Bible Chapter: Matthew 27
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This chapter covers the horrors of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. It was made possible, in part, due to the traitor, Judas. Sin always looks so attractive and beneficial during the temptation stage. Judas was excited about receiving money for giving Jesus to the accusers, until he finally realized what he had done. When he tried to return the money the religious folks, they all of the sudden got righteous and said they couldn’t take “blood money”. They paid the blood money in the first place. Judas went out and killed himself, the remorse was so overwhelming. This is where sin leads. It can never fulfill the promises made. It always extracts a high price.
Another issue to consider in this chapter is the envy that consumed those who called for Jesus’ crucifixion. There are sinful and human characteristics that cause people to do horrible things. This is why developing a Christ-like character is so important. When issues like envy control, people will do evil and destructive actions that end up hurting both the victim and the perpetrator.
The main focus of chapter 27 is the sufferings of Jesus in the process that led to the crucifixion, and the crucifixion itself. It is important for readers to focus on what He went through. The cause of all this suffering was the sin committed by humans. The overwhelming love of God for His highest creation caused Jesus to complete the mission, in spite of the horror of it all.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
It is important for me to not just read this chapter as history, history that I have already read many times before. I need to see what really happened. Matthew gives many details and I must not just skim over them. Seeing the suffering Jesus experienced must influence my life. It must influence my decisions and priorities. Seeing the outcome for Judas must cause me to have a hatred for active participation in sin. No person starts out one day committing horrible sin. It is a progression that starts small. As the progression continues, often people don’t see the impact until it is too late. Judas was one of the inner circle of men who spend three years with Jesus and he ended up in shame. Thoughts and actions do have consequences.
Jesus endured the mockery. No one likes to be mocked. Because there was a purpose for going through the process of the crucifixion, Jesus endured the mocking. If we are being faithful in service to Jesus, there is a purpose and eternal result that is worth any scoffing.
3. How can I help someone?
I think of young people who give up on Jesus because of the mocking and scoffing they receive because of a stand taken for Jesus. I want to help them understand that any pain that is felt in not worth giving up on a strong and growing relationship with Jesus. The suffering endured here is short compared to the glory of eternity. The issue of peer pressure is not worth losing out with Jesus. Adults face this as well. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
Bible Chapter: Matthew 26
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Jesus came to the earth for the specific purpose of dying on the cross as the pardon for the sins of the world. Yet, in this chapter we see an insight in to the character and deception of the evil one. Verse 4 tells us that they were conspiring to capture Jesus secretly to kill Him. Deception, misrepresentation is a normal part of Satan’s way of functioning. Followers of Jesus must be cognizant of these sneaking tactics so we don’t fall in the trap that leads to sin. We must be honest and ethical, since we have nothing to hide.
Matthew told the story of communion. Jesus introduced His followers to this special memorial. We need this memorial regularly because we have such a tendency to forget the important things. “This do in remembrance of Me.” What are we to remember? The sacrificial death of Jesus, that His blood was spilled and His body was beaten. He did it for the whole world, every person, so they can restore the relationship with God that was destroyed because of sin. Communion gives us a time for inspection and reflection. It is a time of spiritual housecleaning. It reminds us of our need to live for Jesus, after all He has done for us.
This chapter begins the story of the arrest of Jesus and all the sorrow that entails. His disciples promised Him total faithfulness and support. Then they failed in that. When Jesus needed them to be praying for Him, they went to sleep. Peter even denied knowing Him. There was the pathetic mockery of a trial. Everything about this time was sad.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When things are going well and we feel the presence of the Lord, it is easy to make promises to stay close to Jesus. When things get hard is when we find out how serious we were about the promises. There are many hard parts of serving Jesus. It really is a battle. Jesus heard the words that even if everyone else abandoned Him, Peter would stay faithful. His response was that within hours Peter would deny Him.
Stay faithful even when it hurts or costs. I need to continue to renew that commitment. The reviewing and renewal is a central part of the communion celebration.
I need to continue to see the deception that trips people up spiritually. Judas was trapped in such a way that even now, 2,000 years later, his name is disparaged. Judas had hindsight at the horrible thing he did, but by then it was too late. I need spiritual foresight, everyone has hindsight.
3. How can I help someone?
I think there are many people who don’t really grasp the enormity of the crucifixion. When films have been made of the story that accurately portray the death of Jesus, there are often complaints that it is too bloody. Well, that’s the way it was. As I have opportunity, I can help people see the reality of what Jesus went through. When people see that picture, it helps them see the horror of sin. If sin was no big deal, Jesus would not have had to suffer as He did.
