Matthew 28:16-20 "The Great Commission"

Read Matthew 28:16-20.

"Therefore go...." NIV

Here's our job -- our purpose on this earth. We were not made to sit on our hands and wait for Christ to return. He's given us something very important to do and that is to share Him with the world. He desires none to be lost, but all to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. That is a pretty tall order and we all must do our part. If we were just to receive Christ and then sit around waiting for Him to come back, we might as well just die and go to heaven. There's nothing left for us to do. But that's not how He planned it, and we need to be obedient to His calling on our lives.

Last night, I was at my library's book club (yes, I'm a book club geek;-) We were discussing Lying Awake by Mark Salzman. It's about a cloistered nun. I thought it was interesting that in the discussion, a non-believer said that he thought it was very selfish of her to spend so much time in silence and prayer and not share what she had learned with the world or to help people other than the other 11 nuns in her convent. Now, I'm not speaking against cloistered contemplatives; we have learned from the writings of many of them over the years, such as, Teresa of Avila. But God calls very few people to an isolated contemplative life. Although we all should take regular times of prayer and contemplation, we are to live in the world and share what we learn and live with others. Not only do we have this Great Commission, but we have the greatest commandment that we discussed in an earlier post -- love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and the second, love your neighbor as yourself. To do so, we need to be out among people.

So how are we doing with the great commission? Obviously, we love studying the Word, and I, personally, am a lover of silence and solitude. But we can't just sit here with our Bibles all day. We also can't just go about our day in the world without letting people know about Jesus. We have a simple calling, lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus and teach them how to live an obedient life. As we close out the Gospel of Matthew and studying the life of Jesus, now is a good time to evaluate how we are living our lives. Jesus not only came to save us through His crucifixion and resurrection, but He also is an example of how to live. If a gospel was written about us, what would it say about us in accomplishing the calling God has put on our lives? Maybe it's time for a few contemplative moments.

Further Thoughts:

1. Matthew gives a very shortened version of Jesus Christ's life after the resurrection. For a broader view of His activities and lessons, read the other three gospels.
2. Take some time today to list ways that you are living out the Great Commission. How are you doing?
3. What are some giftings God has given you that you could put to better use to reach people for Him?

Matthew 27:57-28:15 "The Greatest Event; The Greatest Coverup"

Read Matthew 27:57-28:15.

"He is not here, for he has risen, as he said." NIV

Jesus' sacrifice would not be complete without His resurrection. His sacrifice in taking our sins upon Himself would have no value without overcoming the death those sins caused. Christ, as Deity, overcame sin and death for us to have freedom from both for all time.

In contrast, the elders and chief priests tried to cover up the missing body by paying off the guards. Their hypocrisy and deceptive spirits have no limits. They will do anything to have their way.

The priests did all to protect themselves, but Christ did all to protect us. We can still choose to follow the path of the priests, but why would we want to? I choose to serve the one who loves me enough to sacrifice Himself for me yet is powerful enough to conquer death. Is that the God you choose to serve?

Thank You, Lord, for Your amazing sacrifice and power over death. You are the great I AM, and I am not. I will always choose to follow and serve You.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read these accounts in the other three gospels. How do they compare with Matthew's viewpoint?
2. Compare and contrast the choice between following the priests' example and following Christ.
3. Give thanks for the power that raised Christ from the dead. What New Testament Scripture tells us that we possess that same power?

Matthew 27:45-56 "The Final Sacrifice"

Read Matthew 27:45-56.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" NIV

As He hangs on a cross, we see another example of Jesus living out the same feelings we have all had at one time or another. Why has God left me alone here in this mess? Why do I have to hurt so when He can take it away with one word? Why me? I don't deserve this....

Of course the pain we suffer is nothing compared to what He endured. Not only was He going through one of the most excruciating forms of execution, but He was suffering spiritually by carrying the weight of the world's sin. It's no wonder He felt abandoned. No one should have to endure that agony. But He loved us too much not to.

And look at the result. The curtain in the temple was torn in two symbolizing the end exclusivism in approaching the throne of God. We are all now given access to the Almighty through the final high priest, Jesus Christ. People were raised from the dead. His own tormentors recognized Him for who He was. The world was changed forever!

We grieve for the pain Christ endured. Even the physical earth shook at His death. But His suffering was for a purpose far beyond His physical pain. He did it for our eternal salvation. The results were worth the trials.

Our suffering in this life, whether real or perceived, is for such a short time. And if we just persevere and learn from our trials, the results could impact the world. There still may be times that we feel like God has forsaken us. But that is simply the enemy's lie. He will never leave us or forsake us. He may allow certain trials to come into our life, but only so we will be stronger and more in line with who He is and His will. We will be led to rely on Him, trust Him in a greater way than ever before. But if I succumb to the enemy's lies and stop believing in the Truths of God, then Jesus' sacrifice was for nothing.

Lord, thank You for the sacrifice You made in taking my sins. Use me as a testimony to Your grace and mercy. Help me to always keep my heart focused on Your Truths in every trial I face. I never want to forsake You.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read the accounts of Christ's death in the other gospels.
2. Watch the movie, The Passion of the Christ.
3. Read James 1:2-18. List how we are to handle trials and temptations.
4. Spend some time today thanking Jesus for the sacrifice He made for us. Express your thanks in your own unique way -- write or sing a song, write a poem, dance around the room, kneel in silence, shout for joy.

Matthew 27:27-44

Read Matthew 27:27-44.

