"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"
Chapter Twenty-One
Jesus began His Last Week before His crucifixion with a triumphant entry
into Jerusalem (1-11), followed with dramatic acts like driving the
moneychangers from the temple (12-17) and cursing the barren fig tree
(18-22). His authority was soon challenged (23-27), and in response
Jesus told the parables of the two sons (28-32) and the wicked
vinedressers (33-46), understood by the religious leaders to be directed
toward them.
POINTS TO PONDER
* The significance of the triumphal entry, cleansing the temple,
cursing the fig tree
* The conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The triumphal entry - Mt 21:1-11
- Jesus cleanses the temple - Mt 21:12-17
- Jesus curses the fig tree - Mt 21:18-22
- Jesus’ authority questioned - Mt 21:23-27
- The parable of the two sons - Mt 21:28-32
- The parable of the wicked vinedressers - Mt 21:33-46
2) What prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus’ triumphant entry into
Jerusalem? (4-5)
- The prophecy by Zechariah, Zec 9:9
3) Why was Jesus angry at the merchandising going on in the temple? (13)
- God’s house of prayer had been turned into a den of thieves
4) Why were the religious leaders angry with Jesus? (15)
- For what they saw Jesus doing, and what they heard people saying
5) What might the cursing of the barren fig tree signify? (19)
- The Lord’s displeasure and coming judgment upon Israel’s leaders
6) Where does authority in religion come from? (25)
- Either from heaven (the Word of God) or from men (teachings of men)
7) Who did the two sons in the parable represent? (28-32)
- The first son: tax collectors and harlots who repented at the
preaching of John
- The second son: religious leaders who did not believe John
8) What prophecy foretold that religious leaders would reject Jesus?
(42)
- The one found in Ps 118:22-23