Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 30, 2017
“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)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 23, 2017
“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.”
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 16, 2017
“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)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 9, 2017
“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)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 2, 2017
“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)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 26, 2017
“I Am Your King!” Matthew 21:1-11 Bible Study 03/26/17
This morning we turn our attention to the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Far from being a spontaneous decision on his part, Jesus on this occasion intentionally signifies by His actions that He is the one true and lasting King.
I. Background/Context
-beginning of Passover week
-Matthew’s focus on the last 8 days
-Matthew’s theme: Jesus as King
II. Arrangement of Jesus (1-7)
-near Jerusalem: Bethphage and Mount of Olives
-disciples dispatched for donkey retrieval
-declaration of kingship: riding on a donkey
-significance of Zechariah 9:9
-riding on a cloaked colt
III. Action of the Crowd (8-9)
-spread cloaks and branches
-shouted Scripture: Psalm 118:25-26
-crowd composition and expectations
IV. Agitation in the City (10-11)
-Who is this?
-Jesus the prophet…is the messianic Son of David-the King of Israel
V. So What?
-Because Jesus is who Scripture says He is, worship Him now as Savior, Treasure and King.
-Grasp the contrast between His first coming and His second coming (Matt. 21/Rev. 19).
-There is still time to switch sides!
-“You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool; you can spit at him and kill him for a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” (Lewis)
-Sing and reflect on “Lead on, O King Eternal” and “Rejoice, the Lord is King” this week!
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 19, 2017
“A Case of Kingdom Economics” Matthew 19:16-30 Bible Study 03/19/17
This morning we will turn our attention to the dialogue between Jesus and a rich young ruler. This dialogue and the subsequent discussion of Jesus with His disciples show us the stunning contrast between the world’s economy and the Kingdom’s economy.
I. Background/Context
-Judea beyond the Jordan (19:1)
-moving closer to Jerusalem and the cross
-tested by Pharisees (19:3-9)
-children brought to Him (19:13-15)
II. Dialogue with a Rich Young Ruler (16-22)
-rich, young, ruler (Luke 18:18)
-question about salvation: eternal life
-corrective question of Jesus: focus on divine goodness
-clarifying answer of Jesus: keep commandments
-question about “lack”
-challenging answer of Jesus: wholeness-sell, give, follow
-a “grieving” departure
III. Directive to the Disciples (23-30)
-difficulty for the rich
-impossibility illustrated: getting a camel through a needle’s eye
-astonishment of disciples
-a gaze and a “truth bomb”
-Peter pipes up
-promise of uncountable blessings
-19:30 and 20:16: surprise, surprise, surprise!
IV. So what?
-Since the Lord initiates and empowers Kingdom entrance, commit to His gospel exclusively and communicate it expectantly.
-Make sure your concept of “good” is God-informed.
-Our ultimate problem is not a money problem but a heart problem.
-Grasp the contrast between the world’s perspective and God’s perspective.
-Pray for an “impossible” person this week.
-Remember that the Lord rewards faithfulness with uncountable blessings.
-“I’d Rather Have Jesus…” (Rhea Miller, 1922)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 12, 2017
“Look and Listen!” Matthew 17:1-13 Bible Study 03/12/17
Our text this morning focuses on the transfiguration event in the earthly ministry of Jesus. Prior to the events recorded in Matthew 17, Jesus has heard Peter’s confession and has confirmed his impending death. Now, accompanied by Peter, James and John, Jesus goes up to a high mountain to pray. While on the mountain, Jesus is transfigured. This is the only occasion in His earthly ministry when there is a recorded revelation of the glory of His person. This “glimpse of glory” has powerful implications for modern disciples.
