Jesus begins by warning his listeners about the scribes and Pharisees then turns his attention to addressing them directly. He really gives them the business. Jesus didn’t go around all the time speaking softly like Mr. Rogers with a big dumb Joel Osteen smile on his face. This chapter ends with a lament for Jerusalem.
Matthew 23
Then Jesus spoke to the crowd, and to his disciples,
Continue readingParable of the wedding feast, the Pharisees conspire with the Herodians, a question about taxes, a ridiculous question about marriage in the resurrection, the greatest commandment and finally Jesus asks a question that shuts the room down.
Matthew 22
Again Jesus spoke to them by parables, and said,
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We’re gonna start this week’s Deja Vu with something to look forward to. This morning we read Matthew 21, Matthew’s account of the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. This next week we will read and discuss the events of the Passion week, ending with Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection. Two Gospels share the story of Jesus’s birth, all four tell about his death, burial and resurrection. After we finish Matthew we will jump back into the Old Testament and read Leviticus.
Continue readingThe Triumphal Entry is the first event in what we call Holy Week or the week of Jesus’ Passion. We start with Palm Sunday, then see the cleansing of the temple, the curse of the fig tree, questions about his authority, his question about John the Baptist, and the parable of the wicked tenants. It’s a long chapter but filled with good stuff. More good stuff tomorrow.
Matthew 21
When they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, to the mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
Continue readingParable of laborers in the vineyard; Jesus predicts his death, burial and resurrection a third time; the mother of James and John makes a request; two blind men receive sight.
Matthew 20
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man that is a landowner, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
Continue readingThe Pharisees test Jesus by asking about divorce. His answer has broad ranging applications. Jesus allows little children to be brought to him then tests the faith of a rich young man who believes he keeps the entire Law. Look for a couple of very well known quotes from Jesus in this chapter.
Matthew 19
When Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee and came into the coasts of Judea beyond Jordan;
Continue readingThere is a question about greatness in heaven. Jesus does not say “the first shall be last and the last shall be first” at this time but that idea is present in his answer about humility and forgiveness.
Matthew 18
At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Continue readingPeter, James and John are witnesses of the transfiguration. A voice from heaven is heard for the second time declaring Jesus. The disciples cannot cast a demon out of a child. And finally Peter is sent to make a ”’miraculous catch” of sorts. Further down the page, past the Matthew 17 text, I will drop those links I mention about Exodus 3 and 4 and add the mustard seed pic as well.
Matthew 17
And after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and brought them up a high mountain alone.
Continue readingThe Pharisees ask for a sign, again, and Jesus gives the same answer he did the first time. We just had the feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of the 4,000 and then they ask to be shown a sign. The big exciting thing in this chapter is Peter declaring Jesus to be the Christ. That’s more than a name or even a title; it is a declaration that Jesus is the fulfillment of what they have been waiting for.
Matthew 16
The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and tested him by asking to see a sign from heaven.
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The Master's Table 