22.1 Still to the chief priests and elders (21.23), right through to 22.15 and 22.22.
22.2 So many parables describe what the kingdom of heaven is like!
22.6 He invites them twice, but they treat his servants just like the Tenants do (21.35-36).
22.11 Who is this chap? Has he tried to enter on his own terms (not invited, by the back door, wearing what he prefers)? Presumably he is speechless because he has no valid answer.
22.14 Those invited are initially the Jews (v8) but eventually everyone (v9-10). Nevertheless, only a few will enter the kingdom. The choice to accept or reject the invitation appears to be the guest’s, but this verse implies overall that God’s choice is sovereign.
22.18 Their approach flatters Jesus as a man of integrity. They use smooth words, but they are trying to trap him: a wonderful depiction of hypocrisy.
22.19 Is this an example of the spiritual gift of wisdom (I Cor 12.8)? Jesus knows immediately how to respond; his reply amazes them; and they were not easily impressed!
22.22 After 21.11, 15, 27, 32, and 46, they must be really frustrated!
22.23 From the political to the metaphysical: this was not a question about marriage, but about theories of life after death. They thought they had found a logical paradox, a knockdown argument against resurrection. See Acts 23.8.
22.29 Is this another instance of the gift of wisdom? Jesus seems never to be threatened, thrown off balance, puzzled, caught unawares etc. They think that they have him trapped, but immediately he replies we see that it is they who are being tested. This is true pre-eminently in Jesus’ trial.
22.30 In the process of his answer, we learn more about the details of the resurrection, that marriage is only for mortal life (Romans 7.2), not for eternity (tell the Mormons, somebody!) Jesus’ argument back to them is unanswerable, and the crowds are astonished.
22.34 Not again! The first group (v15) return for round two.
22.36 Presumably they debated this themselves, and could not agree; or perhaps they believed that all commandments were equal. Jesus’ straightforward answer has an innate authority which leaves them speechless.
22.42 Jesus sets them his own question: not a response but an initiative. And what is the key issue he focuses on?
22.45 The main question about the Christ is his nature: how he can be both fully human (Son of David) and fully divine (my Lord). This is the key to his authority, and his saving work on the Cross.
Tom seems a little coy about The Guest Who Wasn’t Dressed Correctly; but in his larger “Matthew For Everyone” he suggests that Gentiles are invited in, but they must clothe themselves in holiness, truth justice etc. Those who try to enter God’s kingdom on their own terms will be thrown out.
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