21.23 Their question plays to their strength: the extrinsic authority of their position and status in Jewish hierarchy. Jesus’ question (v25) re-frames the debate in terms of intrinsic authority from God.
21.28 This is still to the chief priests and elders (v23). Jesus does not give up on them, but continues to explain the kingdom of God, perhaps to make them jealous (see v32; also v16 and Rom 10.19 and 11.11)
21.33 Still to the chief priests and elders (v23), right through to 22.15 and 22.22. This was a familiar image of Israel from Isaiah 5.
21.38 This is shocking, because it is both wicked and foolish. How remarkable that Jesus asks them for their opinion, and they see this so clearly (v41). Jesus confirms it with striking clarity (v43).
21.43 The inauguration of the kingdom in Jesus the Messiah is a wonderful moment; but it is also the Jews’ last chance to claim first place as God’s chosen people. What does “taken away from you” mean?
Go Tom! So often, his closing para has a powerful challenge. I love “once again, telling cryptic stories is the only way you can say the really important things.”
And then, in case as Gentiles we are feeling a little judgemental at this point, “are we part of the group that don’t want the Owner to take control of his own vineyard?”
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