Chapter 4.

Holy Tuesday Morning

At the Temple

 

 

Jesus Returned To the Fig Tree.

 

As the sun rose on April 2, A.D. 30, Jesus led His men from Bethany to the Temple in Jerusalem.  In about 27 hours, He would be nailed to the Cross.  Still, He had much to say.

 

 

 

Jesus Taught,

“Pray With Confidence.”

 

As the team passed by the tree Jesus had cursed on Monday morning, Peter remarked, “It’s withered away to its roots!”   And, Jesus reminded His Apostles of the rule He had voiced on Monday morning, “Pray in faith with no doubt in your heart and you will receive what you desire.” 

... in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  (Mark 11:20-24)

Then, Jesus added another rule for effective praying.

... when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have  ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. 

(Mark 11:25-26)

 

 

 

Jesus Was Confronted

By His Enemies.

 

When Jesus entered the Temple, He surveyed an impressive array of priests and scribes and elders and soldiers.  The chief priests were determined to keep their sacrifice-animal market open.  On their orders, it was secured by a well-armed band of Temple guards.  The rulers were in a quandary.  They wanted to arrest Jesus and have Him put to death, but they feared the crowds that adored Him. 

 

Jesus walked on toward another corner of the Temple complex, teaching as He went.

... they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?  (Mark 11:27-28)

Matthew relates ...

... when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?  (Matthew 21:23)

And, Luke remarks ...

... it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?  (Luke 20:1-2)

 

They hoped that Jesus would say something that would lead to His death.  Perhaps, He would claim to be a king.  Then, they would take Him to Pilate, the Roman governor, and have Him executed for challenging the reign of Caesar.  Or perhaps, He would say something that angered His Temple audience.  Then, the rulers  would incite the crowd till it stoned Jesus.  They wanted Him dead!

 

But, Jesus was not ready to die.  Not yet!  He had many things to say and do that day.  He knew they would have Him on the Cross the next day, but, that day, He forestalled them. 

... Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.  (Mark 11:29)

Matthew affirms ...

... Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.  (Matthew 21:24)

And, Luke says ...

... he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me ...  (Luke 20:3)

 

Jesus asked them ...

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.  (Mark 11:30)

Matthew phrases the question this way ...

The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?  (Matthew 21:25a)

And, Luke has it this way ...

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?  (Luke 20:4)

 

That question befuddled Jesus’ adversaries.

... they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. 

(Mark 11:31-33)

Matthew discloses ...

... they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

(Matthew 21:25b-27)

And, Luke states ...

... they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.  (Luke 20:5-8)

 

Having stymied His enemies, Jesus returned to proclaiming the Gospel.  Though the elite Jewish leaders departed, they left behind many spies.  They hoped Jesus would say something heretical or something against Caesar.  Then, they would seek His death.  Knowing He was a day away from the Cross, Jesus was bold.  Much of what He said pointed an accusing finger at the rulers of Israel.

 

 

 

Jesus Told the

Parable Of Two Sons.

 

Jesus launched a strong attack on the corruption He saw in Israel.  He told the story of a father who asked each of his two sons to work in his vineyard.  Jesus used the phrase “work in my vineyard” as an allegory for “doing the Lord’s work of preaching the Gospel and saving souls”.  The “lost” son, in the parable,  represented the wicked leaders of Israel.  He promised to work in the vineyard, but never did.   The leaders of Israel claimed to be doing the Lord’s work, but didn’t.  The father’s “saved” son represented those who, at first, refused to work in the vineyard but, later, repented and did.  Jesus knew that those in His audience who would behave like the “saved” son would quickly join the New Testament Church that would form after His Resurrection.  Matthew begins his notes with Jesus asking ...

... what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.  (Matthew  21:28-32)

 

 

 

Jesus Told the

Parable Of the Murderous Sharecroppers.

 

Next, Jesus presented a parable that compared His enemies to some murderous men.  It was not just a   story.  It was, also, a prophecy.

 

In the parable, wicked men are hired to operate a vineyard, but they refuse to give the lord of the property his share of its fruit.  Instead, these husbandmen use the production of the vineyard to enrich themselves.  They abuse, injure or kill every agent the lord sends to them.  Exasperated, the lord sends his only son to set things right, and the husbandmen kill him.  Finally, the lord comes and destroys the wicked men and turns the vineyard over to better men.

