Changes

==PAPER 173: MONDAY IN JERUSALEM==

==PAPER 173: MONDAY IN JERUSALEM==

173:0.1 Early on this Monday morning, by prearrangement, [[Jesus]] and [[the apostles]] assembled at the [[home]] of Simon in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany], and after a brief [[conference]] they set out for [[Jerusalem]]. [[The twelve]] were [[strange]]ly [[silent]] as they [[journeyed]] on toward [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]; they had not recovered from the [[experience]] of the preceding day. They were [[expectant]], [[fearful]], and [[profound]]ly affected by a certain [[feeling]] of detachment growing out of [[the Master]]'s sudden [[change]] of [[tactics]], coupled with his instruction that they were to [[engage]] in no [[public]] teaching throughout this [[Passover]] week.

173:0.1 Early on this Monday morning, by prearrangement, [[Jesus]] and [[the apostles]] assembled at the [[home]] of Simon in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany], and after a brief [[conference]] they set out for [[Jerusalem]]. [[The twelve]] were [[strange]]ly [[silent]] as they [[journeyed]] on toward [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]; they had not recovered from the [[experience]] of the preceding day. They were [[expectant]], [[fearful]], and [[profound]]ly affected by a certain [[feeling]] of detachment growing out of [[the Master]]'s sudden [[change]] of [[tactics]], coupled with his instruction that they were to [[engage]] in no [[public]] teaching throughout this [[Passover]] week.

173:0.2 As this [[group]] [[journeyed]] down [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount Olivet], [[Jesus]] [[led]] the way, [[the apostles]] following closely behind in [[meditative]] [[silence]]. There was just one [[thought]] uppermost in the [[minds]] of all save [[Judas Iscariot]], and that was: What will [[the Master]] do today? The one [[absorbing]] [[thought]] of [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was: What shall I do? Shall I go on with [[Jesus]] and my [[associates]], or shall I withdraw? And if I am going to quit, how shall I break off?

173:0.2 As this [[group]] [[journeyed]] down [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount Olivet], [[Jesus]] [[led]] the way, [[the apostles]] following closely behind in [[meditative]] [[silence]]. There was just one [[thought]] uppermost in the [[minds]] of all save [[Judas Iscariot]], and that was: What will [[the Master]] do today? The one [[absorbing]] [[thought]] of [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was: What shall I do? Shall I go on with [[Jesus]] and my [[associates]], or shall I withdraw? And if I am going to quit, how shall I break off?

173:0.3 It was about nine o'clock on this [[beautiful]] [[morning]] when these men arrived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. They went at once to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple large court] where [[Jesus]] so often taught, and after greeting the [[believers]] who were awaiting him, [[Jesus]] mounted one of the [[teaching]] platforms and began to address the gathering crowd. [[The apostles]] withdrew for a short distance and awaited [[developments]].

173:0.3 It was about nine o'clock on this [[beautiful]] [[morning]] when these men arrived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. They went at once to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple large court] where [[Jesus]] so often taught, and after greeting the [[believers]] who were awaiting him, [[Jesus]] mounted one of the [[teaching]] platforms and began to address the gathering crowd. [[The apostles]] withdrew for a short distance and awaited [[developments]].

==173:1. CLEANSING THE TEMPLE==

==173:1. CLEANSING THE TEMPLE==

173:1.1 A huge [[commercial]] [[traffic]] had grown up in [[association]] with the services and [[ceremonies]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] [[worship]]. There was the [[business]] of providing suitable [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin-offering animals] for the various [[sacrifices]]. Though it was permissible for a [[worshiper]] to provide his own [[sacrifice]], the [[fact]] remained that this [[animal]] must be free from all " blemish " in the [[meaning]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban#In_the_Book_of_Leviticus Levitical law] and as [[interpreted]] by official inspectors of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. Many a [[worshiper]] had [[experienced]] the [[humiliation]] of having his supposedly [[perfect]] [[animal]] [[rejected]] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen the temple examiners]. It therefore became the more general [[practice]] to purchase [[sacrificial]] animals at the [[temple]], and although there were several stations on near-by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] where they could be bought, it had become the [[vogue]] to buy these animals directly from the [[temple]] pens. Gradually there had grown up this [[custom]] of selling all kinds of [[sacrificial]] [[animals]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple temple courts]. An extensive [[business]], in which enormous [[profits]] were made, had thus been brought into [[existence]]. Part of these gains was reserved for the [[temple]] [[treasury]], but the larger part went indirectly into the hands of the ruling [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high-priestly] [[families]].

173:1.1 A huge [[commercial]] [[traffic]] had grown up in [[association]] with the services and [[ceremonies]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] [[worship]]. There was the [[business]] of providing suitable [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin-offering animals] for the various [[sacrifices]]. Though it was permissible for a [[worshiper]] to provide his own [[sacrifice]], the [[fact]] remained that this [[animal]] must be free from all " blemish " in the [[meaning]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban#In_the_Book_of_Leviticus Levitical law] and as [[interpreted]] by official inspectors of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. Many a [[worshiper]] had [[experienced]] the [[humiliation]] of having his supposedly [[perfect]] [[animal]] [[rejected]] by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen the temple examiners]. It therefore became the more general [[practice]] to purchase [[sacrificial]] animals at the [[temple]], and although there were several stations on near-by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] where they could be bought, it had become the [[vogue]] to buy these animals directly from the [[temple]] pens. Gradually there had grown up this [[custom]] of selling all kinds of [[sacrificial]] [[animals]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple temple courts]. An extensive [[business]], in which enormous [[profits]] were made, had thus been brought into [[existence]]. Part of these gains was reserved for the [[temple]] [[treasury]], but the larger part went indirectly into the hands of the ruling [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high-priestly] [[families]].

173:1.2 This [[Business|sale]] of [[animals]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] prospered because, when the [[worshiper]] purchased such an [[animal]], although the price might be somewhat high, no more fees had to be paid, and he could be sure the intended [[sacrifice]] would not be [[rejected]] on the ground of [[possessing]] real or [[technical]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban#In_the_Book_of_Leviticus blemishes]. At one time or another [[systems]] of exorbitant overcharge were [[practiced]] upon the common people, especially during the great [[national]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Feasts feasts]. At one time the [[greedy]] [[priests]] went so far as to demand the [[equivalent]] of the [[value]] of a week's [[labor]] for a pair of doves which should have been sold to the [[poor]] for a few pennies. The " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annas sons of Annas] " had already begun to [[establish]] their [[bazaars]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] precincts, those very [[merchandise]] marts which [[persisted]] to the time of their final overthrow by a mob three years before the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_the_Temple destruction of the temple itself].

173:1.2 This [[Business|sale]] of [[animals]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] prospered because, when the [[worshiper]] purchased such an [[animal]], although the price might be somewhat high, no more fees had to be paid, and he could be sure the intended [[sacrifice]] would not be [[rejected]] on the ground of [[possessing]] real or [[technical]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban#In_the_Book_of_Leviticus blemishes]. At one time or another [[systems]] of exorbitant overcharge were [[practiced]] upon the common people, especially during the great [[national]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Feasts feasts]. At one time the [[greedy]] [[priests]] went so far as to demand the [[equivalent]] of the [[value]] of a week's [[labor]] for a pair of doves which should have been sold to the [[poor]] for a few pennies. The " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annas sons of Annas] " had already begun to [[establish]] their [[bazaars]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] precincts, those very [[merchandise]] marts which [[persisted]] to the time of their final overthrow by a mob three years before the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_the_Temple destruction of the temple itself].

