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This chapter has the Temple area as its setting. Following his teachings and several
confrontations with the religious leaders, Jesus will leave the Temple as chapter 24
begins--after pronouncing it desolate. This is the final challenge to the Jewish leaders
associated with the Temple. The environment is clearly confrontational. These are
dangerous times in Matthew’s gospel.
- We’ll Get Back to You – "We don’t know, may be a
fine response in differing settings. A parent might admit their ignorance about a question
raised by a child or a teacher might do the same to an inquiring student. But here Matthew
holds the "we don’t know" in a very different light. Such unknowingness
veils subterfuge and strategy. Confronted with the very different ministries of John and
Jesus –both of whom are rejected by religious leaders, now hides behind a "we
don’t know." Honest searching and struggle for truth must ultimately take a
stand." [1]
- NIB:
When Jesus asks "What do you think?" he does not allow their previous
strategic silence to stand. Since the question is about characters in a story, it is
indirect, and they cannot avoid answering it. When they do, they who will sit in judgment
on Jesus already condemn themselves. Their attempt to trap Jesus has resulted in
self-condemnation. [2]
My British colleague in York, UK
would comment about this passage, "one was a worker and one was a shirker."
Which sibling could you most identify with growing up?
- Who do the sons represent in Matthew’s setting? In the original setting (which
probably did not include the immediate context of the challenge of authority)?
Please see the homily posted this week on
dps on this passage.
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[1] The New Interpreter’s Bible VIII (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), page
410.
[2] Ibid, page 412.
