Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How many times I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her young together under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house has been left to you desolate! For I tell you, you will never see me from now on until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Matthew 23:37-39)

Chapter twenty-three is a warning to the Pharisees. Jesus was in the Temple from chapter twenty-one verse twenty-three. The Pharisees had assembled and come at Him to test Him. He not only didn’t get trapped, but He confounded them (22:34-46). But no one has moved. Right after He confounded them, He continued to speak to them. He told them the exact condition of their hearts. He told them the futility of following the Law in action, but not inside themselves. He condemned their behaviour of gatekeeping the purposes of the Law and burdening the people with their ‘rules’ to make sure the Law isn’t violated. He cried over Jerusalem and the condition it was in. He had so wanted to save them over the years, and they always rejected Him. It truly made Him sorrowful.

In chapter twenty-four, Jesus leaves the Temple and they go to the Mount of Olives – one of Jesus’ favourite spots. He starts to teach them about coming and future troubles. So that when they happen they won’t despair. So that they and future generations of believers will see the signs and realize that God was aware of it and has a plan for it. Jesus spoke to them of HOPE. They may not know WHEN, but they know God WILL move and WILL triumph and WILL succeed in His plans. He encouraged them to be faithful throughout troubles and persecutions. Whether it was world events or the world trying to stomp out the Light of the church. Faithfulness would be rewarded. Jesus was letting them know He was not promising them military victories and that He was not promising them a smooth life. He WAS promising them overcoming through reliance on and trust in God in ALL things. He was instructing them in the knowledge that God KNOWS what is coming and HAS a plan. Jesus was teaching them eager expectation in all circumstances and situations. They are GOOD lessons for ALL of us.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Disciples, Pharisees, Jews

Key Verse(s): Matthew 23:16-24; 24:3-14