173:1.3 But [[Commerce|traffic]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_sacrifice sacrificial animals] and sundry [[merchandise]] was not the only way in which the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple courts of the temple] were [[profaned]]. At this time there was fostered an extensive [[system]] of [[banking]] and [[commercial]] exchange which was carried on right within the [[temple]] precincts. And this all came about in the following [[manner]]: During the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasmonean_dynasy Asmonean dynasty] the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews Jews] coined their own silver [[money]], and it had become the [[practice]] to require the [[temple]] dues of one-half [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shekel shekel] and all other [[temple]] fees to be paid with this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Jewish_Revolt_coinage Jewish coin]. This regulation necessitated that [[money]]-changers be licensed to exchange the many sorts of currency in circulation throughout [[Palestine]] and other provinces of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman Empire] for this [[orthodox]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shekel shekel] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Jewish_Revolt_coinage Jewish coining]. The [[temple]] head [[tax]], payable by all except [[women]], [[slaves]], and [[minors]], was one-half [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shekel shekel], a coin about the size of a ten cent piece but twice as thick. By the times of [[Jesus]] the [[priests]] had also been exempted from the payment of [[temple]] dues. Accordingly, from the 15th to the 25th of the month preceding the [[Passover]], accredited [[money]]-changers erected their booths in the principal cities of [[Palestine]] for the [[purpose]] of providing the [[Jewish]] people with proper [[money]] to meet the [[temple]] dues after they had reached [[Jerusalem]]. After this ten-day period these [[money]]-changers moved on to [[Jerusalem]] and proceeded to set up their exchange tables in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple courts of the temple]. They were [[permitted]] to charge the equivalent of from three to four cents commission for the exchange of a coin valued at about ten cents, and in case a coin of larger [[value]] was offered for exchange, they were allowed to collect double. Likewise did these [[temple]] [[bankers]] [[profit]] from the exchange of all [[money]] intended for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_sacrifice purchase of sacrificial animals] and for the payment of [[vows]] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin-offering making of offerings].

173:1.3 But [[Commerce|traffic]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_sacrifice sacrificial animals] and sundry [[merchandise]] was not the only way in which the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple courts of the temple] were [[profaned]]. At this time there was fostered an extensive [[system]] of [[banking]] and [[commercial]] exchange which was carried on right within the [[temple]] precincts. And this all came about in the following [[manner]]: During the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasmonean_dynasy Asmonean dynasty] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews Jews] coined their own silver [[money]], and it had become the [[practice]] to require the [[temple]] dues of one-half [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shekel shekel] and all other [[temple]] fees to be paid with this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Jewish_Revolt_coinage Jewish coin]. This regulation necessitated that [[money]]-changers be licensed to exchange the many sorts of currency in circulation throughout [[Palestine]] and other provinces of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman Empire] for this [[orthodox]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shekel shekel] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Jewish_Revolt_coinage Jewish coining]. The [[temple]] head [[tax]], payable by all except [[women]], [[slaves]], and [[minors]], was one-half [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shekel shekel], a coin about the size of a ten cent piece but twice as thick. By the times of [[Jesus]] the [[priests]] had also been exempted from the payment of [[temple]] dues. Accordingly, from the 15th to the 25th of the month preceding the [[Passover]], accredited [[money]]-changers erected their booths in the principal cities of [[Palestine]] for the [[purpose]] of providing the [[Jewish]] people with proper [[money]] to meet the [[temple]] dues after they had reached [[Jerusalem]]. After this ten-day period these [[money]]-changers moved on to [[Jerusalem]] and proceeded to set up their exchange tables in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple courts of the temple]. They were [[permitted]] to charge the equivalent of from three to four cents commission for the exchange of a coin valued at about ten cents, and in case a coin of larger [[value]] was offered for exchange, they were allowed to collect double. Likewise did these [[temple]] [[bankers]] [[profit]] from the exchange of all [[money]] intended for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_sacrifice purchase of sacrificial animals] and for the payment of [[vows]] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin-offering making of offerings].

173:1.4 These [[temple]] [[money]]-changers not only conducted a regular [[banking]] [[business]] for [[profit]] in the exchange of more than [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency twenty sorts of money] which the visiting [[pilgrims]] would periodically bring to [[Jerusalem]], but they also engaged in all other kinds of [[transactions]] pertaining to the [[banking]] [[business]]. Both [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] [[treasury]] and the temple rulers [[profited]] tremendously from these [[commercial]] [[activities]]. It was not uncommon for the [[temple]] [[treasury]] to hold upwards of ten million dollars while the common people languished in [[poverty]] and continued to pay these unjust [[Tax|levies]].

173:1.4 These [[temple]] [[money]]-changers not only conducted a regular [[banking]] [[business]] for [[profit]] in the exchange of more than [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency twenty sorts of money] which the visiting [[pilgrims]] would periodically bring to [[Jerusalem]], but they also engaged in all other kinds of [[transactions]] pertaining to the [[banking]] [[business]]. Both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] [[treasury]] and the temple rulers [[profited]] tremendously from these [[commercial]] [[activities]]. It was not uncommon for the [[temple]] [[treasury]] to hold upwards of ten million dollars while the common people languished in [[poverty]] and continued to pay these unjust [[Tax|levies]].

173:1.5 In the midst of this [[noisy]] [[aggregation]] of [[money]]-changers, [[merchandisers]], and cattle sellers, [[Jesus]], on this Monday morning, attempted to [[teach]] the [[gospel]] of [[the Kingdom|the heavenly kingdom]]. He was not [[alone]] in resenting this [[profanation]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]; the common people, especially the [[Jewish]] [[visitors]] from foreign provinces, also heartily resented this profiteering [[desecration]] of their [[national]] house of [[worship]]. At this time the [[Sanhedrin]] itself held its regular meetings in a chamber [[surrounded]] by all this babble and [[confusion]] of [[Marketplace|trade and barter]].

173:1.5 In the midst of this [[noisy]] [[aggregation]] of [[money]]-changers, [[merchandisers]], and cattle sellers, [[Jesus]], on this Monday morning, attempted to [[teach]] the [[gospel]] of [[the Kingdom|the heavenly kingdom]]. He was not [[alone]] in resenting this [[profanation]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]; the common people, especially the [[Jewish]] [[visitors]] from foreign provinces, also heartily resented this profiteering [[desecration]] of their [[national]] house of [[worship]]. At this time the [[Sanhedrin]] itself held its regular meetings in a chamber [[surrounded]] by all this babble and [[confusion]] of [[Marketplace|trade and barter]].

173:1.6 As [[Jesus]] was about to begin his [[Discourse|address]], [[two]] [[things]] happened to arrest his [[attention]]. At the [[money]] table of a near-by exchanger a [[violent]] and heated [[argument]] had arisen over the alleged overcharging of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic Judaism Jew] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], while at the same [[moment]] the air was rent by the bellowing of a drove of some one hundred bullocks which was being driven from one section of the animal pens to another. As [[Jesus]] paused, [[silently]] but [[thoughtfully]] [[contemplating]] this scene of [[commerce]] and [[confusion]], close by he beheld a simple-minded [[Galilean]], a man he had once talked with in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wadi_area Iron], being [[ridiculed]] and jostled about by supercilious and would-be superior [[Judeans]]; and all of this combined to produce one of those [[strange]] and periodic uprisings of [[indignant]] [[emotion]] in the [[soul]] of [[Jesus]].

173:1.6 As [[Jesus]] was about to begin his [[Discourse|address]], [[two]] [[things]] happened to arrest his [[attention]]. At the [[money]] table of a near-by exchanger a [[violent]] and heated [[argument]] had arisen over the alleged overcharging of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic Judaism Jew] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], while at the same [[moment]] the air was rent by the bellowing of a drove of some one hundred bullocks which was being driven from one section of the animal pens to another. As [[Jesus]] paused, [[silently]] but [[thoughtfully]] [[contemplating]] this scene of [[commerce]] and [[confusion]], close by he beheld a simple-minded [[Galilean]], a man he had once talked with in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wadi_area Iron], being [[ridiculed]] and jostled about by supercilious and would-be superior [[Judeans]]; and all of this combined to produce one of those [[strange]] and periodic uprisings of [[indignant]] [[emotion]] in the [[soul]] of [[Jesus]].

