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MATTHEW 20-22: DAY 56 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

February 25, 2023

MATTHEW 20-22
DAY 56 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verses for Today: Matthew 22:34-40

As we resume our journey today through the Gospel of Matthew, we continue our study of Jesus and His teachings. There are many lessons to be learned in today’s reading. Take time to carefully study them all!

Take a little time to pray for God’s understanding and wisdom as we journey through Matthew 20-22 today. There is a lot to cover. Read Matthew 20-22. Let our journey begin!

MatthewMatthew 20-22: Jesus gives the parable of the workers in the vineyard and, once again, predicts His own death. The mother of James and John asks Jesus to allow her sons to sit at His right and left when Jesus is seated on His throne. Jesus explained to her God made that decision not He. Jesus restores the sight of two blind men. Jesus enters Jerusalem as King. He rode a donkey, as prophesied, and was met by crowds waving palm branches. Jesus, for the moment at least, was their Savior. Jesus would deliver them from Roman bondage, is what they believed. Much more important than that is, that is all they wanted. They didn’t want to be released from their bondage to sin. Jesus clears the temple, for a second time, of people exchanging money for temple coin and selling animals for sacrifices at excessive rates and excessive prices, actions inappropriate for a house of prayer. Jesus curses a fig tree which symbolized the absence of spiritual growth in the Jewish nation. Jesus’ authority was questioned by the chief priests. Jesus agreed to answer the chief priests’ question if they would answer one He had for them first. The chief priests refused to answer the question. The Parable of the Two Sons shows the first son’s disobedience by refusing to do what his father asked. The second son lied to his father telling him he would go work the field but decided not to after he told his father he would. Although the first son reconsidered, his disobedience came by refusing to do what he was directed to do. The Parable of the Tenants shows Israel’s rejection of Jesus. In the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, the invited guests represent God’s chosen people, Israel. The king then invited everyone to come. A person came not wearing wedding attire. Although salvation through Jesus is offered to all, only those who genuinely accept Jesus’ salvation, putting on Jesus’ righteousness, are acceptable in God’s sight. The religious leaders continue to question and attempt to trap Jesus. (Matthew 20:1-22:46)

Our focus verses for today:

37Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
(Matthew 22:34-40)

What is the greatest commandment? (Hint: The 10 Commandments can be found in Exodus 20:1-17) What does it mean to love the Lord with all your heart and with all your should and with all your mind? Does your daily life reflect your answer?

Godspeace!

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