"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