Day 7

Reading: MATTHEW 21-25

Journal

Jesus begun His passion week with the triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, followed by the cleansing of the Temple the next day, challenging the Jewish authorities, and indirectly pronouncing judgment on the Jewish nation by cursing the barren fig tree.

The tempo and temperature of Jesus' conflict with the religious leaders grew in intensity, with the priests, elders, Pharisees, Herodians and Sadducees taking turn to confront Jesus, questioning His authority, trapping Him on sensitive issues like paying tax to Caesar (political), the doctrine of resurrection (theological), and the most important Law (religion), hoping to quell the popularity and support of the multitude, and turning the mob against Him.

In response, Jesus challenged their stand on John the baptist, condemned their hypocrisy, corrected their doctrinal error, confirmed the Law in its entirety, and interjected parables (two sons, landlord and wicked tenants, marriage feast) to illustrate the spiritual state of His enemies and the fate that awaits them. Jesus' probing question to the Pharisees on the identity of the Son of David revealed their ignorance on the divinity of Messiah and a lopsided emphasis on His human ancestry for their own political expediency.

Consequently, Jesus rejected the Jewish leaders by pointing out their true character and pronouncing eight woes on them, while at the same time weeping over the city for being so blind to the time of Messiah's visit, and predicted the destruction of the Temple they so dearly and religiously adhered to.

The Olivet Discourse is perhaps the most important prophetic teaching of Jesus concerning the end times and His second coming, giving us clues and glimpses of what will take place in that last generation, which could very well be in our time. The 'when' is answered by the parable of the fig tree and referenced to the days of Noah, while the certainty of judgment is given in the parables of the ten virgins and talents. Are we ready for His return?

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes. (Matthew 25:13)

Ponder & Meditate

In Jesus' prophetic insights regarding the last generation and the accompanying end-time signs, how many can we clearly see are coming true at the turn of this century in terms of:

1. Religious sentiments (24:5-11)
2. Political and military landscapes (24:6-7a)
3. Economic upheavals and natural catastrophes (24:7b)
4. Social and civic unrest (24:9-10)
5. Moral decline (24:12)
6. Spread of the gospel (24:14)
7. Nation of Israel reinstated and restored (24:31)

Do you believe that you will see Jesus return with your own eyes? Why?