Bible Chapter: Matthew 25
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
I am thinking of an old song that includes the line: work for the night is coming, when man’s work is o’er. Some day the work of believers in Jesus will be completed. Jesus gave a parable of people invited to a wedding. Some were prepared and some were not. The picture here is being prepared for the return of Jesus to take the church to be with Him. Common in the thinking of our modern culture is that everyone, shy of someone like Hitler, will go to heaven. That is simply not true. Jesus talked about the extreme necessity of being spiritually prepared and ready to go when the time comes. Every person is responsible for their own spiritual preparation for eternity. No one can make the decision to follow Jesus for another person. And, we won’t know when we will enter eternity. It will come suddenly and only those who are already prepared will go to be with Jesus. There will be no “last minute preparations” allowed.
Jesus also talked about using our talents and resources for Him. One thing that stands out to me is the fact that not everyone has the same level of talents. Yet, all who were faithful with what they had received the same well done from the Master. It’s not how much you have but what you do with it. God has invested in each person abilities. He expects a return. The problem wasn’t the person who only had one talent, but that he did nothing with it.
Verse 40 is one of the key verses in the Bible. Jesus showed His care for those in need. When we serve the Lord through ministering to those in need, we are doing it directly to Him. That is a powerful encouragement for us to serve in practical ways that make life better.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Use what I have. I can always find someone who has more abilities and resources. It is common for people to say something like, “If I had millions of dollars I sure would use it to make a difference”. Well, most of us don’t have millions of dollars, but we can use what we have. God expects faithfulness with what we have and not worrying about what we don’t have. God expects me to be reliable with what I have. I think that much of what doesn’t happen to help is simply an excuse. Our culture focuses on success. Well, being faithful to God and His commands is being successful, even if it doesn’t lead to fame.
I also need to be continually aware that some day Jesus is going to call for me to stand before Him. I must live ready. This means I must live in continual and vibrant relationship with Him. Not religion but relationship with Jesus, the Savior.
3. How can I help someone?
I like the old saying: find the need, then heal it. Always be on the lookout for ways to help. Think of others. Be ready to put the needs of others first. Use my talents in a way that will be most beneficial to the most people.
Bible Chapter: Matthew 24
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
What is going to happen in the future? That question has been asked millions of times down through the ages. It has been asked countless times specifically regarding the end of the age and the events of eternity. Just when will Jesus return? Jesus was asked about the end times and He gave some answers in chapter 24.
There will be various signs of the end of the age. Many false prophets will come. We see that today as many confused and confusing people are gathering followings. Some have brought people to their death through extreme and strange teachings. One way to avoid that is to become very familiar with the plain teachings of the Bible and reject anything “new”. Become very, very familiar with the truth and the false will stick out. The end of the age will bring wars, famines and earthquakes. Another event we are seeing more often now is persecution of the followers of Jesus. Many news stories have come out with people charged with an amazing list of crimes. This are not only in foreign nations. The foundation of all of the charges is that they believe in Jesus. Jesus said that His followers would be hated, and that is happening.
There will be an increase in wickedness and that is happening. There was an advertisement on TV for a new show that was coming. The last graphic was the words: “Let the sin begin”. I am always amazed when people are proud of their sin. This reminds me of the verse that pride goes before destruction. Millions are on the path to destruction and are proud of it.
We need to be aware that we do NOT know when Jesus will return. He specifically said that we will be surprised when it happens. This means we must live ready, for the unexpected return. We can read the signs, but the Bible is very clear that God alone knows the exact time.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Two will be working in the fields, one will be taken and the other left. To be the one taken means I must be always ready, living ready. While we must read the signs of the times, I must not live obsessed with the concept of the end. I must live ready, work hard and faithfully for Jesus and help people prepare their own hearts. I must be aware of the deceptions and reject them.
3. How can I help someone?
I’m reminded of an old song that says we are to work for the night is coming, when our work is over. I need to work for Jesus so that others hear the truths. I need to help people come to know HIM.
Bible Chapter: Matthew 23
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Jesus was never afraid to tell things exactly like they were. He was not afraid to speak to those who thought they were more important than other people. Here He challenged the Pharisees for their religious lifestyle. They were, in reality, fakes who tried to impress people with their spiritual superiority. He told the hearers to not do what the Pharisees did, for they didn’t practice what they preached. They were simply actors. My study Bible says the word for hypocrites is the word for actors in a play. This term was used for those who were putting on an act in public that was only a pretense. They really were spiritually blind. They were looking for praise and position. They were not true servants of God.
Jesus spoke of the troubles these leaders would face because of their lifestyles and teachings. They had rejected parts of the scriptures and replaced them with what they wanted. We see that today in many religious circles. I like to say they are reading from the reversed vision of the Bible. The clear teachings of the Bible have been replaced with modern thoughts. There are those who literally say “we are smarter today than they were thousands of years ago”. This is how church groups can change their stands and approve things the Bible calls sin.
