Matthew 21 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Matthew 21 meaning explained in AI Summary

Triumphal Entry and Cleansing the Temple

Jesus enters Jerusalem as the Messiah, fulfilling prophecy.
He cleanses the temple of moneychangers and traders.
The children praise Him as the Son of David.

This chapter marks a pivotal point in Matthew's gospel, detailing Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his subsequent actions in the temple. It highlights Jesus' authority and his condemnation of religious hypocrisy.

Key Events:

Triumphal Entry (v. 1-11): Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. Crowds welcome him as the "Son of David," laying down cloaks and palm branches in his path. This event signifies Jesus' kingship, though not in the political sense the people expect.
Cleansing the Temple (v. 12-17): Jesus enters the temple and drives out merchants and money changers, accusing them of turning his Father's house into a "den of robbers." This act demonstrates his zeal for true worship and his authority over the temple.
Cursing the Fig Tree (v. 18-22): Finding a fig tree with leaves but no fruit, Jesus curses it, causing it to wither. This symbolic act foreshadows judgment on Israel for its lack of spiritual fruit despite outward appearances.
Authority Challenged (v. 23-27): Chief priests and elders question Jesus' authority to act as he does. Jesus responds by asking about John the Baptist's authority, putting them in a dilemma. They refuse to answer, fearing the crowd's reaction.
Parable of the Two Sons (v. 28-32): Jesus tells a parable about two sons, one who initially refuses to work in his father's vineyard but later obeys, and another who agrees but doesn't go. This parable criticizes the religious leaders who outwardly appear righteous but disobey God, while highlighting the potential for repentance and obedience in others.

Themes:

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' actions fulfill Old Testament prophecies, confirming his identity as the Messiah.
Kingship and Authority: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and his actions in the temple demonstrate his authority as the Son of God.
Judgment and Hypocrisy: The cleansing of the temple and the cursed fig tree symbolize God's judgment on religious hypocrisy and lack of genuine faith.
Call to Repentance: The parable of the two sons emphasizes the importance of genuine obedience and the possibility of repentance for all.

This chapter sets the stage for the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, leading to his crucifixion and resurrection.

Matthew 21 bible study ai commentary

Matthew 21 presents Jesus' official presentation as King to Israel and His subsequent judgment on the nation's spiritual state. He enters Jerusalem as the humble Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament, but His actions are not of political conquest. Instead, He cleanses His Father's house, pronounces judgment on the nation's spiritual barrenness (the fig tree), and confronts the corrupt religious leadership. Through a series of pointed parables, Jesus declares a transfer of stewardship: the kingdom of God will be taken from the unfaithful leaders and given to a new people who will produce its fruit.

Matthew 21 context

During the Passover festival, Jerusalem's population would swell with Jewish pilgrims from all over the Roman Empire. This was a time of heightened nationalistic fervor and messianic expectation. The Roman authorities, led by Pilate, were on high alert for any potential rebellion. The Temple in Jerusalem was the absolute center of Jewish religious, economic, and cultural life, controlled by the priestly class, predominantly the Sadducees, and scribes, many of whom were Pharisees. Jesus's actions directly challenge this established power structure on its home turf, during its most significant week. His choice to enter on a donkey, not a warhorse, was a deliberate polemic against the violent, political messiah many expected, while simultaneously fulfilling specific Messianic prophecy.

Matthew 21:1-7

And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them.

In-depth-analysis

Mount of Olives: A location rich with Messianic significance. It was from here the Messiah was expected to appear (Zec 14:4).
Donkey and a colt: Matthew uniquely mentions two animals, likely to show a hyper-literal fulfillment of the Hebrew parallelism in Zechariah 9:9. The focus is on the colt, an animal never before ridden, signifying its sacred use.
The Lord (Gk: ho kurios) needs them: An unambiguous claim of authority and divine prerogative. As Creator and Lord, Jesus has a right to all possessions.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew explicitly quotes Zechariah 9:9 (and alludes to Isaiah 62:11). This is a primary theme in his Gospel: Jesus is the legitimate, prophesied King of Israel.
Humility: The king arrives on a donkey, a symbol of peace and humility, in stark contrast to a conquering Roman general on a warhorse.
Cloaks on them: Placing garments on the animal was a sign of honor and recognition of royalty.