173:1.7 To the [[amazement]] of his [[apostles]], standing near at hand, who refrained from [[participation]] in what so soon followed, [[Jesus]] stepped down from the teaching platform and, going over to the lad who was driving the cattle through the [[court]], took from him his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_o%27_nine_tails whip of cords] and swiftly drove the [[animals]] from the [[temple]]. But that was not all; he strode [[majestically]] before the [[wondering]] gaze of the thousands assembled in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple court] to the farthest cattle pen and [[proceeded]] to open the gates of every stall and to drive out the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_%28mythology%29#Sacrificial_animals imprisoned animals]. By this time the assembled [[pilgrims]] were electrified, and with uproarious shouting they moved toward the [[Marketplace|bazaars]] and began to overturn the tables of the [[money]]-changers. In less than five minutes all [[commerce]] had been swept from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. By the time the near-by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldier Roman guards] had appeared on the scene, all was [[quiet]], and the crowds had become orderly; [[Jesus]], returning to the speaker's stand, [[spoke]] to [[the multitude]]: " You have this day [[witnessed]] that which is [[written]] in the [[Scriptures]]: `My house shall be called a house of [[prayer]] for all nations,[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.56] but you have made it a den of robbers.' "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.7]

173:1.7 To the [[amazement]] of his [[apostles]], standing near at hand, who refrained from [[participation]] in what so soon followed, [[Jesus]] stepped down from the teaching platform and, going over to the lad who was driving the cattle through the [[court]], took from him his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_o%27_nine_tails whip of cords] and swiftly drove the [[animals]] from the [[temple]]. But that was not all; he strode [[majestically]] before the [[wondering]] gaze of the thousands assembled in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple court] to the farthest cattle pen and [[proceeded]] to open the gates of every stall and to drive out the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_%28mythology%29#Sacrificial_animals imprisoned animals]. By this time the assembled [[pilgrims]] were electrified, and with uproarious shouting they moved toward the [[Marketplace|bazaars]] and began to overturn the tables of the [[money]]-changers. In less than five minutes all [[commerce]] had been swept from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. By the time the near-by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldier Roman guards] had appeared on the scene, all was [[quiet]], and the crowds had become orderly; [[Jesus]], returning to the speaker's stand, [[spoke]] to [[the multitude]]: " You have this day [[witnessed]] that which is [[written]] in the [[Scriptures]]: `My house shall be called a house of [[prayer]] for all nations,[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.56] but you have made it a den of robbers.' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.7]

173:1.8 But before he could utter other [[words]], the great assembly broke out in [Song|hosannas]] of [[praise]], and presently a throng of [[youths]] stepped out from the crowd to sing [[grateful]] [[hymns]] of [[appreciation]] that the [[profane]] and [[profiteering]] [[merchandisers]] had been ejected from the [[sacred]] [[temple]]. By this time certain of the [[priests]] had arrived on the scene, and one of them said to [[Jesus]], " Do you not hear what the [[children]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levites Levites] say? " And [[the Master]] replied, " Have you never [[read]], `Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings has [[praise]] been [[perfected]]'? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_8] And all the rest of that day while [[Jesus]] taught, guards set by [[the people]] stood watch at every archway, and they would not [[permit]] anyone to carry even an empty vessel across the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple courts].

173:1.8 But before he could utter other [[words]], the great assembly broke out in [Song|hosannas]] of [[praise]], and presently a throng of [[youths]] stepped out from the crowd to sing [[grateful]] [[hymns]] of [[appreciation]] that the [[profane]] and [[profiteering]] [[merchandisers]] had been ejected from the [[sacred]] [[temple]]. By this time certain of the [[priests]] had arrived on the scene, and one of them said to [[Jesus]], " Do you not hear what the [[children]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levites Levites] say? " And [[the Master]] replied, " Have you never [[read]], `Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings has [[praise]] been [[perfected]]'? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_8] And all the rest of that day while [[Jesus]] taught, guards set by [[the people]] stood watch at every archway, and they would not [[permit]] anyone to carry even an empty vessel across the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple courts].

173:1.9 When the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and the [[scribes]] heard about these happenings, they were dumfounded. All the more they [[feared]] [[the Master]], and all the more they [[determined]] to [[Kill|destroy]] him. But they were nonplused. They did not know how to accomplish his [[death]], for they greatly [[feared]] [[the multitudes]], who were now so outspoken in their [[approval]] of his overthrow of the [[profane]] [[Commerce|profiteers]]. And all this day, a day of [[quiet]] and [[peace]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple temple courts], the people heard [[Jesus]]' teaching and [[literally]] hung on his [[words]].

173:1.9 When the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and the [[scribes]] heard about these happenings, they were dumfounded. All the more they [[feared]] [[the Master]], and all the more they [[determined]] to [[Kill|destroy]] him. But they were nonplused. They did not know how to accomplish his [[death]], for they greatly [[feared]] [[the multitudes]], who were now so outspoken in their [[approval]] of his overthrow of the [[profane]] [[Commerce|profiteers]]. And all this day, a day of [[quiet]] and [[peace]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple temple courts], the people heard [[Jesus]]' teaching and [[literally]] hung on his [[words]].

173:1.10 This [[surprising]] [[act]] of [[Jesus]] was beyond the [[comprehension]] of his [[apostles]]. They were so taken aback by this sudden and unexpected move of their Master that they remained throughout the whole [[episode]] huddled [[together]] near the speaker's stand; they never lifted a hand to further this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleansing_of_the_Temple cleansing of the temple]. If this spectacular [[event]] had occurred the day before, at the time of [[Jesus]]' [[triumphal]] arrival at the [[temple]] at the termination of his tumultuous [[procession]] through the gates of the [[city]][http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_172], all the while loudly [[acclaimed]] by the multitude, they would have been ready for it, but coming as it did, they were wholly unprepared to [[participate]].

173:1.10 This [[surprising]] [[act]] of [[Jesus]] was beyond the [[comprehension]] of his [[apostles]]. They were so taken aback by this sudden and unexpected move of their Master that they remained throughout the whole [[episode]] huddled [[together]] near the speaker's stand; they never lifted a hand to further this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleansing_of_the_Temple cleansing of the temple]. If this spectacular [[event]] had occurred the day before, at the time of [[Jesus]]' [[triumphal]] arrival at the [[temple]] at the termination of his tumultuous [[procession]] through the gates of the [[city]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_172], all the while loudly [[acclaimed]] by the multitude, they would have been ready for it, but coming as it did, they were wholly unprepared to [[participate]].

173:1.11 This [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleansing_of_the_Temple cleansing of the temple] discloses [[the Master]]'s [[attitude]] toward commercializing the [[practices]] of [[religion]] as well as his detestation of all forms of unfairness and profiteering at the [[expense]] of the [[poor]] and the unlearned. This [[episode]] also [[demonstrates]] that [[Jesus]] did not look with [[approval]] upon the refusal to employ [[force]] to protect the [[majority]] of any given [[human]] group against the unfair and enslaving [[practices]] of unjust minorities who may be able to entrench themselves behind [[political]], [[financial]], or [[ecclesiastical]] [[power]]. Shrewd, [[wicked]], and designing men are not to be [[permitted]] to [[organize]] themselves for the [[exploitation]] and [[oppression]] of those who, because of their [[idealism]], are not disposed to resort to [[force]] for [[Nonresistance|self-protection]] or for the furtherance of their laudable life projects.

