Matthew – Page 6 – Be Still…

Matthew 26:1-13 – The Plot Thickens

Jesus has been setting the stage for his departure from this world. Now we see the plotting of the religious leaders begin. It’s what needs to happen so that Jesus can fulfill his role as our Savior King. He needed to sacrifice his life for ours. That could not happen if everyone loved him and his ministry was all sunshine and roses. God orchestrated this so beautifully to coincide with the Passover, a time already recognized as a time to celebrate the lambs who gave their blood to save the people. Jesus is our lamb.

So what about the woman and her perfume? This story is memorialized just as Jesus said it would be. We all look to her extravagance. How do we see it? As a waste? As a tribute? Our answer may speak to our own faithfulness. This story is also told in John 12:2-8. We get more details here and learn this woman was Jesus’ friend, Mary.

Matthew 25:31-46 – Sheep or Goats?

Read Matthew 25:31-46

I’ll never forget this text and a teachable moment I had with my kids when they were little. We had just gone through a drive-thru. The aroma of french fries was filling the car, and then I saw him. A man in tattered clothes who was begging. I rolled down my window, and handed him our bag of food. I told him we’d be praying for God’s blessing on him. His face lit up with joy, and my kids were about to panic. What had their mother just done?

We drove back around and through the drive-thru again. As we were waiting for our food a second time, I explained how I understood this passage. We are to be giving to those less fortunate. Our faith calls us to look beyond our own needs and desires and be willing to help the needy, those who are hungry, who need warm clothes for winter. We are called to serve in this way. When we serve others in this way, we are serving Jesus.

Matthew 25:14-30 – Playing it Safe

Read Matthew 25:14-30

Playing it safe is what the third servant thought was the right choice. But it wasn’t. There are many situations where playing it safe is the smarter option. When life or death decisions need to be made, it’s usually best to err on the side of caution. However, this story is showing us a different lesson.

The three servants have been given something of value from their master. From the start, the master could see and rate their abilities. He didn’t give them more than they could handle. Two of the three were able to use and multiply that which was given. The third chose to bury the treasure believing that was a safe bet. He was afraid of failure.

Matthew 25:1-13 – How Many Bridesmaids?

Read Matthew 25:1-13

Weddings are such a glorious time of celebration. Once the planning and stress of preparation is over, that is. One huge detail, especially for the bride, is how many bridesmaids she should invite to share in her day. How many do you need? How do you choose who? What about those you don’t have “room” for. I remember one church whose front chancel area could only comfortably “fit”5 bridesmaids and 5 groomsmen, in addition to the bride and groom. Imagine if you had 10 you wanted to include?

In our reading today, the bridesmaids, also referred to as “virgins,” seemed more interested in the groom. So our common understanding of the maids being the bride’s friends may need a little adjustment. Other translations and even the study notes suggest these were 10 “virgins.” In this day and age, sad to say, finding 10 virgins for one bridal party may be difficult. But we’re missing the point.

Matthew 24:45-51 – End Times (Part 4)

Read Matthew 24:45-51

What an interesting way to end our “end times” discussion–to be cut up in pieces and put in a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. First of all, what is gnashing of teeth? We’ve heard it as the undesirable fate of the unrighteous at the end of the age. To be unrighteous is to be separated from God. It’s like grinding your teeth due to unimaginable anguish and grief.

That’s what I imagine it will be like for all the people who don’t believe. You know, they would be those ones who are scoffing now at Jesus’ warning to be ready. They are really going to wish they had rethought their actions and their decisions. God wanted them to be included but they chose not to listen. I bet they are going to want a “do-over.” Oh the anguish!