><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 23:23-39 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 The Lord accuses the Pharisees in verses 23-26 of a serious lack of proportion in their practice of religion. Can you find modern examples of this dangerous tendency? 2 The chapter comes to a climax with our Lord's teaching on the inevitability of judgment (verses 29-39). Yet consider the love of Christ for Jerusalem which is clearly shown. What was it that made judgment inevitable? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 23:23-39 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) A couple spiritual truths I have learned/begun to learn as a Christian woman somewhat related to this section: 1) More important to be a good witness than to look good outwardly, 2) True beauty comes from the Christ in you. Sounds simple, but when you apply them across the board to the little things that "characterize" women, it's tough. Jesus still has a passion for Jerusalem, saying, "O Jerusalem, jerusalem...how often I have longed to gather your children together...but you were not willing." The stubborn and hard-heartedness, being unfaithful was their main problem. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 23:23-39 Their Crimes and Approaching Punishment The Lord warned them in this message - Their forefathers killed the prophets and righteous ones in their time. And you would kill the sent ones now just like your forefathers. "Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, (on the cross, in Chinese) and some of them you will scourge in you synagogues and persecute from city to city, ---- " 23:34-36. Forsaking Jerusalem with Its Temple, 33:37-39 It has always been God Himself Who cared for Jerusalem, like a bird fluttering over her young. Isaiah 31:5 "Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it, he will 'pass over' it and will rescue it." Hence, when the Lord Jesus said, "--- How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" 23:37 He indicated that He was God Himself. Remember, we just read Matthew 22:44 "The Lord said to my Lord ---." Jesus is not only Son of David -- He is indeed also Son of God! Here He reiterates to them that He is God. Woe to you if you kill your Messiah. "See Your house (your temple) is left to you desolate;" 23:38. "Then, Jesus went out and departed from the temple (their house), ---." Matthew 24:1 "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" 23:33 -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 23:23-39 -------------------------------- 1) The Pharisees were accused by Jesus of being too religious in 23-26. He talks of their outward actions and deeds being good and clean, but their hearts being full of uncleanness. Christ points to the fact that it is not just the outward behaviour(works on the outside), but the working of the heart that really demonstrates the sincerity of faith. We too sometimes put too much of an emphasis on the religious duty of going to church and not on the heart of our worship. If we are not preparing ourselves for worship each Sunday, then our mere presence at a worship service means little. We are just being a whitewashed tomb, marking a spot in the pew. We must get our hearts open and ready for the Spirit's filling and moving. May we not be satisfied with just the religious practice of our faith, but be experiencing the dynamic power of God's Spirit at work in our lives, fresh and new each morning. 2) Jesus condemns Jerusalem for killing the prophets and scribes, but clearly still loves them and has a heart for them. Even in His love, there is the one thing that has a direct result of judgment - sin. God CANNOT tolerate sin, he cannot be in the presence of sin. It is like an allergic reaction. Where there is sin, there is judgement. No matter what you do to lessen the effects of the sin, unless it is removed, then the inevitable reaction of judgment must fall. I thank God that His mercy endures forever and that He is a just God forgiving every sin, not just the ones done in the past, but all in the future, for I am weak, but He is strong Yes! Jesus loves even me! May each of us strive to be as innocent as the children this hymn is typically sung by. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 24:1-31 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What is the pattern of future history as predicted by Christ in verses 1-14? Make a list of the prominent features and see how they apply to our present age. 2 According to the teaching of these verses how should a Christian react in days of political upheaval and world-wide distress? On what can he count? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 24:1-31 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) Jesus warns believers to watch out that no one deceives you. many will come claiming to be Christ and we will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but do not be alarmed. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places, believers handed over to be persecuted and put to death, hated by all nations because of Him. Many will turn away from the faith. BUT HE WHO STANDS FIRM TO THE END WILL BE SAVED. The Gospel will be preached in the world, then the end will come. We should stand firm and not be alarmed when these things happen around us, because Jesus told us they would. Our attitude should be the exception to others who are worried. All these signs of the end of the age seem mysterious, but Jesus prophesied to prepare us for them. We also need to pray for the persecuted ones serving Him around the world. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 24:1-31 The End Concerning the Jews Matthew 24 to 25 are prophecies concerning the end. 24:1-31 refers to the Jews and whereas 24:32-25:46 refers to the church. 25:31-46 speaks to the church concerning the things of the Gentiles. Introduction 24:1-3 The building of the temple was most glorious; with stone outside sealed with gold, and gold vessels inside. It was precious valuable and shining. These material things would go away; in 70 AD., Roman prince Titus led his soldiers and conquered Jerusalem. If you want to know the things regarding the end time, you must labor to climb the mountain (to pay the price) to reach up to the mountain of Olives where the disciple had three questions: (1) when will these thing be? (2) when will the Lord's coming be? And (3) what are the signs of the consummation of the age? Verses 4-6 Rumors of wars - signs; Verses 7-8 Wars, famines, earthquakes (Rev. Chapter 6); Verses 9-13 Persecution - the great tribulation; Verse 14 Preaching the gospel of the kingdom; Verses 15-22 Great Tribulation of Jerusalem; Verses 23-25 false Christs Verses 26-28 The coming of the Son of Man will be Evident Verses 29-31 The universal significance of this Coming Verse 14: The "gospel of the kingdom," including the gospel of grace, not only brings people into God's salvation, but also into the kingdom of the heavens. Verse 17: For those who are on the house top to pray, not coming down to take earthly things outside the house. Verse 18: Those who work in the field must flee quickly and not turn back to take their clothing (valuable and even seems necessary material things). Verse 19: For those who can not escape quickly, with babies and things weighing them down, they are in trouble. Verse 20: Winter is a difficult time for escape. Sabbath can not walk more than one mile. Verse 30: In the Lord's first coming, His healing of the sick, casting out of demons, and calming of the wind and the waves were a matter of the exercise of authority. But at His second coming, He will exercise His Power to judge. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 24:1-31 -------------------------------- 1/2) This chapter tells of predictions of Jesus concerning the time after His ressurection till He comes again. Jesus had just described the fate of Jerusalem, then begins the chapter talking about the temple being destroyed. The disciples are questioning Him as to what the end time signs will be. Instead of giving them an answer directly, Jesus describes our prescribed response to the end times. He warns: a) Do not be deceived(v4-8) b) You will suffer for My name(v9-13) c) All 'nations' will hear the Gospel(v14) d) The day will come quickly(v17-27) like a lightning flash Jesus felt it more important to prepare and equip us for dealing with the times than for us to know WHEN they were, the HOW and WHAT are much more important than the WHEN and WHERE. What ought our reaction to this be? a) We need to seek the Truth so that we will not be misled. (2Tim2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth. b) We must be prepared to suffer for the Name of Jesus and pray for those who are suffering for His name's sake - Many are called, few are chosen. c) We must preach the Gospel to every tongue, tribe, and nation starting in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the Earth.(Acts1:8) d) We must pray for the Day of the Lord. Lord Jesus help us not to be caught up in the prediction of the day of your return, not to be standing idle in awe of it(as the disciples upon Jesus' ascencion), but to be preparing ourselves to spread the Kingdom and be part of the coalition of harvesters reaping the white fields. Lord Jesus Come quickly, we pray! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 24:32-25:13 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What truths concerning our Lord's return are unmistakably certain, and what matters are left uncertain? What, in this consequence ought the Christian's attitude to be? 2 The parable of the ten virgins (25: 1-13) teacnes a final division. What is the basis of that division? How can we join the company of the wise? Cf Mt. 7: 21-27. