GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
The Fig Tree and the Elders: Mt 21,18-32
We have seen how this part of the chapter has the theme of faith or believing: verses 21,22,25 & 32. The noun in Greek is pistis, the verb is similar.
The Fig Tree: 21,18-22
How is this incident divided into two parts? Note the similarity with Isaiah, Is 20.
In verse 18, there is no reason given for Jesus' hunger.
Verse 19 then introduces a fig tree. For the importance of figs see, for example, 1 Kings 4,25. For barren fig trees see Jer 8,13 or Is 34,4.
The question is posed in verse 20.
What is the key to Jesus' answer in verse 21? See 14,31.
How is the mountain an image?
For verse 22, see 18,19-20. What word is repeated?
Note the result of Matthew's adaptation of Mark (Mk 11,20-25)
And now turn to my response.
The Chief Priests and Elders: 21,23-32
The first part of this episode is the challenge to the authority of Jesus by the chief priests and elders (21,23-27). This is followed by Jesus' own challenge to their authority with the parable of the two sons (21,28-32). We saw in the overview how one leads into the other (21,28) so that we need to both read together.
Verse 23 echoes verse 12. The chief priests and elders are those who act in 26.3.47.
For the question they ask, see also 7,29.
What is the effect of Jesus' reply in verses 24 & 25.
Consider the dilemma of the chief priests and elders in verses 25-26.
In verse 27 therefore, those who set a trap have fallen into a trap.
In verse 28, Jesus continues speaking with a parable. We noted in the overview that "What do you think?" occurs several times in the Gospel as a connection. For the significance of the vineyard see Isaiah 5, 1-7, as we noted in chapter 20, 20,1.
Who therefore would be the two sons in this parable?
Consider how verse 32 brings all this to a conclusion; look again at verse 25.
Then, look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The parable of the two sons, Mt 21,28-32, is read as the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The heading in italics makes the point of the editors.
The OT reading is a few verses taken from chapter 18 of Ezekiel, Ezk 18,25-28. It is as well to read more of the chapter. What is the message of the prophet? How is this a contrast with Exodus 20,5?
What understanding is given to this Sunday Gospel by this choice of this reading?
We can have look at my response.
And now on to the parable of the tenants in the vineyard, Mt 21,33-46.