Bible references

Zechariah 9:9: '...Behold, your king is coming to you... humble and mounted on a donkey...' (The direct prophecy being fulfilled).
Isaiah 62:11: '...Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him...' (The proclamation of the coming King to Zion).
John 12:14-15: 'And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written...' (A parallel account highlighting the same prophecy).
1 Kings 1:33: '...and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon.' (Solomon, David's son, rode a mule to his coronation, setting a royal precedent).

Cross references

Gen 49:10-11 (Judah's kingly line); Mk 11:1-7 (Parallel); Lk 19:29-35 (Parallel).

Matthew 21:8-11

Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

In-depth-analysis

Cloaks and branches on the road: An ancient sign of homage for a king. Spreading cloaks was done for King Jehu (2 Kgs 9:13).
Branches: John 12:13 specifies palm branches, a Jewish symbol of victory and rejoicing, often associated with the Feast of Tabernacles and national triumph.
Hosanna (Heb: Hoshi'a na): Literally means "Save, please!" or "Save now!". It is a direct quote from Psalm 118:25, a Messianic and Hallel psalm sung during Passover. It had become a cry of praise and welcome for the Messiah.
Son of David: A clear and popular Messianic title, acknowledging Jesus's rightful claim to the throne of Israel through His lineage.
Who is this?: The capital city is in a commotion. This highlights that while many pilgrims hailed Him, the Jerusalem establishment was either unaware or antagonistic.
This is the prophet Jesus: The crowd's identification, while positive, is incomplete. They see a great prophet, but may not fully grasp His identity as Divine King and Son of God.

Bible references

Psalm 118:25-26: 'Save us, we pray, O LORD!... Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!' (The source of the crowd's chant).
2 Kings 9:13: 'Then in haste every man of them took his garment and put it under him on the bare steps, and they blew the trumpet and proclaimed, "Jehu is king."' (Precedent for royal honor).
Revelation 7:9: '...a great multitude... standing before the throne... with palm branches in their hands...' (Palm branches symbolizing heavenly victory and praise).

Cross references

Mk 11:8-10 (Parallel); Lk 19:36-40 (Parallel); Jn 12:12-19 (Parallel); Mt 2:23 (Nazareth identity).

Polemics: The people's cry of "Hosanna" and use of the "Son of David" title is a public, popular polemic against the religious leaders who were actively rejecting Jesus's claims. However, the crowd's praise is fickle, as shown just a few days later.

Matthew 21:12-13

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”

In-depth-analysis

Jesus entered the temple: As King, Jesus comes to inspect and cleanse His royal court, His Father's house.
Money-changers: Required to exchange Roman currency (with the emperor's "idolatrous" image) for special Temple coinage (Tyrian shekels) to pay the annual Temple tax. They often charged exorbitant exchange rates.
Those who sold pigeons: Pigeons and doves were the prescribed sacrifice for the poor (Lev 5:7). Selling them within the Temple precincts at inflated prices was an exploitation of the poor in the very act of worship.
My house of prayer: Jesus quotes Isaiah 56:7, emphasizing the Temple's primary purpose was worship and communion with God, a purpose intended for "all nations."
Den of robbers: Jesus quotes Jeremiah 7:11. Jeremiah issued this warning just before the destruction of the first Temple, condemning the people for treating the Temple as a lucky charm where they could hide after engaging in sin and injustice. Jesus applies this same devastating critique to the second Temple system. This is an act of prophetic judgment.

Bible references

Isaiah 56:7: 'these I will bring to my holy mountain... for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.' (The Temple's true purpose).
Jeremiah 7:11: 'Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes?' (The prophetic judgment Jesus invokes).
Malachi 3:1: 'And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight...' (Prophecy of the Lord coming to purify His temple).
John 2:15-16: '...he drove them all out of the temple... “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”' (John's account of an earlier temple clearing).

Cross references

Ex 30:13-15 (Temple tax); Lev 1:14 (Pigeon sacrifices); Mk 11:15-17 (Parallel); Lk 19:45-46 (Parallel).

