but none of them joined the multitude that did him honour. Those that take Christ for their King,
must lay their all under his feet. Hosanna signifies, Save now, we beseech thee! Blessed is he that
cometh in the name of the Lord! But of how little value is the applause of the people! The changing
multitude join the cry of the day, whether it be Hosanna, or Crucify him. Multitudes often seem to
approve the gospel, but few become consistent disciples. When Jesus was come into Jerusalem all
the city was moved; some perhaps were moved with joy, who waited for the Consolation of Israel;
others, of the Pharisees, were moved with envy. So various are the motions in the minds of men
upon the approach of Christ's kingdom.
Verses 12–17
Christ found some of the courts of the temple turned into a market for cattle and things used in
the sacrifices, and partly occupied by the money-changers. Our Lord drove them from the place,
as he had done at his entering upon his ministry, Joh 2:13–17. His works testified of him more than
the hosannas; and his healing in the temple was the fulfilling the promise, that the glory of the latter
house should be greater than the glory of the former. If Christ came now into many parts of his
visible church, how many secret evils he would discover and cleanse! And how many things daily
practised under the cloak of religion, would he show to be more suitable to a den of thieves than
to a house of prayer!
Verses 18–22
This cursing of the barren fig-tree represents the state of hypocrites in general, and so teaches
us that Christ looks for the power of religion in those who profess it, and the savour of it from those
that have the show of it. His just expectations from flourishing professors are often disappointed;
he comes to many, seeking fruit, and finds leaves only. A false profession commonly withers in
this world, and it is the effect of Christ's curse. The fig-tree that had no fruit, soon lost its leaves.
This represents the state of the nation and people of the Jews in particular. Our Lord Jesus found
among them nothing but leaves. And after they rejected Christ, blindness and hardness grew upon
them, till they were undone, and their place and nation rooted up. The Lord was righteous in it. Let
us greatly fear the doom denounced on the barren fig-tree.
Verses 23–27
As our Lord now openly appeared as the Messiah, the chief priests and scribes were much
offended, especially because he exposed and removed the abuses they encouraged. Our Lord asked
what they thought of John's ministry and baptism. Many are more afraid of the shame of lying than
of the sin, and therefore scruple not to speak what they know to be false, as to their own thoughts,
affections, and intentions, or their remembering and forgetting. Our Lord refused to answer their
inquiry. It is best to shun needless disputes with wicked opposers.
Verses 28–32