"Matthew 19-23"
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Growing up, most teenagers excitedly prepare for one of the most impactful tests of their lives — the driving test! Some day, hopefully, they'll become skilled and responsible drivers. But as any fearful parent knows, they don't always start that way. In this week's readings, we find Jesus masterfully passing multiple tests, while the religious leaders, and even some disciples, seem to fail at every turn.
Tests on the Road
On Monday (Matt. 19), the Pharisees test Jesus with a controversial question about divorce (Matt. 19:3-12). We find the disciples preventing parents from bringing their children to see Jesus (Matt. 19:13-15). And a rich young man asks Jesus to point out what he's missing (Matt. 19:16-24).
Then on Tuesday (Matt. 20), Jesus shares a powerful parable about equity after Peter wonders what they'll receive for giving up everything (Matt. 20:1-16). Misunderstanding the kingdom's true nature, James and John's mom awkwardly asks Jesus if her sons can have powerful positions someday (Matt. 20:20-28). And along the road outside Jericho, the crowd tried to keep two blind men from bothering Jesus with their cries for healing (Matt. 20:29-34).
- How does the Lord's teaching on divorce affect the importance you place on your marriage covenant?
- Would you have prevented those parents from bringing their children to Jesus, or the blind men from being healed?
Tests in the City
On Wednesday (Matt. 21), Jesus sends two disciples into Jerusalem to fulfill Zechariah's prophecy, entering the city on a donkey while the people shout his praises (Matt. 21:1-11). He comes to the temple to put the religious leaders to the test, asking them to state their position on John's baptism (Matt. 21:23-27). And after two thinly veiled parables about an obedient son and some murderous vineyard-keepers, the religious leaders are ready to arrest him (Matt. 21:28-46).
Then on Thursday (Matt. 22), Jesus tells a story about how some will accept the invitation to the wedding feast, while others reject it (Matt. 22:1-14). He faces three attempts to trap him in his words, with questions about taxes (Matt. 22:15-22), the resurrection (Matt. 22:23-33), and the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:34-40). But he finally silences their barrage of questions when he asks, "Whose son is the Christ?" (Matt. 22:41-46).
- Why do you think the crowds went from celebrating Jesus as he entered the city to shouting “Crucify him!” days later at his trial?
- What do you learn from Jesus about responding to probing questions?
Failing the Test
Finally, on Friday (Matt. 23), Jesus points out the total failure of the scribes and Pharisees, pronouncing seven "woes" on them for their hypocrisy and unrighteousness (Matt. 23:1-36). He calls them "blind fools" (Matt. 23:17), "children of hell" (Matt. 23:15), and a "brood of vipers" (Matt. 23:33), among other things. And the week closes with Christ's lament over the city of Jerusalem, wishing he could bring them together in safety, despite their stubborn rejection (Matt. 23:37-39).
- How would you have felt to hear these woes from Jesus about you?
- In what ways do you struggle with the same failures as the Pharisees did?