God will always confront sinful spiritual leaders. He will denounce their sin. The truth of the Word of God can never be compromised. Sadly, this seems to happen in every generation.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The Bible describes Jesus as the same, yesterday, today and forever. He never changes. His truth never changes. We are called to be servants, not promoting our self importance. I need to continually seek to find what the message of the Bible is and then learn to apply it. I need to see how Jesus spoke words of conviction to the religious leaders in this chapter and learn from that. Verses 11 & 12 are very practical. Matthew 23:11-12 NKJV
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn to live in humility so I can be a servant. Don’t try to be more important than others. This theme keeps coming up in the Bible. It must be important.
Bible Chapter: Matthew 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The absolute greatest thing that can happen to anyone anywhere is to know Jesus as their personal Savior and know that He dwells in their heart. This is the assurance of an eternal home in heaven. The invitation has gone out to all. Jesus talked about people who had been invited to a wedding and didn’t come. This was to be an amazing feast with all the best food and celebration. People simply made excuses. They ignored the king who made the invitation. It was more important for them to simply go about their business. Some even killed the messengers of the king. Everything was provided, even the wedding garments.
This parable gives us a picture of God’s Kingdom. The invitation to enter has gone out. Many who know about it and know what they are to do simply are too busy. Other things are more important. The church world today is filled with people who have other things to do than be involved and be faithful. Some day in the future they will find time for God. Sadly, that will be too late.
This leads to another part of this chapter where Jesus taught about the Great Commandment. First of all, we are to love God with every fiber of our being. Love for God is to be our first priority. We are to long for His friendship and be happy to obey His commands. We will be happy to be identified with Him. We will be loyal to all God’s Word days. The second part of this commandment it to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. When people see a supernatural love operating in our lives they will be drawn to that love and to the Source of that love.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
How can I think about the Great Commandment and apply it routinely in my life? Too often when a Bible passage is read it is simply ignored. It is vital to think of how to actually apply verses, for the Bible is very practical.
Love God with everything. That makes God a priority. It means that even if things are inconvenient or cost something, God still takes priority. I don’t put service to God after I do all I want. Sacrifice and effort come before ease and fun. That leads to loving my neighbors. Genuine love always requires sacrifice. God’s love shown to others draws them to HIM.
This application will take effort, but it will impact the invitation to the wedding for many people.
3. How can I help someone?
Somewhere in life I heard this: “find the need, and then fill it”. To show love as commanded means to look for needs and then do something about them. Do it without fanfare, without looking for a pat on the back, just do something to show love. Make this a routine part of life. Filling a need can be something very simple, but it is a mind-set that looks for ways to help.
Bible Chapter: Matthew 21
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The Triumphal Entry. We are seeing God’s plans unfolding for the Messiah. Long before it had been prophesied that the King would come riding a donkey. One of the ways we can know that Jesus was the promised Savior is all the prophecies He fulfilled perfectly. Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem to the cheering crowd.
As He came to the city Jesus went to the temple. There he drove out the merchants who had turned the house of the Lord into a continual flea market. It was supposed to be a house of prayer. This is an important descriptive statement. God’s house is a place of prayer. Prayer is a normal and important part of the life of serving God. Later in the chapter we see Jesus talking about faith. Jesus said that faith could cause mountains to be moved. Faith can bring what people say can’t happen. Believers must keep God’s house pure and filled with prayer.
Jesus was questioned about His authority. We can learn an important lesson. The people asking Jesus a question didn’t really care about an answer. They were simply trying to trip Him up and bring problems. In the end He did not answer the question. Today, if people are only trying to confuse the issue we are not under obligation to answer their questions.
Jesus also let the people know that when those who are supposed to be following God are unfaithful, it will be taken from them and given to those who will produce spiritual fruit.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must keep the proper focus of the Lord’s house. It is a place of prayer. This is important to God. I cannot allow sin to come in. I also must strive to be a person with growing faith. The life of Jesus gave many examples of the power of faith. Over and over again the gospel writers spoke of Jesus healing people and delivering them from all sorts of maladies. These reminders of faith need to keep me focused on HIM. As I am reading through Matthew the faith lessons keep popping up. Since I know the Bible was inspired by God, this says volumes. Growing faith is important to God.
God expects His followers to be doing something for Him. He expects work, He expects accomplishments. He has all authority and I must believe that He will use it as He knows is best.
3. How can I help someone?
I can work to help people see Jesus as the victorious Savior. He fulfilled the prophecies perfectly. He showed the importance of being holy. I can show them the power of faith.
