Tag Archives: hope

Arrested!

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 26:47-56 As Jesus was saying the words of 26:46, the party sent to arrest Him is entering the scene with Judas in the lead. In the events that follow, there are a few actions that have an almost comical … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Bonus Post: The Passion Narrative

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 26:1-28:20 This final section of Matthew’s account of Jesus is quite interesting for several reasons and is deserving of a little extra background information. To begin, it is comprised of three parts, the first of which runs from 26:1-56 … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

In the Garden

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 26:36-46 Matthew shifts the scene to the Garden of Gethsemane (which means “oil press”). This is another scene that is no doubt a familiar one for most all of us, a scene that has an odd feel to it, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Last Supper

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 26:17-30 This passage opens with Jesus giving instructions to the disciples about the arrangements for the Passover meal that remind us of His instructions to them in 21:1-3 about the arrangements for His entry into Jerusalem. After everything had … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Pace Picks Up

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Don Merritt

Matthew 26:1-16 We have now begun the final section of Matthew’s Gospel. I don’t want to interrupt the narrative of Matthew’s story, so I will compile a Bonus Post with the background on this section, which is quite interesting. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

God Knows

Posted on November 26, 2017 by Don Merritt

I don’t know how many people there are in the world these days, but the number is in the billions.  They all have their stories, their hopes, dreams, fears and joys; who can know them all? God does! It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

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 →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Don Merritt

This is something that I wrote some years ago, but it still applies today… Father, I thank you for all of the ways in which you have blessed me and my family.  Our blessings are so great that it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

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 →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments