As Jesus' earthly ministry starts to come to a close, Matthew gives us a stark contrast between two people who were closest to Jesus. Mary had acted in unrestrained worship, whereas Judas acted in a vile betrayal.

In the famous parable of the talents, Jesus describes a master who entrusted three servants with tremendous responsibility. Two of them show their love for their master through their faithfulness; the last servant shows that he despised his master and never truly knew him at all. We want to be those who are found faithful!

In this Resurrection Sunday message, we rejoice in some of the final words of Jesus from the cross: "It is finished!" Jesus did all the work that was necessary for our salvation, finishing it entirely. The assurance of it all? His resurrection from the dead.

Jesus tells three parables of His 2nd Coming, all with one lesson: watch and be wise. Those who truly understand that the Lord will return will be wise in their relationship with Him in the meantime.

Jesus told His people to watch for the general season of His coming. CHristians need to pay attention to the seasons, because no one knows the hour. Because no one knows, we need to always be ready.

After the days of the Great Tribulation, we have a glorious promise that Jesus will return. Jesus' second coming will be evident - it will be glorious - it is absolutely assured...and no one would want to be caught left unprepared!

What will the period known as the Great Tribulation be like? Jesus describes it in this part of the Olivet Discourse.

Jesus had told the disciples about the desolation of Jerusalem and destruction of the temple, and that understandably left them with many questions. What could they expect in the future & when could they expect it? Jesus answers in the Olivet Discourse, beginning in Matthew 24:1-14.

As Jesus concludes His condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees, He is giving them one final chance to repent. To this point, they (and the Jews throughout history) had rejected God's loving outreach to them. They would not want to miss their last chance.