The chief priests and Pharisees were constantly seeking to oppose and thwart the efforts of Jesus. In Matthew 21:23, they came and “confronted Him as He was teaching,” to question Him about His authority. Yet, they were not honest or courageous enough themselves to answer the simple question that Jesus asked in response. To deal with them, Jesus told two parables (The Two Sons and The Wicked Vinedressers). He concluded the parables with these direct statements: “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you…Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you…” (21:31, 43).
“Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables,” and His use of the word “you” 14 times in those verses, “they perceived that He was speaking of them” (Matt. 21:45). Brilliant! “Hey guys, do you think He’s talking about us?” They figured it out! But they didn’t change!
I pray that we are more perceptive and that we make ready application when we read!