IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Jesus Debates Jerusalem's Leaders (21:17-22:46)
Resources chevron-right IVP New Testament Commentary Series chevron-right Matthew chevron-right THE FINAL JOURNEY (19:1-22:46) chevron-right Jesus Debates Jerusalem's Leaders (21:17-22:46)
Jesus Debates Jerusalem's Leaders (21:17-22:46)

Because of the flow of context, it is not clear whether the first passage of this unit (21:17-22) belongs in this section or the preceding one, if Matthew himself would have made such a distinction. The rest of the passages in this section, however, reveal a common theme: Jesus offers his closing public debates with Jerusalem's elite, debates that increase his populist support and further threaten their base of power. Because he is headed for the cross, he can afford to cut through their self-delusions unapologetically. Because he cares about the people as a whole (20:28), he is especially angry with those who claim to lead God's people but in fact have usurped prerogatives that belong to God alone (21:33-45). Christian leaders must beware lest we fall prey to the same temptation (24:48-51).

Save on Bible Commentaries from IVP

Bible Gateway Recommends

James: IVP New Testament Commentary [IVPNTC]
James: IVP New Testament Commentary [IVPNTC]
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $26.99
Save: $3.00 (10%)
Revelation, Reformation Commentary on Scripture
Revelation, Reformation Commentary on Scripture
Retail: $60.99
Our Price: $44.99
Save: $16.00 (26%)
2 Corinthians: A Commentary on the New Testament
2 Corinthians: A Commentary on the New Testament
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $24.99
Save: $10.00 (29%)
Mark: IVP New Testament Commentary [IVPNTC] -eBook
Mark: IVP New Testament Commentary [IVPNTC] -eBook
Retail: $14.99
Our Price: $9.69
Save: $5.30 (35%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
Commentaries on Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, and Hebrews
Commentaries on Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, and Hebrews
Retail: $72.99
Our Price: $42.55
Save: $30.44 (42%)
Revelation: The IVP NT Commentary [IVPNTC]
Revelation: The IVP NT Commentary [IVPNTC]
Retail: $30.99
Our Price: $27.89
Save: $3.10 (10%)