MATTHEW: The King in Jerusalem

Over the next two days, we explore the third of the parables concerning being prepared for Jesus’ return. Readiness for Jesus' return here means faithfulness in doing the work he has called us to do. Jesus emphasises the importance of being good stewards of the gifts, talents, and responsibilities that we have been given.

A wealthy master shares his wealth amongst three servants, one receives five talents, the second receives two talents, and the third receives one talent. While the master is away, the first two servants are dedicated and industrious, and double what they started with. When the master returns, he is happy with both of these servants and rewards them with the words, “I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness” (v.21).

It is important to note that the master was fair: the second servant was not expected to make as much money as the first because he started with a smaller amount. It seems likely that the master knew which servants had the greatest ability and would work the hardest. The master expected the servants to show at least some industry and work to the best of their ability.

As Christians, we are each given gifts and talents, be they natural abilities, spiritual gifts, financial resources, or positions of influence. God expects us to use these to the very best of our ability to build up the people of God and to influence the communities in which we live so that God’s Kingdom can advance and grow. DR

Questions

What “talents” has God given you? How do you use these gifts to build up the church and make a difference in the world? How can you encourage others to be faithful in the exercise of their talents?

Prayer

Generous God, we thank you for the gifts and talents you have given each one of us and the opportunities you give us to use them on our various frontlines. Help us to follow the example of the first two servants - help us to be diligent and faithful workers for your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Today, we reach the conclusion of the parable of the ten bridesmaids. We see the blessings for those who were prepared and the consequences for those who were not.

While five of the bridesmaids were hurriedly acquiring more oil for their torches, the bridegroom finally arrived and the five prepared bridesmaids went in to the wedding feast with the groom, and the door was shut. When the others arrived back with their torches lit, the groom refused to let them in, saying, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” (v.12)

The foolish bridesmaids were not excluded simply because the door was locked, nor because the host did not actually recognise them, but because they had insulted the bride and groom as well as their relatives. To participate in a wedding in this role was a great honour, so to spoil the wedding for their friends by failing to do their part was a great insult to everyone else at the wedding.

Wedding feasts were synonymous with joy. Jesus used the language of wedding feasts to represent what eternal life with him would be like. Those who are prepared for his coming will enjoy the blessings of the eternal wedding feast, while those who are not ready will be shut out. This is an important reason to share the Gospel with those on our frontlines, be they family, friends or work colleagues, so they, too, can be prepared for the groom. DR

Questions

Do you think the five unprepared bridesmaids should have been excluded from the wedding feast? What habits help you to stay ready for Jesus’ return? How can you help others on your frontline to be prepared for Jesus’ return?

Prayer

Dear Lord, we thank you for the promise of the eternal wedding feast. Help us to be ready so that we can enter in with Jesus. Help us to rely on all Jesus has done and not try to earn our way in. Help us to be watchful and ready while we help others to be ready as well. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Since the time of Jesus’ coming is unknown, we must watch and be ready. This parable concerning the ten bridesmaids again focusses on being ready for the Son of Man. Ten bridesmaids are waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. The bridegroom is delayed, and the bridesmaids fall asleep. Suddenly, the impending arrival of the groom is announced. The bridesmaids awake, five being prepared with extra oil whilst the other five have run out of oil. This portion of the parable ends with the wise bridesmaids refusing to share their oil with the foolish ones.

Wedding processions usually took place at night and, therefore, required light. In traditional weddings of the time, messengers may have repeatedly announced the bridegroom’s coming, yet it could be delayed for hours while the bride’s relatives haggled over the value of the presents given to them. The failure of the five bridesmaids was not falling asleep, since all ten bridesmaids fell asleep. The issue is that some were not watchful enough to have sufficient oil - it was foreseeable that the bridegroom could be delayed. Five bridesmaids were prepared, the other five were not. It may seem unfair that the five prepared bridesmaids would not share their oil with the unprepared bridesmaids. If they had, each bridesmaid would not have had enough oil for their torches and the procession would have been ruined.

