DAY 063: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – MATTHEW 23-25

March 2, 2024

MATTHEW 23-25
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DAY 063: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew, by studying the teachings of the great Teacher, Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks to both the religious elite and the everyday person in today’s passage. His messages, however, apply to everyone!

Take a few moments to seek the Lord’s guidance for our journey through Matthew 23-25. We have plenty of time, so take that thing that’s on your mind to the Lord. Sure you’ll be interested in His direction on it. Now, it’s time, to journey through Matthew 23-25!

The Gospel of Matthew appears to have been written with Jews as the intended recipients. It contains many references to Old Testament prophecies, linking them to Jesus and demonstrating that Jesus was the awaited, prophesied Messiah. During the time of today’s reading, Rome was under a time of change, adjusting to the rule of an Emperor instead of being ruled by the Senate. Julius Caesar had been killed in 44 BC, plunging Rome into civil wars, civil unrest, and civil lawlessness. Julius’ nephew, Gaius Octavian, who later became Caesar Augustus, consolidated his power and became the first Emperor of Rome in 27 BC, and remained in power until his death in AD 14. Upon the death of Augustus, Tiberius became Emperor. King Herod, ruling Judah as a client king for Rome, was near the end of his life at the time Jesus was born. Herod died between 4 and 1 BC, after which, his sons divided the region.

Matthew 23-25: Jesus chastises the teachers of the law and the Pharisees and warns against hypocrisy, giving examples. Jesus pronounces seven woes (holy curses) on the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. Jesus did not hold back on warning His audience at the Temple that the teachers of the law and the Pharisees were hypocrites, and not be followed or admired for anything other than their teachings concerning the law of Moses. Jesus teaches regarding the destruction of the temple and on the signs of the end times, including false teachings, persecution of Christians, and that His gospel will be taught in all nations. Jesus’ return will not be a secret event. All will see Him coming! All will see Him coming! Let there be no mistake about this: All will see Him coming! Jesus teaches the disciples that no one, except the Father, knows when He will return, therefore it is important to be ready at all times. Jesus tells two parables, The Parable of the Ten Virgins and The Parable of the Bags of Gold, which teach us to be ready for His return at all times. Judgement is coming for all. (Matthew 23:1-25:46)

Read chapters 23 through 25 and ask yourself these questions: What prophesies were fulfilled in today’s reading? Why is it important to recognize the prophecies fulfilled?

Godspeace!