Tag Archives: discipleship

Jesus Tells One More Parable

Posted on November 25, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 25:31-46 Today we reach the final passage in the Oliver Discourse, the parable of the sheep and goats. In this parable, Jesus is painting for us a picture of His return, and the assembling of all people for judgment. … Continue reading →

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Bags of Gold

Posted on November 24, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 25:14-30 Before we get started, let’s remember our context, Jesus is still giving His answer to this question: “what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (24:3). Also, please don’t forget this … Continue reading →

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Parable of the Virgins

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 25:1-13 In this text, there are several elements to consider: There is a bridegroom, there are virgins, lamps, light, darkness and oil. Finally, there is a wedding feast. When the bridegroom finally comes for His bride, only half of … Continue reading →

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The Day and the Hour

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 24:36-50 Once the transition (24:29-34) is completed, Jesus answers the second question the disciples asked Him, about the sign and time of His coming (24:3). The short answer is: He will come when He comes, and everyone will be … Continue reading →

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Judgment!

Posted on November 19, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 23:13-39 After the preamble of 23:1-12 that we discussed in the last post, Jesus continued into this passage, often referred to as “The Seven Woes”. In these verses, we reach the very climax of the confrontation that began when … Continue reading →

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Jesus Goes on the Offensive

Posted on November 18, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 23:1-12 In these verses, Jesus goes on the offensive against His foe, and it is important to recognize that His foe is actually Satan, and not the Jewish religious leaders who have been deceived into playing the role as … Continue reading →

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Perspective on Matthew’s Continuing Narrative

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew’s Gospel is one long narrative, with five themes that make up the five main sections of the book. Yet, even though there are shifts in theme, it is still one long narrative. Actually, if it helps you, we can … Continue reading →

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Jesus Seizes the Initiative

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Don Merritt

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? … Continue reading →

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The Third Wave is Beaten Back

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Don Merritt

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and … Continue reading →

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The Second Wave

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 22:23-33 The stage has been set for the second wave of the Jewish leaders’ plot to unfold. The second assault team, this time made up of a group of Sadducees, makes their advance on Jesus. The Sadducees were a … Continue reading →

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