Scripture

But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another.”

Observation

Jesus leaves the Temple precinct and makes the starting prediction that it will all be completely destroyed.

Later, on the Mount of Olives, they ask Jesus what will be the signs of the end of the age? Jesus tells them that many false Messiahs will arise and there will be wars and famines, but these are just like birth pangs.

They, the disciples, will be arrested and hated. Many false prophets will deceive people, and the love of many will grow cold. The good news about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the Empire and the gentiles will hear it.

The abomination of desolation prphesied about by Daniel will occur. At that time, the people living in Jerusalem must flea to the hills. This time of trouble will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones .

Application

This entire section is not talking about the end times but about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. At that time, the Romans, having been kicked out of Jerusalem in an insurrection retook the city. The Temple was desecrated and then destroyed, and much of the population was killed. It was a terrible ordeal.

When Jesus said these words, the Temple was in the process of being rebuilt. It was completed about 67 AD, and many Jews scoffed at Jesus’ predictions. Far from being destroyed, it was more magnificent than ever. But a few years later, it was totally demolished, never to be built again.

Sometimes, we can become discouraged, but we need to remember that God’s Word never fails and His promises will always be fulfilled.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for the assurance that every word you speak is true, every prophecy will be fulfilled, and every promise will be kept. Amen.

Scripture

“Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy’ and lawlessness.”

Observation

Jesus continues his judgement against the teachers of the law and the Pharisees.

He calls them “whitewashed tombs” that look beautiful on the outside, but inside they are full of corruption and decay. They look righteous on the outside, but their hearts filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.

They build monuments to the prophets of old, whom their ancestors killed. They say, “If we had lived then, we would never have joined in killing the prophets.” Jesus says He will send prophets and wise men, and the same people will kill them by crucifixion and have them flogged in the synagogues.

Jesus laments over Jerusalem, the city that kills God’s messengers. He wanted to gather them together, but they would not let him. Now, desolation is coming.

Application

Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of religious people who try to live from the outside in.

There are many people who act like Christians on Sundays, but the rest of the week are terrible people. Some people are righteous in public, but violent and hateful at home. Some just try to act like they think Christians should.

God wants us to be transformed from the inside out. He doesn’t want a paint job over a festering dung pile.

He gives us the resources that are needed to allow this to happen. When we give our lives and our hearts over to Jesus, then the Holy Spirit starts to work in us. The works of the flesh give way to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians chapter 5).

As we follow Jesus each day, read the Bible, and pray, the corruption in our heart gives way to holiness.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I commit my life into your hands. Take every part of me and make me new. Amen.

Scripture

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law – justice, mercy, and faith .”

Observation

Jesus launches into a series of judgements against the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.

Firstly, Jesus condemns them for shutting the door of the Kingdom in people’s faces. There ffalse teaching and rejection of Jesus as the Messiah means they will be judged by the Father.

Next, they are condemned for travelling to make converts, but because of their false teaching, they lead their converts to hell.

Then Jesus condemns their false teachings about swearing oaths. Some oaths were binding, but others had loop holes to allow one to escape from having to keep the oaths.

Application

Legalism is a stumbling stone for many believers. We can get so wrapped up in making sure that we are faithful to God that we miss the point.

The Pharisees apparently tithed to the last cent. They counted the money that they made from the herb gardens and tithes on that. They wanted to make sure they were on God’s good side.

God loves us whether we tithe or not. Tithing is meant to spur us to a lifestyle of generosity. Why stop at 10%? Why not give 15 or 20%? If we understand the generosity of God’s grace to us, we will give freely and recklessly.

Tithing is not about paying a debt to God. No, it is recognising that Jesus has paid our debts; we don’t have to try to impress God any more and so we can go beyond tithing.

The Pharisees saw God as a righteous God who must be placated. Jesus taught us to see God as a loving Father who gives us more than we deserve.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to appreciate your grace towards me and to show grace to those around me. Amen.

Scripture

“The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Observation

The Pharisees and teachers of the law of Moses are the interpreters of the law so the crowds should listen to what they say. They should not be imitated, though,as they are hypocrites and do not follow their own teaching.

These people put religious burdens on people. They show off their virtues in the way they dress, and they claim the places of honour at banquets .

We are not to bestow high titles such as Rabbi, Teacher, or Father, on one another. We are all equally deserving of honour in God’s Kingdom.

The greatest among us must be a servant to others. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Application

In contrast to the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, we are meant to be humble in all things. We shouldn’t seek titles and ministries. These will find us.

The path to promotion is through humility and service. This is true of the church, but it is also true of the world. The popular political leaders are those who serve the people rather than themselves. We feel instinctively that these people understand us better and are therefore more qualified to lead us.

In the church, it is the pastors who are prepared to do manual tasks who our loved by their people. Those who think themselves too good to sweep the floor will be of no use to the church.

When people promote themselves and their gifts ahead of everybody else, we are wise to ignore them. Such people can be arrogant or insecure. The way to promotion for both types of people is to serve first, and then allow their gift to flourish in the context of serving the community.

If you are feeling overlooked in the church, you should seek to serve in whatever way you can. God sees you. God has placed you where you are.Take the nature of a servant and let God raise you up in His way .

Prayer

Please help me Father to always be humble and to trust in your love for me. Amen.