Chapters: Matthew 21–23
Matthew 21–23 narrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and escalating confrontation with religious authorities. The cleansing of the temple, symbolic parables of judgment, and public debates intensify tension. Chapter 23 contains a series of woes directed toward certain scribes and Pharisees, critiquing hypocrisy and leadership failures. These chapters reflect first-century intra-Jewish debates regarding authority, interpretation of the Law, and covenant faithfulness.