Further thoughts on Matthew 22 and Christ's interactions with the Pharisees; Saducees and Herodians.
It is ironic to consider all of the religious establishment and their multiple and sequential attacks on the same occasion as we see here events within the last week of Christ's earthly ministry that spans from Matthew 21 to 27 followed; of course by His Resurrection early in the morning in the beginning of the following week in Matthew 28. Jesus of course knew that the betrayal of Judas would lead to the cross and the hour of darkness; as well as the fact that all efforts before that were to be futile.
This study began with looking into Christ as the perfect man and of course operating in Divine perfection as well. The earlier passage where the Pharisees in verse 16 spoke of the fact that He didn't favor anyone (as God is an impartial judge ( Deut. 10:17) is a true statement of His unique character. We are to turn to Matthew 23 next; although I have some things I'd like to interject in the interim. I will use this section as a preface to the next chapter.
Matthew 23: Introduction
This chapter is totally involved with a verbal excoriation of the Pharisees. We will examine it in detail in a future posting. There are several hypothesis we can come to in seeing this extensive rebuke (although that isn't really a strong enough word).
First of all; this follows the end of what was no doubt not the first time the Pharisees had; to put it mildly-interrupted His ministry. Not to mention all the assassination plots and attempts; there were blasphemous accusations that He was using the powers of darkness to cast out demons; that He was born as a bastard (or illegitimate; KJV sounds more jarring); that He was a glutton and winebibber (again KJV emphasis); and other such judgments as to His character. Every time the miraculous happened; there would be questioning; if not of Him; the man being healed such as an entire chapter 9 of John.
It is ironic to consider all of the religious establishment and their multiple and sequential attacks on the same occasion as we see here events within the last week of Christ's earthly ministry that spans from Matthew 21 to 27 followed; of course by His Resurrection early in the morning in the beginning of the following week in Matthew 28. Jesus of course knew that the betrayal of Judas would lead to the cross and the hour of darkness; as well as the fact that all efforts before that were to be futile.
This study began with looking into Christ as the perfect man and of course operating in Divine perfection as well. The earlier passage where the Pharisees in verse 16 spoke of the fact that He didn't favor anyone (as God is an impartial judge ( Deut. 10:17) is a true statement of His unique character. We are to turn to Matthew 23 next; although I have some things I'd like to interject in the interim. I will use this section as a preface to the next chapter.
Matthew 23: Introduction
This chapter is totally involved with a verbal excoriation of the Pharisees. We will examine it in detail in a future posting. There are several hypothesis we can come to in seeing this extensive rebuke (although that isn't really a strong enough word).
First of all; this follows the end of what was no doubt not the first time the Pharisees had; to put it mildly-interrupted His ministry. Not to mention all the assassination plots and attempts; there were blasphemous accusations that He was using the powers of darkness to cast out demons; that He was born as a bastard (or illegitimate; KJV sounds more jarring); that He was a glutton and winebibber (again KJV emphasis); and other such judgments as to His character. Every time the miraculous happened; there would be questioning; if not of Him; the man being healed such as an entire chapter 9 of John.
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