Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 21:45

"And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them." — Matthew 21:45 (ASV)

They perceived that he spoke of them — The real or affected unconsciousness of the drift of our Lord’s teaching was at last broken through. The last words had been too clear and pointed to leave any room for doubt, and they were roused to a passionate desire for revenge.