The Stone the Builders Rejected

We enter Passion Week. Sunday includes the triumphal entry as the Servant King and retirement to Bethany (11:1-11). Tuesday sees Jesus curse the fig tree and cleanse the Temple (11:12-19). Wednesday Jesus returns to the Temple. He and the disciples pass the withered fig tree. God's covenant curses hang over Israel. Forgiveness is a high mountain to climb. You must have faith in God (11:20-26). Jesus counters the challenge to His authority to cleanse the Temple (11:27-33). He retells the parable of the vineyard (Isaiah 5) and quoting Psalm 118 He charges the religious establishment of rejecting 'the chief corner stone' infuriating His detractors (12:1-12). Jesus shows Himself to be greater the Solomon by answering a trick tax question and countering the Sadducees attempt to use of the Law to disprove the resurrection (12:13-27). He affirms the status of a Scribe as close to the Kingdom and presents Himself as Lord and King in Psalm 110 (12:28-37). Who is this Jesus? He is the King rejected by His own who presents Himself to us as our King and Lord and master.