"Those who passed by hurled insults at him...." NIV

The flogging, the mockery, crown of thorns and taunts. He endured them all silently. Did He ever want to call down the armies of heaven and command the natural forces of the earth to take revenge on these ignorant people? Did He want to destroy them with a single word? Did God have to look away or could He? The same people that were tormenting Jesus were the ones He was sacrificing for. Could they not see that? Did they ever taunt and torment the lamb they had layed on the altar of sacrifice? Do they not see the tremendous gift of grace and mercy He is giving them? Do we?

My heart is grieved over the blindness that sin brings on humanity. And we've allowed it to happen.

Lord, open the eyes of man to see Your sacrifice in all it's horrendousness and beauty.

Further Thoughts:

1. Imagine the punishment you should have received for your sins. Then take some time today thanking Him for His sacrifice.

Matthew 27:11-26

Read Matthew 27:11-26.

"'I am innocent of this man's blood,' he said. 'It is your responsibility!'" NIV

The religious leaders and the people they sway to their way of thinking seem to be a theme that has been running for several chapters now. Once again, I am struck with the contrast between the religious leaders and the non-believers, in this case, Pilate, the Roman governor, and his wife. Here they turn over Jesus to the civil authorities stating a charge of treason since blasphemy would not have a stand in the civil courts. They could use treason because Jesus had claimed to be "king" of the Jews. Therefore, they were trying to show that Jesus was usurping the Roman authority. But Pilate, this non-believer, sees right through the ruse. Look at verse 18 again, "For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him." He knew that he was receiving an innocent man to be put to death because of the Jewish leaders' arrogance. Isn't that amazing....and tragic? Even Pilate's wife pays attention to a dream she has and tells Pilate in verse 19, "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man...." Two people, not a part of The Way, probably worshippers of mythological beings, sees the Truth clearer than the ones claiming to be upholding it.

And the responsibility for this tragedy doesn't all fall on the religious leaders' shoulders. The people allowed themselves to be swayed by the chief priests and elders and would rather have a known criminal freed and an innocent healer crucified. The blindness is so complete. The enemy had a stronghold that day -- only because God allowed it to fulfill His purposes. But still, the ability to move that many people away from the Truth. We so underestimate his powers. Granted, we have a greater power over the enemy, but only if we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and not moved to Satan's lies.

In the end, the only person who saw the truth was Pilate. He didn't have the fortitude to stand up to the crowd and fight for Jesus' innocence; instead he washed his hands of the responsibility. The people had spoken, and he would honor their request. But he made it publicly known that he didn't agree with the verdict.

So how does the non-believer see clearer than the supposed believer? What is happening in the believer's life to hinder them from seeing Truth as truth? As I look over the last 15-20 years, I know I have grown so much closer to the Lord. I credit consistency to my time in the Word, surrender to His Lordship, and a constant working on my personality to reach out to others rather than just taking care of myself. And as I grow closer to Him, the sin around me becomes more obvious. Inconsistencies are glaring, the world seems to become blacker and Christ's truths, whiter. And my sin appears more wretched than it ever was because I see the perfection of God magnified.

So I guess that boils down to four things: (not necessarily the only things....)

• surrender to His Lordship
• consistently studying the Word to know Him better - this is hearing His voice
• taking steps to be more like Christ
• when I sin, recognize it and immediately confess it

The religious leaders were not doing any of these. Well, obviously they new the Word, but only the law, not the heart. And they obviously did not learn very much about the character of God because their lives did not exemplify Him at all.

This is a clear warning for us all. A life that loses focus on the right priorities, misses seeing the Truth. And that is an eternal tragedy.

Further Thoughts:

1. How are you doing on the "four things?" Are there other areas you think are important that the religious leaders were missing?
2. Compare and contrast the religious leaders of that time to judgemental Christians today. What happens to turn us into judgemental Christians? How is the opposite lived out?

Matthew 27:1-10 "Consistency"

Read Matthew 27:1-10.

"Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death....." "....It is against the law to put this (30 coins) into the treasury, since it is blood money." NIV

Woe to the blind and deceived. The chief priests and elders of the Jewish people, their spiritual (and political) leaders, decided to put Jesus to death. That is just so hard for me to fathom. But it was another time and place than my reality. I wonder how many others they had put to death for blasphemy? But here, they are ready to have an innocent man executed. So since their right to capital punishment had been taken away by the Romans, they turn Jesus over to Pilate as a traitor to be put to death. The overwhelming sadness of that decision paralyzes me. What kind of hubris and hate could cause men to do this? And these are the spiritual leaders of God's chosen people.

Now look just five verses later, after Judas, out of an act of remorse, throws the thirty pieces of silver into the temple, the chief priests state that they can't take blood money. Are you kidding me? They can send an innocent man to his death, but they can't use the money they paid to have him brought in for the temple. It's amazing how fast they collectively grew a moral and ethical conscience. Of course, it's a relative conscience that serves their own purposes and desires. But a conscience none the less.

How often do we justify our actions by following up with something good and right? And it all makes sense to the person doing it while everyone around them is left scratching their head. The enemy loves to have us in this position - situational ethics. "I believe what I need to believe to serve my purpose at this moment. And if that belief changes later, so be it. That's what I need it to be at that moment." Why can't truth be truth and relativity thrown out with last week's garbage. Life would be so much simpler if everyone was on the same page, living for the same purpose. I guess that's called heaven. And I'll hang onto that hope.