173:1.11 This [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleansing_of_the_Temple cleansing of the temple] discloses [[the Master]]'s [[attitude]] toward commercializing the [[practices]] of [[religion]] as well as his detestation of all forms of unfairness and profiteering at the [[expense]] of the [[poor]] and the unlearned. This [[episode]] also [[demonstrates]] that [[Jesus]] did not look with [[approval]] upon the refusal to employ [[force]] to protect the [[majority]] of any given [[human]] group against the unfair and enslaving [[practices]] of unjust minorities who may be able to entrench themselves behind [[political]], [[financial]], or [[ecclesiastical]] [[power]]. Shrewd, [[wicked]], and designing men are not to be [[permitted]] to [[organize]] themselves for the [[exploitation]] and [[oppression]] of those who, because of their [[idealism]], are not disposed to resort to [[force]] for [[Nonresistance|self-protection]] or for the furtherance of their laudable life projects.

==173:2. CHALLENGING THE MASTER'S AUTHORITY==

==173:2. CHALLENGING THE MASTER'S AUTHORITY==

173:2.1 On Sunday [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_172 the triumphal entry] into [[Jerusalem]] so overawed the [[Jewish]] [[leaders]] that they refrained from placing [[Jesus]] under [[arrest]]. Today, this [[spectacular]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_173#173:1._CLEANSING_THE_TEMPLE cleansing of the temple] likewise effectively postponed [[the Master]]'s apprehension. Day by day the [[Sanhedrin|rulers of the Jews]] were becoming more and more [[determined]] to [[Kill|destroy]] him, but they were distraught by [[two]] [[fears]], which [[conspired]] to [[delay]] the hour of striking. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and the [[scribes]] were unwilling to [[arrest]] [[Jesus]] in [[public]] for fear the multitude might turn upon them in a [[fury]] of [[resentment]]; they also dreaded the [[possibility]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldier Roman guards] being called upon to quell a [[popular]] [[Revolution|uprising]].

173:2.1 On Sunday [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_172 the triumphal entry] into [[Jerusalem]] so overawed the [[Jewish]] [[leaders]] that they refrained from placing [[Jesus]] under [[arrest]]. Today, this [[spectacular]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_173#173:1._CLEANSING_THE_TEMPLE cleansing of the temple] likewise effectively postponed [[the Master]]'s apprehension. Day by day the [[Sanhedrin|rulers of the Jews]] were becoming more and more [[determined]] to [[Kill|destroy]] him, but they were distraught by [[two]] [[fears]], which [[conspired]] to [[delay]] the hour of striking. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and the [[scribes]] were unwilling to [[arrest]] [[Jesus]] in [[public]] for fear the multitude might turn upon them in a [[fury]] of [[resentment]]; they also dreaded the [[possibility]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldier Roman guards] being called upon to quell a [[popular]] [[Revolution|uprising]].

173:2.2 At the noon session of the [[Sanhedrin]] it was [[unanimously]] [[agreed]] that [[Jesus]] must be speedily [[Murder|destroyed]], inasmuch as no [[friend]] of [[the Master]] attended this meeting. But they could not [[agree]] as to when and how he should be taken into [[custody]]. Finally they [[agreed]] upon appointing five [[groups]] to go out among [[the people]] and seek to entangle him in his [[teaching]] or otherwise to discredit him in the [[sight]] of those who [[listened]] to his instruction. Accordingly, about two o'clock, when [[Jesus]] had just begun his [[discourse]] on " The [[Liberty]] of [[Sonship]], " a group of these [[elders]] of [[Israel]] made their way up near [[Jesus]] and, interrupting him in the customary [[manner]], asked this question: " By what [[authority]] do you do these things? Who gave you this authority? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_20]

173:2.2 At the noon session of the [[Sanhedrin]] it was [[unanimously]] [[agreed]] that [[Jesus]] must be speedily [[Murder|destroyed]], inasmuch as no [[friend]] of [[the Master]] attended this meeting. But they could not [[agree]] as to when and how he should be taken into [[custody]]. Finally they [[agreed]] upon appointing five [[groups]] to go out among [[the people]] and seek to entangle him in his [[teaching]] or otherwise to discredit him in the [[sight]] of those who [[listened]] to his instruction. Accordingly, about two o'clock, when [[Jesus]] had just begun his [[discourse]] on " The [[Liberty]] of [[Sonship]], " a group of these [[elders]] of [[Israel]] made their way up near [[Jesus]] and, interrupting him in the customary [[manner]], asked this question: " By what [[authority]] do you do these things? Who gave you this authority? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_20]

173:2.3 It was altogether proper that the [[temple]] rulers and the officers of the Jewish [[Sanhedrin]] should ask this [[question]] of anyone who [[presumed]] to [[teach]] and [[perform]] in the extraordinary [[manner]] which had been characteristic of [[Jesus]], especially as concerned his recent [[conduct]] in [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_173#173:1._CLEANSING_THE_TEMPLE clearing the temple] of all [[commerce]]. These traders and [[money]]-changers all operated by direct [[license]] from the highest rulers, and a percentage of their gains was supposed to go directly into the [[temple]] [[treasury]]. Do not forget that [[authority]] was the watchword of all [[Judaism|Jewry]]. The [[prophets]] were always stirring up [[trouble]] because they so [[boldly]] [[presumed]] to teach without [[authority]], without having been duly instructed in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbinic_Judaism rabbinic academies] and subsequently regularly [[ordained]] by the [[Sanhedrin]]. Lack of this [[authority]] in pretentious [[public]] teaching was looked upon as indicating either [[ignorant]] [[presumption]] or open [[rebellion]]. At this time only the [[Sanhedrin]] could [[ordain]] an [[elder]] or [[teacher]], and such a [[ceremony]] had to take place in the [[presence]] of at least [[three]] [[persons]] who had previously been so [[ordained]]. Such an ordination conferred the title of " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbi rabbi] " upon the [[teacher]] and also qualified him to [[act]] as a [[judge]], " binding and loosing such matters as might be brought to him for [[adjudication]]. "

173:2.3 It was altogether proper that the [[temple]] rulers and the officers of the Jewish [[Sanhedrin]] should ask this [[question]] of anyone who [[presumed]] to [[teach]] and [[perform]] in the extraordinary [[manner]] which had been characteristic of [[Jesus]], especially as concerned his recent [[conduct]] in [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_173#173:1._CLEANSING_THE_TEMPLE clearing the temple] of all [[commerce]]. These traders and [[money]]-changers all operated by direct [[license]] from the highest rulers, and a percentage of their gains was supposed to go directly into the [[temple]] [[treasury]]. Do not forget that [[authority]] was the watchword of all [[Judaism|Jewry]]. The [[prophets]] were always stirring up [[trouble]] because they so [[boldly]] [[presumed]] to teach without [[authority]], without having been duly instructed in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbinic_Judaism rabbinic academies] and subsequently regularly [[ordained]] by the [[Sanhedrin]]. Lack of this [[authority]] in pretentious [[public]] teaching was looked upon as indicating either [[ignorant]] [[presumption]] or open [[rebellion]]. At this time only the [[Sanhedrin]] could [[ordain]] an [[elder]] or [[teacher]], and such a [[ceremony]] had to take place in the [[presence]] of at least [[three]] [[persons]] who had previously been so [[ordained]]. Such an ordination conferred the title of " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbi rabbi] " upon the [[teacher]] and also qualified him to [[act]] as a [[judge]], " binding and loosing such matters as might be brought to him for [[adjudication]]. "

173:2.4 The rulers of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] came before [[Jesus]] at this afternoon hour [[challenging]] not only his [[teaching]] but his [[acts]]. [[Jesus]] well knew that these very men had long [[publicly]] taught that his [[authority]] for teaching was [[Satan]]ic, and that all his [[Miracle|mighty works]] had been wrought by the [[power]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beezlebub prince of devils]. Therefore did [[the Master]] begin his answer to their [[question]] by asking them a counter-question. Said [[Jesus]]: " I would also like to ask you one question which, if you will answer me, I likewise will tell you by what [[authority]] I do these [[works]]. The [[baptism]] of [[John the Baptist|John]], whence was it? Did John get his [[authority]] from [[heaven]] or from men? "

