In the 22nd chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable about a wedding banquet––with a clear smack in the face to several of his contemporaries. Jesus had a habit of lighting fires under his opponents in a brilliant way. In response, the remainder of the chapter is riddled with what we might call a set of “great debates,” rabbinical debates between Jesus and the authorities, including the Sadducees, Herodians, Pharisees, and their disciples about all manner of Jewish law. The chapter ends with Jesus having the last word and the others retreating and refusing to ask him any more questions. Why?
The “silencing” of Jesus’ colleagues comes when he asks them a question regarding the identity of the messiah. “Who’s son is he?” Jesus asks knowing what they will say.
“The son of David,” they answ…