Day 8

Reading: MATTHEW 26-28

Journal

After Jesus' fourth declaration on His coming suffering, death, and resurrection (26:1-5), the events began to unfold quickly beginning with Judas' betrayal (v14-16), the last supper (v17-29), predicting His disciples' desertion (v30-35), prayer at the Gethsemane garden (v36-46), His arrest (v47-56), Caiaphas' interrogation (v57-68), and Peter's denial (v69-75), all of which occurred within the Passover week.

Due to the nearness of the Passover feast, the religious court was illegally conducted in haste to condemn Jesus solely on the ground of blasphemy, because no wrong could otherwise be found despite having false witnesses taken to the stand. Under Roman law, the power of capital punishment could only be carried out by the Roman authorities, so Jesus was delivered to the governor of Judea who was then pressured to task by the incited mob. Matthew's account is the only one that recorded Judas' suicide (27:3-5).

The humiliation Jesus suffered at the hands of the Roman soldiers before His crucifixion is understandable, because they only recognized Caesar as king and no other—the idea of a messiah could never be tolerated. In the midst of jeers and frivolity from the refined religious leaders and rough rowdy solders alike, the Son of God poured out His life in love as the only Sacrifice that could satisfy Divine justice, tearing the Temple veil that separated sinful men from a holy God, while the earth beneath trembled under the awful weight of its Creator's sorrow over sin.

If Judas had understood, even in the final moment of betraying Jesus, how the Lord still called him 'Friend' (26:50), he would not have taken his own life in deep remorse. And if we understand the gravity of sin and what Christ went through to secure our ransom, we will not take sin so lightly in our lives, or carelessly neglect our walk and service to Him.

Hear the parting words and command of the resurrected Lord before His ascension to the Father's right hand to be our everlasting Advocate:

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Ponder & Meditate

There are many who cast doubts on the veracity of Jesus' resurrection, citing the possibilities of the disciples stealing His body, that Jesus did not really die but self-resuscitated and made His way out of the tomb, or the disciples all hallucinated and imagined that Jesus had resurrected. What about you? Do you believe in the resurrection? How does that impact your life and relationship with your Savior?

The last words of a person are often very important and to be taken in all earnest seriously. Let us be faithful to the Great Commission until Jesus returns in glory. The door of service and opportunity is fast closing as we approach the eleventh hour; let us make full use of it while we still can.

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?

Day 6

Reading: MATTHEW 17-20

Journal

In the face of growing opposition from the Jewish leaders and volatility of the multitude, who could not make up their minds about Jesus and the cost of following Him, the Transfiguration is an intended yet private revelation of the glory of Messiah and His mission, substantiated by the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). 

This was followed by a series of instructions to the disciples where situations arose or warranted, as Jesus began to openly talk about His suffering, death and resurrection (17:22-23; 20:17-19).

Faith can move mountains (17:14-21), if it is placed in Jesus who is the embodiment of what the Temple represented, and therefore free from its regulations and obligations (17:24-27).

Humility (18:1-5) should be the hallmark of a follower of Christ, unlike the prevailing attitude of the world which looks out for its self-interest at the expense of others (18:6-10); Jesus cares for the lost sheep (18:11-14) but He will not condone anyone who refuses correction in the Church which is His family (18:15-20). Forgiveness is the balm that heals a broken relationship and finds its basis in God's forgiveness of our greater debts (18:21-35).

The Pharisees' question on divorce (19:1-15) is an insidious trap to get Jesus into trouble and possibly killed like John the baptist, by inciting Him to speak out against this common practice that's prevalent in the decadent society of His time.

Finally, Jesus cautioned His disciples on the bondage of riches (19:16-26) and assured that anyone who gives preference to God's Kingdom over their own interests (19:27-30) and even spiritual ambitions (20:20-28) will be amply rewarded.

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shown towards his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and continue to minister. (Hebrews 6:10)

Ponder & Meditate

Hurt is inevitable in any relationship, whether intentional or not. The deeper the trust, the greater the hurt. What if there is someone who continually hurt us through words and actions? How often should we forgive? Jesus says seventy times seven—as often as it happens. Is it possible?

