Matthew 21-22

Read

Read Matthew 21-22

Verses chosen for meditation: Matthew 21:5, 9; 22:46

5 "Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”

9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

46 And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

Reflect

 

There is much to reflect from the two chapters.

 

First, the understated entrance by Jesus and grand welcome by the people, which five days later would become an altogether different scene, a 180 - degree turn of events.

 

Then, there was the incident at the temple and another involving a fig tree where Jesus called a spade a spade when they were not what they were supposed to be.

 

Along the way, there was storytelling told in parabolic style. The parables were seemingly harmless, but loaded. The aim was directed at the violators.

 

Lastly, there was the battle of wits, more a trap than a hearty sparring. Whatever the intensions were, there was a clear winner at the end. It was the Lord who delivered a knockout to his opponents.

 

In the midst of it all, an opportunity arose for us to be reminded of the greatest commandment of all. And the second most important.

 

Relate

 

The way I see it, they can all be summarised under 3 headings:

 

Identity:

 

Jesus was making his identity known to the people, in a slow but sure way. He chose an understated entrance that was his trademark. He could have ridden on a horse, or even walked regally through the city, but he chose instead to ride on a foal, not even a full grown donkey. It was to fulfil Isaiah's prophesy concerning the Messiah.

 

Jesus used an untrained young donkey instead of a seasoned adult donkey. That speaks of his gentleness as well of his dislike for outward performance and appearance. Even then, while the crowd was eagerly affirming him, the religious leaders were artfully disclaiming every truth about him every chance they got.

 

Intention:

 

What is the intention of a temple ground looking busy with all the trading and activity if it's not for prayer?

 

What is the intention of a tree looking all leafy and great if it's not bearing fruits?

 

What is the intention behind our Lord's parabolic storytelling?

 

What is the intention behind the religious leaders' line of questioning?

 

In reference to the first two questions, our Lord was exposing the temple and the fig tree for what they were not.

 

As for the third question, our Lord was exposing the wrongdoers in the midst who knew exactly who they were. Their only credit would be that they had an insight of themselves.

 

And for the last question, the religious leaders were trying to expose any flaw they could find in our Lord, but they evidently failed.

 

Invincibility:

 

The verdict was clear. Our Lord stood invincible throughout. No one dared challenge him after that. This was the second time that he was found invincible, the first was during his testing in the wilderness. The next would be the Cross where he would be the heroic victor, not the hapless victim. 

 

The two greatest commandments when combined together form an approach that is as invincible as the One who said them. It is as foolproof as it ever can be.

 

Therefore, in conclusion: Know our identity in him. Know his intentions for us. Know our invincibility through him.

 

Rest

 

Lord, help us know who we are. For our identity is not dependent on man's approval, but knowing who we are to you. Help us know why we are created and chosen. For it would not avail much despite the polished appearance or performance until we are what we are supposed to be. Help us know how strong we are. For no one can go against us if you are for us and with us.

 

Naville Chia