refer to a people other than Israel (i.e. the Gentiles). People who take this interpretation believe the Church is the new Israel today. However, Paul in Romans 11:1 indicated God had not rejected Israel. Therefore, Matt 21:43 is referring to another generation of Israel. As Paul prophesized in Ro 11:25-29, “all Israel will be saved.” The coming of the kingdom is delayed until the all Israel responses to God in faith.
My sharing: Mat 21:22 “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
is a wonderful promise but I tend to skip over it because it is too amazing to believe. How can we have faith in our prayer? 1Jo 5:14 says, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” The key is to ask according to God’s will.
Comments
After the episode of the rich young man the disciples start to discuss a topic of following Jesus (19:23-20:28). What do they get (19:23-20:16) and Who is the leader (20:20-28). Jesus teaches them that they may not like what the way God gives to others who follows Jesus after them 20:13-16. However, Jesus is the one who decides. Jesus also told them the way to decide who is qualified to be the leaders is different than what the way of the world v.25-28. Why are the rules and ways of Jesus so different? In between these 2 passages we skip one short section 20:17-19. Jesus is the example of following God. He is going to die and sacrifice for us. He does not get what He deserves and He serves us not as a servant. He is the reason why we serve this way.
Toby