Author Archives: Don Merritt

Matthew 22:1-14 This is the third of the three parables that Jesus delivers to the Jewish religious elite in the scene that began in 21:23… In this parable, unlike the previous two, Jesus begins with ”The Kingdom of heaven is … Continue reading →

Matthew 21:33-46 The second parable that Jesus told the religious leaders is the Parable of the Tenants; we are still in the scene that began in 21:23, which we discussed in Rising Tensions. If you missed that part, for best … Continue reading →

After their first skirmish, Jesus tells the Jewish religious leaders three parables that combine to form a serious indictment of their continual, chronic and habitual refusal to hear God’s truth. If you have not read the previous section I would … Continue reading →

Matthew 21:23-27 It is day 2 in Jerusalem. Jesus arrives at the Temple in the morning, and the Jewish leaders are waiting for Him; they are ready to challenge Him. What they probably didn’t understand, was that they were playing … Continue reading →

Matthew 21:18-22 As I mentioned a couple posts back, Jesus would make three moves that declare His Messianic identity upon His arrival at Jerusalem; the first two were public, His triumphal entry, and His clearing of the Temple. Now we … Continue reading →

Matthew 21:12-17 For the Jews, the Temple in Jerusalem was the center of everything Jewish, the very center of the Jewish people and Nation. It was the embodiment (if I can use that term for a building) of their very … Continue reading →

Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus makes the first move in the rising conflict, actually He makes three moves, two of which are in public, and one in private. All three moves have something in common; He is answering the question “Who do … Continue reading →