Today’s reading comes from Matthew 25-27 follow the link provided here to read the ESV online.
“What you do with what you have, matters in the kingdom of God.” There was a portion of the wedding party that missed the festivities because they were not well prepared and had foolishly counted on the wedding starting earlier (25:3). The foolish servant didn’t invest his talent and therefore had nothing to show for it (25:25). Those who ministered to the least of these ‘Breatheren’ were rewarded (25:34). (I put Breathren in scare quotes because a lot of people read over this passage and think that this is a general niceness to strangers and while that is a good and even godly thing to do, what is referenced here is hospitality to brothers and sisters in Christ). As believers we are more obligated to minister to those closest to us such as family, church members, etc. We can also be generous to meet needs of those we are not obligated to help. For more on this see my blogging series on the Gospel and the Poor.
Today’s reading progresses from Jesus sharing parables about the coming of the kingdom to chapters 26 and 27 which detail the events of his betrayal, crucifixion and death. I don’t know what was going on in Judas’ head when he decided to betray Jesus. I’ve heard a few different ideas suggested, but I think they are at best guesses. I do know this though, Judas did find himself very remorseful after the fact (27:3-4). Yet for all his remorse he didn’t find repentance. Its very sad really. Part of me really wants Judas to find redemption the way we know that Peter does.
Here is how I am praying through this passage today:
FATHER, I pray that we would be faithful to honor you with what we are given and that we would consider the weighty matter of Christ’s return with all seriousness. I pray for those who don’t know Christ as Lord and Savior and pray that today would be a day of salvation. I pray that you would use my conversations with friends and strangers to point them to you. I thank you for the calling to lead your people. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.
What did you take away from today’s reading? What are your thoughts or questions? Feel free to comment below and enter the discussion.
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