I. Background/context (1)
-six days after confession of 16:13-20
-Peter, James and John
-centrality of prayer (Luke 9:28-29)
II. Transformation (2)
-metamorphosed 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 12:2; Ex. 34:29-30
-glimpse of glory
III. Affirmation (3)
-Moses: Law
-Elijah: Prophets
-Matthew 5: 17
-conversation: departure/exodus (Luke 9:31)
IV. Verification (4-8)
-Peter’s attempt
-cloud: presence/glory
-voice: Psa. 2:7; Isa. 42:1; Deut. 18:15
-Jesus only
V. Clarification (9-13)
-command of Jesus
-question of the disciples
-role of Elijah
-certainty of suffering
VI. So What?
-Because the Father validates Jesus as His unique Son and our unique Savior, look to Him alone for salvation and sustenance.
-“It is better to hear the Son of God than to see saints or to build tabernacles.” (Spurgeon)
-Affirm, appreciate and celebrate the unrivaled credentials of Jesus!
-Acknowledge the biblical order: the cross before the crown.
-Make the connection: 2 Peter 1:16-21
-The duty and delight of biblical digestion: Psalm 119:9-16
-Look and listen! 2 Cor. 3:18
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 5, 2017
“I Will Build My Church” Matthew 16:13-20 Bible Study 03/05/17
Our text this morning directs our attention to the confession which forms the foundation of the church and the institution of the church itself. Believers are called away from self-righteousness and self-indulgence so that they might embrace a self-denial which leads to the exaltation of Christ and His church.
I. Background/Context
-before transfiguration (17:1-13)
-increasing opposition: demand for signs (16:1-12)
-location: Caesarea Philippi
-with disciples
II. Perspective of the People (13b-14)
-Jesus asks a question
-identification of the “Son of Man”
-response of disciples: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, prophet
III. Perspective of the Disciples (15-16)
-Jesus asks a question
-Peter’s reply: The Christ…
IV. Pronouncement of Jesus (17-20)
-blessing
-designation
-determination
-delegation
-connection and correction (16:21-28)
V. So what?
-Because Jesus is the source of the church’s existence and empowerment, exalt Him and expend your life for Him.
-The church: intimate knowledge, confident proclamation, sacrificial obedience
-Who you say Jesus is will determine everything about how you follow Him.
-Christ’s church merits your serious actions and not your sentimental leftovers.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 26, 2017
“Not a Chance: Pondering the Providence of God in Ruth 2” Ruth 2 Bible Study 02/26/17
I. Introduction
-the concept of “providence”
-pawns, puppets or participants?
-role of human agency
-context for Ruth 2: death of Elimilech, Mahlon and Chilion, Naomi left with Ruth and Orpah,
Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at beginning of barley harvest (1:22)
II. Outline of Ruth 2
1. Insider Information (1-3)
-“split screen”
-Boaz identified: “gibbor hayil”
-Ruth’s initiative
-she “happened…”
2. Pre-Meeting Coordination (4-7)
-arrival of Boaz
-Boaz and foreman
-Boaz’s greeting
-inquiry about Ruth
3. Meeting (8-13)
-Boaz and Ruth
-permission, protection and provision: “hesed”
-reward and refuge
4. Eating (14-16)
-significance of meal
-unheard of favor
-long way from Moab
5. Report to Naomi (17-23)
-quantity of grain
-conversation with Naomi
-Boaz as “go’el”
-no resolution-yet!
III. Make the Application/So what?
-When you take refuge in the Lord, you can expect His providential care.
1. Rely on the Lord’s presence when His purposes remain hidden.
2. Remember that the Lord is never the victim of circumstances.
3. Deal with others as the Lord has dealt with you.
4. Praise the Lord for the way He writes His signature on the page of your life.
5. Make the connection to Christ: a greater “go’el” than Boaz!
IV. Quotes/Observations
-“Redundancy, at least in biblical narratives, is often repetition for the sake of emphasis. This is
certainly true of Ruth 2:1.” (S. Ferguson)
-Purpose of OT stories: “…to lure us into real-life dramas where we run smack into God’s
agenda and assessment of our lives.” (S. Mathewson)
-“Providence in its wisdom plays pranks with all our man-made rules.” (Sidney Berry)
-“The providence of God is like Hebrew words-it can be read only backwards.” (J. Flavel)
-“His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But
sweet will be the flower.” (W. Cowper)