 

Jesus used this story to convey a prophetic Message.  He implied, “The vineyard is the ‘Promised Land’ God gave to the Jews.  But, the Israelites have refused to honor the Lord and keep His Statutes.  God has sent a series of prophets to set things right, but they have been abused, injured or killed by the Jews.  Finally, God has sent Me, His Son, and the wicked rulers of Israel will kill Me.  Therefore, God will destroy Israel and turn His work over to a new entity, the New Testament Church.”

 

As the parable begins, the owner is developing his  vineyard.

... he [Jesus] began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. 

(Mark 12:1)

Matthew states ...

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:  (Matthew 21:33)

And, Luke says ...

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.  (Luke 20:9)

 

At the time of harvest, the lord sent for His share of the production of the vineyard.

... at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. 

(Mark 12:2-3)

And, Luke remarks ...

... at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.  (Luke 20:10)

 

The lord sent another servant.

... again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. 

(Mark 12:4)

And, Luke relates ...

... again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.  (Luke 20:11)

 

The lord tried again.

... again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.  (Luke 20:12)

 

Matthew summarizes the lord’s efforts.

... when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.  (Matthew 21:34-35)

 

The lord continued his efforts.

... again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.  (Mark 12:5)

Matthew says ...

Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.  (Matthew 21:36)

 

Finally, the lord sent his only son.

Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.  But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.  (Mark 12:6-8)

Matthew discloses ...

... last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.  (Matthew 21:37-39)

And, Luke says ...

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him. But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him.  (Luke 20:13-15a)

 

In this parable, Jesus asked, “What will the lord do to the husbandmen when he comes to his vineyard?”  Or, viewing the parable prophetically, Jesus asked, “What will the Lord do to Israel when He comes in the day of vengeance?”

When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.  (Matthew 21:40-41)

Mark relates ...

What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.  (Mark 12:9)

And, Luke says ...

What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.  (Luke 20:15b-16)

 

Notice.  When His enemies heard this parable, they understood His prophecy.  They knew Jesus was predicting the destruction of Israel.  Ironically, they muttered words that would have been a fitting prayer, but they said them in a blasphemous way, “God forbid!”

 

 

 

Jesus Announced,

“I Am the Capstone.”

 

Next, Jesus had His listeners imagine they were in the distant past, witnessing the building of the Temple.  Pretending to be in that setting, “Jesus points to a huge, beautiful stone that the masons have rejected as they have formed the walls of the Temple.  But, when  they are constructing the most prominent corner of the structure, they decide to place the lovely stone at the head of that corner.”  His Message was this: “Israel is rejecting Me even though I am the Son of God, the most precious Person Israel has engendered.  Therefore, the kingdom of God will be taken from Israel and given to a new entity, the New Testament Church.  The Church will exalt Me and praise Me and worship Me.”  Mark quotes Jesus, saying ...

... have ye not read this scripture (Psalm 118:22); The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 

(Mark 12:10-11)

Matthew remarks ...

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.  (Matthew 21:42-44)

And, Luke says ...

... he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.  (Luke 20:17-18)

 

The spies in Hus audience were shocked by Jesus’ bold assertions.  They quickly informed their masters, “Jesus is predicting the destruction of Israel!”  The phrases, “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth ... fruits” and “Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken,” rattled them.

 

Outrage against Jesus reached a volcanic peak in the courts of the chief priests and elders.  His Temple cleansings, His “insulting” parables, and His
“ridiculous” prophecies made the rulers of Israel bloodthirsty.  They plotted Jesus’ death.

... they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.  (Mark 12:12)

Matthew declares ...

... when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.  (Matthew 21:45-46)

 

 

 

Jesus Condemned Those

Having No Desire To Attend

the “Marriage Feast Of the Lamb”.

 

Many Bible passages speak of a wonderful, future event on God’s calendar, the “Marriage Feast of the Lamb”.  Probably, it will occur immediately after Judgment Day.  By then, all the saved souls of all times will have been identified.  These believers, known by many, beautiful names ... “The Children of Abraham By Faith”, “Spiritual Israel”, “The Church”, etcetera ... will be married to Jesus Christ.  And, forthwith, the “Marriage Feast of the Lamb” will ensue.  Here, “married” means “permanently joined” to Christ. 