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 24:32-25:13 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) It is clear that no one knows the hour when the Lord will come. There are, though, specifics about it detailed in this passage. The loud trumpet call from the angels, gathering His elect from the four winds. I think on eimportant thing for us to bear in mind daily is v35,"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." That strikes a deep chord with me. God is ETERNAL, and His Word is everlasting. All the time we invest on this earth in our career, family and friends is somewhat important; but it really pales in comparison to the time we need to spend building our relationship with God. Are we "Mary or Martha"? To be wise, we need to be prepared. Those who did not prepare themselves were shut out of the wedding banquet and it is said, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you." So sad, but true. I feel that Matthew is a book so strong in showing a separation between followers who truly seek Him and those who just do lip service. I never realized this until now about this book- it clearly distinguishes "sheep" from "goats", as is coming in the next reading. Praise God for the book of Matthew, teaching that lip-service is unacceptable. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 24:32 - 25:13 24:32 - 36 The Parable of A Fig Tree Israel is pictured as a fig tree. When Israel begins to show signs of life kingdom of God will be near. And the same generation which views the beginning of the budding will live to see the consummation of all things. [Willmington's Guide to the Bible] Verse 32 - Winter refers to tribulation; Spring refers to rapture. Verse 35 - Before heaven and earth pass away, His words will be fulfilled. Be On the Alert 24:37 - 44 Verse 39 - Just as the situation was in the days of Noah, so it is today. As the flood came suddenly, so the coming of the Lord will also be sudden. Verses 40-41 - Two are both saved and one is taken away (being rapture) and the other is not. Parable of the conscientious Steward 24:45 - 51 There are two kind of slaves, the faithful and evil ones. The faithful ones of the Lord will be set over all His possessions. The evil slaves shall be chastened dispensationally. Parable of Watchfulness 25:1-13 The virgins' only goal is to take their lamps to meet the bridegroom. The ten virgins differ only in behavior but not in nature. There is no distinction of true and false ones, only a distinction of prudent and foolish ones. Foolish does not mean unsaved. What God cares for is the extra oil. "--- while the bridegroom was DELAYED, ---" 25:5. That is the cause of "being shut outside". The foolish ones did not prepare the extra oil in their vessels. The extra oil takes extra effort, paying the price, to spare it. "WATCH therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." 25:13 -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 24:32-25:13 -------------------------------- 1) In this section we find several discourses by Jesus concerning His return. It is certain that no one will know the time or place. His return shall bring judgement on those unprepared. We must be prepared. In the parable of the fig tree there have been debates that the He in v33 should be it. Some scholars believe that this refers to other events that have happened. Since Jesus said that the things would pass before any of the disciples died. These scholars believe these are the sufferings and affilictions on Jerusalem described earlier, and that they are just the precursor to the Second Coming. We shouldn't dwell on this, but instead prepare ourselves, for v34 "Heaven and Earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away" 2) The parable of the wise servant and the ten virgins teaches us that just because some are ready does not mean their preparedness will affect others. Each one is accountable for themselves. We must elect to join the company of the wise. The wise servant was doing the master's bidding and ready for His return. The wise virgins were watching and preparing for the bridgroom. May we too be going about our Master's business and watching for His return. This does not mean we forsake our jobs or our lives, but that we align our lives with His will. We are not to be 'gazing at the sky', but rather are to be preparing our hearts for His return. The song by Larry Norman I Wish We'd All Been Ready really summarizes these events: From: Justin Lee adapted from wolly@wirehub.nl's transcription. I WISH WE'D ALL BEEN READY - Larry Norman Life was filled with guns and war, everyone got trampled on the floor I wish we'd all been ready Children died the days grew cold, a piece of bread could buy a bag of gold I wish we'd all been ready There's no time to change your mind the Son has come and you've been left behind A man and wife asleep in bed, she hears a noise and turns her head, he's gone I wish we'd all been ready Two men walking up a hill, one disappears and one's left standing still I wish we'd all been ready There's no time to change your mind the Son has come and you've been left behind the Father spoke the demons dined, how could you have been so blind There's no time to change your mind the Son has come and you've been left behind Matt 24:13 By the One who endures to the end, he will be saved. Let us press on an endure the hardship for our reward in heaven shall be great indeed. Let us not let anyone we know be one who is Left Behind. