THE FIVE CONTROVERSIES IN JERUSALEM: ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Abstract

This study deals exegetically with five passages from the Gospel of Matthew (21:23-27; 22:15-22; 22:23-33; 22:34-40; 22:41-46). They describe the Saviour’s confrontations with the Jewish leaders in the last week of His earthly life. The topics discussed throughout these polemics reflect the theological concerns of Jesus’ interlocutors, especially the issues of authority, resurrection, law, and messiahship. These controversies eloquently express Jesus’ teaching quality. The Saviour’s presence and impact are given on the one hand by the content of his answers and his impeccable rhetoric. Besides the intrinsic theological value of these dialogues, they are also important from an ecclesiological and spiritual point of view.