MATTHEW 21
JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM + CONTINUES TEACHING
After His teaching and healing, Jesus continues towards Jerusalem. While He is in Bethany near the Mount of Olives, He sends two of the disciples to bring him a colt or young donkey. The disciples place their cloaks on the donkey, and Jesus rides the donkey down the Mount of Olives. When He does this, He fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah, who claimed that the Savior would enter Jerusalem with humility, mounted on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).
The crowd places branches and cloaks along the road, paving the way for His entrance. As Jesus drew near, the people rejoiced and praised Jesus, saying “Hosanna,” a plea for salvation meaning “Save us.”
After entering the temple, Jesus drives out the people who are selling items for sacrifice. Jesus is protective over this holy place, desiring for it to be a place of prayer and teaching. In righteous anger, Jesus flips over the tables of those who were selling animals inside the temple. Jesus condemns them, saying that the house of prayer has been turned into a den of robbers.
While Jesus is traveling with the disciples, they come across a fig tree that provides no fruit for them to eat. Jesus curses the tree, saying that the fig tree will never grow fruit again. After this, the fig tree withers immediately. Jesus encouraged the disciples who marvel at what they just witnessed to have faith, so they do not wither like the fig tree. Jesus tells the disciples that faith will provide them whatever they ask for in prayer. The prophets Jeremiah and Micah prophesied this fruitlessness of the Israelites, saying that they will be like fig trees that do not grow fruit (Jeremiah 8:13, Micah 7:1).
Jesus tells a parable of two sons, both of whom are instructed to go out to the vineyard to work. The first son resists, but eventually changes his mind and gets to work. The second quickly agrees to work, but does not work. Jesus tells this parable to show how those who eventually believe are better than those who pretend to obey, but do not have genuine faith.
Jesus shares another parable set in a vineyard. In this parable, the people tending the vineyard kill many of the vineyard owner’s servants. Confident they will not kill his son, the owner sends him to the people tending the vineyard. These violent men want the son’s inheritance and end up killing him as they had the others.
Jesus uses this story to show how He will become the rejected cornerstone of the faith, quoting Psalm 118. In this story, Jesus is the Son who was killed to provide an inheritance. After saying this, the Pharisees want to arrest Jesus, but are afraid of how the crowds would respond.
MATTHEW 22
JESUS TEACHES IN PARABLES + SHARES THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMAND
While attending a wedding feast, Jesus shares a parable, explaining reasons someone might turn down an invitation to a great banquet, including caring for land, animals, and family. All of these things, although blessings from God, can be distractions. When the poor and needy are invited to the great banquet, they gladly accept. Jesus uses this parable to express that those who are in the greatest need rely on God with the greatest faith. Those who are affluent have financial and emotional support that can distract from their dependance on God. Jesus explains that many are called, but few accept the invitation.
Jesus is approached by a group of religious leaders who want to trap Him with a difficult question. They ask Jesus if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, the leader of the Roman empire that was oppressing the Jewish people. Jesus asks to see a coin and asks them whose name was inscribed on the coin. They responded that Caesar is the one who is named on the coin. Jesus teaches them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God the things that are God’s. Jesus teaches that submission to laws does not endorse the morality of the nation’s leadership.
Jesus shares the most important commandment: loving the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Jesus explains that the second most important command is loving your neighbor as yourself. Referencing Psalm 110:1, Jesus clears up the confusion regarding his relation to David. Jesus is a direct descendant of David, who David himself called Lord.
MATTHEW 23
JESUS REBUKES THE PHARISEES + MOURNS FOR JERUSALEM
While teaching among the crowds and disciples, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and the scribes, calling them out for their practices of false religiosity. These religious leaders preach the law, but do not follow it. Their actions appear righteous, but their hearts are not turned towards God. Jesus, the greatest among them, is a humble servant to the people. Jesus teaches that whoever exalts themselves will be humbled, but whoever humbles themselves will be exalted. Jesus values humility and consideration over pride and entitlement.
Jesus offers seven warnings or woes to the Pharisees and scribes. First, Jesus calls the religious leaders hypocrites, saying they defer people from entering the kingdom of heaven. Despite the Pharisees' efforts to convert others to follow the Law, they simply create other legalistic Pharisees, letting the blind lead the blind.
Jesus refutes their value system relating to oaths or promises. God sees everyone who breaks their promises, regardless of ritual. Despite the tithes of the religious people, they have forgotten the more important aspects of generosity. They give out of obligation, but neglect justice and mercy. Instead of giving faithfully, the Pharisees give for show.
Jesus compares the Pharisees to a cup that is meticulously clean on the outside, but dirty on the inside. Jesus wants the Pharisees to cleanse themselves of greed and self-indulgence and be more concerned with their character than their image. Similarly, Jesus compares them to whitewashed-tombs, beautiful on the outside, but dead and rotten beneath the surface.
Jesus confronts the rebellious and disobedient actions of the Pharisees. God has sent them prophets and wise men, but they have ignored or killed them all. Jesus refers to the Pharisees as serpents, calling them a brood of vipers. Jesus says the self-righteous Pharisees are responsible for innocent bloodshed, including the prophet Zechariah. Jesus mentions Abel, who was killed by his brother Cain for after providing an offering more honorable to God (Genesis 4). The Pharisees are like Cain, having missed God’s message of love and humility.
Jesus laments over the rejection He has faced from the people of Jerusalem. Jesus wants to gather God’s children, uniting them together, but they have been unwilling. Jesus refers to Jerusalem as the city that kills prophets and says He will not enter the city until the time they will say “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” prophesying His entrance into Jerusalem (Luke 19).
MATTHEW 24
JESUS DESCRIBES FUTURE DESTRUCTION AS A WARNING TO THE DISCIPLES
As the disciples admire the beauty of the temple, Jesus warns of a future time when the temple will be destroyed. The disciples ask when this will occur, and Jesus shares that there will be war and unrest before the time of destruction. Jesus warns the disciples that many will come after Him, claiming to be the Savior, but only Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus continues to warn the disciples, telling of a time of wars and persecution. Nations will rise against each other, and kingdoms will be at war. Famine, illness, and terror will be throughout the land as signs from heaven. The disciples will face opposition, and many will be imprisoned. Jesus encourages them to use this obstacle as an opportunity to be witnesses and share the hope of God. Jesus promises that the disciples will receive divine wisdom, allowing them to overcome their adversaries. Although the disciples will be persecuted for their faith, Jesus encourages them to endure. Despite the alarming nature of His message, Jesus tells the disciples that they do not need to fear or be anxious.
Jesus references the teaching of the prophet Daniel, who spoke of the times of desolation in the end (Daniel 12). Jesus warns of times of great tribulation when the people of Jerusalem will flee. While the specifics of this revelation are highly debated and widely interpreted, Jesus' focus remains on God’s sovereignty and authority over earth.
Jesus shares briefly the details and signs of His return, describing the seas roaring with waves, heaven being shaken, and miraculous movement in the sun, moon, and stars. When these signs occur, the redemption of those who believe in Jesus will occur. Just as the fig trees bears fruit in a certain season, the timing of the return will be revealed through signs. Although the earth will eventually fade away, the words of Jesus remain true forever.
MATTHEW 25
JESUS ENCOURAGES ATTENTIVENESS + GOOD STEWARDSHIP
Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, a story of ten young women waiting to be married. These ten women each carried a lamp, but only five of them brought oil to replenish their lamps while waiting for their groom. Because they were not prepared, the five who did not bring oil had to go out and purchase more. The five women who thought to bring oil were welcomed into the wedding feast, but the others missed their chance to enter. This parable reiterates Jesus’ early message to be alert and awake, remaining watchful for God’s presence. Throughout Scripture, oil often symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was teaching that those who are attuned to God’s presence will enter into celebration.
