August 31, 2024 - Matthew 24-26

In chapter 23, Jesus had looked out over Jerusalem and wept.  He had just encountered the mocking and deceptive Herodians, Sadducees, and Pharisees.  He knows how he will soon be rejected by almost everyone.  How he would have gathered the people of Jerusalem together “as a hen gathers her brood under her wings” (23:37), but she would not come to him.  And, so, he weeps.  The broken heart of a loving shepherd!

But Jesus continues teaching, both for the sakes of his disciples and for us.  He teaches about the coming of the Son of Man, he tells the parable of the ten virgins, and the parable of the talents, and he teaches about the final judgment.  Of course, this series of teachings is preparing his disciples for what is about to transpire, that is, his death and resurrection, but also for what will one day be.  Primarily, Jesus is telling his disciples, and us, “Watch!  Be prepared!”

And, so, Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus (26:16).  But, first, Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples and continued to prepare them for what was to come.  That’s the “rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey would say on his radio program.

Jesus, lover of my soul,

let me to thy bosom fly . . .

hide me, O my Savior, hide,

till the storm of life is past;

safe into the haven guide,

O receive my soul at last!

Other refuge have I none;

hangs my helpless soul on thee . . .

Plenteous grace with thee is found,

grace to cover all my sin . . .

Thou of life the fountain art;

freely let me take of thee;

spring thou up within my heart,

rise to all eternity.   -- Charles Wesley (1740)