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Matthew 21
In order to fulfill the Prophecy, Jesus decided to enter Jerusalem in triumph for one final burst of teachings and miracles, although he knew he would never leave that city alive. In order to look more presidential, he asked one of his Disciples to steal a donkey for him, "If anybody asks, tell them that the Son of God requires a donkey." A large crowd greeted Jesus as he entered, throwing their coats onto the road as a welcoming carpet, calling him the Royal Descendant of King David who comes in the name of God. First stop: The Temple of Jerusalem, where Jesus kicked out all the merchants who were selling wares. Then he began to teach the crowds. ----- The next morning, on his way back downtown, Jesus saw a fig tree and approached it hungrily. When he saw the tree bore no fruit, he waved his hand in anger and the tree instantly wilted. ----- Back at the Temple of Jerusalem, Jesus taught the crowds. The legitimate clergy approached him and demanded to know, "Under whose authority do you teach here?" Jesus replied, "I don't have to answer to you." Then Jesus turned to the crowd and continued, "I tell you the truth, the tax attorneys and the prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God ahead of you. For John the Baptist came to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax attorneys and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him!" Police came to arrest Jesus for trespassing and statutory rape, but the crowd was too dense for them to approach him.
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