In the meantime, we must live with inconsistencies and poor judgements rampant around us. Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not always consistent. Nobody is. But I will keep striving to line up with Truth and stay on that straight and narrow way until I no longer walk this earth.

Holy Spirit, guide me in Truth to remain true.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you make your decisions based on Truth or what works for you? Think about this. Consistency is needed in all areas of our lives, not just in the big decisions. Walking a life of Truth is not for Sunday only. It's a day to day process that requires a consistent checking of the compass.
2. Compare and contrast the life of Saul and the life of David. What was different about their consistency? Notice what each does when they do fail to stay on track. What are their different responses to others and to God?

Matthew 26:69-75 "What is Your Resolve?"

Read Matthew 26:69-75.

"I don't know the man!" NIV

Five terrible little words that can change a life for eternity. I know thousands of my brothers and sisters around the world throughout centuries were faced with this dilemma - Do you know Christ? When said in a friendly conversation, it's a wonderful opportunity to share what Jesus means to you. But amidst persecution, your answer could mean death. And for too many, it has.

You really can't cast too much animosity toward Peter for denying Christ. How many of us would have done the same thing? Even though Jesus had warned His disciples that this would happen, when faced with reality, the human resolve can be very weak. Peter had been traveling for three years as a close confidante of Jesus. He had watched a gentle carpenter's son reach out to people all over the region to offer healing from their sicknesses and demons. He heard the parables Jesus told the people and the great wisdom He layed before them. So if these religious leaders would want to kill this gentle giant of a man, then what would happen to a simple fisherman that had followed Him? Peter probably thought he was a dead man walking and the fight for preservation kicked in big time. Notice how his denial escalated each time he was accused of being with Jesus. He was reaching panic mode.

Fortunately, that is not the end of the story. Peter's resolve later turned from self-preservation to complete surrender. Peter died for his beliefs because He would not deny his Lord again and is one of the great fathers of the Christian church for the leadership He gave after Christ's resurrection.

Not many in America have been faced with death for being a follower of Jesus Christ, but we do face a verbal persecution all the time. The same question, Do you know Jesus? when said in a hostile, hateful way takes on a whole new meaning. How many times have I been sitting in on a conversation that turned to a "those Christians" diatribe. A little part of me wants to run from the conflict. It's not easy being in the minority or having to defend what you believe when you are standing alone. What do we do with Jesus then? Deny or defend? Flee or stand?

When we are confronted with opposition to our beliefs, we don't have to prove anything. We do not have to have twenty Scriptures to rattle off, commentaries to whip out, or extensive debates to prepare. We need to know one thing - what Jesus did for me. I sat in church last week and watched video testimonies of fellow believers given right before they were baptized. Some were children that had the simple faith only a child-like heart can have. Others were older that had faced a lot of life. But all of them had one thing in common -- they'd met Jesus. There is nothing more powerful than hearing how Jesus transformed someone's life. That is why I believe what I believe - because Truth touched me and I was changed forever. That's what I can stand on. That is why when faced with opposition for being a Christian - physical, verbal or emotional - I can stand.

Further Thoughts:

1. Think of a situation where you were tempted to deny Christ. How did you handle it? Why? How would you do it differently next time?
2. Read further about Peter after Christ's resurrection? What was Peter's resolve? How did he reach that? How did he pay for that?
3. What Scriptures can we rely on when faced with opposition to Christ? Search for and memorize them so you are ready to face temptation.

Matthew 26:57-68 "Seeing the Truth"

Read Matthew 26:57-68.

"The high priest said to him, 'I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.'" NIV

Okay, first I have to laugh at his question. He wants Jesus to answer the question under oath to the "living God." The living God is standing right in front of him. So Jesus needs to answer under oath to Himself. What irony.

So I was wondering what I would be thinking if I was the high priest. Would I have been one of the leaders trying to find a way to kill Jesus? Would I have put Him on trial? Now these Jewish leaders had been raised studying the prophesies about the coming Messiah. They knew what was going to happen. So why when the Truth is standing in front of them, the fulfillment of all the prophesies they have learned, can they not see Him? What hinders us from seeing Jesus for who He is and believing?

Well, Jesus has already shown in previous chapters that the religious leaders had allowed sin into their lives through greed and corruption of power. They loved being in charge more than they loved the God they were supposed to be serving. When we displace the object of our love, we miss seeing the truth. We're back to focus and priorities again. In whom will we place our faith? The religious leaders had transferred their faith from the One True God and His Word to their man-made laws and selfish ambition . It didn't matter that Jesus was fulfilling the very prophesies they had heard all their lives. They couldn't see the Truth.

When we displace our love and can't see the Truth standing right in front of us, it can disorient us when circumstances become difficult. The Jews were very oppressed during this time by the Roman rule. Here they were in their promised land that God had vowed to them so many years before, but they were living under the iron fist of the Romans. They expected a Messiah to come riding in on a white horse ready to rally an army that could defeat the Romans. Instead they get a 33-year-old carpenter's son riding on a borrowed donkey. Not exactly the valiant warrior they were looking for. But because the focus of their love had been diverted, they couldn't see that Jesus could be the Messiah. Their vision was clouded by misdirection and circumstances.

If we keep our eyes focused on the Truth, surrendered to His ways, and not allow the circumstances around us to intercept His leading, we will stay on course.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is your love focused on Jesus Christ or do you focus on self first?
2. Have you surrendered your life to His lordship?
3. Are circumstances distracting you from from God's plan? Remember, He is an out-of-the-box thinker. Don't try to place Him in a box. The "logical" answer according to our human paradigm may not be the right answer. Be open to whatever and wherever He leads.