1. Consider how the Lord has often forgiven us for our sins, failings and unfaithfulness to Him.
2. Is there any way to restore and reconcile by way of speaking the truth in love? (Ephesians 4:15)
3. Can we think of any reason why God may be using this trial to refine our faith or teach us valuable spiritual lessons?

Is there someone in our lives that we have still not forgiven—perhaps a fellow believer? How can we possibly live in eternity with someone we hold a grudge against?

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:15)

Let's get it settled this side of eternity, and the sooner the better!

 

Day 5

Reading: MATTHEW 14-16

Journal

The death of John the baptist must've had dealt a hard blow to Jesus. The feeding of the five thousand and walking on water once again demonstrated the provision and power of the King, and differentiated Jesus from the rest of the religious founders and teachers in human history as One with absolute authority and authenticity.

While the multitudes continued to seek Jesus for their own needs and benefits, the religious leaders were trying to tempt and trap Jesus to discredit Him. When the traditions of men, which are so dearly held and honored above God's Word, are being confronted and challenged, it invariably leads to antagonism and hostility. The shadow of the cross now looms over the head of the Son of God.

In the midst of all these unpleasant encounters and heavy burdens, a little light shone in the most unexpected place where Jesus had retired for a much needed rest in solitude. The faith of a Gentile woman, in fact a Canaanite, brought warmth to the Savior's heart and won His approval. The Lord is still looking for such display of persistent faith as He work tirelessly among His people in this world that rejects His love and truth. Will we be the ones that bring delight to His heart?

Who do you say that I am? (Matthew 16:15)

This is the most important question that must be answered, not by giving mere verbal conformity, but by wholehearted commitment. Anything less will receive the same reprove that Jesus reserved for the religious leaders:

This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (Matthew 15:8)

Ponder & Meditate

There are things in this life which will be lost even after we obtain them, some of which once lost will never be gotten back. However, there are certain things which have lasting values and can never be lost. What is it that the people of the world seek after, and what will they lose as a result of gaining it? What do we seek after? What is it that we really want? Are we prepared to pay the price?

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what does it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:25-26)

Interesting Fact

Fish is commonly mentioned in the four gospels, as in the case of the five loaves and two fishes. The early disciples also used the fish and other symbols (bread, grapes, dove) to illustrate elements of their belief.

The Greek word for fish is ΙΧΘΥΣ (ichthus) and is cleverly used as a short form for "Ίησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ", (Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios, Sōtēr) which, when translated into English means "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior". Iota (i) is the first letter of Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), which is Greek for "Jesus".

 

Day 4

Reading: MATTHEW 11-13

Journal

Today's reading is very rich in content lessons it is impossible to share thoroughly within the confines of this journal. Readers are urged to spend time in careful contemplation over these familiar passages. For example:

Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

'Labor' is an active tense while 'laden' is passive, and both verbs signify actions that are in the active continuous sense. In effect, Jesus' invitation is extended to all who languish under the heavy burdens of this world, whether voluntarily (self-inflicted) or by compulsion (without choice).

A progressive rejection of the King is taking shape, as Jesus performed His public ministry among the Jews. In the midst of His divine miracles and loving yet weary shadow of His human frailty, we see the cold and cruel gazes of the religious leaders, and the blind-sighted crowd who vacillated between being fans and foes of His messianic identity, crisscrossing and climaxing towards His sufferings, death and resurrection.

Though the Jews looked forward to Messiah's coming, they were oblivious to the nature of His person and work, or even the extent of His salvific endeavor. Conversely, the religious leaders contorted messianic expectations to suit their own selfish agendas, embodied in their growing hostility towards Jesus Who refused to subject Himself to their game rules. Nonetheless, God's Kingdom will go on expanding, however man may choose to ignore or misunderstand it.

