Introduction
Teaching and challenges in Jerusalem.
Questions
1. Why couldn't the priests, scribes and elders say where John's authority came from?
v 5 and 6 They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.”
2. What was the reaction of the chief priests and scribes to Jesus' parable of the vineyard?
v 19 and 20 The chief priests and the scribes sought to lay hands on him that very hour, but they feared the people—for they knew he had spoken this parable against them. They watched him and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor.
3. What did Jesus say about those who will rise from the dead?
v 35 and 36 But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. For they can’t die any more, for they are like the angels, and are children of God, ...
Summary Points
- v 1 to 8 Jesus refuses to be drawn into their trap, when the leaders of the Jews demand to know what authority he has for his teaching
- v 9 to 18 Jesus’ parable tells people that, although he is God’s Son, they will reject him and kill him, just as their ancestors have rejected God’s prophets
- v 19 to 26 Getting priorities right
- v 27 to 38 Jesus confirms to the Sadducees (who reject the idea of the resurrection of the dead) that faithful people who have died waiting for the Kingdom of God will be raised and made immortal, like the angels
- v 39 to 47 The scribes are silenced. Jesus asks them a question and condemns their behaviour