The words spoken by Christ to the Jewish leaders were haunting, “the kingdom has been taken from you.” Christ had performed miracles that the prophets said Messiah would perform. He had spoken with authority and power that amazed even the learned. Over and over, He had demonstrated through His words and works that He was the Messiah, but the nation of Israel continually re- jected Him. Now Christ tells the Jewish leaders a new people...the church...His followers...would enter the kingdom, not them!