173:2.4 The rulers of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] came before [[Jesus]] at this afternoon hour [[challenging]] not only his [[teaching]] but his [[acts]]. [[Jesus]] well knew that these very men had long [[publicly]] taught that his [[authority]] for teaching was [[Satan]]ic, and that all his [[Miracle|mighty works]] had been wrought by the [[power]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beezlebub prince of devils]. Therefore did [[the Master]] begin his answer to their [[question]] by asking them a counter-question. Said [[Jesus]]: " I would also like to ask you one question which, if you will answer me, I likewise will tell you by what [[authority]] I do these [[works]]. The [[baptism]] of [[John the Baptist|John]], whence was it? Did John get his [[authority]] from [[heaven]] or from men? "

173:2.5 And when his questioners heard this, they withdrew to one side to take [[counsel]] among themselves as to what answer they might give. They had [[thought]] to [[embarrass]] [[Jesus]] before [[the multitude]], but now they found themselves much [[confused]] before all who were assembled at that time in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple temple court]. And their discomfiture was all the more [[apparent]] when they returned to [[Jesus]], saying: " Concerning the [[baptism]] of [[John the Baptist|John]], we cannot answer; we do not know. " And they so answered [[the Master]] because they had [[reasoned]] among themselves: If we shall say from [[heaven]], then will he say, Why did you not [[believe]] him, and perchance will add that he [[received]] his [[authority]] from [[John the Baptist|John]]; and if we shall say from [[Human|men]], then might [[the multitude]] turn upon us, for most of them hold that [[John the Baptist|John]] was a [[prophet]]; and so they were compelled to come before [[Jesus]] and the people [[confessing]] that they, the [[religious]] [[teachers]] and [[leaders]] of [[Israel]], could not (or would not) [[express]] an [[opinion]] about [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[mission]]. And when they had [[spoken]], Jesus, looking down upon them, said, " Neither will I tell you by what [[authority]] I do these things. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_20]

173:2.5 And when his questioners heard this, they withdrew to one side to take [[counsel]] among themselves as to what answer they might give. They had [[thought]] to [[embarrass]] [[Jesus]] before [[the multitude]], but now they found themselves much [[confused]] before all who were assembled at that time in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#Life_in_and_around_the_temple temple court]. And their discomfiture was all the more [[apparent]] when they returned to [[Jesus]], saying: " Concerning the [[baptism]] of [[John the Baptist|John]], we cannot answer; we do not know. " And they so answered [[the Master]] because they had [[reasoned]] among themselves: If we shall say from [[heaven]], then will he say, Why did you not [[believe]] him, and perchance will add that he [[received]] his [[authority]] from [[John the Baptist|John]]; and if we shall say from [[Human|men]], then might [[the multitude]] turn upon us, for most of them hold that [[John the Baptist|John]] was a [[prophet]]; and so they were compelled to come before [[Jesus]] and the people [[confessing]] that they, the [[religious]] [[teachers]] and [[leaders]] of [[Israel]], could not (or would not) [[express]] an [[opinion]] about [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[mission]]. And when they had [[spoken]], Jesus, looking down upon them, said, " Neither will I tell you by what [[authority]] I do these things. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_20]

173:2.6 [[Jesus]] never [[intended]] to [[appeal]] to [[John the Baptist|John]] for his [[authority]]; John had never been [[ordained]] by the [[Sanhedrin]]. [[Jesus]]' [[authority]] was in himself and in [[the Father|his Father]]'s [[eternal]] [[supremacy]].

173:2.6 [[Jesus]] never [[intended]] to [[appeal]] to [[John the Baptist|John]] for his [[authority]]; John had never been [[ordained]] by the [[Sanhedrin]]. [[Jesus]]' [[authority]] was in himself and in [[the Father|his Father]]'s [[eternal]] [[supremacy]].

173:2.7 In employing this [[method]] of dealing with his [[adversaries]], [[Jesus]] did not mean to dodge the [[question]]. At first it may seem that he was [[guilty]] of a masterly [[evasion]], but it was not so. [[Jesus]] was never disposed to take unfair [[advantage]] of even his [[enemies]]. In this [[apparent]] evasion he really supplied all his hearers with the answer to the [[Pharisees]]' question as to the [[authority]] behind his [[mission]]. They had asserted that he [[performed]] by [[authority]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beezlebub prince of devils]. [[Jesus]] had [[repeatedly]] [[asserted]] that all his teaching and [[works]] were by the [[power]] and [[authority]] of [[the Father|his Father]] in [[heaven]]. This the [[Jewish]] [[leaders]] refused to [[accept]] and were seeking to corner him into admitting that he was an irregular [[teacher]] since he had never been [[sanctioned]] by the [[Sanhedrin]]. In answering them as he did, while not claiming [[authority]] from [[John the Baptist|John]], he so [[satisfied]] the people with the [[inference]] that the [[effort]] of his [[enemies]] to ensnare him was [[effectively]] turned upon themselves and was much to their discredit in the eyes of all present.

173:2.7 In employing this [[method]] of dealing with his [[adversaries]], [[Jesus]] did not mean to dodge the [[question]]. At first it may seem that he was [[guilty]] of a masterly [[evasion]], but it was not so. [[Jesus]] was never disposed to take unfair [[advantage]] of even his [[enemies]]. In this [[apparent]] evasion he really supplied all his hearers with the answer to the [[Pharisees]]' question as to the [[authority]] behind his [[mission]]. They had asserted that he [[performed]] by [[authority]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beezlebub prince of devils]. [[Jesus]] had [[repeatedly]] [[asserted]] that all his teaching and [[works]] were by the [[power]] and [[authority]] of [[the Father|his Father]] in [[heaven]]. This the [[Jewish]] [[leaders]] refused to [[accept]] and were seeking to corner him into admitting that he was an irregular [[teacher]] since he had never been [[sanctioned]] by the [[Sanhedrin]]. In answering them as he did, while not claiming [[authority]] from [[John the Baptist|John]], he so [[satisfied]] the people with the [[inference]] that the [[effort]] of his [[enemies]] to ensnare him was [[effectively]] turned upon themselves and was much to their discredit in the eyes of all present.

173:2.8 And it was this [[genius]] of [[the Master]] for dealing with his [[adversaries]] that made them so [[afraid]] of him. They attempted no more [[questions]] that day; they [[retired]] to take further [[counsel]] among themselves. But the people were not slow to [[discern]] the dishonesty and insincerity in these [[questions]] asked by the Jewish rulers. Even the common [[folk]] could not fail to [[distinguish]] between the [[moral]] [[majesty]] of [[the Master]] and the [[designing]] [[hypocrisy]] of his [[enemies]]. But the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_173#173:1._CLEANSING_THE_TEMPLE cleansing of the temple] had brought the [[Sadducees]] over to the side of the [[Pharisees]] in [[perfecting]] the [[plan]] to [[Murder|destroy]] [[Jesus]]. And the [[Sadducees]] now [[represented]] a [[majority]] of the [[Sanhedrin]].

173:2.8 And it was this [[genius]] of [[the Master]] for dealing with his [[adversaries]] that made them so [[afraid]] of him. They attempted no more [[questions]] that day; they [[retired]] to take further [[counsel]] among themselves. But the people were not slow to [[discern]] the dishonesty and insincerity in these [[questions]] asked by the Jewish rulers. Even the common [[folk]] could not fail to [[distinguish]] between the [[moral]] [[majesty]] of [[the Master]] and the [[designing]] [[hypocrisy]] of his [[enemies]]. But the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_173#173:1._CLEANSING_THE_TEMPLE cleansing of the temple] had brought the [[Sadducees]] over to the side of the [[Pharisees]] in [[perfecting]] the [[plan]] to [[Murder|destroy]] [[Jesus]]. And the [[Sadducees]] now [[represented]] a [[majority]] of the [[Sanhedrin]].

