Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Yes Friends, we’ve all had that experience; rejecting something or someone, only to see it or them come back and play a big part in our lives. Jesus here is referring to the chief priests and elders of the Jewish society, who questioned His authority to teach, and moreover, to teach in the temple. And I just adore Jesus’ reply. If you answer me, I’ll answer you. He played them a ‘riddle I this stylee.’ He was the first to perfect it and turn it into an art form. And He caught them in a conundrum by asking if John’s baptizing was from heaven or men. Thinking if they said from heaven, He would ask, so why didn’t you believe him? And if they said from men, the people would be upset, for many considered John a prophet, they said they didn’t know. ‘Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things,’ Jesus replied. (vs.27) The leaders wanted to play mind games, but didn’t know they were up against the mind-master. And Jesus was always so accommodating. He asked them an easier question, about a man who had two sons whom he asked to work in his vineyard. The first said no, but later repented and went, while the second, who readily agreed, never went. So who did his father’s will? They said the first. Then Jesus tongue lashed them. ‘Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and harlots believed him; and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.’ (vs.32-33) ‘Hear another parable.’ And He spoke of a man who rented out his vineyard, but when he sent to collect fruit at harvest time, twice the tenants physically abused his servants. So the man sent his son, thinking that they would show him some respect. But they killed him, figuring that they could take his inheritance. And when Jesus asked what the owner would do when he came himself? ‘They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.’ (vs.41) Then Jesus hit them with Today’s Bit, rubbing salt in the wound. ‘Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whomsoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.’ (vs.43-44) Wow! Then they realized that all His parables referred to them. Affronted by His impudence, their anger escalated, but they were afraid to lay hands on Him, because the crowd revered Him. Oh Friends, please let’s not be like the hypocritical, self righteous Jewish elite, and suffer their fate. No doubt they knew the scriptures, (Isa.28:16, Ps.118:22-23) but being enamoured with their own importance, outward form and fashion, blinded them to the truth before their very eyes. A poor, itinerant preacher from Nazareth, could never be the Messiah. How wrong they were. Friends, please be careful, let’s concentrate on our inner, spiritual self, not the perishable body, then we’ll see that Jesus really is the truth. Much LOVE!…only the truth…shall set us free…
Yes Friends, we’ve all had that experience; rejecting something or someone, only to see it or them come back and play a big part in our lives. Jesus here is referring to the chief priests and elders of the Jewish society, who questioned His authority to teach, and moreover, to teach in the temple. And I just adore Jesus’ reply. If you answer me, I’ll answer you. He played them a ‘riddle I this stylee.’ He was the first to perfect it and turn it into an art form. And He caught them in a conundrum by asking if John’s baptizing was from heaven or men. Thinking if they said from heaven, He would ask, so why didn’t you believe him? And if they said from men, the people would be upset, for many considered John a prophet, they said they didn’t know. ‘Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things,’ Jesus replied. (vs.27) The leaders wanted to play mind games, but didn’t know they were up against the mind-master. And Jesus was always so accommodating. He asked them an easier question, about a man who had two sons whom he asked to work in his vineyard. The first said no, but later repented and went, while the second, who readily agreed, never went. So who did his father’s will? They said the first. Then Jesus tongue lashed them. ‘Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and harlots believed him; and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.’ (vs.32-33) ‘Hear another parable.’ And He spoke of a man who rented out his vineyard, but when he sent to collect fruit at harvest time, twice the tenants physically abused his servants. So the man sent his son, thinking that they would show him some respect. But they killed him, figuring that they could take his inheritance. And when Jesus asked what the owner would do when he came himself? ‘They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.’ (vs.41) Then Jesus hit them with Today’s Bit, rubbing salt in the wound. ‘Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whomsoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.’ (vs.43-44) Wow! Then they realized that all His parables referred to them. Affronted by His impudence, their anger escalated, but they were afraid to lay hands on Him, because the crowd revered Him. Oh Friends, please let’s not be like the hypocritical, self righteous Jewish elite, and suffer their fate. No doubt they knew the scriptures, (Isa.28:16, Ps.118:22-23) but being enamoured with their own importance, outward form and fashion, blinded them to the truth before their very eyes. A poor, itinerant preacher from Nazareth, could never be the Messiah. How wrong they were. Friends, please be careful, let’s concentrate on our inner, spiritual self, not the perishable body, then we’ll see that Jesus really is the truth. Much LOVE!…only the truth…shall set us free…
SCRIP-BITS 