Matthew 21:14-17

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

In-depth-analysis

The blind and the lame: In contrast to the "robbers," Jesus brings the true purpose of God's house to the forefront: restoration and healing. Healing the blind and lame was a specific sign of the Messianic age (Isa 35:5-6). Those who were often excluded from full temple worship were welcomed and healed by Jesus.
Chief priests... were indignant: Their indignation is revealing. They were not angry at the commercialism but were enraged by the Messianic healings ("wonderful things") and the praise ("Hosanna to the Son of David") which validated His claims.
Out of the mouth of infants...: Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2, defending the children's praise. He implies that God Himself has ordained this praise and that the leaders, in their spiritual blindness, are unable to recognize what even children can see. The leaders' supposed wisdom is ignorance, while the simple praise of children is perfect truth.
Bethany: A village on the Mount of Olives, the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. It served as Jesus's base during this final week.

Bible references

Psalm 8:2: 'Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes...' (The prophecy of praise Jesus quotes).
Isaiah 35:5-6: 'Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer...' (Signs of the Messianic era).
Isaiah 29:18-19: 'In that day the deaf shall hear... the eyes of the blind shall see... The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD...' (More Messianic promises of healing).

Cross references

Mt 11:5 (Jesus points to healings as proof); Mk 11:18 (Leaders sought to destroy Him).

Polemics: A powerful contrast is drawn: the corrupt leaders preside over a market, but the true King presides over a hospital. Their outrage at healing and praise, contrasted with their tolerance of extortion, fully exposes their spiritual bankruptcy.

Matthew 21:18-22

In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he came to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

In-depth-analysis

Fig Tree: The fig tree is a frequent symbol for the nation of Israel in the Old Testament (Hos 9:10, Jer 8:13).
Leaves but no fruit: Fig trees typically produce early edible knobs (taqsh) before the leaves fully develop. Leaves without any sign of fruit signaled a barren tree. This tree represented the nation of Israel, particularly its leadership, which had all the outward appearance of religious vitality (the leaves of the Temple, rituals, priesthood) but lacked the fruit of true righteousness and justice.
Cursing the Tree: This is an "enacted parable" or a prophetic sign-act. It is a living symbol of the coming judgment upon the generation of fruitless Israel for their rejection of the Messiah. It visually demonstrates the consequence of spiritual barrenness.
Faith and Mountains: Jesus uses the dramatic event to teach on faith. The "mountain" here could be a literal hyperbole for impossibilities, or it could symbolically refer to the Mount of Olives or the Temple Mount itself—representing the massive, entrenched, and seemingly immovable obstacle of the corrupt religious system that faith in Christ would overcome and remove.

Bible references

Mark 11:20-24: ...Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”' (A parallel account, but the withering is noticed the next day).
Jeremiah 8:13: '...declares the LORD. "There are no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree; even the leaf has withered..."' (The fig tree as a symbol of judged Israel).
Luke 13:6-9: '...he said to the vinedresser, "...I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down..."' (Jesus's earlier parable with the same theme).

Cross references

Hos 9:10, Joel 1:7 (Fig tree as Israel); Mt 17:20 (Faith moves mountains); Jas 1:6 (Do not doubt).

Matthew 21:23-27

And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

In-depth-analysis

By what authority: The Sanhedrin (represented by the chief priests and elders) challenges Jesus. They were the established religious authority. This is a legal and official challenge to His actions (cleansing the temple, teaching, healing).
Jesus's Counter-Question: Jesus does not refuse to answer, but instead exposes their inability and unwillingness to deal with the truth. By asking about John the Baptist, He puts them in an inescapable dilemma (a classic rabbinic debating technique).
The Dilemma: Acknowledging John's authority as "from heaven" would force them to acknowledge John's testimony about Jesus, thereby condemning themselves. Denying John's authority would incite the anger of the populace who revered John as a prophet.
We do not know: Their answer is a cowardly, political, and dishonest admission of defeat. They prove they are not interested in the truth of the matter but only in maintaining their power and avoiding popular backlash.
Neither will I tell you: Because they have proven themselves to be insincere questioners who refuse to engage with manifest evidence from God, Jesus refuses to give them the direct answer they would only use against Him.