 

With this event in mind ...

... Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 

(Matthew 22:1-7)

 

Again, Jesus pointed an accusing finger at the unbelievers in Israel.  The Jews were God’s chosen people.  They were invited to the Marriage Feast.  Any one of them who trusted in God was eligible to attend it.  But, many of them made light of God, refused to honor Him, and even, killed the prophets God sent to show them the way to Heaven. “Therefore,” Jesus predicted, “God will destroy them and burn up their city, Jerusalem.”

 

Matthew continues ...

Then saith he [the king] to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.  (Matthew 22:8-10)

 

Prophetically, Jesus indicated that since the Jews had failed to evangelize the world and furnish the Marriage Feast with enough guests, God would turn that effort over to a new organization, the New Testament Church.  They would find guests for the wedding celebration. 

 

Matthew continues ...

... when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen. 

(Matthew 22:11-14)

Often, the Scriptures call the righteousness of a  believer his “garment of righteousness”.  Any soul pretending to belong to the fellowship of the saints who is not clothed in righteousness will be excluded from the “Marriage Feast of the Lamb”.

 

 

 

Jesus’ Enemies Were Aflame

With Hatred.

 

While Jesus taught in the Temple, His adversaries were scheming.  Word of His latest, insulting parable was brought to them by their spies.  They smarted.

... the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.  (Luke 20:19)

 

 

 

Jesus’ Enemies Tempted Him

To Repudiate Caesar’s Taxes.

 

Jesus’ enemies reasoned, “If we can get Him to offend the Romans, they will execute Him.”

... they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.  (Mark 12:13-17)

Matthew declares ...

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.  (Matthew 22:15-22)

And, Luke states ...

... they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.  (Luke 20:20-26)

 

 

 

Jesus Disclosed,

“There’s No Marriage In Heaven.”

 

The Sadducees devised a riddle for Jesus.  Since they denied that any resurrection of the dead would ever occur, they were sure their riddle would lampoon Christ’s teachings on that natter.  Thinking their riddle hilarious, they had difficulty voicing it without giggling.  But, it was Jesus who was grinning when He gave them His surprising answer.

Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.  (Mark 12:18-25)

Matthew says ...

The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 

(Matthew 22:23-30)

And, Luke discloses ...

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him, Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? For seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.  (Luke 20:27-36)

 

 

 

Jesus Told the Sadducees,

“There Is Life After Death.”

 

With these riddle-bearing Sadducees standing before Him, Jesus affirmed, “There is life after death.”  Mark says Jesus extended His response to the Sadducees, saying ...

... as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. 

(Mark 12:26-27)

Matthew, also, notes that Jesus continued His answer.

... as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.  (Matthew 22:31-32)

And, Luke quotes Jesus saying ...

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.  For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. 

(Luke 20:37-38)

And, Matthew adds ...

... when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.  (Matthew 22:33)

 

 

 

Jesus Specified the

2 Greatest Commandments.

 

Some of the Pharisees, Sadducees, priests, scribes and elders of Israel were moved by Jesus’ teachings.  Still, they wanted to remain loyal to their traditions.  One of them, pushed forward by his colleagues, apparently with mixed emotions, confronted Jesus.

... one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.  (Mark 12:28-34) 

Matthew describes the encounter this way ...

... when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.  (Matthew 22:34-40)

 

 

 

Jesus Asked, “How Can Messiah Be

a Descendant Of David

And, Also, David’s Lord?”

 

While Jesus had the ear of His enemies, He gave them a Bible quiz that would cause them to ponder Psalm 110.  He knew it would lead some of them into saving faith. 

 

Today, with the help of the New Testament, it’s easy for us to understand Psalm 110.  In this ancient song, David described a prophetic vision.  Looking far into the future, he saw the Throne Room of God at the very moment when Christ Jesus returned to Heaven, having completed His mission on Earth.  In his Psalm, David calls the Father aspect of the Trinity “LORD”, and he calls Christ Jesus “my Lord”.  David heard the “LORD” say to “my Lord”, “Sit at My right hand till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”  The New Testament affirms that this prophetic vision has transpired.  Jesus is sitting at the Father’s right hand.  He is waiting for the moment when He will return to Earth to defeat His enemies at Armageddon, near Jerusalem.

