Matthew 27:57- 28:20 Thoughts

What is not to love about this section of scripture?  This is our hope; the risen Christ!

What I find so amazing is how God orchestrated these things to make sure we know Christ rose from the dead.

1. For Pilate to allow Joseph of Arimathea to have the body of Jesus was unheard of.  No criminal hung on a cross was to be given a decent burial!  Had Jesus been dumped in a criminal graveyard; likely a mass grave, there would have been no way to see that the body was gone.
2. The disciples seem to have forgotten that Jesus told them He would rise again after three days, but the Pharisees didn't.  They asked for, received and placed a guard on Jesus' tomb to stop the disciples from stealing the body.  In doing so, we can be certain the disciples did NOT steal the body!
3. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (John 19:39) put Jesus in the tomb.  (vs61) "And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb."  This gave us at least four people outside the Pharisees and guards who clearly knew where Jesus was buried.  This ensured the tomb wasn't mistaken or lost.

 It is almost as if God wanted to make sure we knew Jesus rose from the dead!

Let us be bold in knowing our Saviour has risen and will return again one day as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

"Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for our sins.  Thank you for rising again to show us Your power over death and the grave.  Help this knowledge to embolden us to share the good news with those around us.  We can't wait to see You again.  Jesus come quickly!  Amen."

Matthew 27:57- 28:20 Outline

This is the last section in the book of Matthew.  The outline is quite simple.

• Jesus Buried (27:57-61)
• Guards Set (27:62-66)
• Jesus Risen (28:1-10)
• The Great Lie (28:11-15)
• Great Commission (28:16-20)

Matthew 26:47- 27:26 Thoughts

There are many things we could focus our attention on in this section of scripture.  One thing that I was reminded of while studying was the differences between Peter and Judas' failures.

Both men denied Christ, were remorseful and both wept.  But one led to death and the other to restoration.

Luke 22:31-32 shows how Jesus was praying for Peter, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.

Notice, Jesus didn't pray that Peter wouldn't fail, but that his FAITH wouldn't fail.  Peter denied Christ, but his faith remained and allowed for repentance and restoration.

Jesus gave Judas many chances to repent and showed great love and mercy to him.  Even at the betrayal, Jesus calls him FRIEND!  Yet Judas didn't have faith in Christ.  He always called Jesus, "Teacher" or "Rabbi", not "Christ" or "Lord."  Judas felt sorry for what he had done, but his faith failed and so did he.  I believe strongly that Christ wanted Judas to repent and return, but instead, he killed himself.

May we grow our faith, knowing we will fail Christ many times in our lives.  Our faith will make us strong and bring us to a place of repentance.  So, be in the Word and grow your faith!

"Jesus, you have promised to pray for us too.  I know your prayers are for our faith to not fail.  We have failed You many times and will again fail you today.  But let our faith be strong and help us to repent and return.  Once you have restored us, help us to then strengthen the brethren.  Amen."

Matthew 26:47- 27:26 Outline

The plan is to cover quote a few verses this week.

• Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane (v:26:47-56)
• Mock Trial (26:57-68)
• Peter Denies Christ (26:69-75)
• Judas Failure and death (27:1-10)
• Jesus before Pilate (27:11-14)
• Barabbas vs Christ (27:25-26)

Matthew 26:1- 26:46 Thoughts

The next few chapters are packed full of examples of Jesus fulfilling prophecy and teaching through example.

The item that really stood out to me this week was in verses 36-46.  Jesus is praying in the garden and desires His disciples to also pray.  He finds them sleeping and exhorts them, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

The first part shows how Jesus was almost surprised at their weakness.  He couldn't believe they were unable to watch for even one hour.  He then tells them why it is important to watch and pray; it helps us against temptation.  James chapter 1 warns us of how temptation comes when we allow fleshly desires to overcome spiritual direction.  The disciples were tired, and so was Jesus.  Yet Jesus understood the significance of that night in the spiritual realm.  The disciples did not.

Jesus then tells them why they failed, "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  The Spirit of God wants to do a work with us and through us.  He wants us to overcome temptation and overcome the flesh, but we are often weak.

So how do I avoid this situation?  How do I allow the Spirit to do His will and be "strong in the flesh."  It is important to note that we are not to have a strong flesh, but strong power OVER the flesh.

The Bible talks much on this subject and Paul covers this in several of his letters; especially the one to the Galatians.
Galatians 5:16-18
"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."