==173:3. PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS==

==173:3. PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS==

173:3.1 As the caviling [[Pharisees]] stood there in [[silence]] before [[Jesus]], he looked down on them and said: " Since you are in [[doubt]] about [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[mission]] and arrayed in [[enmity]] against the [[teaching]] and the works of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], give ear while I tell you a [[parable]]: A certain great and [[respected]] landholder had two sons, and [[desiring]] the help of his sons in the [[management]] of his large estates, he came to one of them, saying, `Son, go [[work]] today in my vineyard.' And this unthinking son answered his [[father]], saying, `I will not go'; but afterward he [[repented]] and went. When he had found his older son, likewise he said to him, `Son, go [[work]] in my vineyard.' And this [[hypocritical]] and unfaithful son answered, `Yes, my [[father]], I will go.' But when his father had departed, he went not. Let me ask you, which of these sons really did his [[father]]'s will? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_21]

173:3.1 As the caviling [[Pharisees]] stood there in [[silence]] before [[Jesus]], he looked down on them and said: " Since you are in [[doubt]] about [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[mission]] and arrayed in [[enmity]] against the [[teaching]] and the works of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], give ear while I tell you a [[parable]]: A certain great and [[respected]] landholder had two sons, and [[desiring]] the help of his sons in the [[management]] of his large estates, he came to one of them, saying, `Son, go [[work]] today in my vineyard.' And this unthinking son answered his [[father]], saying, `I will not go'; but afterward he [[repented]] and went. When he had found his older son, likewise he said to him, `Son, go [[work]] in my vineyard.' And this [[hypocritical]] and unfaithful son answered, `Yes, my [[father]], I will go.' But when his father had departed, he went not. Let me ask you, which of these sons really did his [[father]]'s will? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_21]

173:3.2 And the people spoke with one [[accord]], saying, " The first son. " And then said [[Jesus]]: " Even so; and now do I [[declare]] that the publicans and [[harlots]], even though they [[appear]] to refuse the call to [[repentance]], shall see the [[error]] of their way and go on into [[the kingdom]] of [[God]] before you, who make great pretensions of serving [[the Father]] in heaven while you refuse to [[Doing the will of God|do the works of the Father]]. It was not you, the [[Pharisees]] and [[scribes]], who believed [[John the Baptist|John]], but rather the publicans and [[sinners]]; neither do you [[believe]] my teaching, but the [[common people]] [[hear]] my [[words]] [[gladly]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_21]

173:3.2 And the people spoke with one [[accord]], saying, " The first son. " And then said [[Jesus]]: " Even so; and now do I [[declare]] that the publicans and [[harlots]], even though they [[appear]] to refuse the call to [[repentance]], shall see the [[error]] of their way and go on into [[the kingdom]] of [[God]] before you, who make great pretensions of serving [[the Father]] in heaven while you refuse to [[Doing the will of God|do the works of the Father]]. It was not you, the [[Pharisees]] and [[scribes]], who believed [[John the Baptist|John]], but rather the publicans and [[sinners]]; neither do you [[believe]] my teaching, but the [[common people]] [[hear]] my [[words]] [[gladly]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_21]

173:3.3 [[Jesus]] did not despise the [[Pharisees]] and [[Sadducees]] personally. It was their [[systems]] of [[teaching]] and [[practice]] which he sought to discredit. He was [[hostile]] to no man, but here was occurring the [[inevitable]] clash between a new and living [[religion]] of the [[spirit]] and the older [[religion]] of [[ceremony]], [[tradition]], and [[authority]].

173:3.3 [[Jesus]] did not despise the [[Pharisees]] and [[Sadducees]] personally. It was their [[systems]] of [[teaching]] and [[practice]] which he sought to discredit. He was [[hostile]] to no man, but here was occurring the [[inevitable]] clash between a new and living [[religion]] of the [[spirit]] and the older [[religion]] of [[ceremony]], [[tradition]], and [[authority]].

173:4.1 When the chief [[Pharisees]] and the [[scribes]] who had sought to entangle [[Jesus]] with their [[questions]] had finished [[listening]] to the story of the two sons, they withdrew to take further [[counsel]], and [[the Master]], turning his [[attention]] to the [[listening]] multitude, told another [[parable]]:

173:4.1 When the chief [[Pharisees]] and the [[scribes]] who had sought to entangle [[Jesus]] with their [[questions]] had finished [[listening]] to the story of the two sons, they withdrew to take further [[counsel]], and [[the Master]], turning his [[attention]] to the [[listening]] multitude, told another [[parable]]:

173:4.2 " There was a [[good]] man who was a householder, and he planted a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vineyard vineyard]. He set a hedge about it, dug a pit for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_press wine press], and built a watchtower for the guards. Then he let this vineyard out to tenants while he went on a long [[journey]] into another country. And when the [[season]] of the fruits drew near, he sent servants to the tenants to [[receive]] his rental. But they took [[counsel]] among themselves and refused to give these servants the fruits due their master; instead, they fell upon his servants, beating one, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoning stoning] another, and sending the others away empty-handed. And when the householder heard about all this, he sent other and more [[trusted]] servants to deal with these [[wicked]] tenants, and these they [[wounded]] and also treated [[shamefully]]. And then the householder sent his [[favorite]] servant, his steward, and him they [[killed]]. And still, in [[patience]] and with [[forbearance]], he dispatched many other servants, but none would they [[receive]]. Some they beat, others they [[killed]], and when the householder had been so dealt with, he [[decided]] to send his son to deal with these ungrateful tenants, saying to himself, `They may mistreat my servants, but they will surely show [[respect]] for my beloved son.' But when these unrepentant and [[wicked]] tenants saw the son, they [[reasoned]] among themselves: `This is the heir; come, let us [[kill]] him and then the [[inheritance]] will be ours.' So they laid hold on him, and after casting him out of the vineyard, they [[killed]] him. When the lord of that vineyard shall hear how they have [[rejected]] and [[killed]] his son, what will he do to those ungrateful and [[wicked]] tenants? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_12]

173:4.2 " There was a [[good]] man who was a householder, and he planted a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vineyard vineyard]. He set a hedge about it, dug a pit for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_press wine press], and built a watchtower for the guards. Then he let this vineyard out to tenants while he went on a long [[journey]] into another country. And when the [[season]] of the fruits drew near, he sent servants to the tenants to [[receive]] his rental. But they took [[counsel]] among themselves and refused to give these servants the fruits due their master; instead, they fell upon his servants, beating one, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoning stoning] another, and sending the others away empty-handed. And when the householder heard about all this, he sent other and more [[trusted]] servants to deal with these [[wicked]] tenants, and these they [[wounded]] and also treated [[shamefully]]. And then the householder sent his [[favorite]] servant, his steward, and him they [[killed]]. And still, in [[patience]] and with [[forbearance]], he dispatched many other servants, but none would they [[receive]]. Some they beat, others they [[killed]], and when the householder had been so dealt with, he [[decided]] to send his son to deal with these ungrateful tenants, saying to himself, `They may mistreat my servants, but they will surely show [[respect]] for my beloved son.' But when these unrepentant and [[wicked]] tenants saw the son, they [[reasoned]] among themselves: `This is the heir; come, let us [[kill]] him and then the [[inheritance]] will be ours.' So they laid hold on him, and after casting him out of the vineyard, they [[killed]] him. When the lord of that vineyard shall hear how they have [[rejected]] and [[killed]] his son, what will he do to those ungrateful and [[wicked]] tenants? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_12]

173:4.3 And when [[the people]] heard this [[parable]] and the [[question]] [[Jesus]] asked, they answered, " He will destroy those miserable men and let out his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vineyard vineyard] to other and [[honest]] [[farmers]] who will render to him the fruits in their [[season]]. " And when some of them who heard [[perceived]] that this [[parable]] referred to the [[Jewish]] [[nation]] and its treatment of the [[prophets]] and to the impending [[rejection]] of [[Jesus]] and the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], they said in [[sorrow]], " [[God]] forbid that we should go on doing these [[things]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_12]