Bible references

Matthew 3:7: 'But when he [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers!...”' (Shows the leaders' existing animosity toward John).
John 1:29, 36: '[John] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God...”' (John's testimony was about Jesus).
Mark 11:27-33: (A direct parallel account).

Cross references

Acts 4:7 (Peter and John are asked the same question); Lk 20:1-8 (Parallel); Mt 14:5 (Herod feared the crowd over John).

Matthew 21:28-32

“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.”

In-depth-analysis

The Parable of the Two Sons: Having silenced the leaders, Jesus now goes on the offensive with a parable that forces them to condemn themselves.
First Son: Represents the outcasts of society—tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners. They initially rebelled against God's law ("I will not") but repented at the preaching of John the Baptist and Jesus ("changed his mind and went").
Second Son: Represents the religious leaders—priests, scribes, and Pharisees. They outwardly professed allegiance to God ("I go, sir") but their lives produced no real obedience. They refused to repent, even when presented with the evidence.
"They said, 'The first.'"": They correctly answer the parable, thereby unknowingly passing judgment on themselves.
"Go into the kingdom of God before you": A shocking reversal of the accepted social and religious order. Jesus declares that repentant sinners are entering the kingdom, while the self-righteous leaders are being left out.

Bible references

Luke 7:29-30: 'All the people who heard this... acknowledged God’s justice... but the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves...' (Describes the exact reaction to John's ministry).
Ezekiel 18:21: 'But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins... and does what is just and right, he shall surely live...' (The Old Testament principle of repentance).
Matthew 9:10-13: '...and behold, many tax collectors and sinners came... And he said... "For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."' (The theme of Jesus's ministry).

Cross references

Rom 2:13 (Not hearers but doers); Jas 1:22 (Be doers of the word).

Matthew 21:33-46

“Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard... When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit... The tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another... Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said... ‘Let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him... He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone...’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits... And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.

In-depth-analysis

Parable of the Wicked Tenants: This is an allegory of salvation history.
- Master of the house: God.
- Vineyard: Israel (taken directly from Isaiah 5:1-7).
- Tenants: The religious and political leaders of Israel throughout its history.
- Servants: The Old Testament prophets, whom the leaders persecuted and killed.
- The Son: Jesus Christ.
- Killing the Son: A direct prophecy of His impending crucifixion by these same leaders.
- Thrown out of the vineyard and killed: Prophesies Jesus's crucifixion outside the city walls of Jerusalem (Heb 13:12).
Judgment and Transfer: The parable concludes with a clear statement of judgment. The unfaithful tenants (leaders) will be destroyed, and the vineyard (stewardship of the kingdom) will be transferred to "other tenants"—a new community of believers from among Jews and Gentiles who will be fruitful.
The Cornerstone: Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22 (from the same Hallel psalm as "Hosanna"). The leaders ("builders") are rejecting Him ("the stone"), but God will make Him the most important piece ("cornerstone") of His new edifice, the Church. The stone is also a stumbling block that will bring judgment on those who reject it (v. 44, alluding to Isa 8:14-15; Dan 2:34).
They perceived... he was speaking about them: The leaders understand perfectly that they are the targets of this damning parable, which hardens their resolve to kill Him.

Bible references

Isaiah 5:1-7: 'Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard...' (The original vineyard song, identifying Israel as the vineyard).
Psalm 118:22: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.' (The prophecy Jesus applies to Himself).
Hebrews 1:1-2: 'Long ago... God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...' (Summarizes the parable's plot).
Hebrews 13:12: 'So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.' (Fulfillment of being thrown out of the vineyard).
Acts 4:11: 'This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.' (Peter's direct application of this verse to Jesus before the same leaders).

Cross references

Jer 25:4 (Sending prophets); Mt 23:37 (Lament over Jerusalem killing prophets); Rom 11:1-24 (The Olive Tree, a related allegory); Eph 2:20 (Jesus as cornerstone of the church); Dan 2:34-35, 44-45 (The stone that destroys kingdoms).