The parables of the kingdom of heaven (chapter 13), the third of Jesus' five major discourses, further amplified this point. The seven parables cover the characteristics of the Kingdom from its present reality to future fulfillment, that is, from its arrival with the birth of Christ until the new heaven and earth, in various stages:

The sower and the seed (v3-9) alludes to the spread of the gospel, resulting in the Church and believers living together with the world and unbelievers, further explained by the parable of the tares and wheat (v24-30). The mustard seed (v31-32) and the leaven (v32) indicate the growth of the Kingdom (Church) externally and internally, while the hidden treasure (v44) and pearl of great price (v45-46) describe the joy of those who hold this Kingdom dear to their hearts. Finally, the net (v47-50) hinted on the distinctive ends of the believers and unbelievers at the end of the world.

Ponder & Meditate

What is our attitude and response to the teachings of Jesus? Have we grown tired and think it's not worth our time and energy to listen and learn from our Savior, or do we still eagerly receive them as when we first believed, going deeper into that Fountain of living truth?

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (Matthew 13:16-17)

For in truth I'm telling you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.

Without a humble spirit before God, any objective proof can be refused, rejected or rationalized away. In the end, it reveals the true condition of our hearts—be it outright rejection of truth, superficial acceptance, half-hearted commitment, or complete surrender. What kind of heart-soil do we have?

Day 3

Reading: MATTHEW 8-10

Journal

After presenting the King (Messiah) and proclaiming His Kingdom, Matthew goes on to describe His power through a series of ten miracles, revealing His authority over every realm (diseases, demons, death and nature). The words of the King are thus supported by His works, and His claims are verified by His credentials.

There are three major periods in which miracles are prominent in the bible, and these are usually accompanied by divine revelations. Two are found in the OT during the times of Moses and the prophets Elijah and Elisha; the time of Christ and the early Church in the NT ushered in a new era in which the dynamics of faith and the power of God are clearly and visibly demonstrated.

Matthew intentionally grouped Jesus' miracles into three accounts, the first being miracles of healing (the leper, the Centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law), next the miracles of authority (calming the sea storm, casting out the demons, forgiving the paralytic), and lastly the miracles of restoration (life to the dead, sight to the blind, speech to the mute).

In between these accounts, the demands of discipleship (8:18-22) the distinction of the disciples (9:9-17), and the delegation of authority to His followers (9:35-10:42) are interjected. This brings out a number of lessons:

1. We serve and follow a King who has real authority and power.
2. Faith in Jesus and following Him go hand in hand and are not optional.
3. Jesus is not looking for spectators but soldiers to do the work of expanding His Kingdom.
4. We are empowered to the extent we are willing to do His bidding.
5. We must be prepared to pay the price if we are to experience firsthand the reality of Kingdom power in our lives.

The clarion call of the King is clear. What is our response?

Ponder & Meditate

The conversion of Matthew (also known as Levi, cf. Luke 5:27-29) shows a man that was so changed by his encounter with Jesus, he not only left his disreputable profession immediately, but went so far as to invite his friends and acquaintances to his home to hear Jesus. As a result, many of them believed and were saved.

What about us? If we too have tasted Jesus' love, experienced His life-transforming grace, should we not do likewise for our families and friends?

Matthew 10:29 says that two sparrows were sold for a penny but Luke 12:6 says that five were sold for two pennies instead. Why five and not four? Actually, the Jews also practiced giving freebies for buying more. Even so, that 'free' sparrow in God's eye is just as precious and will not fall to the ground without His knowing. In comparison, we are made in His image and definitely more valuable than many sparrows.

Think about it! 

Day 2

Reading: MATTHEW 5-7

Journal

Matthew paints a broad picture on the life of Christ, unlike the fine details seen in the other gospels. The words of Jesus made up about 60% of the highly organized content of Matthew's account; in fact, the discourses, miracles, parables, questions are thematically arranged to highlight the thrust of the Savior's words and work.

The Sermon on the Mount is one of five major discourses given by Jesus during His public ministry, of which the Beatitudes and Similitudes are the most well-known. Jesus spelled out the principles that govern the vertical relationship between God and man as well as the horizontal aspects between fellow humans. In fact, Jesus expanded on the Law and took it further, stressing on the motives and intentions behind the actions, and not just mere outward external conformity.

We all have the tendency to adhere to a set of rules, and oblige ourselves to fulfill them as our self-imposed moral duties and responsibilities, more often than not without engaging our hearts and affections. Jesus, however, will not have us interpret God's Law or even His teachings in such a stone-cold manner. This is what unregenerate man, one without a vibrant, living relationship with God, does best. Not only is it futile and meaningless—it makes a mockery of God's holy character which is embodied in the Law.

This is also the reason why Jesus went to great length to point out the religious practices of the Pharisees in areas of charity, prayer and fasting as an outward show of piety, acts to gain people's admiration and approval. It certainly feels good to be better, and perhaps even holier, than others in terms of rigorously keeping the Law. But God isn't impressed at all. James, the half-brother of Jesus, set the record straight in his epistle:

Pure religion that is undefiled before God and the Father is this—to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)

In the end, it comes down to the Golden Rule in the way we treat one another, the choice we make between the two ways Jesus laid out in life, the teachings we choose to listen to, and the type of foundation we're building our lives on. We do well to be careful what we choose because our choices have eternal consequences, and Jesus isn't kidding because He spoke as One having authority. He knew what He's talking about.

Ponder & Meditate

What do you think of Jesus' exposition on the Kingdom principles—turn the other cheek, give more than is required, or even go the extra mile? Impractical, incredulous, or perhaps bordering on insanity? Is that your true feeling?

In all honesty it is humanly impossible if not illogical unless we are out of our mind. Jesus never said that we can do it on our own, or that we should meet its requirements to be saved. Instead, He showed us by His life that only He could and let us know that only by trusting in His effort, not ours, can we be saved and enabled to live that kind of life, for without Him we can do nothing.

Do you have worries and anxieties? Matthew 6:24-33 lists out five solutions to counter them. Follow Jesus' advice and trust Him to help you overcome them daily.

Day 1

Reading: MATTHEW 1-4

Journal

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham (1:1). Thus, Matthew begins his gospel to provide the essential bridge that links the Old Testament (OT) to the New Testament (NT). The long awaited Messiah had finally entered human history to bring about redemption and deliverance in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, veiled in flesh and blood.

Matthew's account of the life of Christ is targeted at Jewish readership, obvious from the many OT references he quoted throughout his book, that this is indeed the King of the Jews. Everything about Jesus is unique, from His miraculous birth, His flight to Egypt, His forerunner, His baptism, and His temptation by Satan. All these point to Him as the culmination of what the OT prophets predicted over a thousand years ago. The Seed of the Woman had finally appeared.

The promise to Abraham was that "in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, is 'the Son of Abraham' and as 'the Son of David' He is indeed qualified to be Israel's King. It is no wonder that in the first four chapters, Matthew presented Christ with many prophetic quotes as he narrated incidents concerning His birth, baptism, and battle with the devil.

The temptation of Christ qualified His messianic status as the Man whom God chose to fulfill all righteousness on behalf of mankind, by facing the common enemy of God and man—the adversary, Satan. Only by passing this crucial test could Messiah begin His ministry of reconciliation. There are many discourses and good expositions on the nature of Christ's temptation. We need to realize that in essence, the tactics used by Satan on the Son of God encompassed the whole person: body, soul (mind), and spirit. He still uses the same tactics on Christians today: the necessity of the flesh, the vanity of the mind and the religiosity of the spirit.

How do we overcome the devil and his temptations? By grounding ourselves in the sure Word of God just as Christ did. Nothing else will deliver us from the mortal enemy of our souls.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. And take... the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:12, 17)

Ponder & Meditate

Today's reading mentioned at least seven OT prophecies that were fulfilled on Christ. Can you find them?

The wise men came from a distant land to look for the King, not to ask favors or seek personal gains, but to present their most precious gifts in reverend worship.

Consider this: What is the first thing we do when we come before our God and King—to put forth our petitions and ask for blessings, or to offer Him our worship and praise?