Tag Archives: Matthew

Matthew 24,

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In Matthew 24 Jesus gives his disciples information and parables about the end of the age, both AD70 and his return. He emphasises the difficulty of these time periods, the uncertainty and difficult decisions. But he also gives hope. “The one who endures to the end will be saved“.

We don’t know when that end will be, only that it is certain.  There will be a time when “this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations“, when people will “see the son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”  It is up to us to endure, to strengthen and encourage each other, serve our God, looking forward to that future time when we will be saved from sin and death.

Jeremiah 12, Matthew 23

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Jeremiah writes “You, O Lord, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you”. He realised God’s righteousness, and despite the appearance of the wicked prospering, that God knew what was in people’s hearts and the wicked would ultimately be punished. But God also demonstrated His compassion, by telling Jeremiah that the nations surrounding Israel would be given a chance to “diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name”. If they listened, then they would be integrated with the Israelites, but if not then they would be destroyed.

Jesus talks on a similar theme in Matthew 23. The scribes and pharisees are condemned for being hypocrites, for having an outward appearance of righteousness, but not practising what they preach.  They ignored the “weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness”.

We can learn from the words of Jeremiah and Jesus. Our faith must affect our hearts, be seen in our actions, humbling ourselves to serve each other.

2 Samuel 2, Jeremiah 8, Matthew 19

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In 2 Samuel 2, we read how David continues to rely on God for guidance in his decision making, and also the continued rivalry between the house of Saul and the house of David that resulted in there being two kings in Israel for a number of years.

Jeremiah outlines the treachery of Judah, their rejection of God’s word from the priests to the prophets to the general inhabitants. He grieves for their unfaithfulness, for the way the Israelites provoke God to anger with their idolatry.

Jesus teaches how being preoccupied by what the world has to offer can affect our eternal salvation. The rich man would happily keep the commandments under the law, but failed to understand the principal that God must come first. He relied too much on his own wealth, and was challenged by Jesus’ advice to sell everything and give to the poor. Life in the kingdom is worth any sacrifices we might have to make now. “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”

2 Samuel 1, Matthew 18

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David’s response to Saul’s death in 2 Samuel 1 highlights the principal of loving his neighbour, even to the extent of mourning and avenging Saul’s death. He recognised that Saul was God’s anointed, even though Saul chose to disobey God.

In Matthew 18 also we find advice about the way we interact with others. Jesus highlights the importance of the meek, teachable spirit of children, the necessity to remove temptation, and to care for that which is lost, whether it is a sheep or our brother.  If we’re aware of someone’s sin, then it is our responsibility to assist them rather than publicly reprimanding them.  Jesus also shows the importance of forgiving one another an unlimited amount, just as God continually forgives us.

 

Jeremiah 6, Matthew 17

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In Jeremiah, God encourages the people to follow the ancient paths, and find rest. But they reject this advice, along with the warning of the watchmen. While we might not overtly reject the advice of God, we can ignore some of the more challenging aspects of choosing God ahead of ourselves.

In Matthew 17, Jesus’ disciples fail to heal an epileptic boy, and are rebuked by Jesus for their lack of faith, exhorted to have faith like a gain of mustard seed. The disciples struggle with the concept of Jesus dying and being raised to life again.  Also, the divine approval of Jesus is reinforced, with a voice from heaven a second time during the transfiguration saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”.

Let’s follow that advice, listen to the advice of Jesus for developing Godly characteristics, and learn from the repercussions of the faithlessness that Israel displayed in the times of Jeremiah.

 

Jeremiah 5, Matthew 16

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In Jeremiah 5, Israel are condemned for their unfaithfulness. They refused to repent, no-one could be found who “does justice and seeks truth”.  They had been “utterly treacherous” to God, believing that there would be no repercussions. Through Jeremiah, God warns the Israelites that He would bring a nation from afar to destroy them and take them captive.  Yet God still promises “I will not make a full end of you.”  He offers them hope, another chance to repent, a recurring theme throughout Jeremiah.

Hundreds of years later, Jesus berates the Pharisees and Sadducees for being unfaithful, warning his disciples to be wary of their teaching.  By contrast, Jesus’ teaching offered hope and a sure foundation, along with a difficult life, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me… the son of man… will repay each person according to what he has done.”

1 Samuel 26-27, Matthew 14

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David demonstrates great courage, sneaking into the camp of Saul by night, and taking Saul’s spear and water. Yet he refuses to listen to the advice of Abishai and kill Saul, leaving the judgement of Saul to God.  David shows mercy in letting Saul live, and in trying to help Saul realise the error of his ways, even though he continues to fear for his life.

We also read of Jesus’ compassion, teaching and feeding the multitudes, healing them, before going up a mountain to pray.  Yet even while praying, he doesn’t neglect his disciples, noticing their distress and walking on the water to their boat to help them.  When they reach the shore, Jesus is again presented with numerous sick people to heal. We get the impression that Jesus is constantly kept busy with the needs of others, even at the expense of time alone with his father.

Contrast between  this period in David’s life, when he trusted in his strength for survival, and the time Jesus spends with God to help him through his ministry. Shows the importance of relying on God, of prayer, and of serving the needs of others.

Jeremiah 1, Matthew 12

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God sends Jeremiah to “go to all that I sahll send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak”. Despite God’s assurances, Jeremiah is afraid.  God’s encouragement for Jeremiah to stand out and speak God’s word applies for us as well, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you“.

Jesus reinforces this message. “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”  We’ve been called to be children of God, to be part of the same family as Jesus, and along with that comes the responsibility to do the will of God.  We’ve been warned that this will be difficult, but we also have encouragement from God who has “bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.”  Our God is mighty to save, and will be with us to deliver us.

Isaiah 65, Matthew 10

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Isaiah writes God’s words, “I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that was not called by my name“.  This is us! We are the ones who are not called by God’s name, yet He was ready to have a relationship with us.

Jesus warned his disciples about the persecution that would come, and how they would need to witness before governors, kings and Gentiles. As followers of Jesus, we too should be witnesses of our faith to those around us. Jesus reminds us we have nothing to be afraid of, “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven“.

Matthew 7

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Jesus describes the importance of introspective examination. It’s much easier to see faults in others than faults in our own life, but it is critical that we look intently at our natural face in the mirror, and not deceive ourselves by forgetting what our reflection really looks like.

Jesus also continues with the theme of seeking for the kingdom of God.  “Seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  Producing good fruit, providing for the needs of others, and not seeking our own glory are all part of seeking the kingdom of God.

Let’s be like that wise man who built his house on a sure foundation, and demonstrate in our lives the principles Jesus taught.