Day 10 - Matthew 23-24

If you ever thought that Jesus was only gentle and kind, then you never read these chapters! We've seen Jesus get quite firm and pointed with the Pharisees, but nothing compares to the scathing rebuke that Jesus levels at them in chapter 23! He chastises them for their pride, their hypocrisy, their detrimental teaching of others, and their magnifying of minutia yet ignoring the weighty true religion. In all of this Jesus is basically exposing the Pharisees for what they really are - self-righteous hypocrites! This stern rebuke that Jesus gives the Pharisees should drive us to some serious self-examination. Why do we do what we do? Are we pursuing "right" living merely to look good in front of others? Do we magnify trifling things to neglect of the main things? Who are we leading astray by our poor example? Are we truly righteous or merely self-righteous? If we find ourselves lacking in any of these areas, repentance is certainly in order!

Chapter 24 begins what is commonly called the "Olivet Discourse." It is Jesus' own look toward the end of time. While there is much debate about the particulars of this teaching of Jesus, there are some general principles that are helpful to take from these verses. First, Jesus knows how everything will end, therefore, we need not fear what is coming. He not only knows how things end up, but He is also sovereignly governing all things as they come to pass! Second, difficult times for God's people will come. Don't be surprised by persecution! Jesus said it would come. Third, no one knows exactly when these things will happen. So, beware of date-setters! The point of our not knowing is to promote the readiness of God's people. So, learn from this teaching! You could summarize this chapter with these three commands: Beware! Be calm! Be ready! By God's grace, we can do all three!