Lent: Week 6 - Matthew 25 + 26
In chapter 25 Jesus tells three parables to explain how His followers are to live until his second coming. They each allude to Jesus’ return and give us insight into what he expects us to do to be ready for His return. In the parable of the “Ten Virgins” Jesus is the Bridegroom, in the parable of the “Talents” he is the Master, and in the parable of the “Sheep and Goats” he is the Son of Man come to judge the nations. These parables remind us that what we do with our lives is vitally important.
The parable about the 10 virgins gives us some insight about being spiritually ready for His return. When I was a Girl Scout I learned the motto, “Be prepared.” As an adult I try to live by that and think ahead for what I need in any given circumstance. In the parable, what separated the wise (prepared) from the foolish (unprepared) was the fact that the wise maidens had lamps that were prepared with enough oil to last until the bridegroom came for them. None of them knew exactly when that would be, just as we do not know when Jesus will come again.
Being ready means preparing for whatever contingency arises in our lives and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus at all times while we eagerly await His coming. It means we engage in things that will encourage and strengthen our faith and our walk with Jesus. This also makes me aware of the importance of encouraging others to have saving faith in Jesus while there is still time. For when the time comes for Him to return, we must each rely on our own “oil” reserves.
In the parable of the talents I see that we are called to live our lives in such a way that we use the gifts we each have received from God wisely. Note that the servants were given different sums of money to use according to the ability given them. What made them “good and faithful servants” or “wicked, lazy servants” was not the amount they started with but how fully they used what they had been given. We don’t all have the same gifts or talents or resources, but what we do have is meant to be used to encourage one another and build up the kingdom. I think we have a tendency to look at those around us and wish we had their gifts or talents. Instead of comparing ourselves with others we should concentrate on knowing what our gifts are and using them as fully as we can so when Jesus returns He will be pleased.In the parable of the sheep and goats I see that we are to view others through Jesus’ eyes. The compassion and caring we show to others shows how much we really do love Jesus.
These teachings were vitally important because Jesus knew what was coming. He knew His time to depart from this earth was at hand. As we move into chapter 26 we read about the Passover supper where Judas was revealed as the one who would betray Him. We read about how Jesus agonized in the Garden of Gethsemene as He knew His death on the cross was impending, and the disciples could not even stay awake with Him. He was arrested and all His disciples deserted Him and ran away. Even Peter denied knowing Him.
As you read these chapters this week think how you might have reacted if you had been one of the disciples.
WEEKLY CHECK-IN
How is my fast going?
Do I need to start over and receive grace?
How will I practice generosity this week? Choose one practical way.
What is my area of focus for prayer this week?
Daily Readings
◻ MONDAY : Matthew 25:1-30
◻ TUESDAY : Matthew 25:31-46
◻ WEDNESDAY : Matthew 26:1-16
◻ THURSDAY : Matthew 26:17-35
◻ FRIDAY : Matthew 26:36-46
◻ SATURDAY : Matthew 26:47-68
◻ SUNDAY : Matthew 26:69-75
Daily Practice
Rest
Sit for one minute in silence & stillness before God. Offer a simple prayer of presence such as, "Here I am, Lord."
Read
Read the daily passage.
Reflect
Re-read the passage and reflect on what stands out to you. What do you notice? What questions or emotions does it bring up?
Respond
Bring what you noticed in the reading or in your reflecting to the Lord. Ask him to continue to illuminate what you've read throughout your day. End with a minute of resting in his presence in silence & stillness.