The Gospel of Matthew
The Fig Tree and the Elders: Mt 21,18-32
The Fig Tree: 21,18-22
Isaiah's actions in chapter 20 are typical of what is known as a prophetic symbolic action. The prophet is commanded to do something (walking naked, Is 20,1-2) and this is followed by an explanation (Is 20,3-6).
Something similar happens here: Jesus condemns the tree (21,18-19) and this is followed by his explanation (21,20-22). The emphasis therefore is not so much on the action itself as on the explanation.
The importance of the fig as a sign of good times is shown in 1 Kings 4,25 where all live in safety under their vines and fig tree.
The withered fig tree by contrast is a symbol of judgement such as the rotting of the host in Is 34,4.
An explanation fom Jesus follows introduced by the disciples' question in verse 20.
The key given in verse 21 is the importance of faith and not doubting, as with Peter failing to walk on the water (14,31). The reference to the mountain is hyperbole, it's an exaggeration for effect.
The key to faith is then prayer, as in verse 22. The same point is made in 18,19, with the assurance that Jesus is always present with the community.
Matthew's emphasis therefore with this scene is on faith. Mark lacks the word in Mk 11,24 and instead adds an extra verse on praying and forgiving (Mk 11,25).
Return to the main page as the chief priests and elders make their appearance.
The Chief Priests and Elders: 21,23-32.
Once again, Jesus enters the Temple, as in verse 12 the story is continuing. The chief priest and elders are the leaders of the people. It is they who will plot against and arrange the arrest of Jesus in chapter 26, 26,3 and 26,47.
That Jesus has his own authority is established at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, an authority which is not like the scribes (7,29).
Jesus now asks a question in his turn, this is an effective way of avoiding an answer.
The leaders' dilemma is that they did not themselves accept John the Baptist and his message of repentance. At the same time, they are afraid of the crowd, verse 26.
Thus in verse 27, they effectively denied their own authority by refusing to choose. Therefore Jesus did not have to justify his authority.
Jesus then takes the point further with his story of the two sons. The vineyard is a classic example for Israel as we have seen with the example of Isaiah, Is 5,7. The sons of the story then become the Jewish leaders who commit to working in the vineyard but don't do so. It is the other son who first disobeys but then accepts repentance who truly does the will of the father.
Thus the Jewish leaders are contrasted with the tax collectors and prostitutes of verse 31.
Verse 32 brings this to its conclusion by highlighting the refusal of the Jewish leaders to believe, as indicated in verse 25. Instead, it is sinners, the tax collectors and prostitutes, those who know their need of God, who believed in John as a man of God in the way of righteousness.
We are ready to return to the main page.
The Sunday Gospel
Chapter 18 of the prophet Ezekiel is important because it is an early statement of taking individual responsibility and accountability for one's actions. Before that, as seen for example in Ex 20,5, the emphasis was on community responsibility even for several generations.
The Gospel therefore puts the emphasis on the repentance of the tax collectors and prostitutes. This understanding of the Gospel reading would seem to be taking it out of the context which we have seen with its emphasis on the leaders.
Return now to the main page.