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 24:32-25:13 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What truths concerning our Lord's return are unmistakably certain, and what matters are left uncertain? What, in this consequence ought the Christian's attitude to be? 2 The parable of the ten virgins (25: 1-13) teacnes a final division. What is the basis of that division? How can we join the company of the wise? Cf Mt. 7: 21-27. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 24:32-25:13 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) It is clear that no one knows the hour when the Lord will come. There are, though, specifics about it detailed in this passage. The loud trumpet call from the angels, gathering His elect from the four winds. I think on eimportant thing for us to bear in mind daily is v35,"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." That strikes a deep chord with me. God is ETERNAL, and His Word is everlasting. All the time we invest on this earth in our career, family and friends is somewhat important; but it really pales in comparison to the time we need to spend building our relationship with God. Are we "Mary or Martha"? To be wise, we need to be prepared. Those who did not prepare themselves were shut out of the wedding banquet and it is said, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you." So sad, but true. I feel that Matthew is a book so strong in showing a separation between followers who truly seek Him and those who just do lip service. I never realized this until now about this book- it clearly distinguishes "sheep" from "goats", as is coming in the next reading. Praise God for the book of Matthew, teaching that lip-service is unacceptable. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 24:32 - 25:13 24:32 - 36 The Parable of A Fig Tree Israel is pictured as a fig tree. When Israel begins to show signs of life kingdom of God will be near. And the same generation which views the beginning of the budding will live to see the consummation of all things. [Willmington's Guide to the Bible] Verse 32 - Winter refers to tribulation; Spring refers to rapture. Verse 35 - Before heaven and earth pass away, His words will be fulfilled. Be On the Alert 24:37 - 44 Verse 39 - Just as the situation was in the days of Noah, so it is today. As the flood came suddenly, so the coming of the Lord will also be sudden. Verses 40-41 - Two are both saved and one is taken away (being rapture) and the other is not. Parable of the conscientious Steward 24:45 - 51 There are two kind of slaves, the faithful and evil ones. The faithful ones of the Lord will be set over all His possessions. The evil slaves shall be chastened dispensationally. Parable of Watchfulness 25:1-13 The virgins' only goal is to take their lamps to meet the bridegroom. The ten virgins differ only in behavior but not in nature. There is no distinction of true and false ones, only a distinction of prudent and foolish ones. Foolish does not mean unsaved. What God cares for is the extra oil. "--- while the bridegroom was DELAYED, ---" 25:5. That is the cause of "being shut outside". The foolish ones did not prepare the extra oil in their vessels. The extra oil takes extra effort, paying the price, to spare it. "WATCH therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." 25:13 -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 24:32-25:13 -------------------------------- 1) In this section we find several discourses by Jesus concerning His return. It is certain that no one will know the time or place. His return shall bring judgement on those unprepared. We must be prepared. In the parable of the fig tree there have been debates that the He in v33 should be it. Some scholars believe that this refers to other events that have happened. Since Jesus said that the things would pass before any of the disciples died. These scholars believe these are the sufferings and affilictions on Jerusalem described earlier, and that they are just the precursor to the Second Coming. We shouldn't dwell on this, but instead prepare ourselves, for v34 "Heaven and Earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away" 2) The parable of the wise servant and the ten virgins teaches us that just because some are ready does not mean their preparedness will affect others. Each one is accountable for themselves. We must elect to join the company of the wise. The wise servant was doing the master's bidding and ready for His return. The wise virgins were watching and preparing for the bridgroom. May we too be going about our Master's business and watching for His return. This does not mean we forsake our jobs or our lives, but that we align our lives with His will. We are not to be 'gazing at the sky', but rather are to be preparing our hearts for His return. The song by Larry Norman I Wish We'd All Been Ready really summarizes these events: From: Justin Lee adapted from wolly@wirehub.nl's transcription. I WISH WE'D ALL BEEN READY - Larry Norman Life was filled with guns