Day 35: Watchfulness & Preparation
Passage: Matthew 22:15-46; 23:1-39
Link to Lent 2016 Vimeo Channel

Transcription of the video above:

As Jesus drew closer to his crucifixion, the evil forces intensified their attacks on Him. More specifically, the Jewish religious leaders mounted several efforts to trick and discredit Jesus in Matthew 22:15-46. First, the Pharisees tested Jesus on whether one should or should not pay taxes to government authorities. Second, the Sadducees asked Jesus a question about the resurrection and whether a marriage will last in heaven after death. Third, a lawyer challenged Jesus on the question of the Law. Finally, Jesus refuted their arguments by asking them about the true identity of Christ as the Son of God, of which the Pharisees could not answer. Then Jesus forcibly condemned the Pharisees and Scribes in Matthew 23:1-39 for their hypocrisy and self-centered motivations and false piety, and how they create roadblocks for people to experience a personal relationship with God.

In short, this passage gives us two types of warnings. First, Jesus warned people about false religiosity and hypocrisy. Jesus had no patience for those who are hypocrites and choose to commit evil deeds against people who need to know God the most. Second, it was a warning to all people to be watchful and prepared for the coming of the Lord, lest they be called unprepared before the awesome judgment seat of Christ. Are you prepared this week not just to meditate on Christ’s suffering and death for us, but also for Christ’s second coming in the future? If so, don’t do it as hypocrites but rather as worshipers of God, and seek to help people you encounter this week to know God in a personal and meaningful way by sharing the Gospel message with them.