You may have noticed that the closer we get to Christ’s crucifixion, the more time seems to slow down. This is intentional, as Matthew is highlighting the importance of Christ’s time in Jerusalem before he is executed by the Jews. Today Christ tells his disciples about future things, including the destruction of the temple, which happened only 70 years later, for the old covenant is passing away and the gospel of Christ’s kingdom has come. Jesus tells his followers to expect persecution, false prophets, false messiahs, an increase of wars and an increase in natural disasters. Even so, the gospel will go forth into all the world. Finally, no one knows the day or hour when Christ will return, but that shouldn’t stop us from anticipating that day.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Thus far in Matthew’s gospel, we haven’t heard complaints from the crowds about any of Christ’s teachings or any unrest from his ministry to sick or suffering people, but in today’s episode Jesus begins crossing boundaries which had been laid through the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees. After forgiving the sins of a paralyzed man, the scribes claim that Jesus is blaspheming, but he immediately shows them that he has the power to do even greater things through his authoritative word. Similar encounters follow, but the power and authority that Jesus has over Creation simply cannot be denied.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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twitter.com/CommuterPod

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admin@commuterbible.org

We are still reading through Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount, and in today’s reading, we begin with what might be one of the most abused quotes in Scripture, which is, “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged.” Often people think the first part is the most important part, and they use it to tell others not to judge them. Jesus’ point however is to alert his hearers to hypocritical judgment, calling out the small sins of others while you are dealing with massive sin yourself. What’s more, in this same chapter, Jesus tells his hearers to be on guard against false prophets, which would most assuredly require discernment and judgment. The Sermon on the Mount concludes at the end of today’s reading.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

facebook.com/commuterbible

instagram.com/commuter_bible

twitter.com/CommuterPod

patreon.com/commuterbible

admin@commuterbible.org