This chapter has a number of accounts including ‘Palm Sunday’, Jesus cleansing the temple, Him cursing a fig tree, and His continued dealings with the priests / elders of Israel.
” ‘For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him… Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.’ ” (v32,43-44)
Jesus, speaking specifically to the elders and priests of Israel, has some discussion about sources of authority and then tells two parables that highlight their disobedience / disrespect to God. In these parables he likens these people to disbelieving, disobedient sons / tenants who do not honor their father / landlord (ie. God) and wrongfully put the landlord’s son (ie. Jesus) to death. The Israelite authorities are obviously angered by this and desire to kill Jesus, blindly fulfilling prophesy.
This chapter reminds me “…that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rm 8:28) The authorities who sought Jesus’ death were part of God’s plan and purpose. This also reminds me of Joseph’s comment to his brothers ” ‘As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.’ ” (Gen 50:20)
God miraculously brings good out of evil, healing out of pain, joy out of sorrow, gain out of loss, love out of hatred, strength out of struggle, blessing out of cursing, and the list goes on. Let’s praise God for who He is, and the amazing ways in which He works, bringing blessing out of the most horrific situations.
Father God, our Omnipotent and Omniscient Sovereign Lord, Your works are mighty and beyond compare. We praise You for the countless blessings You bestow, and the amazing ways in which You work. May we honor and glorify You for Your mighty deeds, and spread the gospel message to all who will listen, knowing that our obedience is also part of Your plan. May we serve You continuously and obediently, from this day forward, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training