The key here is a continuous walk and a continuous leading.  Daily feeding the Spirit with prayer, fellowship and being in the Word.  learning to follow the steps directed by the Spirit.  Only then do we have a chance, by the grace of God, to overcome the desires of the flesh.

"Jesus, please teach us to walk in the Spirit.  Help us to depend more and more on You each day.  Fill us with Your Spirit and help us to surrender all of ourselves to Him.  Amen."

Matthew 26:1- 26:46 Outline

We are now in the last section of Matthew.  We don't get much detail on the Last Supper or any additional teachings from Christ.  Matthew just reminds the reader over and over again of the fulfillment of prophecy and how Jesus was clearly the Messiah.

• Jesus Predicts Crucifixion ON Passover (26:1-2)
• Chief Priest Predicts Killing Jesus NOT on Passover (26:3-5)
  Note: This is important to note.  The religious leaders had no intention of trying to kill Jesus during the feast.  But God had His plan.... who won?
• Anointing for Burial (26:6-13)
• Judas' Plan (26:14-16)
• Last Supper (26:17-30)
• Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (26:31-35)
• Prayer in the Garden (26:36-46)

Matthew 25:1- 25-46 Thoughts

This section is important to understand, but it is often very confusing to the reader.  This should not be the case.  Jesus didn't say things things to cause confusion, but rather to bring clarity.  The issue is because we try to apply all things and prophecy to our situation; which is not always the case.

To understand this section, we must understand that God sees mankind as three groups of people.  In each case, God works differently and has different application.  This is very clear in things like the role of the Holy Spirit.  For a non-believer, the Holy Spirit convicts and points them to Jesus.  The role of the Holy Spirit in a believer is much greater.  To apply principles of the bible to an unbeliever when it was meant for the church is a mistake.  In the same way, applying principles meant for the Jewish nation to the church is also a mistake.

1 Corinthians 10:32 says, "Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God..."  Paul is speaking of how he deals with people differently based on these three groupings of people.  Throughout scripture, we also see God dealing differently with these three.

The teachings of Matthew 25 are very clear when we see this truth.  The section on the Wise and Foolish Virgins (1-13) is to the Jews during the tribulation (kingdom of heaven being right after the tribulation).  We see this clearly in the number ten as well as the idea of virgins in Revelation 14:4.

The next section, Talents, is to the church.  May we apply this and use the resources God has given to us by His grace and use them to further His kingdom!

The last section is to those in the tribulation who help or don't help the Jewish people during their persecution.

I don't have time to go into detail on each of these here in this blog, but you can listen online to the teaching for more information.  http://ccepping.org/?page_id=61&sermon_id=1478

"Lord, please let us see how important it is to use the things you've given to us for Your kingdom.  Whatever you've given to us, ten, two, one talent, help us to look for ways to invest them in the things You would want.  You saved us and then sent us into this world for Your glory.  Help us to be good and faithful servants.  Amen."

Matthew 25:1- 25-45 Outline

This is a continuation of the olivet discourse.

The outline is quite simple, but it is important to note the three sections pointing to three groups of listeners.

• Wise and Foolish Virgins - To the Jew (25:1-13)
• Talents - To the church (25:14-30)
• Sheep and the Goats - to the Gentiles (25:31-46)

Matthew 24:1- 24-51 Thoughts

Unlike the previous chapter, this one is very often taught in churches and prophecy conferences.  Unfortunately, many teachings are confusing and aimed at scare tactics.  As a son or daughter of Christ, we are not called to be confused or scared!  This section should comfort us and motivate us to be about the King's business.

One reason people are often confused is due to the use of the word "elect."  We cannot assume the elect Jesus is speaking about here is the church.  In many cases, it is not.

In scripture, I find three specific groups of people called the elect.

1. Israel (Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 45:4, Isaiah 65:9, Isaiah 65:22...)
2. Church (Romans 8:33, Romans 11:7, Colossians 3:12, 2 Timothy 2:10, 1 Peter 1:1-2...)
3. Tribulation Saints (Israel/believers during the tribulation as Matthew speaks of and we see in Revelation)

An example of this is in Matthew 24:22: "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened."

But in 24:16 it speaks of people in Judah (Israel):  "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."
Also in 24:20: And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.

This is speaking of Jewish people in the tribulation.

Anyway, the point of the chapter is to know that God has it all worked out and we are to be looking for and anticipating the return of Jesus Christ.  Chapter 25 will emphasise this even more.

