Then he goes down to the temple, and Passover week is in full swing. Thousands are
there from all over the known world, and almost immediately, like they knew He
was coming, there was a formal challenge of Christ’s authority by the chief
priests, scribes, and elders: (Matthew 21:23-37, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8).
He’s never caught unprepared or surprised by His enemies. They’re awful!
In true Messianic form, Jesus hides the truth from some and reveals it to those
with ears to hear by teaching the faithful discharge of responsibility in 3
parables: (Matthew 21:28-22:14; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19). Oh, what a high
value our Lord places on loyalty and fidelity to Him!
The drama increases as thousands overhear a debate, in Middle-Eastern fashion,
as Jesus humiliates his accusers who tried to humiliate him: (Matthew 22:15-23:36; Mark 12:13-40; Luke 20:20-47). He crushes them as they try to use
sophistry and duplicity to condemn and kill Him. He’ll make it to Friday’s
Passover, O blessed Lamb of God!
Leaving the temple, Jesus’ disciples ask him about the end-times, which results
in Jesus delivering “The Olivet Discourse”: (Matthew 24:1-41; Mark 13:1-32;
Luke 21:5-33). The details are intense and sequential, awaiting the future
still for fulfillment. Until then, may we learn to fear the Lord and study His Word!
One might conservatively estimate the Lord has been on His feet or sitting,
while teaching upwards of thousands, for three to four hours already. But He’s
not done.
From here your Lord teaches His men five more parables on watchfulness and
faithfulness: (Matthew 24:42-25:30; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:34-36). The
temptation to walk away from His is so intense. We need more teaching! I’m
guessing He slept well that night!
How are you sleeping these days? Go to Him for help by reading some of these
parables and praying over them in detail, taking all the concerns of your soul
to Him. One hour with Him is better than a hundred seeking peace from worry
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sent on April
7, 2020 by the Pastoral
Staff (Ted Bigelow,
Pastor of Preaching and Development and Steve Ridge,
Executive Pastor) of Grace Bible Church of Colorado Springs.
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