Matthew 26:47-56 "Angels at Your Back"

Read Matthew 26:47-56.

"Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" NIV

A legion is 3000-6000 men. So twelve legions would be about 36,000 to 72,000 angels. Jesus could have opened the heavens and called down an army to rescue him from the crowd. He also had every right. He had been betrayed by a friend. Not only was he unjustly being arrested, but a friend had turned against him. If justice was to be served, the debate was on Jesus' side. But that was not the Father's will, and Jesus had the strength to stand because He had been with His Father in prayer through the night. This shows us the lengths we must go to for the Father's will to be done. His desires need to be my desires; His plans my plans. I cannot allow anything to stand in the way even if it causes me some pain.

On the other side of that, if Jesus wants to rescue, encourage or send me a message, He has at least 72000 angels to do it. The same Jesus that could call on the hosts of heaven to help Him in the garden can send the angels to minister to me today. He's always got my back. There is no situation I can get myself into where there isn't an army at my disposal. Psalm 91:11-12 says, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." That power is promised to us as God's children. What tremendous comfort those words hold. In every situation I face, I can stand. I've got an army at my back led by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Boy, who needs to ever worry?

Further Thoughts:

1. Do a study of angels and see what their jobs are. There are many theories about angels floating around out there. Be sure what you research has Scriptural support.
2. What are you facing right now that could possibly overwhelm you? Surrender it to the Lord. He is not only omnipotent, but has a whole army to work for him. That's bigger than any problem you can throw at Him.

Matthew 26:36-46 "Refocusing"

Read Matthew 26:36-46.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." NIV

What strikes me first about this passage is vs 37. Jesus was sorrowful and troubled. Except for Jesus' sadness at the death of Lazarus, I don't recall Him being sad or troubled (KJV: distressed). The Greek word for distressed is "to be troubled, great distress or anguish, depressed." Jesus has felt every emotion we have ever felt. And here we see Him very distressed about what He is soon going to face. After all, He wasn't a deity in a glorified body. He was the Almighty God in a human body that can suffer pain. Naturally, He would be troubled facing the agony He knew He was going to suffer. But pay attention to what He does with His distress. He hands it over to His Father. He doesn't just ask that His future be taken away, He asks that the Father's will be done. Even in His complete distress, He is surrendered to the will of His Father.

How often have I been in distress and just wallowed in it. My mind will race through scenario after scenario attempting to predict the future or manipulate it. Yet, no one has faced such a terrible future like Jesus did... and He went to prayer. In my distressing times, I should be falling on my knees in prayer rather than crying out in foreseeable pain. God's will is to be done no matter what. I am merely a servant that obeys His commands and should be submissive to His will -- even if I must go through some pain for it to be done. If the Almighty's Son had to suffer for God's purpose for mankind, I can endure anything for His will to be done.

Jesus' words to His disciples that had fallen asleep on the job still ring true to us today. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Further Thoughts:

1. Look up Scriptures on distress, worry, cares.
2. Is something causing you distress or trouble? Surrender it to the Father's will. He will either take it away or it will serve His purpose, and He will give you strength to endure it. Either way, we must let it go. His will be done.
3. How is surrender and trust or faith related?
4. Look at the different times Jesus spends in prayer. In those times He is essentially refocusing His perspective. When we get caught up in the doings of life -- good or bad -- we can lose our focus. Time with the Father gets that back. Consciously and purposefully, refocus several times throughout your day today.

Matthew 26:20-30 "In Remembrance"

Read Matthew 26:20-30.

"While they were eating Jesus took break, gave thanks and broke it.... Then he took the cup, and gave thanks...." NIV

A simple act performed daily by all people turned into one of the most precious symbols in the Christian body.

When Jesus broke the bread He said that it symbolized His body being broken for us. I keep remembering the movie National Treasure. At the end Nicholas Cage says to the FBI agent, "I really don't want to go to jail." (For stealing the Constitution to keep it out of the hands of a bad guy.) To which the FBI agent says, "Someone's got to go to jail, Ben." I know, I have a strange way of seeing things. But when we sin, someone's got to do the time for it. We have the most loving Father, but because He is loving, He is also just. Sin has a price and someone has to pay. Here's where the bread comes in. It symbolizes the fact that Jesus paid the price with His broken body on the cross. Under the old covenant, a lamb other animal could be sacrificed on an altar for forgiveness of sins. But under the new covenant, Jesus Christ becomes the sacrificial lamb for our sins forevermore. He paid the price so we don't have to. Isn't that amazing? And just so we don't forget that amazing act of mercy, we are reminded through the breaking of the bread in communion. I can't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude and humility every time I take the bread. My sins do not deserve His sacrifice; I should be the one paying. I choose those paths, not Him. But that's how great His love is for each of us.

The wine represents His blood. The blood becomes a covering to atone for the sins past, present, and future. Atone means to reconcile or appease, to make amends for a wrong done. As the innocent lamb atoned for the sins of those of the old covenant, so Jesus' blood atones for our sins. He is our covering for the sins of our past, present, and future.

We are undeserving. So was He. But His love won over and we must never forget. Take the bread and the wine....and give thanks.

Further Thoughts:

1. Research further the old covenant sacrifice for sins.
2. Spend some time in remembrance today and give thanks that you live under the new covenant.

Matthew 26:17-19 "A Certain (Available) Man"

Read Matthew 26:17-19.

