93rd Week, Matthew Chapters 27 & 28 (Click on Title for Video Intro)

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Click on Title for Video Introduction


Monday, Matthew Chapter 27A (Verses 1-31)
Matthew 27A
Verses 28-31
Matt Strayer

Verses 28-31:  They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him.  “Hail, king of the Jews” they said.  They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on
the head again and again.  After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him.  Then they led him away to crucify him. 

THOUGHT (Written in December during Advent)
I can’t help but notice that the week before Christmas, we are studying the death and resurrection of Jesus.  I think the death of Jesus reminds us of the following things, which add meaning to Christmas:

1) Jesus is the ultimate gift! As we give and receive Christmas gifts, we need to remember that Jesus has given us the best gift ever. It is always the right size, it will never break or wear out, and no batteries are needed!  He took the punishment we deserve so that we can be in relationship with God.

2) Without Easter, there would be no Christmas.  The birth of Jesus is significant only because of his death and resurrection.  Christmas is just the beginning of the story.

I hope these few thoughts help us all reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the ultimate gift You have given us.  Help us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas in the coming week.  Thank You for giving us this holiday so we can remember and celebrate Your coming into the world.  AMEN


Tuesday, Matthew Chapter 27B (verses 32-65)
Matthew 27B
Verse 51
Matt Strayer

Verse 51:  At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks split.

THOUGHT
I liked this verse because of what it symbolized. It meant the barrier between Jesus and us was now torn down.  We can freely talk with Him, pray to Him and call upon Him in our times of trouble.  Christmas is the time when Jesus came into the world.  He came to die so that we could have an eternal/everlasting relationship with God and without any barriers.  I am so thankful for that.

PRAYER
Dear God, what a joy and privilege it is to have an open relationship with You.  We thank You once again for sending Your Son to die for our sins so that we may live forever.  AMEN


Wednesday, Matthew Chapter 28 (Verses 1-15)
Matthew 28
Verses 5-6
Matt Strayer

Verses 5-6:  The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he is risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”

THOUGHT
When I think about the resurrection, I am filled with hope.  Jesus, who was dead, is now alive; something that in my human mind should be impossible, is possible.  I am also filled with hope because death isn’t our final destination.  We have eternity with God to anticipate.  Sin is also no longer my master. I have a new Master.  Isn’t it wonderful that our Savior is just as alive today as He was the night He was born in Bethlehem?

PRAYER
Jesus, thank You for what You did for us on the cross and for giving us true hope!  Thank You for the families and friends we have to celebrate the holiday with.  I just pray for a meaningful Christmas for all of us.  AMEN


Thursday, Jesus Gives The Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20
Whereas in previous missions Jesus had sent His disciples only to the Jews, their mission from now on would be worldwide.  Jesus is Lord of the earth, and he died for the sins of people from all nations.  We are to GO - whether it is next door or to another country - and make disciples.  It is not an option, but a command to all who call Jesus, "Lord."  We are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the Great Commission.  As we obey, we have comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us.  He will give us just he right words and actions that are needed.  

This week consider the "4 ALLs"
    ALL Authority
    To go to ALL Nations
    To communicate ALL His Teachings
    You are empowered by His presence ALL the time (always)


Friday Conclusion of Matthew
The message of the tomb is, "Do not be afraid."  Our Savior overcame His enemies; Jesus kept His promises by rising on the third day.  He always goes before us and prepares the way, just like a Shepherd goes before the sheep.  He is our Lord and has all authority; He commands us to take the gospel to all nations; and He promises to be with us always.  What more assurance could we want?  

The Old Testament prophecies and genealogies in the book of Matthew present Jesus' credentials for being King of the world - not military or political leader, as the disciples had originally hoped, but a spiritual King who can over come all evil and rule in the heart of every person.  If we refuse to serve the King faithfully, we are disloyal subjects, fit only to be banished from the kingdom.  We must make Jesus, King of our lives and worship Him as our Savior, King and Lord.  










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