and war, everyone got trampled on the floor I wish we'd all been ready Children died the days grew cold, a piece of bread could buy a bag of gold I wish we'd all been ready There's no time to change your mind the Son has come and you've been left behind A man and wife asleep in bed, she hears a noise and turns her head, he's gone I wish we'd all been ready Two men walking up a hill, one disappears and one's left standing still I wish we'd all been ready There's no time to change your mind the Son has come and you've been left behind the Father spoke the demons dined, how could you have been so blind There's no time to change your mind the Son has come and you've been left behind Matt 24:13 By the One who endures to the end, he will be saved. Let us press on an endure the hardship for our reward in heaven shall be great indeed. Let us not let anyone we know be one who is Left Behind. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 25:14-46 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Verses 14-30. Compare this parable with that in Lk. 19: 11-27. What is the message underlying both parables? Can you distinguish the particular emphasis of each parable? 2 Verses 31-46. What claims does Christ here make concerning Himself? How is men's final destiny determined? 3 What does this passage teach about the gravity of the sin of Omission? What does the absence of good works prove? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 25:14-46 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2,3) Tonight, this parable strikes me differently. It says to me that neglecting to use our God-given gifts will result in punishment- it is a duty, not a choice. Although we have free will, if we ignore our gifts and don't put them to use we are useless servants. v30 the worthless servant was thrown into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. It is a jolting call to me to use my abilities- use it or lose it, literally. Sheep and Goats again challenges us as Christians to serve Him with all our might. It should be viewed as an opportunity, and certainly shows our love for God Himself. Although Christians are not saved by works and in no way need them or could ever pay the debt by good works, they should FOLLOW a heart of love, a renewed mind in Christ, and faith in the Living Hope. If we have these, obviously we should be full of goodness and hence good works. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 25:14-46 Parable of the talents 25:14-30 The parable of the ten virgins refers to the rapture, whereas the parable of the talents refers to the Judgement seat of Christ and the kingdom. In order for the virgins to be raptured, they were required to be full of oil, the living of the Holy Spirit. In order for the servants to share in the joy of the kingdom, they were required to work, which is to serve the Lord faithfully. These two parables are connected. The first two servants received talents and worked to their abilities. Their rewards were the same. The third servant received one talent and did not work; buried it in ground, mingled in this world. He did not use his gift to multiply; while the other two used their talents to trade with people (to contact others) to bear fruit. The faithful servants received two rewards - joy and authority; the third servant received two punishments - the talent was taken away and himself being cast out. The Last Judgment, 25:31-46 The parable of the sheep and the goats can be divided into four main sections: the gathering of the sheep and the goats (vv. 31-33); the dialogue with the sheep (vv.34-40); the dialogue with the goats (vv. 41-45); the conclusion (v. 46). The dialogue to the sheep (believers) at the right hand You are blessed by the Father and will inherit his eternal kingdom; You fed me and gave me water when I was hungry and thirsty; You welcomed me as a stranger; You clothed me when I was naked; You visited me when I was sick and in prison. The dialogue to the goats (unbelievers) at his left hand Departfrom me you cursed, into the devil's fire; I was hungry and thirsty but received nothing from you; I was a stranger and received nothing from you; I was naked but you made no offer to clothe me; I was sick and in prison, but received no visit from you. The Conclusion "And these (unbelievers) will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." 25:46. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In the parable in Luke, each servant receives the same amount, and the reward is different, but here in Matthew we see different amounts with a similar reward. It is quite interesting. Luke being a physician may have had a different view of money than Matthew the former tax collector. The key concept presented here is that the reward is there no matter how much the gifts/talents are presented, as long as the heart of service and gratitude is there. The parable here is that we are rewarded for faithfulness in the use of different types of abilities. These abilities may have had a different degree of worth too, making the equity the same. The message and emphasis in Luke is that there is multiplied reward for greater service to the kingdom. We need to seek the kingdom first and all these will be added... The key point is not that works are required, but that they are expected as a response of gratitude and devotion. If we respect our master, we will serve Him with a heart full of joy and devotion. It is not a requirement for entry into the kingdom, but is a demonstration of the requirement - Faith. 