Matthew 21
Verse 1 nigh unto Jerusalem Matthew 21:1-9; Zechariah 9:9; 14:4-9. The two advents are in striking contrast. Verse 4 fulfilled The king's final and official offer of Himself according to Zechariah 9:9. Acclaimed by an unthinking multitude whose real belief is expressed in Matthew 21:11, but with no welcome from the official representatives of the nation, He was soon to hear the multitude shout: "Crucify him." Verse 12 cast See, Luke 19:45; Mark 11:15-18. Cf. John 2:13-25 which introduced, as this cleansing closed, the offer of Christ to Israel as King. Verse 17 Bethany See, John 11:1,2; Luke 10:39-42. Cf. ; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-35; John 12:1-8. With no other place is the human Christ so tenderly associated, while it also was the place of manifestation of His divine power. John 11:43,44. Verse 19 fig tree Lit. a solitary fig tree. Luke 13:6-9. The withered fig tree is a parabolic miracle concerning Israel. Luke 13:6-9. Cf., Matthew 24:32,33, a prophecy that Israel shall again bud. Verse 28 vineyard See "vineyard," margin ref., Matthew 20:1 (See Scofield "Matthew 20:1") Verse 29 repented Cf., Luke 15:20, the other perfect illustration of repentance. (See Scofield "Acts 17:30") . Verse 32 righteousness (See Scofield "Romans 10:10") . Verse 42 Lord's Jehovah. Psalms 118:23. Verse 43 kingdom of God Note that Matthew here as in Matthew 21:31 uses the larger word, kingdom of God: (Cf) (See Scofield "Matthew 6:33") . The kingdom of heaven; (See Scofield "Matthew 3:2") . See Scofield "1 Corinthians 15:24" will yet be set up. Meantime the kingdom of God and his righteousness is taken from Israel nationally and given to the Gentiles. Romans 9:30-33. you i.e. national Israel, the barren vine. Mt 21: 33-41 Isaiah 5:1-7. Verse 44 stone shall be broken Christ as the "Stone" is revealed in a threefold way: (1) To Israel Christ, coming not as a splendid monarch but in the form of a servant, is a stumbling stone and rock of offence. Isaiah 8:14,15; Romans 9:32,33; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Peter 2:8 (2) to the church, Christ is the foundation stone and the head of the corner 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:4,5 (3) to the Gentile world-powers (see "Gentiles," Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:19 He is to be the smiting-stone of destruction Daniel 2:34. Israel stumbled over Christ; the church is built upon Christ; Gentile world- dominion will be broken by Christ. See "Armageddon" Revelation 16:14; 19:19. And whosoever Or, Whosoever falls on this stone shall be crushed together i.e. the Jews Isaiah 8:14; Romans 9:32,33; 1 Corinthians 1:23] but on whomsoever it may fall, he will be scattered as dust ( (Greek - ἀπόλλυμι ," i).e. the Gentile nations, Daniel 2:34,35,45 (See Scofield "Daniel 2:35") .