Disciples of Jesus should not lose heart if Jesus does not return as quickly as we expect or want him to. All of the bridesmaids would have been ready for the groom had he arrived when they expected. It is important for us to be patient, hopeful, and prepared so that we will be ready when Jesus returns. DR

Questions

Does it seem unfair that the wise bridesmaids would not share their oil with the foolish ones? Instead of having sufficient oil, how can you be ready for Christ’s return?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank-you that Jesus promised to return and restore all creation. Help us to wait patiently for his return and persevere in our faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

After Jesus encourages the disciples to “keep watch”, to be prepared, he illustrates what that means with three parables. We stay alert by living in a such a way that we would have no cause for shame if Jesus did come at any time, since he may in fact do so.

The first parable concerns a servant who is given responsibility for the care of the household’s servants, to “give them their food at the proper time” (v.45). The servant who is found to be doing the right thing when the master returns will be blessed. If the head servant mistreats the others and looks after their own pleasure by eating and drinking to excess, the master will punish that servant severely when he returns. Whilst directed at Israel, this parable also applies particularly to any Christian in leadership. It is clearly addressed to the disciples and to those who will follow in their steps in the ministry of feeding and shepherding the church of Jesus Christ, be they pastors, evangelists, small group leaders or Sunday school teachers. Jesus has been critical of the leadership and ministry of the Jewish religious leaders, but equally high standards will apply also to the Christian Church.

All Christian leaders, whether that ministry is performed in the church, at home, or in the community, need to remember their true role as servants of the Gospel. The blessings attached to the faithful exercise of this ministry cannot be overstated. The health and welfare of the household, the church, is their responsibility and depends upon their faithful ministry. Of the ones to whom much is given, much is required. DR

Questions

Why is it so important for leaders and ministers of all types to be held to a higher standard of accountability? How do we continue to be servants of the Gospel when no-one is watching?

Prayer

Gracious Lord, we thank for the ministries that you call us to in your household, the church. Help us to serve you and the gospel as good and faithful servants. Help us to share the Gospel, to use our gifts and to persevere until your return. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

I remember clearly the weekend that our neighbours went away for the weekend and left their teenage children in charge of the family home. In predictable form, the (adult) kids had a massive party on the first night, obviously thinking that they had plenty of time to clean up prior to their parents arriving. That wasn’t the case, and when the parents arrived home early (on a day and an hour that no one was expecting), the whole street heard the result! Similarly, in verses 43-44, Jesus’ message is clear: if you knew your house was going to be burgled then you wouldn’t have been caught by surprise, therefore, not knowing when Jesus will return should mean that we’re all the more ready!

And the key way in which we are to prepare for Jesus’ return is to keep watch. That in the knowledge that Jesus: (a) is returning, (b) to judge the world, and (c) at an hour that no one knows, then we should be anticipating that he could return at any moment! Perhaps even before you’ve finished today’s reflection!

Does that mean that we should camp on our rooftops with telescopes pointed up into the sky? Uhh, no. But that in the knowledge of Jesus’ return, we should be living as our Master expects (as per 45-51). That the way in which Jesus desires us to be living as disciples expecting his imminent return, is as faithful (trusting in him), obedient (following his will for our lives), and wise (reflecting his priorities). What does that mean? That the greater conviction that we have of Jesus’ return, the more we’ll be motivated to live now, in a way that would please him when he arrives. That when the Lord arrives, that he wouldn’t find us living in a mess of disobedience, but seeking to please him in his absence. AL

Questions

How can not knowing when Jesus will return make us complacent? What do you think it looks like to live in a way that pleases the Lord? How can you have an even greater clarity of the certainty of Jesus’ return?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, please help us to not be complacent as we await your return, but that we would instead keep watch and live lives that will please you. May the certainty of your return shape the character of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Whilst I’m not much of a gardener or horticultural expert, I always knew living in Brisbane that when we saw the Jacarandas flower, then it must mean that exam time is near! The sea of purple was a reminder that a certain time of year had arrived! Throughout this chapter, Jesus has just finished describing a range of conditions that will indicate that his return is imminent. This conditions included: the destruction of the Temple; wars and unrest; false teachers and prophets; and persecution for those who follow him. Jesus says, that just as the fig tree’s leaves coming out remind us that it’s summer (or the purple of the Jacarandas remind us it’s exam time), that these signs should remind us that he will be returning soon. So what is the point? That the time of his return is near. How near? I have no idea! But his return draws closer everyday. That as we witness these things, and as Christians have witnessed these things for the last 2000 years, we should be hastened that Jesus’ return is just around the corner. That the time is coming in which everything - except Jesus’ words - will pass away!