"'Go into the city to a certain man....'" NIV

How many times have we read the Lord's Supper story? We know they are in an upper room. We can see Jesus and the twelve reclined around a table. Most of us have probably seen it reenacted in our Easter pageants. The tables are filled with bread, bowls of fruit, and glasses for the wine. The scene is instantly familiar. But have you stopped to wonder whose house they were in?

Jesus sent the disciples to "a certain man." Who was this man? Had Jesus met this person on His travels? Was he someone that Jesus had healed? Was he a prominent man in the city or a religious leader? Or was he a simple tradesman or shepherd?

Did the man know the disciples would be coming? Did he know what was meant by Jesus' message, "My appointed time is near?" If so, who told him? An angel? Or did Jesus warn him at a previous meeting? Maybe the man was still expecting Jesus to make a political or military take over and thought that was the time that was near.

Whoever this man was and whatever he did or did not understand about Jesus' message, he willingly served the Master without question. An unknown man that provided the setting for one of the most dramatic and symbolic events in our Christian rites. His name is not given; he is not immortalized in the Scriptures or da Vinci's The Last Supper. A man of obscurity with a very important role - to serve the Master when called.

We are each people of obscurity in the Christian realm. There are very few Billy Graham's or D.L. Moody's walking the earth. Most of us are simple servants striving to live in the world but not be of it, to learn from the Rabbi, serve Him, and serve others. There are no marquees announcing our accomplishments or awards adorning our mantles. But we are each called to do what Jesus asks us to do. It may seem small and insignificant such as cleaning the house and making a few loaves of unleavened bread. But the purpose is great when the Master arrives.

Lord, I don't desire fame or recognition; position or wealth. I just want to be available to do whatever you call me to do when you call me to do it. Lord, here I am.

Further Thoughts:

1. Many of the patriarchs were people of obscurity. List some of them and their origins. (i.e. Moses: a poor Hebrew slave's baby rescued from massacre.) Like Moses' walking stick became a source of power when God used it, so can we be used for great deeds when in the hands of the Master.
2. Are you ready and willing to serve when the Lord calls? What should you be doing in preparation for His assignments? How are you serving in between the bigger jobs?
3. Do you feel you are not usable by God? If yes, that is a lie that the enemy has led you to believe. We are all given gifts and talents that God can use. (Find the Scripture that supports that statement.) If you don't know your gifts, ask your pastor for a spiritual gifts test. You will probably find you knew your gifts all along.
4. How does this readiness for service fit with the greatest commandment?

Matthew 26:1-16 "Choose Your Response"

Read Matthew 26:1-16.

"....will be handed over to be crucified." "...an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head...." "Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over." NIV

These three passages sum up the three possible responses to Jesus - get rid of Him, love Him, or betray Him.

In vs 1-5, the chief priests and elders are plotting to have Jesus killed. They want to be rid of Him because He has upset their way of life. In the same way the world wants to be rid of Jesus. He tends to rock the boat still two thousand years after He walked this earth. And those in opposition simply want Him to be gone. Has it ever struck you that people want religious freedom for everyone but the Christians. They scream for tolerance of other religions, but call the Christian's stance narrow-minded and intolerant. Are they not being intolerant of Christianity? So in their minds it's best just to get rid of it. We've not faced that in the extreme in America yet, but in personal hearts it is prevalent. "I don't need Jesus" is the thought of the day. "I'm strong on my own; He is just a crutch for the weak and a wall for the intolerant to hide behind." And they kill not just the idea of a Messiah, but Christ Himself.

Then Jesus goes to Bethany where a woman anoints Him with oil. She represents the believer who will give their all to serve Jesus. He is treasured and adored to the exclusion of caring for what appears to be self's best interest. Jesus is to be lifted up, loved, and prioritized in our lives. We may face ridicule, but we continue to raise Him up as the true God; the One and Only Savior. Our hopes and dreams are centered around Him and His will. Our lives are not our own, but surrendered to the One who gives freedom through service. No longer are we bound by sin because we serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. His name is the only name we lift up in praise for He and He alone is worthy. Even if no one else around us believes, we will stand in this truth.

Lastly, the betrayal. Judas sells Jesus out. He's looking out for number one and abandons the very One who gave him life. Judas had lived and ministered with Jesus for three years, yet he still couldn't see the better way. He had witnessed miracle after miracle; prophesies fulfilled. He called Him Lord and Master while sitting at His feet, learning from His teachings. But self won the day and Jesus was betrayed. How many people call themselves Christian yet sell Jesus out each and every day. When decisions must be made that place Christ above personal wants and ambitions, He is placed on a shelf to be dusted off for Sunday services. I guess this makes Judas the first Pharisee of the Christian church. But the practice continues daily where hypocrisy abounds. Hearts not completely surrendered to Jesus will find that a commitment to His ways will collapse under the pressures of the enticement of sin and self.

Crucify, anoint, or betray. How do you respond to Jesus?

Further Thoughts:

1. What does the Scripture say about full devotion or holiness? Find passages from Paul's letters, James, 1 Peter, and 1 and 2 John on this subject.
2. Hypocrisy is rampant in a relative world. Even Christians are drawn into the fallacy that we can make our Christian walk relative to our wants and needs. The Pharisees are a prime example for us of the dangers of and punishment for hypocrisy. Read again the seven woes in chapter 23 as a warning. Compare and contrast a devoted follower to a Pharisee.
3. How do we become complacent in our Christianity? I'm sure Judas didn't leave His family without being devoted to Jesus in the beginning. What happened along the way?
4. Are you who you say you are? This is a question I ask myself often. We can preach something all day long, but if we are not living it, is it embedded in our hearts? Write a complete definition of "Christian." Is your life lined up with this definition? If no, why not?

