Chronological Gospels: Matthew 20-21

In Matthew 20 and 21 we begin to see a vital transition in the gospel story. Jesus’ whole life on earth was a humble sacrifice but this is where He starts to really reveal Himself in preparation for the crucifixion. We see the events that many now celebrate as Palm Sunday, prophecies fulfilled, and Him having some deeper kinds of conversations with the disciples as well as the crowds and the Pharisees.

A couple of main themes strike me as I read through these chapters with the foresight of what is coming up very soon. As Jesus prepares for His brutal death, He is teaching about humility, generosity, service, faith, and prayer. All over these two chapters, these are the main points that jump out at me which serve as a needed reminder of what it means to be part of His Kingdom.

What are the main themes in these chapters that jump out at you? What does this teach you about Jesus and your own relationship with Him?

Those who choose to follow Jesus are called to be humble servants, to work hard for the Kingdom, and use what God has given to do the work He has called us each to do for Him with His resources. We are all called to go out and be workers of His harvest, and expected to bear fruit from the blessings He has given us to work with. Jesus teaches that those who belong to the Kingdom will produce fruit for the Kingdom.

What are you doing with the harvest God has sent you into?

Matthew 21:12-17 is a part of the story often referenced as an example of Jesus’s righteous anger. As I read through this part of the story in the full context of what is happening, I can’t help but notice that Jesus took the time shortly before He was arrested to not only cleanse the temple but also invited the “blind and lame” and even the children into the temple. The temple had been defiled by wealth and greed, and not only did He show His disgust at this, but He made a point to invite those that the religious leaders treated as unworthy to come and be with Him in the temple.

Jesus invited the lowly, those whom the culture deemed unwanted, and called those very people to Himself. He put HIs heart and purpose on display at this moment. Not only did He show His righteous anger at the corruption of the temple, but He showed us all what He really wanted the temple of God to be – a place for the lowly to come and seek God. At this moment, Jesus teaches us the importance of prayer, humility, and holiness over worldliness, wealth, and position.

What does this passage teach you about God?

What does this passage teach you about worship and prayer?

What does this passage teach you about your relationship with the Lord?