173:4.3 And when [[the people]] heard this [[parable]] and the [[question]] [[Jesus]] asked, they answered, " He will destroy those miserable men and let out his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vineyard vineyard] to other and [[honest]] [[farmers]] who will render to him the fruits in their [[season]]. " And when some of them who heard [[perceived]] that this [[parable]] referred to the [[Jewish]] [[nation]] and its treatment of the [[prophets]] and to the impending [[rejection]] of [[Jesus]] and the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], they said in [[sorrow]], " [[God]] forbid that we should go on doing these [[things]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_12]

173:4.4 [[Jesus]] saw a [[group]] of the [[Sadducees]] and [[Pharisees]] making their way through [[the crowd]], and he paused for a [[moment]] until they drew near him, when he said: " You know how your [[fathers]] [[rejected]] the [[prophets]], and you well know that you are set in your [[hearts]] to [[reject]] the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]. " And then, looking with searching gaze upon those [[priests]] and [[elders]] who were standing near him, [[Jesus]] said: " Did you never [[read]] in the [[Scripture]] about the stone which the builders [[rejected]], and which, when [[the people]] had [[discovered]] it, was made into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornerstone cornerstone]? And so once more do I [[warn]] you that, if you continue to [[reject]] this [[gospel]], presently will [[the kingdom]] of God be taken away from you and be given to a people willing to [[receive]] the good news and to bring forth the [[fruits of the spirit]]. And there is a [[mystery]] about this stone, seeing that whoso falls upon it, while he is thereby broken in pieces, shall be [[saved]]; but on whomsoever this stone falls, he will be ground to dust and his ashes scattered to the four [[winds]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_12]

173:4.4 [[Jesus]] saw a [[group]] of the [[Sadducees]] and [[Pharisees]] making their way through [[the crowd]], and he paused for a [[moment]] until they drew near him, when he said: " You know how your [[fathers]] [[rejected]] the [[prophets]], and you well know that you are set in your [[hearts]] to [[reject]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]. " And then, looking with searching gaze upon those [[priests]] and [[elders]] who were standing near him, [[Jesus]] said: " Did you never [[read]] in the [[Scripture]] about the stone which the builders [[rejected]], and which, when [[the people]] had [[discovered]] it, was made into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornerstone cornerstone]? And so once more do I [[warn]] you that, if you continue to [[reject]] this [[gospel]], presently will [[the kingdom]] of God be taken away from you and be given to a people willing to [[receive]] the good news and to bring forth the [[fruits of the spirit]]. And there is a [[mystery]] about this stone, seeing that whoso falls upon it, while he is thereby broken in pieces, shall be [[saved]]; but on whomsoever this stone falls, he will be ground to dust and his ashes scattered to the four [[winds]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_12]

173:4.5 When the [[Pharisees]] heard these [[words]], they [[understood]] that [[Jesus]] referred to themselves and the other [[Jewish]] [[leaders]]. They greatly [[desired]] to lay hold on him then and there, but they [[feared]] [[the multitude]]. However, they were so [[angered]] by [[the Master]]'s [[words]] that they withdrew and held further [[counsel]] among themselves as to how they might bring about his [[death]]. And that night both the [[Sadducees]] and the [[Pharisees]] joined hands in the [[plan]] to entrap him the next day.

173:4.5 When the [[Pharisees]] heard these [[words]], they [[understood]] that [[Jesus]] referred to themselves and the other [[Jewish]] [[leaders]]. They greatly [[desired]] to lay hold on him then and there, but they [[feared]] [[the multitude]]. However, they were so [[angered]] by [[the Master]]'s [[words]] that they withdrew and held further [[counsel]] among themselves as to how they might bring about his [[death]]. And that night both the [[Sadducees]] and the [[Pharisees]] joined hands in the [[plan]] to entrap him the next day.

==173:5. PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE FEAST==

==173:5. PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE FEAST==

173:5.1 After the [[scribes]] and rulers had withdrawn, [[Jesus]] addressed himself again to the assembled crowd and [[spoke]] the [[parable]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_great_banquet wedding feast]. He said:

173:5.1 After the [[scribes]] and rulers had withdrawn, [[Jesus]] addressed himself again to the assembled crowd and [[spoke]] the [[parable]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_great_banquet wedding feast]. He said:

173:5.2 " [[The kingdom]] of heaven may be likened to a certain [[king]] who made a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_reception marriage feast] for his son and dispatched [[messengers]] to call those who had previously been [[invited]] to the [[feast]] to come, saying, `Everything is ready for the [[marriage]] supper at the [[king]]'s palace.' Now, many of those who had once [[promised]] to attend, at this time refused to come. When the [[king]] heard of these [[rejections]] of his [[invitation]], he sent other servants and [[messengers]], saying: `Tell all those who were bidden, to come, for, behold, my dinner is ready. My oxen and my [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatted_calf fatlings] are killed, and all is in readiness for the [[celebration]] of the forthcoming [[marriage]] of my son.' But again did the thoughtless make light of this call of their [[king]], and they went their ways, one to the [[farm]], another to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery pottery], and others to their [[merchandise]]. Still others were not content thus to slight the [[king]]'s call, but in open [[rebellion]] they laid hands on the [[king]]'s [[messengers]] and [[shamefully]] mistreated them, even [[killing]] some of them. And when the [[king]] [[perceived]] that his [[Chosen People|chosen]] guests, even those who had [[accepted]] his preliminary [[invitation]] and had [[promised]] to attend the wedding feast, had finally [[rejected]] his call and in [[rebellion]] had [[assaulted]] and slain his chosen [[messengers]], he was exceedingly [[wroth]]. And then this [[insulted]] [[king]] ordered out his [[armies]] and the armies of his allies and instructed them to destroy these [[rebellious]] [[murder]]ers and to burn down their [[city]].

173:5.2 " [[The kingdom]] of heaven may be likened to a certain [[king]] who made a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_reception marriage feast] for his son and dispatched [[messengers]] to call those who had previously been [[invited]] to the [[feast]] to come, saying, `Everything is ready for the [[marriage]] supper at the [[king]]'s palace.' Now, many of those who had once [[promised]] to attend, at this time refused to come. When the [[king]] heard of these [[rejections]] of his [[invitation]], he sent other servants and [[messengers]], saying: `Tell all those who were bidden, to come, for, behold, my dinner is ready. My oxen and my [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatted_calf fatlings] are killed, and all is in readiness for the [[celebration]] of the forthcoming [[marriage]] of my son.' But again did the thoughtless make light of this call of their [[king]], and they went their ways, one to the [[farm]], another to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery pottery], and others to their [[merchandise]]. Still others were not content thus to slight the [[king]]'s call, but in open [[rebellion]] they laid hands on the [[king]]'s [[messengers]] and [[shamefully]] mistreated them, even [[killing]] some of them. And when the [[king]] [[perceived]] that his [[Chosen People|chosen]] guests, even those who had [[accepted]] his preliminary [[invitation]] and had [[promised]] to attend the wedding feast, had finally [[rejected]] his call and in [[rebellion]] had [[assaulted]] and slain his chosen [[messengers]], he was exceedingly [[wroth]]. And then this [[insulted]] [[king]] ordered out his [[armies]] and the armies of his allies and instructed them to destroy these [[rebellious]] [[murder]]ers and to burn down their [[city]].

