You are middle-aged or older if you remember when the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was first released. It was an exuberant, fast-paced musical about seven brothers on the frontier of the United States who were all looking for brides. Such "commodities" were rare in their part of the world. But, of course, in the end each brother got his bride.

The story in our lectionary passage for today is about one bride for seven brothers, but the end of the story is not as happy and upbeat as was the movie. The story is part of a "knock-down, drag-out" debate or argument between Jesus and some of his most powerful opponents. It takes place in the temple court in Jerusalem during the last week of Jesus' earthly life.

Although Jesus is immensely popular with a great many people, opponents have d…