Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Up until now Jesus had told people to keep quiet about him being the Messiah and had often withdrawn when the opposition increased but now it was time for Jesus to proclaim who he was.
v.9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Up until now Jesus had told people to keep quiet about him being the Messiah and had often withdrawn when the opposition increased but now it was time for Jesus to proclaim who he was.
v.10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred…
It is believed that Jesus entered Jerusalem through the same gate that people brought the sheep that were going to be sacrificed. Very appropriate for the Lamb of God to enter through this gate.
v.10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred…
It is believed that Jesus entered Jerusalem through the same gate that people brought the sheep that were going to be sacrificed. Very appropriate for the Lamb of God to enter through this gate.
v.11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
(From Constable commentary) “Sir Robert Anderson has shown that the entry of Christ into Jerusalem occurred on the very day that the sixty-ninth week of Daniel's prophecy had run out. This is the exact time in which the Messiah was to come (Daniel 9:25).”
And yet the people saw him as no more than a prophet.
v.11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
(From Constable commentary) “Sir Robert Anderson has shown that the entry of Christ into Jerusalem occurred on the very day that the sixty-ninth week of Daniel's prophecy had run out. This is the exact time in which the Messiah was to come (Daniel 9:25).”
And yet the people saw him as no more than a prophet.
v.16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”
Both Jesus and the religious leaders realized that Jesus was accepting praise meant for only the Messiah.
v.16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”
Both Jesus and the religious leaders realized that Jesus was accepting praise meant for only the Messiah.
v.19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
Jesus used the fig tree as an object lesson. God cares more for people than he does animals (8:31-32) or plant life so it is ok to use them as object lessons.
v.19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
Jesus used the fig tree as an object lesson. God cares more for people than he does animals (8:31-32) or plant life so it is ok to use them as object lessons.
v.22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
(From Constable’s commentary) His point was that when we pray we should believe that God can do anything we request and that He will do what is consistent with His will and what He has promised to do.
v.22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
(From Constable’s commentary) His point was that when we pray we should believe that God can do anything we request and that He will do what is consistent with His will and what He has promised to do.
v.31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.
The first son is like the tax collectors and prostitutes (v.32) they repented after John and Jesus’ ministry. The other son is like the Jewish leaders who said they followed God’s directives but did not.
Our actions are more important than our words.
v.31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.
The first son is like the tax collectors and prostitutes (v.32) they repented after John and Jesus’ ministry. The other son is like the Jewish leaders who said they followed God’s directives but did not.
Our actions are more important than our words.
v.37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.
Why send his son when the tenants have behaved appallingly? Shows the love, mercy and grace of God.
v.37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.
Why send his son when the tenants have behaved appallingly? Shows the love, mercy and grace of God.
v.43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
The kingdom is given to those who will produce its fruit. God expects fruit not just faithfulness. He expects to “see” something in our lives. It’s not about the “show” but about the fruit. The evidence of a changed life.
v.43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
The kingdom is given to those who will produce its fruit. God expects fruit not just faithfulness. He expects to “see” something in our lives. It’s not about the “show” but about the fruit. The evidence of a changed life.