From the Temple to the Tomb: Jesus’ Final Teachings Before Easter
It may seem like an odd passage to consider during Passion week, but it is a conversation that Jesus had with his disciples likely on the Tuesday before his death. Matthew 24 is packed with information about the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, as well as information concerning when Jesus would return after his ascension.
We all have trouble processing information when we are in the middle of stressful times or dealing with grief and uncertainty. So, it is understandable that the disciples had a hard time understanding what Jesus was saying to them. In chapters 16, 17, and 20, Jesus had shared with the disciples that he would soon die, be buried, and rise on the third day. Even though the disciples knew this, it was still hard to comprehend. And it would get even harder to understand when the events of Thursday and Friday began.
I want to stress that Jesus was very clear that he would rise on the third day. We will all celebrate that he did rise from the dead in just a few days. We know that Jesus kept his word and overcame death and the grave on Easter! He predicted it would happen, and it did happen—just the way he said it would.
As believers, we are clear and confident in the events of the Resurrection because we have evidence. All the gospel writers recorded the Resurrection, and as Paul would explain in 1 Corinthians 15, Jesus appeared to over 500 eyewitnesses!
In Matthew 24:36, Jesus gave us critical information regarding his coming return: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” I bring this up because over the centuries since the ascension of Jesus, there have been untold numbers of books written about end times and when Jesus will return. There are some Christians who even declare you have to agree with them on what will happen before Jesus returns. And these same groups seem to think they have all the details figured out. Maybe they do.
But one thing I am as certain of as the Resurrection itself is that Jesus said that no one knows, not even the angels in heaven. It is interesting to study and ponder how and when Jesus will return. And I am not alone in hoping that it is soon because there is so much that is broken and needing the renewal and restoration that Jesus will bring when he returns.
As we move toward Good Friday and then to Easter, I pray that we will have a deeper understanding of God’s great love for us that he expressed through the sacrifice of his Son and our Savior, Jesus. As we celebrate the Resurrection that reminds us that one day we too will rise from the dead, may we never forget what Jesus told us when he left this earth:
“Go and make disciples.” Or in other words, share his good news. Sometimes the best thing we can do as believers is close our Bibles and go tell someone about Jesus and what he has done in our lives. Jesus doesn’t expect us to figure out when he is coming back. He is expecting us to love one another and to make disciples until that day he arrives in glory!
Father, thank you for telling us that you are coming back! We long for your return! Today fill us with your Spirit and give us opportunities to share the good news with someone nearby. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:17-19, 24:36-51; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV
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