Matthew 25:31-46 "Goats and Sheep"

Read Matthew 25:31-46.

"He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left." NIV

To me this has always been one of the most frightening passages in the Bible. Jesus is not referring to all people; he's talking about believers. He will separate out the truly committed from the Pharisees walking among us. The question always arises, am I one of the Pharisees? Am I living life as a truly committed believer? Am I loving people as Christ loved them? We'd better find answers to these questions because they are obviously important to Him.

So who are the goats? If you look back at the seven woes in chapter 23, we see what the Pharisees were being told they would be punished for.

• Not practicing what they preach. (vs 3)
• Power lovers (vs 6-7)
• Followers of the letter of the law only, but not the spirit of it. (vs. 23-24)
• Have the appearance of a believer without the heart. (vs 25-28)
• Greedy and self-indulgent. (vs 25-26)

The goats will be like the five virgins not watching for the Lord because they were not prepared. They will be like the servant who wasted the talent that the master had given him.

But the sheep will live as Christ lived -- caring for all people's needs -- physical, emotional, and spiritual. Jesus did not look for a reward in this life for loving others as He loved Himself. Self-indulgence wasn't even in His vocabulary. Christ lived completely committed to His God-given mission and for the people. That's a tall order to live out. One that can only be accomplished through complete surrender and full commitment to the Almighty and His work.

Lord, help me to live as You would have me to live. I want to be on your right when the judgement comes.

Further Thoughts:

1. How do we avoid falling into Pharisaical attitudes and behaviors?
2. How do we live as Christ lived? What changes in my life or my attitudes need to happen to be in line with Him? What rolls do choice and the Holy Spirit play? Support with Scripture.
3. Why can we never let our guard down? Where does the enemy want a Christian to remain? Support with Scripture.
4. Full devotion requires complete surrender to God's ways and directions in our lives. Have you?

Matthew 25:1-30 "Waiting vs Watching"

Read Matthew 25:1-30.

"Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." NIV

Today I was reading the blog of a friend who is about to deliver her third baby any day now. She was talking about "waiting" and all waiting encompasses in our lives. Then I opened up my Bible and read this passage on looking for the return of Jesus. My first thought was, "Wow, we are waiting for Christ like Tammi is waiting for that baby." But of course while there are similarities, there are profound differences as well.

We are both waiting for an event of which no one knows the day or the time. It's a great mystery that lies only in the hands of God. And I'm glad we don't know. Life would be very boring without some mystery to it.

We both look forward to a delivery from difficulties with a huge reward at the end. Just as Tammi's body will be free from the burden she carries, we will be all free from the boundaries and burdens of this life. No more suffering, pain, or sorry. No more struggles. No more evil to contend with. And our reward will be to forever live in a Kingdom where the King shines so brightly He provides the very light we need. We will worship forever in His very presence and the enemy will be no more. Even as I write these words my heart is crying out, "Come, Lord Jesus, Come!" But again, we must wait.

But the stark difference between a waiting pregnant mother and the body of Believers waiting for Christ's return is this -- we must be active wait-ers. A mother makes some preparation for a newborn, but towards the end, her size encumbers her activity and she does a lot of resting getting ready for the rigors of labor and the first few months of sleepless nights. But as the time approaches for Christ's return, the Believer's body must become more active. Yes, we still must take our quiet times before the Almighty to hear His directions through His Word and Spirit, but we can't be sitting around looking to the clouds. There are so many more people to reach; so much more work to be done. And this is a mandate to all Believers, not just a chosen few. We all must be hard at word about the King's business. Time is running out and so many still don't know Jesus.

So instead of waiting, we will watch. "Waiting" implies quiet inactivity. While "watching" can be an inert activity like watching a ball game or a TV show, we can combine it with a physical action. Walk into any exercise club to see that. Watching is keeping an eye out while still working diligently. Keep one eye on the task and one eye on the sky. He's coming.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem. While they worked, they kept a watch out for their enemy. And yes, we do need to keep a watch out for the Enemy, but we are also watching for Christ's return. I think of my daughter's fast pitch softball games. While they are running the bases, they need to be alert to where the ball is, but all the time they listen to and watch the third base coach for instructions. He has the complete picture and a clearer perspective of the situation. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will be able to work freely until He returns.
2. Compare and contrast watching out for the Enemy and watching for Christ's return. Which do we do more of? How can we combine our watching to accomplish the same task? What does the Scripture say about this?
3. In your life right now, do you have a good balance of waiting quietly before the Lord and working diligently for the cause of Jesus Christ? If not, what needs to change.

Matthew 24:36-51 "No, Really, Are You Ready?"

Read Matthew 24:36-51.

"So you also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when\ you do not expect him." NIV

This is a very challenging passage. Am I ready at all times for Him to come? Am I living the Christian life every day in everything I do - not just on Sundays or when doing "churchy" things? Is my life so enmeshed in Jesus Christ that my soul is ready to go with Him at any time.

I pray I am. But reading this again is a great reminder. Verse 43 is a great analogy - if a thief is coming, a man would watch for him. He doesn't just go to bed and say, " Oh well, if he comes, he comes." The man is alert, watchful, ready. I want to have that same readiness.