2) Christ reveals in 31-46 that He is the Son of Man. He promises that as we do to others, so shall it be done to us. This is a repeating of the 'Golden Rule' concept. Man's final destiny was not planned to be judgement, which was reserved for the devil and his demons, but we have brought it upon ourselves, and taken away the goal of God - Continual fellowship with Him. 3) The Sheep and the Goats describes the same issue as the Wheat and the tares. Until the time of judgement, it is impossible to tell the sheep from the goats, wheat from the tares. It takes a decisive measure to tell the difference. This illustration implies that there are two classes of people. It again is not talking about works salvation, but that there are those who are truly saved which will demonstrate their faith through works of gratitude and devotion, and there are those who never were saved who have their religion and appear to be like the true kingdom seekers. A tree is know by its fruit...May we each one produce fruit in season so that we may be recognized as a living tree that will be harvested at the set time. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 26:1-16 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Note the difference between the prophecy of Christ in verses 1, 2, and the plans of the Jewish religious leaders in verses 3-5.Whose word, in fact, prevailed, and why? Cf Acts 2: 23; Ps. 33:10,11. 2 In verses 6-16 consider the contrast between the action of Mary, anointing Christ, and Judas selling Him. How does this demonstrate the truth of Lk. 2: 35b? What were the motives behind these different actions? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 26:1-16 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) The chief priests and the elders had fear of the crowd, the ones that revered Jesus. The action of the woman was beautiful. It shows that Jesus cherishes the loving actions, and does not scold those who love from the heart and not only "the head". Judas' motives were self-centered, greedy. The women's were totally opposite. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 26:1-16 The Conspiracy Against Jesus 26:1-5 At this time, Jesus told His disciples that the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. Then, the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, Caiaphas, and made plans to arrest Jesus and put Him to death. Only Mary of Bethany paid attention of His statement about the crucifixion. On the contrary, Judas had another idea in his mind. One is a loving heart toward God and the other one is search after material gain. The Anointing at Bethany 26:6 - 13 "Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her" 26:13. When we spread the gospel, the message is John 3:16 that God so love the World. Here, Jesus tells us that it is also important to relay the message of the response of man's love to God. For the example given in the house of Simon the leper, 26:6-13, and also the ACTS of those apostles and other saints demonstrated their response to the love of God. These "love Stories" were recorded in the Acts as memorial to them. Since then, the ACTS are really continuing through out the ages even to this day. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ----." Hebrews 12:1-2. Messages like these demonstrate the beauty of their souls and faithfulness. These are encouraging history for us to walk the extra mile. Judas Betrays Jesus 26:14-16 While one of the disciples expressed her love to the Lord to the uttermost, and another was going to betray Him. One was treasuring the Lord and at the same time another was delivering Him up for personal gain, a traitor. When Satan enters into ones hearts, unreasonable things would happen. When Judas tried to cover it up and said "Surely not I, Rabbi?" And Jesus told him "Yes, it is you." 26:25. That was a wake up call. When God gives me a wake up call, I pray that let Satan be bounded and having no power in me. