In the earlier parables, Jesus left people wondering what he meant. In the latter parables, Jesus was often very direct. For example, in Matthew 21:33-46, Jesus spoke a parable directly against the leaders of the Temple in Jerusalem. They had no problem understanding the parable, but they trapped themselves by their reaction to it. We too need to be careful not to fall into the same trap.
Not only did Christ die and rise for his people, but they also died and rose with him, liberating them from sin to live...
The LORD uses leaders to deal with threats to the welfare of his people, and he is the God who delivers them.
The proclamation of the King’s word provokes two opposite responses.