173:5.3 " And when he had [[punished]] those who spurned his [[invitation]], he appointed yet another day for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_reception wedding feast] and said to his [[messengers]]: `They who were first bidden to the [[wedding]] were not [[worthy]]; so go now into the [[parting of the ways]] and into the highways and even beyond the borders of the [[city]], and as many as you shall find, bid even these strangers to come in and attend this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_reception wedding feast].' And then these servants went out into the highways and the out-of-the-way places, and they gathered [[together]] as many as they found, [[good]] and bad, [[rich]] and [[poor]], so that at last the [[wedding]] chamber was filled with willing guests. When all was ready, the [[king]] came in to view his guests, and much to his [[surprise]] he saw there a man without a [[wedding]] [[garment]]. The [[king]], since he had freely provided wedding garments for all his guests, addressing this man, said: `[[Friend]], how is it that you come into my guest chamber on this [[occasion]] without a wedding garment?' And this unprepared man was [[speechless]]. Then said the [[king]] to his servants: `Cast out this thoughtless guest from my house to [[share]] the lot of all the others who have spurned my [[hospitality]] and [[rejected]] my call. I will have none here except those who delight to [[accept]] my [[invitation]], and who do me the [[honor]] to wear those guest [[garments]] so freely [[provided]] for all.' "

173:5.3 " And when he had [[punished]] those who spurned his [[invitation]], he appointed yet another day for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_reception wedding feast] and said to his [[messengers]]: `They who were first bidden to the [[wedding]] were not [[worthy]]; so go now into the [[parting of the ways]] and into the highways and even beyond the borders of the [[city]], and as many as you shall find, bid even these strangers to come in and attend this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_reception wedding feast].' And then these servants went out into the highways and the out-of-the-way places, and they gathered [[together]] as many as they found, [[good]] and bad, [[rich]] and [[poor]], so that at last the [[wedding]] chamber was filled with willing guests. When all was ready, the [[king]] came in to view his guests, and much to his [[surprise]] he saw there a man without a [[wedding]] [[garment]]. The [[king]], since he had freely provided wedding garments for all his guests, addressing this man, said: `[[Friend]], how is it that you come into my guest chamber on this [[occasion]] without a wedding garment?' And this unprepared man was [[speechless]]. Then said the [[king]] to his servants: `Cast out this thoughtless guest from my house to [[share]] the lot of all the others who have spurned my [[hospitality]] and [[rejected]] my call. I will have none here except those who delight to [[accept]] my [[invitation]], and who do me the [[honor]] to wear those guest [[garments]] so freely [[provided]] for all.' "

173:5.4 After [[speaking]] this [[parable]], [[Jesus]] was about to dismiss [[the multitude]] when a [[sympathetic]] [[believer]], making his way through the crowds toward him, asked: " But, Master, how shall we know about these [[things]]? how shall we be ready for the [[king]]'s [[invitation]]? what sign will you give us whereby we shall know that you are the [[Creator Son|Son of God]]? " And when [[the Master]] heard this, he said, " Only one [[sign]] shall be given you. " And then, pointing to his own [[body]], he continued, " Destroy this [[temple]], and in [[three]] days I will [[Resurrection|raise it up]]. " But they did not [[understand]] him, and as they [[dispersed]], they talked among themselves, saying, " Almost fifty years has this [[temple]] been in building, and yet he says he will destroy it and raise it up in [[three]] days. " Even his own [[apostles]] did not [[comprehend]] the significance of this [[utterance]], but subsequently, after his [[resurrection]], they recalled what he had said.

173:5.4 After [[speaking]] this [[parable]], [[Jesus]] was about to dismiss [[the multitude]] when a [[sympathetic]] [[believer]], making his way through the crowds toward him, asked: " But, Master, how shall we know about these [[things]]? how shall we be ready for the [[king]]'s [[invitation]]? what sign will you give us whereby we shall know that you are the [[Creator Son|Son of God]]? " And when [[the Master]] heard this, he said, " Only one [[sign]] shall be given you. " And then, pointing to his own [[body]], he continued, " Destroy this [[temple]], and in [[three]] days I will [[Resurrection|raise it up]]. " But they did not [[understand]] him, and as they [[dispersed]], they talked among themselves, saying, " Almost fifty years has this [[temple]] been in building, and yet he says he will destroy it and raise it up in [[three]] days. " Even his own [[apostles]] did not [[comprehend]] the significance of this [[utterance]], but subsequently, after his [[resurrection]], they recalled what he had said.

173:5.5 About four o'clock this afternoon [[Jesus]] beckoned to his [[apostles]] and indicated that he [[desired]] to leave [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and to go to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] for their evening meal and a night of [[rest]]. On the way up [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] [[Jesus]] instructed [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] that, on the morrow, they should [[establish]] a camp nearer the [[city]] which they could occupy during the remainder of the [[Passover]] week. In compliance with this instruction the following [[morning]] they pitched their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tents tents] in the hillside ravine overlooking the [[public]] camping park of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane], on a plot of ground belonging to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_125#125:2._JESUS_AND_THE_PASSOVER Simon of Bethany].

173:5.5 About four o'clock this afternoon [[Jesus]] beckoned to his [[apostles]] and indicated that he [[desired]] to leave [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and to go to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] for their evening meal and a night of [[rest]]. On the way up [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] [[Jesus]] instructed [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] that, on the morrow, they should [[establish]] a camp nearer the [[city]] which they could occupy during the remainder of the [[Passover]] week. In compliance with this instruction the following [[morning]] they pitched their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tents tents] in the hillside ravine overlooking the [[public]] camping park of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane], on a plot of ground belonging to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_125#125:2._JESUS_AND_THE_PASSOVER Simon of Bethany].

173:5.6 Again it was a [[silent]] [[group]] of [[Jews]] who made their way up the western slope of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] on this Monday night. These [[the Apostles|twelve men]], as never before, were beginning to sense that something [[tragic]] was about to happen. While the [[dramatic]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_173#173:1._CLEANSING_THE_TEMPLE cleansing of the temple] during the early [[morning]] had aroused their [[hopes]] of seeing [[the Master]] assert himself and [[manifest]] his mighty [[powers]], the [[events]] of the entire afternoon only operated as an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-climax_(narrative) anticlimax] in that they all pointed to the certain [[rejection]] of [[Jesus]]' teaching by the [[Jewish]] [[authorities]]. [[The apostles]] were gripped by [[suspense]] and were held in the firm grasp of a terrible [[uncertainty]]. They [[realized]] that only a few short days could [[intervene]] between the [[events]] of the day just passed and the crash of an impending [[doom]]. They all felt that something tremendous was about to happen, but they knew not what to [[expect]]. They went to their various places for [[rest]], but they [[slept]] very little. Even the [[Alpheus twins]] were at last [[Awake|aroused]] to the [[realization]] that the [[events]] of [[the Master]]'s life were moving swiftly toward their final culmination.

173:5.6 Again it was a [[silent]] [[group]] of [[Jews]] who made their way up the western slope of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] on this Monday night. These [[the Apostles|twelve men]], as never before, were beginning to sense that something [[tragic]] was about to happen. While the [[dramatic]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_173#173:1._CLEANSING_THE_TEMPLE cleansing of the temple] during the early [[morning]] had aroused their [[hopes]] of seeing [[the Master]] assert himself and [[manifest]] his mighty [[powers]], the [[events]] of the entire afternoon only operated as an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-climax_(narrative) anticlimax] in that they all pointed to the certain [[rejection]] of [[Jesus]]' teaching by the [[Jewish]] [[authorities]]. [[The apostles]] were gripped by [[suspense]] and were held in the firm grasp of a terrible [[uncertainty]]. They [[realized]] that only a few short days could [[intervene]] between the [[events]] of the day just passed and the crash of an impending [[doom]]. They all felt that something tremendous was about to happen, but they knew not what to [[expect]]. They went to their various places for [[rest]], but they [[slept]] very little. Even the [[Alpheus twins]] were at last [[Awake|aroused]] to the [[realization]] that the [[events]] of [[the Master]]'s life were moving swiftly toward their final culmination.

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[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]

[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]