Matthew 22:1- 22-46 Thoughts

On this chapter, my mind focused on verses 15-22.  Perhaps because I really don't like paying taxes! 😃

The Pharisees know all about this controversial topic.  In their mind, there was no good answer.

A. If you say to the people, "Pay taxes," you quickly become unpopular with the people.
B. If you say to the people, "Don't pay taxes," you quickly become unpopular with the Roman guard.

There are many points in the Bible which point to being good citizens; obeying the laws and paying taxes.  So Jesus needed to explain this truth.  The amazing part of this event is how Jesus so beautifully demonstrated truth in love.  And this was done by changing people's PERSPECTIVE.

You might recognise this mountain.  It is Mount Everest.

It might be more difficult to recognise the same mountain from this photo:

Whenever our views on a subject differ than that of God's Word, it means our perspective is wrong.  Jesus pointed out that money is not what matters, but people.  God doesn't care about making a profit, but growing prophets.  God doesn't want to raise funds, He wants to raise kids.

"Lord, please help us have a good Godly perspective on everything.  When this world hates us for our love for Christ, help us to have compassion on them knowing God loves them.  When we have to pay taxes or have financial issues, help us to remember to store our treasures in heaven.  When we have health issues, help us to remember we will be given new bodies and live forever with You.  Amen."

Matthew 22:1- 22-46 Outline

This continues from the previous chapter as Jesus warns the Jewish leaders that God is ready to do a new work through the Gentile nation.  It is important to note that Jesus continues to work with the Jews and is not done with the nation of Israel.  We are simply seeing the plan of God to work through the church until the time of the rapture.

• God Begins His New Work - Continued (21:12-Today!)
• Parable of the Wedding Feast (22:1-14)
• Perspective - God or money (15-22)
• This is important, it goes into eternity (23-33)
• Principle of Love (34-40)
• Jesus ends the Questioning (41-46)
  Note: It is good to question things, but there comes a point where we stop listening to the answers.

Matthew 21:1- 21-46 Thoughts

There are so many incredible things in this chapter.  Sometimes it is easy to lose the big-picture when studying a chapter so full of great events, teachings and principles.

Jesus only has a few days left before His death and resurrection.  It is quite clear Jesus knows this and is planning for this.  What would you do if you knew you only have a few days left?  Of course, Jesus would rise from the dead and give additional teachings to his disciples, but now it is time for Jesus to make it clear His purpose in all these things: To testify to the truth. (John 18:37)

God is tired of Israel not producing fruit.  They had become exclusive, judgmental and had lost their love for God and the people.

Jesus starts by example.  He comes in as king, "Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey."

He then cleans out the temple, curses a fig tree (picture of Israel), shows their hypocrisy when confronted with truth and gives two parables of God's plan to work through the Gentile nation.

When looking at this "big picture," I am reminded how important it is to be about the Father's business.  I often find myself to be judgmental, exclusive and I fail to love people.  I see this in the global church as well.  Are we now the wicked vinedressers?  The moment we refuse to believe we are and question Jesus authority, we are no better off than the chief priests, elders and Pharisees.

"Oh Lord, please keep us from the pride that so easily and quickly ensnares us.  You have entrusted us with such a great responsibility in the Gospel.  Help us to obey Your word in James chapter 2 and not show partiality and to allow our works be a testimony of our faith in You.  We can't do it without Your help, so please empower us with Your Spirit.  Amen."

Matthew 21:1- 21-46 Outline

This chapter starts a whole new section in the book of Matthew.  The rest of the book is chronological and here we see the beginning of the last days before the death and resurrection of Christ.  It all begins on, what we call, Palm Sunday.

• The Triumphal Entry (21:1-11)
• God Begins His New Work (21:12-Today!)
• Cleaning the Temple (12-17)
• Fig Tree (18-22)
  Israel has not been producing fruit.
• Questioning Jesus Authority (23-27)
• Parable of Two Sons (28-32)
• Parable of Wicked Vinedressers (33-46)
  Note: this section continues through the next chapter

Matthew 19:27- 20-34 Thoughts

In this material world, it is easy to ask our selves, "what are the benefits of following Christ?"  We see many around us doing things their own way and seem to be prosperous and successful.

This same thought came to mind in this section of Matthew as a very wealthy, young ruler seemed to reject the invitation to follow Christ and yet, in the material world, had much.

Peter asks the question in 19:27, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"

Jesus doesn't rebuke him for the question, but reminds him of two things:
1. God is more than fair.
2. God gives grace and ultimately eternal life.

What more could we ask for?  We have received that which is impossible to have by man's efforts!

I know I often lose sight of this.  I get focused on the things of this world and my little problems.  It is a privilege to server Christ and a tiny token response to what He has done for us.

"Jesus, please help us keep our focus on things that matter.  Help us to not let riches or anything else keep us from following You.  Build our faith in knowing You love us and want us to use our lives for Your glory.  Thank you for saving us and help that to be MORE than enough.  Amen."

Matthew 19:27- 20-34 Outline

This section is a continuation of the event with the rich, young ruler.

• What must we do to be saved (19:16-26)
• Law can't do it (16-22)
• Impossible with man (23-26)
• With God, all things are possible (26)
• What's in it for me? (19:27-20:34)
• Eternal life (19:27-30)
• First will be last, last will be first (20:1-16)
• Jesus example of what you receive for following Christ (17-19)
• Greatest is servant of all (20-28)
• The blind will see (29-33)
  Note: This odd miracle is tucked in this section just before Jesus' triumphal entry.  I believe it points out our blindness to the ministry of Jesus and our need to see clearly.