Matthew 20-23

Matthew 20 Parable of the Laborers (given primarily to the Apostles) Day laborers were despised in antiquity and were considered only a little above the slave. Original interpretation: Though the Apostles were first among those who accepted the gospel taught by Christ, their reward would be no greater than any who would receive the gospel later. It matters not that one joins the kingdom of God when they are eight or eighty, if they endure to the end, the reward would be the same.

Matthew may have included this parable in an attempt to rebuke Christian Jews who were unhappy with the gospel being taken to the Gentiles. Some commentators have said that Israel was like the men who worked all day, while the gentiles were symbolized in those who came later and were admitted by God’s grace.

Matthew 20:20-28 The greatest example of selfless service was the Savior’s atoning sacrifice. It was the reason he went to Jerusalem. The Apostles had missed the reason for the journey. Their hearts were not right with God. Instead, they were aspiring to the honors of men. Matthew 21:1-11 Matthew saw the triumphant entry. It fulfilled two Old Testament prophecies: (Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9).

To the amazement of the reader, the multitude who had gathered for the Passover greeted him with the exultant cry of “Hosanna to the Son of David.” The donkey was an animal of peace and not war. He had not come as a warrior, but as the “Prince of Peace.“ Matthew 21:12-13 All these were legitimate and necessary practices. It was not practical for those traveling great distances to bring their own sacrifices. Nor would they have carried with them the local currency for the temple tax. It may be that they were doing it at an exorbitant rate, making their work a priest-craft.

Matthew 21:19-20 They had never seen Jesus Christ destroy! They were stunned! Leaves and fruit come at the same time on a fig tree. The tree was cursed because it did not produce fruit. Spencer W. Kimball said, “The symbolism of the barren fig tree is eloquent. The unproductive tree was cursed for its barrenness” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, 92). In other words, if the Jews did not produce works acceptable to God, they would be destroyed.

Matthew 21:28-42 The Savior brought out a club! Three parables that taught the rejection by the Jews would eventually lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jews!

Matthew 22:2-14 This parable taught these truths: 1. His own divine son-ship 2. The impending destruction of Jerusalem 3. The rejection of the Jewish remnant of the covenant race. 4. The Gospel call to the gentiles. 5. Salvation for those who put on the robes of righteousness. Many are called and few are chosen! (Doctrine & Covenants 121:34-35). Why? 1. Aspire for honors of men 2. Set on things of this world

It was also called the “Parable of the Royal Marriage Feast.” Matthew 22:21 Pay taxes, be loyal to your country, and be loyal to God in your heart. Matthew 22:23 Sadducees said there was no resurrection or marriage in heaven. Matthew 22:30 “they” = the woman and the seven husbands, not everyone! All marriages will have been settled prior to their resurrection (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 548).

Matthew 23:5 Phylacteries were worn on the head and arm. They contained scriptures in cubical boxes of leather. Common people wore them only at prayer time. The Pharisees would display them throughout the day. (They are expensive) Matthew 23:35 Zacharias, the first Christian Martyr!

Phylacteries The Pharisees, like their descendants today, hang to their head pieces of paper containing passages of the Scripture, inside boxes called phylacteries. But a phylactery is just a piece of paper nailed before our eyes, to the wall, the wall of our hearts; it changes nothing. Fine words are useless, just like my countless phylacteries. Only living words can change us, penetrate into the wall, crumble it, become part of our lives. Pubblicato da Berlicche Etichette: ToughThoughtToughThought