Matthew chapter 21 analysis

The Authority of the King: This chapter establishes Jesus's authority not through human-approved credentials, but through His divine nature and fulfillment of Scripture. His authority is demonstrated by His command over creation (the donkeys, the fig tree), His insight into the human heart (the leaders' motives), His power to heal and restore (the blind and lame), and His role as the prophesied Son and Cornerstone.
Enacted Parables as Prophetic Acts: The Triumphal Entry, Temple Cleansing, and Cursing of the Fig Tree are not simply events; they are symbolic, prophetic acts. They visually and dramatically convey the same message as the spoken parables: the arrival of the King, the corruption of the present system, and the impending judgment and transfer of the kingdom.
From Praise to Judgment: The chapter has a clear progression. It opens with the crowds' praise ("Hosanna!") but quickly shifts to confrontation and judgment. This mirrors the trajectory of Passion Week itself, moving from the acclaim of Palm Sunday to the condemnation of Good Friday.
Theological Transfer, Not Ethnic Replacement: While Jesus announces the kingdom will be "taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits," this must be read carefully. The "you" refers specifically to the corrupt leadership and the system they represent. The "people" (Gk. ethnos) is a new community, the Church, which would be comprised of both Jews (like the apostles and first disciples) and Gentiles who accept the Son. It is a transfer of stewardship from a fruitless national system to a fruitful international body founded on Christ, the cornerstone.

Matthew 21 summary

Matthew 21 chronicles Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem as Israel's humble King. He immediately cleanses the Temple, an act of judgment on its corruption. He then performs an enacted parable by cursing a fruitless fig tree, symbolizing a spiritually barren Israel. When confronted by the religious leaders, He silences them and delivers two parables—The Two Sons and The Wicked Tenants—that expose their hypocrisy, predict His own murder at their hands, and declare that the stewardship of God's kingdom will be transferred from them to a new community that bears fruit for God, built on Him as the rejected but ultimately exalted Cornerstone.

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Matthew chapter 21 kjv

¹ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
² Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
³ And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
⁴ All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
⁵ Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
⁶ And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
⁷ And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
⁸ And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
⁹ And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
¹⁰ And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
¹¹ And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
¹² And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
¹³ And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
¹⁴ And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
¹⁵ And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,
¹⁶ And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
¹⁷ And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
¹⁸ Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
¹⁹ And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
²⁰ And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
²¹ Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
²² And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
²³ And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
²⁴ And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
²⁵ The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
²⁶ But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
²⁷ And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
²⁸ But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
²⁹ He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
³⁰ And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
³¹ Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
³² For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
³³ Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
³⁴ And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
³⁵ And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
³⁶ Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
³⁷ But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
³⁸ But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
³⁹ And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
⁴⁰ When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
⁴¹ They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
⁴² Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
⁴³ Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
⁴⁴ And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
⁴⁵ And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
⁴⁶ But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

Matthew chapter 21 nkjv

¹ Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
² saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.
³ And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them."
⁴ All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
⁵ "Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.' "
⁶ So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them.
⁸ And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
⁹ Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' Hosanna in the highest!"
¹⁰ And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?"
¹¹ So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."
¹² Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.
¹³ And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.' "
¹⁴ Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.
¹⁵ But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant
¹⁶ and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?"
¹⁷ Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.
¹⁸ Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry.
¹⁹ And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you ever again." Immediately the fig tree withered away.
²⁰ And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither away so soon?"
²¹ So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done.
²² And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
²³ Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?"
²⁴ But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things:
²⁵ The baptism of John?where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
²⁶ But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet."
²⁷ So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
²⁸ "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.'
²⁹ He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went.
³⁰ Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go.
³¹ Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.
³² For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
³³ "Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.
³⁴ Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit.
³⁵ And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.
³⁶ Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them.
³⁷ Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'
³⁸ But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.'
³⁹ So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.
⁴⁰ "Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?"
⁴¹ They said to Him, "He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons."
⁴² Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD's doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'?
⁴³ "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
⁴⁴ And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."
⁴⁵ Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.
⁴⁶ But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.

