Psalm 80:7-15 / Matthew. 21:33-46

Our readings from the Gospel of Matthew take a turn this Sunday, as the scene shifts to Jerusalem and Jesus’ final encounter with religious authorities and Roman authorities in his last days before his crucifixion and resurrection. In this week’s reading, Matthew 21:23-32, Jesus experiences his first confrontation with the religious autnorites.

Why do you suppose the religious authorities asked Jesus about his own authority?

Can you think of a time, today, when someone in power blocked the way of a newcomer by using their authorized power?

We speak today of “cancel culture”. Does Matthew 21:23-32 qualify as a type of cancel culture?

Jesus ingeniously slips through the set-up. Take the time to understand the dilemma he creates to turn the tables on the religious authorities.