Jesus shares another parable, telling of a wealthy ruler who was disliked by the citizens of his kingdom. The ruler distributed ten large sums of money, known as minas, to his servants. The servants were instructed to engage in business and grow the wealth they had been given while the ruler was away. Upon his return, the ruler asks to see what the servants had accomplished.
The first servant doubled the wealth, gaining ten more minas. Because he had been faithful with little, he was given authority over ten cities within the kingdom. Similarly, the second servant gained five minas and was given authority over five cities. The final servant kept the money hidden under a handkerchief, fearful of investing the money. Angered with his negligence, the ruler had the servant’s money given to the man who was able to double what he was given.
Jesus tells of His future return when He will sit on a glorious throne with the angels. Everyone from all of the nations will come before Him and they will be separated, just as a shepherd would separate sheep from goats.
Jesus tells the sheep that they will inherit the kingdom that was prepared for them, referencing eternity in heaven. Jesus says that the righteous provided for Him with food, water, clothing, and hospitality. Although they did not literally do these things for Jesus Himself, when they did these for someone in need, Jesus was honored by their actions.
On the other hand, Jesus felt persecuted by those who did not provide for people in need. Their negligence and selfishness to the poor and imprisoned insulted Jesus as their Creator and Savior. This illustration shows Jesus’ care for the disadvantaged and points to the coming judgment of those who have not put their faith in Him. For those who have been made righteous through Christ, they will be given eternal life.
Matthew 25:40 – And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
MATTHEW 26
THE LAST SUPPER + BETRAYAL OF JESUS
As Passover was approaching Jesus told the disciples that His death was near, revealing to them that He would be crucified. Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders gathered with Caiaphas, the high priest, and plotted together to arrest and kill Jesus.
Jesus visits the home of a leper in Bethany, the town where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived. Lazarus, Mary and Martha were siblings who were very close friends with Jesus. Jesus was a welcomed guest in their home on many occasions (John 11, Luke 10:38-42, and John 12:3.)
In the man's home, a woman took an expensive balm and anointed Jesus’s head. The disciples question why the woman did this, calling it a waste. Jesus said the woman’s actions were beautiful, and the ointment was for the preparation for his burial, which Jesus knew was quickly approaching.
Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, went to the chief priest to ask how much they would pay for Jesus’ capture. Betraying Jesus, Judas turned over His location for thirty pieces of silver, the amount commonly used for purchasing a slave (Zechariah 11:12-13, Exodus 21:32).
Jesus gathers the disciples to celebrate Passover. During the meal, Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Judas responds to Jesus, notably calling Jesus “Rabbi,” not “Lord,” and asking if he was the one to betray Jesus. Answering Judas, Jesus confirms his betrayal (Psalm 41:9).
Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, more commonly known as communion. Jesus broke the bread and poured the wine, describing it as His body broken and His blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
After the Passover meal, Jesus foretells that Peter, His disciple, will deny knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Peter assures Jesus that he will not deny Him, even if it costs him his life.
Jesus enters the garden of Gethsemane to pray. Distressed and sorrowful, Jesus asks God to remove the dreadful fate awaiting Him. Submitting to God’s will, Jesus understands that His death is necessary. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak—the hour has come.
While they are in the garden, Judas arrives with a great crowd of priests and religious leaders, carrying swords and seeking to arrest Jesus. Judas identifies Jesus, kissing his face as a sign to the priests. The crowd seizes Jesus, taking Him captive. Jesus states that He is appealing to the will of the Father and fulfilling the teachings of the prophets.
Jesus was taken before Caiaphas and his council and put on trial for blasphemy. When questioned about His claims, Jesus remained silent. The priests mocked Jesus, tearing His robes and spitting in His face. When asked directly, Jesus confirms that He is the Son of God, and they want to kill Him for this profession.
Just as Jesus said, Peter is approached three times and questioned about his relationship to Jesus. Three times, Peter denies knowing Jesus. Remembering what Jesus said, Peter weeps over his denial of Christ.
