Proper 21: Gospel, Matthew 21:23-27                                       

Matthew 21:23-27

Oh I do love this particular exchange between Jesus and His detractors. The first thing to consider is the sheer audacity the people have to confront the King. I write that, realizing all the times I have questioned the wisdom of the Lord. But there is something in reading this particular account that not only points an accusing finger my way, but reminds me of the sheer brilliance of  our Lord. And when one sees it in action, well, I don’t feel quite as bad about being so wrong so often. With no disrespect intended, Jesus has got it going on.

Virtually the demand comes, “Answer us this, Jesus, if you’re so smart.” That’s never a good approach in the Master’s presence, but they let it fly. So Jesus counters their arrogance with a question. You know Jesus knows He’s got ‘em right where He wants ‘em. Jesus uses his faithful cousin as a foil for the remainder of the exchange and it works perfectly. It’s made all the more wonderful because, if you know the Bible at all, you realize how much the Savior loves the Baptist and vice versa.  

Not quite the “Einstein's” they think themselves to be, they are tripped by the Master’s retort. And their lack of response isn’t because they don’t have anything to say, but because they have been reduced and exposed all at the same moment. Jesus wins the argument. But there’s one more point we need to consider. While Jesus had opponents and we all know they were real and determined, Jesus loved them. And He would die on the cruel cross for all their sin which included their mental dullness. Then I get to step back, and you get to step back once more and realize that all Jesus did for them, He’s done for us. Thanks be to God that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. That’s classic Jesus.