So how do we remain ready? He tells us in verses 45-47. We keep feeding the people as good servants. We continue living out the greatest commandment - every day in everything we do. Loving God and loving others covers all we need to know. If we truly bury ourselves in those concepts, we have accomplished all He asks of us. That is a ready heart. That is a life that is living out the Truth that Jesus called us to.

Further Thoughts:

1. Take some time to look over the last week. Did you live for God in everything you did? Were there things you shouldn't have done? Were there actions you should have taken? Would you have been ready at any time for Him to come back? If the answer is no, what needs to change?

Matthew 24:1-35 "Are You Ready?"

Read Matthew 24:1-35.

"I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." NIV

I know Jesus is talking about the temple in this verse, but as I read it tied with the end of the age, it made me wonder where I put my time and talents. What are my priorities? The bottom line is, am I investing in people or in things.

Jesus gives us all kinds of signs to watch for the end of the age, but no one really knows when that will happen. Wars? We've got 'em. Famines and earthquakes? Check. The persecution? Some are already experiencing it. But it will become worse.

So when I'm facing the escalation of these events, where will I be - spiritually - to be able to stand them. Jesus says in verse 12, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." Is my love established enough to stand firm or will it grow cold? I guess that depends on what I love now. Am I living out love for people or for things and positions? What are my motives for what I do? If I am only gaining power and more stuff, when persecution takes root in America, will I stand to defend something that I know will soon all be gone? Why would I? My love has been placed on crumbling stones that will "be thrown down."

But, if I build my life and priorities on love for God and for people, then I have a reason to stand. My purposes are higher than the temporal. I'm dealing in the eternal. Interesting that this passage comes so closely after the Matthew 22:34-40 passage on the greatest commandment. If I claim to be a Christian and follow the ways of the Pharisees, my heart will definitely grow cold when facing opposition. But if I follow the greatest commandment, completely enmesh my life in loving God and people, I will be ready for whatever comes in the future.

Even though these signs of the end seem far away, I'm establishing who I am right now -- for good or for bad. We certainly can't live for self and thinking, "I'll change when I need to." The decision is now. " We are faced with a choice as the Israelite people faced when Joshua said to them in Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV), "Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Further Thoughts:

1. Read Joshua 24. He lead the people to make the right choice.
2. So who do you serve? Analyze your activities, priorities, where you spend your money and time.... Do you use your time in love for God and people or in acquisition of money and things? Why?
3. We are told that Jesus will come in the "twinkling of an eye." When that happens, we are either ready or we aren't? Are you ready? Why or why not?

Matthew 22:34-40 "The Greatest Commandment, Part 2"

Read Matthew 22:34-40.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." NIV

Like the "love" expressed in verse 37 that is an agape love - one of devotion that is of the will, this is the same kind of love in verse 39. It's not a phileo love that is a friendship love. But a love of the will and complete commitment. That's a tall order because when you look at who your neighbor is, it's basically anyone you come in contact with. These are the people living and breathing around you. Therefore, all men and women are my neighbors. And by choice, I am to show them not just a friendly love, but a committed love of devotion.

How do we do that? How do we give that kind of devotion to so many people? It's easy to love the believers, but all the lost as well? For a sanguine it may be possible, but for a melancholy choleric like me it does not come naturally. The only way I know how it can happen is through the eyes and heart of God.

We need to see people as God sees them -- His lost children who need a Savior. Each of us are uniquely created in His image and for the purpose of companionship with Him. Some choose to follow that path while others walk away from their Creator. In absence of receiving love and communion directly from the Lord, He wants us to become Christ-with-skin-on and take His love to them. It would be like if one of my children ran away from home, I would pray that someone would take them in and love them with a love I couldn't give them. That they would wrap their arms around my child since my arms will not reach them. And hopefully, they would lead my child back to me.

Lord, give me eyes to see those around me who have chosen to leave You. Help me to love them with Your love and guide them back to Your gentle arms.

Further Thoughts:

1. List ways we can show God's love to people we come in contact with every day. Note: How did Jesus show love?
2. When we think about our neighbors, we need to start in our own home and then work outward. Who do you need to show the love of God to? How will you do that?
3. Based on this Scripture's definition of a neighbor, does it include our enemies? If so, how do we show them God's love?

Matthew 22:34-40 "The Greatest Commandment, Part 1"

Read Matthew 22:34-40.

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." NIV

Did you really think I'd skip over this passage? Of course not! These few sentences are the heart of all our Christian walk and purpose on this earth; so they are getting two posts.

Today I just want to address the loving God part. Actually, I could use 3 posts to cover heart, soul and mind; four if using Mark's version that includes strength. But I'll try to do it all in one.

This passage says that we are to love God with our entire being. He covers it in each of the parts that we are made of -- heart - emotions; soul - spirit; mind - intellect; and strength is physical body. In every area of our life, we are to live it in love to Him. How do we do that?

Heart: Where do we place our passions and priorities -- our time? Are they in activities that serve Him or serve ourselves? Scripture says that our words come out of our heart. Are my words reflecting a heart devoted to God or do they fall short? If they are not glorifying Him, why not? What in my life have I not surrendered to Him that is controlling my passions? I want my heart to be completely devoted to God and that will be shown by the words I speak and the activities I choose to invest my time in.

