Chapter Outline
The priests and scribes question Christ's (1–8)
authority.
The parable of the vineyard and (9–19)
husbandmen.
Of giving tribute. (20–26)
Concerning the resurrection. (27–38)
The scribes silenced. (39–47)Verses 1–8
Men often pretend to examine the evidences of revelation, and the truth of the gospel, when
only seeking excuses for their own unbelief and disobedience. Christ answered these priests and
scribes with a plain question about the baptism of John, which the common people could answer.
They all knew it was from heaven, nothing in it had an earthly tendency. Those that bury the
knowledge they have, are justly denied further knowledge. It was just with Christ to refuse to give
account of his authority, to those who knew the baptism of John to be from heaven, yet would not
believe in him, nor own their knowledge.
Verses 9–19
Christ spake this parable against those who resolved not to own his authority, though the evidence
of it was so full. How many resemble the Jews who murdered the prophets and crucified Christ, in
their enmity to God, and aversion to his service, desiring to live according to their lusts, without
control! Let all who are favoured with God's word, look to it that they make proper use of their
advantages. Awful will be the doom, both of those who reject the Son, and of those who profess
to reverence Him, yet render not the fruits in due season. Though they could not but own that for
such a sin, such a punishment was just, yet they could not bear to hear of it. It is the folly of sinners,
that they persevere in sinful ways, though they dread the destruction at the end of those ways.
Verses 20–26
Those who are most crafty in their designs against Christ and his gospel, cannot hide them. He
did not give a direct answer, but reproved them for offering to impose upon him; and they could
not fasten upon any thing wherewith to stir up either the governor or the people against him. The
wisdom which is from above, will direct all who teach the way of God truly, to avoid the snares
laid for them by wicked men; and will teach our duty to God, to our rulers, and to all men, so clearly,
that opposers will have no evil to say of us.
Verses 27–38
It is common for those who design to undermine any truth of God, to load it with difficulties.
But we wrong ourselves, and wrong the truth of Christ, when we form our notions of the world of