But note that this does not mean that we should madly try to identify all of the ‘signs’ in order that we can predict the precise time when Jesus will return. Plenty of people try to do that, even though we’re told right here (verse 36) that only our Father in Heaven knows when. It’s a good warning that if anyone tries to predict the time of Jesus’ return then we should be very wary of them. After all, if neither the angels nor the Son know the time, what would make anyone else think that they would have a special knowledge?! No, that’s not the point. The point is that when Jesus returns, no one will be expecting it. How then should we prepare for it? Stay tuned for tomorrow. AL

Questions

What are the signs that Jesus is returning soon? Recognising that all of those signs have been evident for sometime, what does that mean for us today? Have you ever come across someone who tries to predict the precise date or Jesus’ return? Why is this completely in error?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you that with every day, that Jesus’ return is drawing closer. Please help us not to listen to false prophets, but to instead let the signs warned by Jesus to help shape our daily priorities. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Whilst occasionally throughout the Bible we read of people who were brought back to life (be it by the prophets, Jesus, or the apostles), we’re reminded here that Jesus was unique in that he was the first to rise and not die again. That’s what is meant by Jesus being described here as the “firstborn of the dead”. But note that it does not simply mean that he was the first who would be raised and not die again, but that for all who trust in him, Jesus’ resurrection is also our future! That, Jesus’ resurrection is the ‘firstfruits’ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20) of a mighty harvest for all who put their trust in him. That means that the more confident that we are of Jesus’ resurrection, the more confident we can be of our own because the two are inextricably linked! What amazing news! That as we put our trust in Jesus, that our future does not get bound up in death, but bound up in Jesus’ victory over death meaning that we can live forever with him, as King. That of course is the image (linked to Daniel) that is referred to in verses 7-8. That Jesus is the mighty King who will come to judge the world, set things right, and save those who have put their trust in him.

Sometimes when chatting with people about the great promise we can live forever, they can remark that the prospect of eternal life sounds horrible. After all, who would want to live forever in a world as we know it now full of pain, suffering, and evil? But that’s not the future that is promised and that’s not the future that Jesus will bring. For when Christ arrives, it will signal not only the death of death itself, but also the death of all that is evil. It is a future that is characterised by God’s good and perfect rule in relationship with his people. AL

Questions

How confident are you that Jesus was raised from the dead? How is our resurrection fundamentally linked to Jesus’ resurrection? 3. What could you do to grow in confidence that Jesus was raised?

Prayer

Gracious Father, how we thank you that our confidence of resurrection is based on the certainty that Jesus was raised from the dead. Please help us to grow in confidence that it might especially spur us on to share this Good News with the world, starting with our frontlines. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you’ve ever thought that confusion about the return of Jesus is just a modern problem, then it’s time to think again! In fact, whilst it’s clear that the very first Christians expected that Jesus would return, it’s also evident that there were a range of ideas about when that event might take place. Case in point: the church in Thessalonica to whom Paul (with Silas and Timothy) wrote approximately two decades after the ascension of Jesus. Throughout the letter, Paul’s primary concern is that the Thessalonians would grow in the maturity of their faith and that their misunderstanding - that Jesus would return immediately - would be corrected. This wasn’t just an issue of theology, but also a pastoral issue for people who had lost loved ones before Christ had returned. Expecting that Jesus’ arrival was imminent, you can imagine their confusion and fear. But Paul says, don’t fear, that just as Jesus died and rose again, so too will those who have died in Christ be raised again when Jesus returns.

Note that this doesn’t mean that Christians do not grieve, but simply that we do not grieve like ones “who have no hope”. Why? Because we are confident that for all who trust in Jesus, death is not the end! There’s a reason why this passage is so common at Christian funerals today - it’s such extraordinarily comforting news! That as we await the return of Jesus, even in the face of the death of our brothers and sisters in Christ, that our grief (note, we should still grieve!) is wonderfully shaped by the anticipated future reality for which we are confident. That when that trumpet sounds, God will indeed turn tragedy into triumph and death into life, for all who trust in him. AL

Questions

Why do you think people were so confused about the timing of Jesus’ return? Are people today ever confused about the timing of Jesus’ return? How is our grief shaped by our confidence that Jesus will return?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you that just as Jesus died and rose again, that we can be confident that all who die in Christ, will too be raised! Please help us to share the Good News with those who we love, that they too may share in the confidence in which we rejoice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Following from our consideration yesterday of how people have approached these verses in the past, we can now turn our minds to the actual content of the passage! And that’s good, because it’s a phenomenally dramatic picture.

Every now and then I will hear a Christian express concern that they will somehow miss the return of Jesus - that they’ll be too busy or distracted, in the wrong place at the wrong time, or just somehow unable to recognise that Jesus has returned. Well, as we see here in verses 29-31, the good news is that no one will be able to miss it! Jesus’ return will be spectacular.

Note that Jesus’ return won’t just be accompanied by lightning (as we read in verse 27) as is sometimes the case in appearances by God elsewhere in the Bible (e.g., Exodus 19:16; Ezekiel 1:13; Daniel 10:5-6), but we’re told here that there will be a comprehensive darkening that will block out the sun, mourning across the entire earth, and angels with loud trumpet calls. And whilst we’re not sure what is meant by “the sign of the Son of Man”, the point is clear: that the return of Jesus will be unmistakable, unable to be ignored, and all everyone will recognise just who he is. The rich and the poor, good and bad, young and old, powerful and disadvantaged, will all see Jesus clearly.

The result? Not only will great mourning fall (a sign of imminent judgment), but God will gather his elect from all the earth. That is, we can have great confidence that no matter how daunting that this may seem, that those who have called upon the name of the Lord, will be saved. AL

Questions

Have you ever worried that you might miss (or have missed!) Jesus’ return? What are the signs that will indicate that Jesus has returned? How does this have the potential to change how you live today?

Prayer

Saving God, thank you that no one will be able to miss the return of Jesus! Please help us to look forward to this future with a great confidence, not based on ourselves, but on the saving work of Christ. Please help us to live with a great clarity of his return, in order it might shape our priorities of today. Amen.

As people over the centuries have tried to understand these verses, there have been a number of views as to whether or not they speak of the decades surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection or the future ‘end of the age’. In support of the time after Jesus’ death and resurrection (especially that relating to the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD), people have especially appealed to the reference in verse 29 of “immediately after the distress of those days,” and in verse 33, “this generation will certainly not passage away until all these things have happened”. However, this doesn’t easily reconcile to other language that is clearly reference to the second coming of Jesus when he will return to judge the earth. So what are we to make of this? How best can we understand the point in time that Jesus is referring to here?

First, it’s important to acknowledge up front that throughout this section there’s no ‘tidy’ divide between Jesus speaking of both of these two points in history. It seems that Jesus not only warns of the dreadful time of judgment that will fall on Jerusalem, but that this event is also in some way a lens through which we can understand the time when he will return. Second, it’s overwhelmingly evident (particularly by the parables that follow) that Jesus’ primary concern is that the knowledge of his return would significantly shape the choices that we make today. Jesus warns us of the certainty of his return (more on that tomorrow as we re-look at these verses) in order that we would hold fast to him and thus be found appropriately waiting. Whilst the descriptors of this cataclysmic time can make us feel dread, these verses can actually fill us with great confidence that Jesus will indeed save his elect who have put their trust in him. AL

Questions

How does the knowledge of Jesus’ return shape how you live today? What parts of these verses reassure you that you won’t miss Jesus’ return? 3. Who are God’s elect? What can give us confidence that Jesus will gather us?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you that we can look forward to Jesus’ return with great confidence, not because of our goodness, but because of your mercy! Please help us to stand firm in Christ, that the knowledge of his return would shape the life choices and priorities that we make today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.