Soul: This is our spiritual side; the part that makes me the person that I am. My soul encompasses my personality and God-given gifts. This is the only part of me that will continue on after my body is dead and gone. It's what makes me the individual that God designed me to be. Am I loving Him back with what He gave me to be me? Do I allow my personality to reflect the personality of Christ or do I allow the enemy and sin to distort what God created? Am I using the gifts He placed within me for His glory? I don't have to be in full-time career ministry to minister. My gifts were designed to be used in any job I take so He will be glorified.

Mind: My intellect. What am I filling my mind with? Do I fill it with Truth and Thanksgiving or with lies and the filth of the world? What I read, listen to, and watch will affect my mind and determine if it is turned towards God or towards earthly passions. Another aspect of loving God through surrendering the mind is by not retaining pride in my intellect. Too often we try to figure things out on our own. We rely on education and reasoning skills and don't rely on God's leading and power in our life. That is pride -- the opposite of surrender. In following and loving God with our mind, we must follow the instructions of Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Lord, help me to guard what I put into my mind and to use it only to glorify You through surrender and trust.

Strength: My physical body and it's actions. This one is closely tied with the heart -- my actions and where I spend my time. Am I wasting my strength on things that either are of the world and against what God teaches, or just plain laziness? Or am I working diligently for Him and His purposes? Unfortunately for some, loving God with physical strength means even to death for Him. The Persecuted Church is very real in many countries. To this point, the U.S. has been spared, but our day could be coming. Will I love God with all my physical strength when my faith is put to the test? God, let it be so.

God doesn't command us to love Him on Sunday or in those times that I open my Bible or go to an occasional spiritual retreat. I am to love Him with my whole being all of the time. That is full devotion. It is not just for the church leaders or a special few to follow. He calls all of us to full devotion to Him and His purposes with our entire being.

Lord, if there is any area in my life that is not completely devoted to You, please reveal it to me so I can surrender it to You. I want every part of my being to glorify You and You alone.

Further Thoughts:

1. This is a very short synopsis of this verse. Do further studies in the Scriptures and commentaries on the heart, soul, mind, and strength and all they encompass.
2. Does God demand full devotion? Support your answer with Scripture.
3. Examine your own life. In each of these areas, how are you doing? Remember, not that every activity in our life must be centered around something spiritual. For example, working out at the gym. How can I love God with my workout? I'm taking care of the body that He gave me to use for His glory -- keeping it healthy. I can develop relationships with others in the gym -- relationships that may possibly lead to salvations. I can simply show the love of Christ to others while I am in the gym through my actions and attitude. Even in sweaty workout clothes, I can be Christ with skin on to someone who needs to see Jesus.
4. Make a list of your activities and how you can love God through them.
5. Are there areas in your life that you are not loving God? If you aren't sure, ask Him to reveal them. Then change them. You can choose to live in full devotion. Choose this day who you will serve and then do it with everything you've got.

Matthew 21:23 - 23:39 "Christ's Authority Questioned, Part 2"

Read Matthew 21:23 - 23:39.

"By what authority are you doing these things? they asked. "And who gave you this authority?" NIV

This entire passage began with Jesus exercising His authority and clearing the temple of the money changers in 21:12-13. The chief priests and teachers of the law were furious because not only was Jesus claiming an authority they didn't think He had nor wanted Him to have because it would have placed Jesus over them. But they lost a source of revenue. So thus begins an extensive questioning of Jesus' authority and Jesus' response to the questions.

So who were the chief priests and teachers of the law? Basically, they were the ones who performed the sacrifices in the temple and taught the religious laws to the men. The problem was that they were extremely strict about the adherence of the law externally, but internally, they did not abide by it. They had gained a power over the people that fed them more than serving God. By their hypocrisy, they were misleading the people of Israel and infuriating Jesus. They stood for everything He was against. He says we are to live as servants; they wanted to be served. He says we are to worship only one God; they wanted to be the object of the people's adoration. He said to love God first; they loved self more. And as religious authority figures, they were sending the people and the image of God down the wrong path.

Therefore, when they begin questioning Jesus in an attempt to trap Him, Jesus turns the tables on them. When they are unable to answer His question, He is not obligated to answer theirs. He then proceeds to mirror for them through parables what they have become and their future. But they don't learn. They continue to try to trap Him so they can have Him arrested. But His answers always throw them off.

By the end of Chapter 22 Jesus has exhausted the Pharisees and Sadducees questions. He had no reply they could argue with. Then in Chapter 23, He starts in on teaching the people about the religious leaders' hypocrisy and listing the seven woes against them. He ends His diatribe against the hypocrites with a passionate cry of his heart to the people of Israel.

The contrast presented here between the life Christ lived and the lives of the religious leaders is stark. It causes me to pause and look at my own life -- whose example do I reflect? Am I living as a servant to my God and to others? Or do I strive for power and position? Do I force others through my expectations to live by the letter of the law and then sin in my own heart? Am I living like a whitewashed tomb? Am I creating of religion of man's making or walking the path that God has designed?

Lord, I never want to live in a palace of religiosity, but a humble house of devotion. Help me to follow the law with both my actions and my heart, and to never lead anyone astray from the Truth. Keep me pure and holy for You alone, Father.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do further research on the different Jewish Sects - Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots.
2. Why were the religious leaders and teachers so bent on having Jesus arrested?
3. Study how Jesus answered their questions. What can we learn from His example about handling opposition? What techniques did He use? How did He use both knowledge and wisdom in answering them?
4. List the contrasts between Jesus' life and teachings and those of the religious leaders. Is there anything in your life that does not line up with Christ's teachings and example?