 

Now, many years after David penned his prophecy, the very One he called “my Lord”, came to Earth as baby Jesus, a descendant of David, and eventually, showed Himself to be the Messiah.  So, it is clearly true that David’s “Lord” is one of David’s descendants.  And  today, we can easily answer Jesus’ question, “If David then call him [The Son of God] Lord, how is he [The Son of God] his son?”  The Apostle John, in the opening chapter of his Gospel, gives a crisp answer, “... the Word [The Son of God] was made flesh, and dwelt among us ... (John 1:14)

 

But, for the unbelieving enemies of Jesus, Psalm 110 was confusing.  Matthew says ...

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. 

(Matthew 22:41-46)

Mark relates ...

... Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.  (Mark 12:35-37)

And, Luke remarks ...

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.  And   he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son? And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?  (Luke 20:39-44)

 

 

 

Jesus Advised, “Don’t Do

As the Scribes And Pharisees Do!”

 

Next, Jesus launched into a severe criticism of the scribes and the Pharisees.  We wonder how many of them were in His audience.  Some of them may have accepted His condemnation and repented, but many were incensed.  They concluded, “He must be put to death!”

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.  For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets ...  (Matthew 23:1-7a)

Mark discloses ...

... he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:  (Mark 12:38-39)

And, Luke says ...

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts ... 

(Luke 20:45-46)

 

 

 

Jesus Urged, “Call No Man

Rabbi, Master or Father.

Exalt Christ!”

 

Jesus continued.  The scribes and Pharisees love ...

... to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.  (Matthew 23:7b-12)

 

 

 

Jesus Declared,

“The Scribes and Pharisees Are

Blocking Heaven’s Door.”

 

Jesus said ...

... woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.  (Matthew 23:13)

 

 

 

Jesus Exclaimed, “You Hypocrites

Steal Widows’ Houses

While Pretending Piety!”

 

Jesus declared, “You hypocrites trick widows out of their property and, then, pretend to be holy by making long public prayers.”

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.  (Matthew 23:14)

Mark says “You are they ...

Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.  (Mark 12:40)

And, Luke remarks “You are they ...

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.  (Luke 20:47)

 

 

 

Jesus Charged, “You Hypocrites,

When You Add a Man To Your Party,

You Damn Him!”

 

Jesus said ...

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.  (Matthew 23:15)

 

 

 

Jesus Declared,

“You Blind Guides Have Invented

Foolish Rules Concerning Vows.”

 

Matthew says ...

Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. 

(Matthew 23:16-22)

 

 

 

Jesus Charged,

“You Scribes And Pharisees

Strain Out a Gnat And

Swallow a Camel.”

 

Jesus declared ...

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.  (Matthew 23:23-24)

 

 

 

Jesus Exclaimed,

“You Hypocrites Strive To Appear Holy,

But Inside You’re Filthy!”

 

Jesus said ...

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.  (Matthew 23:25-28)

 

 

 

Jesus Said, “Just As

Your Fathers Killed the Prophets,

You Will Kill Those I Send!”

 

Jesus asserted ...

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Therefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.  (Matthew 23:29-36)

 

 

 

With Intense Emotion,

Jesus Lamented the

Impending Doom of Jerusalem.

 

Jesus foresaw the destruction of the city by the Romans, the dispersion of the Jews into all the world, and even, His far distant return to Jerusalem to rule over the whole Earth.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.  (Matthew 23:37-39)

 

 

 

Jesus Praised a Poor Widow

Who Cast Her Last 2 Coins

Into the Temple Treasury.

 

Jesus moved to the Temple room that housed the treasury.  He wanted His disciples to learn a lesson about giving.

... Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. 

(Mark 12:41-44)

Luke says ...

... he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.  (Luke 21:1-4)

 

 

 

Jesus Predicted,

“Soon, This Temple Complex

Will Be Destroyed.”

 

Jesus moved out of the Temple.  As He walked to the Mount of Olives, He told His disciples about the judgment that was to come upon Jerusalem.

... as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 

(Mark 13:1-2)

Matthew states ...

... Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 

(Matthew 24:1-2)

And, Luke declares ...

... as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.  (Luke 21:5-6)