Fakes are a real problem. How do we spot genuine teachers of God's Word?
1. Jesus authority as King. Identity of the promised Messiah. The Jewish leaders were only were half right. They understood He was to be a 'Son of David'. They ignored that He was 'Lord'. Jesus quotes Psalm 110 (v42) . David called Him Lord (v44). David knew that the coming One would greater than David, and not just his son. Jesus is God's King, and they are trying to get rid of Him. To live under a King means we obey. Jesus is the perfect King.
2. Beware of pride - failed to respond to the truth. (v45-47). No problem with robes - but they loved the praise and acclaim. They preferred the status rather than God's Word. Here, these leaders had no regard for those they were responsible to teach, but more interested in self-promotion. Rejection of Jesus as King results in punishment (v47).
3. Beware of worldly thinking (21:1-4). The widow who looked so weak, she was the one who had the right attitude to God. Likewise, Jesus in the world's assessment was a failure, but to those who believe He is God's promised King.
