3 groups followed the King: the Disciples, the crowd and the Religious. The Religionists sought to test and discredit Him. They were the gates of hades that seek to destroy this Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Jesus muzzled them and cut them off in chapter 23. They are hypocrites, outwardly pretending to be righteous but filthy inwardly. This is where the King is seeking to establish His kingdom, in you! "For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you." (Luke 17:21) wherever the Savior is, the kingdom is. He was standing in their midst, and they did not even recognize him. "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17) It is His life dwelling in us! This is the goal of the kingdom, to rule from within us. Religion will always be outward and rob us of this enjoyment. Do not let this happen in these last days.