MATTHEW 27
JESUS BEATEN, MOCKED, + CRUCIFIED
Realizing Jesus would soon die, Judas feels remorse for his betrayal. Judas takes the thirty silver coins he was given and throws them to the temple, knowing the money cost him the innocent death of Jesus. Experiencing despair and regret, Judas hangs himself.
When Pilate, the Roman Governor, questions Jesus’ identity, Jesus confirms that He is the Son of God, the Jewish Messiah. When the priests and religious leaders make further accusations, Jesus remains silent (Isaiah 53:7).
Attempting to spare Jesus, Pilate recalls that during Passover, one prisoner is allowed to be freed. Instead of freeing the innocent Messiah, the crowd cheers to free Barabbas, a criminal guilty of acts of heinous violence and corruption.
Pilate’s wife attempts to warn Pilate to set Jesus free instead of Barabbas. The night before, she had a dream about Jesus, realizing His innocence. Because of the fervor of the crowd demanding to kill Jesus, Pilate relents and allows Jesus to be handed over.
Before being crucified, Jesus is brutally beaten and whipped. Pilate’s soldiers take Jesus and clothe Him in red robes and a crown of thorns, mocking His alleged identity as King of the Jews. They mockingly kneel and spit on Jesus, showing their hatred and disrespect.
The soldiers walk with Jesus towards the outskirts of the city, where He is to be crucified. Jesus is so weak from being beaten that a man named Simon has to assist Him in carrying the cross where He would soon meet His death.
The site of Jesus' crucifixion was the same site where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22), holding a powerful connection. In both instances, God provided a substitute sacrifice. Just as a ram replaced Isaac in the Old Testament, Jesus became the sacrificial lamb for humanity, fulfilling God's plan for redemption.
By His hands and His feet, Jesus is nailed to the cross and lifted up. The soldiers throw dice to divide His clothing between them (Psalm 22:18). The people mock and berate Jesus, asking why He could save others, but not Himself. Even the criminals on the crosses beside Jesus question His abilities and insult Him as He hangs on the cross.
During the crucifixion, the sky filled with darkness, showing the physical and spiritual significance of His sacrifice. In His final moments, Jesus cries out to God, asking why He had been forsaken (Psalm 22:1). Trusting the Father’s will, Jesus yielded His spirit to God, allowing His death on the cross.
Upon Jesus' death, the Temple curtain tore in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, allowing access to God’s presence. Following Jesus’ death, the earth shook, opening graves and raising many of God’s people from the dead.
Joseph, one of Jesus’ followers asks Pilate for Jesus’ body, wanting to properly bury Him in a tomb protected by a large stone. Knowing Jesus’ prophecy that He would rise from the grave, Pilate appoints guards to remain by the tomb for three days, preventing anyone from stealing Jesus’ body.
MATTHEW 28
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS + THE GREAT COMMISSION
After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, visit the tomb. Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus and one of His ministry’s financial supporters. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus healed her of seven demons (Luke 8:1-3). She witnessed the crucifixion and burial of Jesus and was the first person to see Him after the resurrection. Mary, mentioned in Matthew as the other Mary, is most likely the mother of Jesus.
There is a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord comes from heaven and rolls back the stone guarding the tomb. The appearance of the angel startles the guards, and they shake with fear.
The angel encourages the women, telling them not to be afraid. Sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, the angel tells them, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” After seeing the empty tomb of Jesus, the women run to tell the disciples.
On their way to share the news, Jesus meets them, and they fall to His feet in worship. Jesus says to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
While the women are on their way, some of the guards report the news of the resurrection to the chief priests. Wanting to keep the resurrection quiet, the priests and elders bribe the guards with a large sum of money to say that the body of Jesus was stolen while they were asleep.
The eleven remaining disciples, the original twelve minus Judas, arrive in Galilee. When they see Jesus, they worship Him, but some still doubted, unable to comprehend the resurrection. Jesus shares with them the Great Commission, instructing them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey the commands. Jesus promises to be with the disciples always, to the very end of the age.