"Oh Lord, thank You for Your plan.  Thank you that we are not appointed unto wrath but to salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ.  We look forward to Your coming and our heart breaks for those who will miss this and go through the tribulation.  Lord, open the eyes of our family, friends and loved ones who have rejected You.  Amen."

Matthew 24:1- 24-51 Outline

At this point in the book of Matthew, Jesus departs from the temple and begins to teach His disciples.  These are key teachings as Jesus shares insight on may prophecies including some that have yet to take place.

• Prophecy of the destruction of the temple (1-2)
• Prophecies of the end times (3-14)
• Prophecy of the Great Tribulation (15-22)
• Many will come claiming to be the christ (23-28)
• Prophecy of Christ's return (29-31)
• Parable of the Fig Tree (32-35)
• Be ready (36-51)

Matthew 23:1- 23-39 Thoughts

This chapter is full of warnings.  Each one I can see in my life and I must continuously deal with them.  While thinking about teaching these, I think about Isaiah.  He was peaching, by the Spirit, in Isaiah chapter one through five declaring woes to the people of Israel and Judah.  This was justified and accurate.  However, it is so easy when pronouncing woe's on others to have an attitude of anger, disgust and frustration.  Perhaps Isaiah was feeling this as well.

But, in chapter six of Isaiah, he is given a glimpse of God and His glory.  I love what Isaiah then said,

"Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.

Sometimes we need to share a woe with someone.  When we share the truth of God's word, it will often be penetrating and cut to the heart.  The important point is to then realise how we are just as sinful and often guilty of the same sin.

At the end of chapter 23, we see Jesus lament over Jerusalem.  I am certain He didn't want to pronounce all these woes, but as a good Father, He must.  Help us to heed the warnings and when sharing woes with others, have compassion.

"Jesus, woe is ME, for I am undone.  Why I'm given any opportunity to share Your word and Your truth with anyone is beyond me.  I am not worthy to point out issues with anyone else's life.  Yet you want us to shine the light on each other and sharpen one another.  So, please help us to have compassion and love as we share truth with our bothers and sisters.  Help us to practice what we preach and rely more and more on Your Holy Spirit.  Amen."

Matthew 23:1- 23-39 Outline

This chapter is all about the scribes and Pharisees, yet Jesus is not speaking directly to them, but about them.  These are good lessons for all of us who can easily become religious and fall into the same traps.

• Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees (23:1-36)
• Not doing what you teach (1-3)
• Burdening others (4-5)
• "Look at me" mentality (6)
• "Respect me" attitude (7-10)
• Greatest is the servant (11-12)
• Not correctly sharing the gospel (13)
• Taking advantage of the less fortunate (14)
• Proselyte to religion not God (15)
• Not people of their word (16-22)
• Wrong priorities (23-24)
• Problems with the heart (25-28)
• Criticizing others while doing the same (29-33)
• The result (34-36)
• Jesus lament (37-39)

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.

Matthew 18:1- 18-32 Thoughts

This chapter deals with greatness.  I believe it is clear in scripture that God made us to be great (Eph 2:10).  Unfortunately, sin in this world has made our view and idea of greatness to be backwards.  Jesus speaks of humility and being child-like (not childish) to be great.  How many people in history are identified with greatness because of their humility... very few.

I think of people with "Great" in their names; Alexander the Great, Harod the Great, Hugh the Great.  Hugh?  Yes, there is a whole wikipedia site showing people with "great" in their name!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_known_as_The_Great

In Jesus view, things are much different.  As He gives a few examples, we see so many great characteristics from kids we should always have:

• Never doubt there is a God
• Understand our dependence on others - Not self sufficient
•  Wanting to learn - Knowing we don't know everything
• Seeing the good in the world
• Not worrying about the next hour or minute or day
• Quick to forgive
• Quick to love

Now I certainly understand, having a five-year-old son at home that he is a big bundle of sin.  I find myself learning as much from my son as he does from me.

"Jesus, please help us to be more like a child when dealing with You, issues around us and other people.  Help us to be humble and recognise our complete dependence on You.  Help us to see the good in the world and in people and not worry about the things; knowing you have everything under control.  Amen."

Matthew 18:1- 18-32 Outline

This chapter will help us understand the idea of Greatness in God's eyes

• Who is the Greatest? (18:1-6)
• Dealing with Sin Radically (18:7-9)
• Parable of the Lost Sheep (18:10-14)
• Dealing with Sin with a Brother (18:15-20)
• Dealing with the Sin of Unforgiveness (18:21-35)
• How often (21-22)
• Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (23-35)