Day 35, 36, & 37: Matthew 24, 25, & 26

As we move through the final week of our fast, it correlates with us reading through the last days of Jesus' life on earth.

In Matthew 24, Jesus reveals some of the signs that will accompany the end of the age and His return.

In Matthew 25, Jesus uses the imagery of parables to teach what will happen at the final judgment.

In Matthew 26, Jesus shares His last meal with the disciples, prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, is arrested, and stands before Caiaphas where He is mocked, spat upon, and beaten.

After having read all of Matthew's account of Jesus' life up to this point, the final days become that much more emotional. Anger, sadness, fear, and more flood our hearts as we read the account of the final days of Jesus' life.

How do these chapters impact you? How is God calling you to live differently? How is He calling you to worship Him differently?

Day 32: Matthew 23

"For they preach, but do not practice."

In today's reading, Jesus gives His most obvious and direct rebuke of the Pharisees and the brand of religion they taught and lived.  He begins by warning His followers not to mimic the lives of the Pharisees because they do not practice what they preach. Then He pronounces seven woes against the Pharisees. To use a term we're fond of in Awaken, Jesus dropped some hammers!

Read Matthew 23 and journal your thoughts.

If we're honest, we're more like the Pharisees than we'd care to admit. How do Jesus' words to them convict and challenge you? What do you need to do today in response to Jesus' words?

Day 29, 30, & 31: Matthew 20, 21, 22

Apologies for technical and admin errors on the blog over the last few days. We're back on track now...hopefully you didn't get too far off track!

In Matthew 20, 21, and 22, the scene begins to change. In Matthew 20, Jesus once again predicts His death and resurrection. In Matthew 21, Jesus enters Jerusalem and cleanses the temple. In Matthew 22, the Pharisees turn up the heat on their plots to arrest Jesus while His parables speak more about the eternal Kingdom. The miracles and healings take a back seat to the teaching and signs of the impending Cross, resurrection, and perfected Kingdom that is to come.

What stands out to you from these three chapters? What verse(s) really speaks to you? What verse(s) requires the biggest adjustment in order for you to live more like Jesus?

Click comment and share what God is teaching you and how your life is changing as a result!

Day 28: Matthew 19

Jesus teaches on two very difficult subjects in today's reading.

Divorce was a huge issue when He spoke these words and it is a huge issue today. The heart behind the teaching...marriage was God's idea, not ours. We take an authority that is not ours to take when we end a marriage for reasons other than the one Jesus spells out here - sexual immorality. People who live in the Kingdom of God know that marriage is a huge decision and do not enter a marriage without much prayer and counsel. People who live in the Kingdom of God believe that "I do" means "I do...forever" and order their marriage and lives accordingly. If we are to have a voice of influence in this matter, then Jesus followers must make better decisions when it comes to entering a marriage relationship and must show greater resolve and commitment when it comes to making a marriage work.

Wealth is the other big issue Jesus deals with in this chapter. Do you know how to be rich? If not, then you better figure it out because you are rich. Chances are pretty high that you make more money than 98% of the rest of the world. And, as you know, often times the more money you have and the more stuff you have, the more complicated life becomes. People who live in the Kingdom of God manage and spend their money differently. They live with less so they can give more. They know that all they have is given by God to be used for His Kingdom.

Read Matthew 19 and journal your thoughts. Feel free to share some of your thoughts and questions here in the comment section.

In the areas of marriage and money, we have tremendous opportunities to set an example of what living in the Kingdom of God looks like.

Day 25: Matthew 18

In today's reading, Jesus teaches us how to be great in the Kingdom of God, how to deal with temptation, who the Father searches for and rejoices over, how to handle conflict in relationships, and what it means to truly forgive.

The answers reveal more of the upside-down, alternate Kingdom that Jesus founded, lived in, and invites us to live in. Read Matthew 18 and journal your thoughts.

How do you need to humble yourself today?

What drastic step do you need to take to deal with temptation?

Which of your non-Christian friends are you going to spend intentional with this week?

Who do you need to pursue reconciliation with?

Who do you need to forgive?

Big, life-changing questions if we answer and respond with honesty and obedience.