1. MATTHEW Chapter 21:17-46 THE REJECTION OF THE RELIGIOUS I.INTRODUCTION A.First parable difficult to understand.

2. 1.The barren fig tree. 2.Look back over the last 24 hours. a) They have come into Jerusalem. b) Spiritually “blind” - His Jewish brothers. c) Scribes, Pharisees, and Priest - greatest detractors!

3. d) The first thing was to “clean house”. e) Again, He had to defend himself. B.Jesus is pronounce judgment upon Israel. 1.An passage in light of this parable:

4. a) Isaiah 34:1-4 b) The gospel was presented and rejected by Israel! (1) Israel = fruitful fig tree! II.Matthew 21:17-21

5. A.Occurred the morning Jesus cleared the temple! 1.Matthew gives the impression it was the next day. 2.Makes more sense the morning He cleared the temple.

6. a)Motivation to reject Israel for rejecting Him. B.Disciples see the tree wither. 1.The tree should have had fruit on it!

7. 2.Israel an outward show of “leaves”! a) If we listen to the Lord – we will bear fruit (1) Jesus not saying to have faith in your own faith! (2) He is saying have faith in Him!

8. C.He has gone into the Temple to teach. III.Matthew 21:23-27 A.The people who think they are in charge are powerless!

9. 1.Jesus puts them in a “double-bind”. 2.The crowds believed John was a Prophet. a) They come up with a “politically correct” answer. IV.Matthew 21:28-32

10. A.2 sons = the Jews and Gentile. 1.Jesus asked the “sinners” to go work. a) Symbolic of repentance. 2.He also asked Israel to work. a) Symbolic of religion.

11. 3.Tax collectors and prostitutes repented under John’s ministry! a)Jesus puts it a different way! V.Matthew 21:33-46 A.Conclusion

12. 1.Jesus was rejecting them! 2.They could no longer see the Truth! 3.Verse 41 a) “other vine-growers” = born-again Christians! b) It is the repentant heart that pays. 4.Only 2 choices.