Matthew ends his story with what may be the most fundamental promise of the covenant that God makes with his people: “I will be with you.” It obviously made an impression on Matthew, because he uses this promise as bookends to his gospel. In chapter 1, an angel had said that the baby was to be named Jesus but that “they will call him Immanuel” – God with us.  Now in the last line of the book, we find out who the angel was talking about when he said “they.” He was talking about his disciples; he was talking about us. Here Matthew explain it in his own words.

Almost all scholars believe in the empty tomb of Jesus of Nazareth; they just disagree on the cause.  This week we look at one of the earliest objections to the resurrection as the chief priests and Pharisees blame the disciples for stealing Jesus’ body.  As we explore the text, we will explore the use of apologetics and encounter a number of barriers to honestly considering the truth of resurrection.  At the end of the day, the question of the resurrection is one of the most important we will explore, because if it is true, then our whole view of the world must change.

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In seasons of uncertainty it’s easy to put our trust in things that will not lead us to life.  Passages like this one are important for reminding us of the glory of Jesus as he actually is, so that we can know who it is we follow and put our trust in him all over again.

In seasons of uncertainty it’s easy to put our trust in things that will not lead us to life.  Passages like this one are important for reminding us of the glory of Jesus as he actually is, so that we can know who it is we follow and put our trust in him all over again.

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It’s been said that communion is a symbol of unity that has divided Christians for over two thousand years. Over the years, there have been many interpretations of the significance of this central symbol of our faith. We can get so bogged down in the debate that it becomes almost impossible to separate it from the story of the Last Supper as it really comes to us in the Gospel of Matthew. This week we approach the intimacy of that final Passover shared between the master and his disciples, and we come together around the ultimate significance of the bread and the cup, the significance agreed upon by all Christians: that Christ died for us.

Judas is one of the most iconic figures in the Christian Scriptures.  He has been interpreted in numerous ways in film and literature, sometimes as a villain, sometimes as a tragic hero.  Even those who have never stepped foot in a church building know to call a traitor by Judas’ name.  But who is he really, and why does it matter for us?  This Sunday we continue the road to the Cross, and we see that Judas is a man who desires the Kingdom, but is repulsed by the way the Kingdom comes: through the shouldering of a cross.

Jesus wraps up the final discourse in the book of Matthew with the image of Christ on the throne of God, bringing judgement to the nations. It is a passage about the justice of God and the glory of Christ, and yet what we find is Christ identifying with the weakest and neediest among us. The last thing Jesus leaves with his disciples before he gives his life for us in our need is the reminder that following him must always result in concrete acts of love.

Jesus continues his discourse on what it means to live ready for his return, which he explains could come at any time in history.  While we may think of living ready in one way (bunkers, imperishable food storage, piles of ammunition, etc.), Jesus thinks of living ready as obedience to him.  But to live a life of discipleship to Jesus will require wisdom to plan for long term commitment, faithfulness to do what we can with what we have, and even risk as we go forth with the courage the Gospel gives.

Due to unforeseen technical difficulties, the sermon recording during the service is not available. Mike, However, re-recorded the message in a podcast style for listening.