If I were to name the Tuesday before Jesus was crucified, I would call it "Teaching Tuesday." Jesus taught the majority of Mathew 21-26, Mark 11-13, and Luke 19-21 in this one day. He knew the cross was coming and had to continue His ministry and get His message out with urgency. The religious leaders were closing in on Him and beginning to plot against Him.
Jesus began teaching in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news. The chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders approached Jesus and asked who gave Him His authority. He responded with a question:
"I will also ask you a question, Tell me: John's baptism-was it from heaven or human origin?" Luke 20:3
The religious leaders discussed the answer and thought if they had said from heaven, Jesus would ask why don't you believe me. If they say from human origin the people would stone them, because they were persuaded that John was a prophet. So they answer Jesus with "We don't know where it was from." Luke 20:7. Jesus then replies "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." Luke 20:8.
He goes on teaching more parables, and the religious leaders question Him again, this time about paying taxes. This was the second attempt to trap Him.
The religious leaders press on and question Jesus a third time, this time about being resurrected. Again the crowds were amazed with His answers. They press on with a fourth question about which is the greatest commandment.
Jesus flips the script and asks the Pharisees a question.
Jesus goes on to condemn the religious leaders. "So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." Mathew 23:3. He tells the people listening to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. For a detailed account read Mathew 23: 1-36.
Jesus then grieves over Jerusalem again and heads out of the city to the Mount of Olives. He speaks to His disciples and gives a detailed account of what is to come in the future and His return in the end times. He warns the disciples to watch for anyone who tries to deceive them. "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Mathew 24: 10-13.
These words were not only for the disciples. They still hold true today. The only way to be prepared and know Jesus and His truth is to open your Bible. We can easily be wavered or unknowingly misled. Make sure what you are taught and what your beliefs are can always be backed up by scripture. Relying on God's Word itself is always better than relying on what someone says God's Word has to say. To dig a little deeper read Mathew 24 and 25.
As you can see, Jesus was serious about getting His true message out in His final days before being crucified. He wastes no time or words and still gets His message out with grace in only the way He can. As I read the words He spoke, I can feel the urgency in His message. Do you feel the urgency of His words? Read for yourself and you just may.
Comments