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that the various opposing factions engaged Jesus in a series of verbal altercations. In the Gospels, it
appears that these challenges to Jesus appeared on this one day, but they make have taken place over a
longer period.

Jesus’ questioners were those who considered themselves righteous: the Pharisees, Herodians,
Sadducees, and scribes. Only Matthew’s Gospel relates the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21-28-
32), which condemns the self-righteous attitude of the Jewish leaders and is a direct attack on their
character. While the first son in the parable represents those, who responded to the preaching of John
the Baptist, the second son represents those who claimed to be religious but rejected Jesus as Messiah.

The controversies range over a variety of topics, with the Jewish leaders testing Jesus by calling into
question His God-given authority. You recall that previously, the religious leaders had concluded that
Jesus was empowered by demonic forces and they ascribed His powers to heal and do miracles to Satan.
Jesus responded often in parables that challenged official Judaism (Luke 20:19). The Synoptic Gospels
recount the parable of the vineyard and wicked vinedressers, which Jesus adapted from the prophet
Isaiah for His own situation (Isaiah 5:1-7). It was clear that the religious leaders quickly understood the
meaning of the parable and found offense. Matthew’s parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14)
demonstrates that rejection of Jesus will result in judgment. All these confrontations amplified the
resolve of the Jewish leaders to silence Jesus.

After a number of confrontations with the Jewish leaders, Jesus took His disciples across the Kidron
valley to a place He often frequented, the Mount of Olives and to the base of the mount where there
was a special garden called Gethsemane. The disciples at this time were starting to realize that
perhaps Jesus did not come to Jerusalem to establish the kingdom, for they asked Jesus when the
kingdom would be established (Matthew 24:3). Jesus began a long discourse called the “Olivet
Discourse” presented privately to the disciples and concluded with the command to “Watch” (Mark
13:37).

The book of John presents a unique portrait of Jesus that do the other three Gospels do not. One of
John’s most important characteristics is his detail to Jesus’ discourses or long messages to the disciples,
especially the series of discourses delivered by Jesus to the disciples in the upper room and in the
Garden of Gethsemane following the Last Supper. These farewell discourses, which are entirely absent
in the Synoptic Gospels, comprise four chapters in John (chapters 14-17). As has been His ministry
concentration, Jesus prepared His disciples for His death and departure to the Father. Among His last
instructions to them were commandments to abide in His life and love, forewarnings of hatred and
persecution, and a final prayer in chapter 17 for the unity of His followers. Evidently Jesus prayed their
prayer in their midst. It is called the High Priestly Prayer and considers not only the 12 disciples but
extends to all who would believe in Him throughout time (John 17:20).

13.4 Let’s Practice…

1. Explain why the fig tree should have had figs on it even though it was not the season for figs.

2. What was the withering of the fig tree symbolic of?

3. Which religious leaders oversaw the changing of money and selling of animals in the

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