Matthew chapter 21 niv

¹ As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
² saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.
³ If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away."
⁴ This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
⁵ "Say to Daughter Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'?"
⁶ The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.
⁸ A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
⁹ The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
¹⁰ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"
¹¹ The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
¹² Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.
¹³ "It is written," he said to them, "?'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.'"
¹⁴ The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.
¹⁵ But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant.
¹⁶ "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "?'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise' ?"
¹⁷ And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.
¹⁸ Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry.
¹⁹ Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered.
²⁰ When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.
²¹ Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.
²² If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
²³ Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?"
²⁴ Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
²⁵ John's baptism?where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'
²⁶ But if we say, 'Of human origin'?we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet."
²⁷ So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Then he said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
²⁸ "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
²⁹ "?'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
³⁰ "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
³¹ "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.
³² For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
³³ "Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place.
³⁴ When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.
³⁵ "The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third.
³⁶ Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way.
³⁷ Last of all, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said.
³⁸ "But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance.'
³⁹ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
⁴⁰ "Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?"
⁴¹ "He will bring those wretches to a wretched end," they replied, "and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time."
⁴² Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: "?'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes' ?
⁴³ "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
⁴⁴ Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed."
⁴⁵ When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables, they knew he was talking about them.
⁴⁶ They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

Matthew chapter 21 esv

¹ Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
² saying to them, "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.
³ If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will send them at once."
⁴ This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
⁵ "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'"
⁶ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.
⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them.
⁸ Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
⁹ And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
¹⁰ And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, "Who is this?"
¹¹ And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee."
¹² And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.
¹³ He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers."
¹⁴ And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.
¹⁵ But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant,
¹⁶ and they said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, "'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise'?"
¹⁷ And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.
¹⁸ In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry.
¹⁹ And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once.
²⁰ When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither at once?"
²¹ And Jesus answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen.
²² And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."
²³ And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"
²⁴ Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things.
²⁵ The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?" And they discussed it among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
²⁶ But if we say, 'From man,' we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet."
²⁷ So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
²⁸ "What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.'
²⁹ And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went.
³⁰ And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go.
³¹ Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.
³² For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
³³ "Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country.
³⁴ When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit.
³⁵ And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another.
³⁶ Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them.
³⁷ Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'
³⁸ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.'
³⁹ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
⁴⁰ When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?"
⁴¹ They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons."
⁴² Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: "'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?
⁴³ Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.
⁴⁴ And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him."
⁴⁵ When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.
⁴⁶ And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.

Matthew chapter 21 nlt

¹ As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.
² "Go into the village over there," he said. "As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me.
³ If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately let you take them."
⁴ This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
⁵ "Tell the people of Jerusalem,
'Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey ?
riding on a donkey's colt.'"
⁶ The two disciples did as Jesus commanded.
⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.
⁸ Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
⁹ Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, "Praise God for the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!
Praise God in highest heaven!"
¹⁰ The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked.
¹¹ And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
¹² Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.
¹³ He said to them, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves!"
¹⁴ The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them.
¹⁵ The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, "Praise God for the Son of David." But the leaders were indignant.
¹⁶ They asked Jesus, "Do you hear what these children are saying?" "Yes," Jesus replied. "Haven't you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, 'You have taught children and infants to give you praise.' "
¹⁷ Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.
¹⁸ In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry,
¹⁹ and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" And immediately the fig tree withered up.
²⁰ The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?"
²¹ Then Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen.
²² You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it."
²³ When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, "By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?"
²⁴ "I'll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question," Jesus replied.
²⁵ "Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?" They talked it over among themselves. "If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn't believe John.
²⁶ But if we say it was merely human, we'll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet."
²⁷ So they finally replied, "We don't know." And Jesus responded, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things.
²⁸ "But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.'
²⁹ The son answered, 'No, I won't go,' but later he changed his mind and went anyway.
³⁰ Then the father told the other son, 'You go,' and he said, 'Yes, sir, I will.' But he didn't go.
³¹ "Which of the two obeyed his father?" They replied, "The first." Then Jesus explained his meaning: "I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.
³² For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn't believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.
³³ "Now listen to another story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.
³⁴ At the time of the grape harvest, he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop.
³⁵ But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.
³⁶ So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same.
³⁷ "Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, 'Surely they will respect my son.'
³⁸ "But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, 'Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let's kill him and get the estate for ourselves!'
³⁹ So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him.
⁴⁰ "When the owner of the vineyard returns," Jesus asked, "what do you think he will do to those farmers?"
⁴¹ The religious leaders replied, "He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest."
⁴² Then Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? 'The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the LORD's doing,
and it is wonderful to see.'
⁴³ I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit.
⁴⁴ Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on. "
⁴⁵ When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them ? they were the wicked farmers.
⁴⁶ They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet.