“Sovereignty, Supper and Mercy” Matthew 26:17-35 Bible Study 04/30/17

In our text this morning we find Jesus and His disciples gathered together in an upper room on the Thursday evening before His crucifixion on Friday. In the context of the Passover meal, Jesus institutes what we refer to as the Lord’s Supper. Interestingly, the account of this memorial within a meal is bracketed by two shattering predictions: the betrayal by Judas and the denial by Peter. In his Spirit-inspired narrative account, Matthew emphasizes our Lord’s sovereignty and mercy. As desperately as the disciples needed a Master who manifested these attributes, so also we need Him today.

I. Context (26:1-16)

-prediction of death
-plot to kill
-anointing at Bethany

II. Preparation for Passover (17-19)

-question of disciples
-instruction of Jesus

III. Prediction of Betrayal (20-25)

-reclined at table and eating
-pronouncement of impending betrayal
-“sick at heart” disciples
-“Surely, not me!”
-perpetrator present at the meal
-identification of Judas

IV. Portrait of the Lord’s Supper (26-30)

-as they were eating
-blessing, breaking and distribution of bread
-Take, eat; this is my body
-cup, thanks and command to drink
-blood of the covenant (Ex. 24:8)
– a hymn and a declaration

V. Prediction of Denial (31-35)

-predicting behavior of disciples (Zech. 13:7)
-predicting His own resurrection
-predicting Peter’s denial

VI. So What?

-Because Jesus is both sovereign and merciful, remember His passion and rely on His provision.
-“What is certain is that Jesus bids us commemorate, not his birth, nor his life, nor his miracles, but his death.” (D. A. Carson)
-Remember that there will never be a time that Jesus is not in control.
-Magnify the miracle of mercy.
-“What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest Friend, for this, Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? Oh, make me Thine forever! And should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for Thee.” (Bernard of Clairvaux/Paul Gerhardt)

“Holy Anticipation” Matthew 24:36-51 Bible Study 04/23/17

This morning we turn our attention to a crucial passage which forms a part of Christ’s Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-25:46). The Olivet Discourse is the last major teaching section of Matthew’s gospel. It is concerned largely with Christ’s return and the conduct of believers in light of it.

I. Background/Context

-shift in focus from Matthew 23 to Matthew 24
-contrast: “know” in 24:33 and “knows” in 24:36
-reference points for “judgment”
-deception by “trauma and trickery”

II. Sudden Death (37-39)

-days of Noah
-destruction of flood

III. Sudden Division (40-42)

-men and women at work
-one taken and one left
-Wake up and watch out!

IV. Sudden Intrusion (43-44)

-master of the house
-“what part of the night”
-protection of what is valuable

V. Sudden Accountability (45-51)

-commendation of faithful servant
-condemnation of wicked servant: careless, cruel and carousing

VI. So What?

-In light of Christ’s certain return, live in a constant state of obedient anticipation.
-“Eschatology and ethics are inextricably connected.” (MacGorman)
-Avoid abstract speculation and focus on concrete preparation.
-Exercise diligence with regard to the growth of the gospel and the guarding of your soul.
-Assess your current level of “homesickness.”

“Empty Tomb Observations” Matthew 28:1-15 Bible Study 04/16/17

On this Easter Sunday we turn our attention to Matthew’s gospel and his account of the very first Easter Sunday. Each of the gospel writers shares his unique perspective on the first Easter. However, all of their accounts address and confirm the reality of the empty tomb, the announcement of the resurrection to women and the meeting of disciples with the risen Lord.

I. Supernatural Intervention (1-4)

-after Sabbath and near dawn on Sunday
-Mary Magdalene and the other Mary
-angelic intervention
-stunned guards
-use of “behold” (6 times in Matthew 28)

II. Comforting Affirmation (5-6a)

-do not be afraid
-…Jesus who was crucified
-…not here…risen, as he said

III. Instructive Imperatives (6b-10)

-come
-see
-go
-tell

IV. Deceptive Intention (11-15)

-report
-bribe
-spreading story
-complete concoction

V. So what?

-Because the risen Christ is Lord of all, treasure Him and acknowledge His absolute, unlimited authority in your life.
-Failure to treasure Him is an act of treason against the God who raised Him from the dead.
-“The life of Jesus is bracketed by two impossibilities: a virgin’s womb and an empty tomb.” (P. Larson)
-“The only resurrection that counts for anything is a resurrection of the body.” (J. Boice)
-“Crown Him with many crowns, as thrones before Him fall. Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is Lord of all.” (M. Bridges)

“Responding to the Greatest Invitation” Matthew 22:1-14 Bible Study 04/09/17

This morning we will examine the third of three parables which Jesus directed to the religious establishment of the day during the closing days of His earthly ministry. The timeless nature of the Wedding Feast account reminds us of the Lord’s gracious invitation and the eternal consequences of our response to it.

I. Background

-last week of earthly ministry/Passover week
-sons/tenants/feast: verdict/sentence/execution

II. The King Hosts a Wedding Feast (1-2)

-Kingdom of Heaven connection
-in honor of His Son

III. The King Calls the Invited (3-7)

-would not come
-reject, rough up, rub out
-the King responds with judgment

IV. The King Invites Other Guests (8-13)

-as many as you find
-bad and good
-filled with guests
-the man without a garment (2 Kings 10:22; Isa. 61:10; Rom. 3:19; Psa. 51:17)
-judgment and warning
-understanding “…many are called, but few are chosen.” (Simeon: the “wheels of your watch”)

V. So What?

-Because Kingdom entrance hinges on Jesus, heed the command now to honor Him and hurry to clothe yourself in His provision.
-Honoring God means honoring His Son and appropriating His provision for you.
-“When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.” (E. Mote)
-“Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness my beauty are, my glorious dress; Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed, with joy shall I lift up my head.” (N. von Zinzendorf)
-“O, for the wonderful love He has promised, promised for you and for me! Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me.” (W. Thompson)

“Tenants, Son and Stone” Matthew 21:33-46 Bible Study 04/02/17

This morning we will examine a pivotal parable from the lips of Jesus during the closing days of His earthly ministry. It offers both strong admonition and strong assurance for those who take it seriously.

I. Background/Context

-after triumphal entry
-last week of the earthly ministry of Jesus

II. The Master’s Activity (33)

-plants
-protects
-provides

III. The Abuse of Servants (34-36)

-beaten
-killed
-stoned

IV. The Abuse of the Son (37-39)

-out of the vineyard: Hebrews 13:12
-killed

V. Application (40-46)

-God’s intention to exalt His Son means swift judgment for those who reject Him and great security for those who receive Him.
-understanding of the hearers
-connection to Isaiah 5:1-7: Israel as vineyard
-connection to Psalm 118:22-23: used at Passover
-perception of religious leaders
-Cultivate holy fear. There is a heaven to be gained and a hell to be shunned.
-“Be Thou My Vision…” (Byrne)