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Matthew's Gospel offers unique points concerning the 'handing over' of Christ. These are from Dave Schroeder's Matthew Commentary and are: 25:15 thirty pieces of silver 26:25 Judas saying Rabbi it is I 26:52-54 'Put away your sword' 26:59 false witnesses 26:63 Caiaphas saying 'I charge you under oath 26:65 'He has spoken blasphemy' 27:3-10 description of the death of Judas 27:19 the message of Pilate's wife 27:24-25 Pilate's washing of his hands 27:51-53 earthquake, open tombs, dead saints walking 27:62-66 posting of the Jewish guard 28:2-4 earthquake and description of angel 28:9-10 Jesus appears to two Marys 28:11-15 report of the guard 28:16-20 appearance in Galilee and "Great Commission" It is interesting that we get a glimpse into the plans of those plotting against our Lord. He said he would be 'handed over', they were planning to take Him by force. In the end it was by His own design that He went with them. 2) Mary's annointing of Christ showed her understanding of His teaching. In the Jewish culture it is common practice to annoint someone before burial. Mary realized that Jesus was about to be sentenced to death and was preparing His body for this through the annointing. Mary's was an act of devotion by an enlightened follower, Judas' actions were contrary to that. He was the one who contacted the chief priests to arrange the conspiracy against Christ. What must have gone through His mind? He was betraying a man he had forsaken everything to follow. There was no way he could go back into the mainstream of society after having followed Christ, yet he still went forward with his betrayal. Like all conspiracies, this one had an initiator, a unifying cause, and a coverup. We shall see more of the greatest conspiracy of all in the following sections. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 26:17-29 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What does the phrase in v18, 'My time is at hand', teach us of Christ's understanding and control of the situation even at this moment? Notice the repetition of this reference to 'the hour'(v45) Cf Jn 12:23,27;13:1. Note also in v24 the combined recognition of God's foreordained purpose and man's personal responsibility. 2 In the institution of the Lord's Supper, Matthew notes the idea of a covenant in v28. In what way does this link with Ex 24:6-8 and with Je 31:31-34? What ought drinking from such a cup mean to us? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 26:17-29 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) Christ knew everything that would happen to Him, moment by moment. We can even see in the prophecies that are fulfilled in Isaiah how detailed and planned out the Messiah's coming to earth was; the plan of salvation was just that- planned. In my opinion, it shows that God uses order and detail in carrying out His plans. We should remember that when doubting what direction to go in our lives. He has each step planned out already- in detail. He requires us to have faith and trust in Him - the Most High God. Acc. to I Cor 10:16 the cup is a cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks...(and) a participation in the blood of Christ...And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ. Because there is one loaf, we, who ar emany, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 26:17-29 Keeping the Passover and Establishing the Table The Lord and the disciples firstly ate the Passover, 26:20-25. Then the Lord established His table with the bread and the cup to replace the feast of the Passover. The bread of the Lord's table is a symbol signifying the Lord's body. "--- if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." I Corin. 12:26-27. By partaking the bread at the Lord's table, I consider myself a member of the body of Christ, the Church. The Lord's blood redeemed us from our fallen condition back to God, and back to His full blessing. The bread signifies our participation in life, and the cup, our enjoyment of God's blessing. I Corinthians 10:16-17 - "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 26:17-29 -------------------------------- 1) Throughout the events of the final days, we see Christ's complete control. We see His ability to end the problem - his 'outs'. Yet we also see a willing Servant of the Will of God. Are we too willing to carry out God's will in our lives - even if it means going places we are uncomfortable, being mistreated for no good reason, and possibly even being put to death? Our Great Lord and Saviour was... May we follow His perfect example of surrender to the Father's will. 2) Blood represents life. The sacrifice of a life for the life of another yields the forgiveness of sin. In the Old Testament, the sheep was sacrificed and its blood placed on the altar to take the sins of the household presenting the sacrifice. Hebrews tells us that "without the shedding of blood there is no remission" The Lord's supper was a fulfillment of the covenant(promise) between Abraham and God from the beginning of the Jewish nation. It extends to us today. As the Son of David, kingly authority and rulership were given to Christ. He was come to be the King of the Jews and rule His people, but they rejected Him. He also came as the new covenant, fulfilling the role of Son of Abraham, and allowing 'many nations to be blessed' - us, the Gentiles, to whom salvation is opened up by the new covenant. Drinking of the cup should signify to us our relationship with Christ, the covenant that He came to fulfill that we might receive life through His innocent blood shed on the cross for our sins. May we remember that we are given life through the blood of the Lamb each time we take the communion cup.