Jesus has shown Himself to be the Christ—the rightful King with authority and power to claim what is His. In response to His portending actions that unveil both His fulfillment and Israel’s failure, Jerusalem authorities question Jesus’ authority. But assumptions drive what is accepted as authoritative. Evidence is inadequate to change one’s heart. The mind is not neutral. Loves and lusts are more powerful to persuade than facts and figures. Here again irony colors the scene. But this time the audience is to see beyond the mask of the self-righteous. Again, appearances prove to be opposite of reality. Pride precludes belief. Jesus illustrates these principles through a simple parable. The word picture He draws subtly orders all the lines to a one-point perspective: Jesus. He will save His people from their sins. He is “God-with-us”—the way, the truth, and the life—the only hope for entering the kingdom of God. Israel should have listened to God’s messenger and believed his message. All was evident and clear. Yet Israel’s officials demonstrate a precommited unbelief. There is much in this passage for the heart of every age to ponder.
