The resurrection; Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary and later to the 11 Apostles; the Great Commission.
This chapter finishes Matthew’s Gospel and we will jump back into the Old Testament and begin reading Leviticus tomorrow.
Matthew 28
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
Continue readingWe read all 75 verses of Matthew 26 yesterday and did not try to do any more. Today we will discuss the text, the pronunciation of Caiaphas, talk about who Herod and Pilate were and do what I was professionally trained to do: teach history.
Tomorrow we will read Matthew 27 and do the same thing, save the discussion until the next day. As always the comments are open so if there is anything you feel was overlooked, or you wish to offer additional insight, you are more than welcome.
Matthew 26 is a long chapter, weighing in at 75 verses. I considered splitting it roughly in half and spending two days on it but then I had another idea. Today I will read the chapter straight through. Tomorrow I will post my discussion of the text. Let’s spend two days on this chapter and then two days on chapter 27, which is 65 verses. Chapter 28 is really short and about the resurrection, so that will be kind of like a day off and we can start Leviticus on July 1st. It works out great.
Matthew 26
When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples
Continue readingJesus shares three parables that all relate to watching and being ready for no one knows the day or the hour that he is coming back. The third parable is barely a parable at all as he speaks about what will happen at the final judgement.
Matthew 25
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Continue readingJesus tells his disciples what to look for at the end times. Do not be deceived by anyone claiming to be the Christ, nor by those who say “Look! He is here” or “over there.”
Matthew 24
Jesus went out from the temple: and his disciples came to show him the buildings of the temple.
Continue readingJesus 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,
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 reading
The Master's Table 