Having heard Jesus speak the parable of the wedding banquet against them (Matthew 22:1-14), the Pharisees now shift from intent to action, laying out their plans to “trap him in his words”. Having responded to their question regarding the imperial tax (from the Pharisee’s disciples) and then the Sadducees’ question regarding marriage at the resurrection, the two groups now conspire to entrap Jesus. Whilst the groups had many differences, their shared contempt for Jesus now outweighs any other theological points of contention between them! It’s a case of when, ‘your enemy’s enemy becomes your friend’. United in mission, they now test Jesus with what was a commonly debated question at the time: “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law”? It’s uncertain what the religious leaders were hoping for, but part of their plan may have been to push Jesus to dismiss the place of the Law. But of course, Jesus does nothing of the sort, and instead turns their question around to demonstrate that the Law shows them that the problem here is not with him, but with their hearts!

Quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, to love God and love your neighbour, Jesus makes the point that these are not only at the centre of the Law and the Prophets, but that it’s in him that this is perfectly fulfilled. Of course, all of Jesus’ ministry has demonstrated that very claim. Whilst in contrast, the behaviour of the religious authorities has demonstrated that they’re far more concerned with an outward appearance of law-fulfilment, rather than a genuine loving of God and others. This is both reassuring and challenging news! That our God is concerned not merely with an outward projected image of goodness, but the sincere condition of our hearts! Our God is not interested in how much we fake, but a life that genuinely reflects a love for him and for others. AL

Questions

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you so much that you are not merely concerned with what is superficial, but the genuineness of our hearts. Please forgive us for the times we fall short. Please help us to grow in a sincere love for you and for our neighbours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, it marks the beginning of a dramatic chapter of his life and ministry which reaches its culmination in his death and resurrection. Prior to entering the city, there has already been plenty of conflict. In fact, it’s as early as chapter 9 in which the Pharisees start plotting how they might kill Jesus. Yet, whilst that conflict has traversed a range of topics, it has always been Jesus’ identity that is at the heart of the contention. Is he really the long-awaited King? Is he truly God’s Son? If anyone was unclear about the nature of his claims, that becomes increasingly transparent as he rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.

Two of the disciples have obediently followed Jesus’ instructions and retrieved a donkey and her colt in what must have felt like a mysterious assignment! But as Jesus rides into Jerusalem, having approached the very place that serves as a reminder of the coming of God’s King and future judgment (i.e., the Mount of Olives), many would have immediately recognised the parallel of Zechariah 9 (that which Matthew quotes here) in which God’s anticipated King arrives into Zion (i.e., Jerusalem!). In that moment, there’s no doubt that for some people things would have become crystal clear as they witnessed this long awaited prophecy being fulfilled before their very eyes! Jesus is the King. Jesus is the one who will usher in God’s Kingdom and fulfil God’s promises! That’s why many responded by laying down branches and cloaks, accompanying their actions with shouts of“Hosanna” which means, “Save us!”. Jesus will truly prove to be that King, however, it won’t happen as they expect. For Jesus did not come to defeat the Romans (as some hoped), but to defeat our greatest enemy of sin and death. Jesus comes as the peacemaking king, to win the greatest peace that we could ever hope for through his blood - peace with God. AL

Questions

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Good News that Jesus is the King who fulfils, rescues, and judges. Please help us to see Jesus with a greater clarity, grow in our relationship with him, and so respond faithfully with our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.