Matthew 21:18-32
Q.1. Why did Jesus curse the Figtree? In what way was the Figtree a spiritual barometer of Israel? How did Jesus connect the cursing of the Figtree with prayer potency? – (Mt.21:18-22)
Jesus had become hungry. He looked for fruit from a solitary fig tree. When He found no fruit, He cursed the tree (Mt.21:18-19). His response may seem strange to us, but not to His disciples. His action simply drew attention to the withered tree. It was not any blemish on His own character (Mt.21:20). Jesus had fasted for forty days, and had fed the multitudes, so the cursing of the tree must have been symbolic (Mt.4:2; 14:19-21; 15:36-38). This is even clearer when we consider the context of His clashes with the religious rulers in Jerusalem. All the synoptic Gospel writers included (i) The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. (ii) The cleansing of the temple. (iii) The challenge of the priests and elders of Christ’s authority. (iv) The parable of the two sons. (v) The parable of the landowner. These parables were directed at the failure of Israel as a nation. Though these incidents were reported in a different order, only Matthew and Mark included the cursing of the fig tree. The Lord had come to the religious capital looking for fruit but found none. The cursing of the fig tree gave an opportunity for Jesus to answer the disciples’ question – … How did the fig tree wither all at once? (Mt.21:20). Jesus then laid down a crucial lesson for praying – all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive (Mt.21:22). He suggested that even greater mountains can be moved – if you have faith and do not doubt (Mt.21:21). Mark added Christ’s teaching over a greater miracle – the difficult prayer for extending forgiveness of an offender (Mk.11:25-26).
Q.2. Why did the chief priests and elders question the authority of Jesus? Why did Jesus refuse to give a straight answer? Did the religious leaders respect the authority of John? – (Mt.21:23-27)
Jesus regularly taught in the temple complex, from early in the morning to the evening (Lk.21:37-38). The chief priests and elders were outraged that He had cleansed the temple and were jealous of the excited response of the people (Lk.21:47-48). They questioned who gave Him authority to act as He did (Mt.21:23). Jesus could have given them a straight answer, but He knew that they had already rejected His claims. With great perception, He posed them a question on the authority of the baptism of John the Baptist (Mt.21:25). They were unable to answer Him, because either way they would be incriminated, for – 25 … If we say, From heaven,' He will say to us,Then why did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, `From men,’ we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet (Mt.21:25-26). They had respected neither John nor the prophets (c.f. Mt.21:32; 23:29-35). They answered Jesus – … “We do not know.” He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Mt.21:27).
Q.3. What was the point of Christ’s parable of the two sons? How did the tax collectors and prostitutes respond to John’s call? Why would God accept these lawbreakers? – (Mt.21:28-32)
Matthew alone recalled this parable, which was applicable to His Jewish audience – 28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, Son, go work today in the vineyard.' 29 And he answered,I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, `I will, sir’; but he did not go (Mt.21:28-30). These leaders hid behind their religiosity but did acknowledge that only the obedient son had done his father’s will (Mt.21:31). Jesus then applied a scathing denunciation against them – 31 … Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him (Mt.21:31-32). Not surprisingly, they were enraged against Jesus (Mt.21:45-46).