Matthew 21 Scofield
Read Matthew 21 · Matthew Henry on Matthew 21
21:4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
“fulfilled”
The king's final and official offer of Himself according to Zech 9:9. Acclaimed by an unthinking multitude whose real belief is expressed in Matt 21:11, but with no welcome from the official representatives of the nation, He was soon to hear the multitude shout: "Crucify him."
21:12 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,
“cast”
See, Luke 19:45; Mark 11:15–18. Cf. John 2:13–25 which introduced, as this cleansing closed, the offer of Christ to Israel as King.
21:17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
“Bethany”
See, John 11:1; John 11:2; Luke 10:39–42. Cf.; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:29–35; John 12:1–8. With no other place is the human Christ so tenderly associated, while it also was the place of manifestation of His divine power. John 11:43; John 11:44.
21:19 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.
“fig tree”
Lit. a solitary fig tree. Luke 13:6–9. The withered fig tree is a parabolic miracle concerning Israel. Luke 13:6–9. Cf., Matt 24:32; Matt 24:33 a prophecy that Israel shall again bud.
21:28 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.
“vineyard”
21:29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
“repented”
Cf., Luke 15:20, the other perfect illustration of repentance. (See Scofield "Acts 17:30").
21:32 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.
“righteousness”
(See Scofield "Rom 10:10").
21:42 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?
“Lord's”
Jehovah. Ps 118:23.
21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
“kingdom of God”
Note that Matthew here as in Matt 21:31 uses the larger word, kingdom of God: (Cf) (See Scofield "Matt 6:33").
The kingdom of heaven; (See Scofield "Matt 3:2"). See Scofield "1 Cor 15:24" will yet be set up. Meantime the kingdom of God and his righteousness is taken from Israel nationally and given to the Gentiles. Rom 9:30–33.
“you”
i.e. national Israel, the barren vine. Matt 21:33–41 Isa 5:1–7.
21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
“stone shall be broken”
Christ as the "Stone" is revealed in a threefold way:
(1) To Israel Christ, coming not as a splendid monarch but in the form of a servant, is a stumbling stone and rock of offence. Isa 8:14; Isa 8:15; Rom 9:32; Rom 9:33; 1 Cor 1:23; 1 Pet 2:8
(2) to the church, Christ is the foundation stone and the head of the corner 1 Cor 3:11; Eph 2:20–22; 1 Pet 2:4; 1 Pet 2:5
(3) to the Gentile world-powers (see "Gentiles," Luke 21:24; Rev 16:19 He is to be the smiting-stone of destruction Dan 2:34. Israel stumbled over Christ; the church is built upon Christ; Gentile world- dominion will be broken by Christ.
“And whosoever”
Public domain (1917). Text from the BibleSupport.com e-Sword module.
21:1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
“nigh unto Jerusalem”
Matt 21:1–9; Zech 9:9; Zech 14:4–9. The two advents are in striking contrast.