simply to perplex his readers at Jesus’ strange reaction. Instead, this ‘prophetic act of power’ is the third of a series of such prophetic acts, each of which contributes something vital to Matthew’s portrait of Jesus the judge.72 N. T. Wright suggests that Jeremiah 8:11–13 is of particular importance in grasping the significance of Jesus’ action.73 The relevant verses read as follows: 11 They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace. 12 They