Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church     
 
Pastor Tim Janiszewski - "Listening to Jesus: Week Ten"

Links:

 

Messages of Grace

(Past Recorded Sermons) 










 
This Sunday
March 20, 2016




Sermon Title:
"When Foresight is 20/20"




Scripture:
Matthew 25:31-46  
Picture of Pastor Tim
March 17, 2016
 
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
 
We have arrived at Holy Week. This is our final time to continue to listen to Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew. Our goal is to hear from Christ as we make our way through these days of His last acts leading to His death and resurrection. I encourage us to take time each day this week to read the passage indicated, to reflect, and then to pray as directed. By the power and presence of the Spirit, may you sense Christ--crucified and risen--at work in your life as you journey to the cross and the resurrection this Holy Week.
 
Monday--Read Matthew 26:57-75
  • What is the charge against Jesus that finally sticks
    (v 61)? In what way is it false? In what way is it true? See John 2:16-22. Why do you think Jesus identifies with the Temple as He goes to the cross?
  • The Apostles' Creed tells us that Jesus "sits at the right hand of God the Father. From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead." Where do you find biblical support for this in the passage?
  • In vv 68-75, what does Peter do that causes him to weep bitterly (v 75)? Are there things you've done in relationship to Christ that might make you do the same?
  • Prayer--Pray to stand with and stand up for Jesus when the pressure is on. Ask His forgiveness for any failures.
Tuesday--Read Matthew 27:1-23
  • How do you feel about Judas and his role in Jesus' arrest, suffering and death? What sense of remorse does he display in vv 3-5? In his guilt, he chooses suicide; could he have taken another path? What does God want you to do with guilt?
  • Why do you think Jesus had so little to say when questioned by Pilate? See Isaiah 53:7 for an important prophecy.
  • What interesting word does Pilate receive from his wife? What efforts are made by Pilate to divert the crowd away from Jesus?
  • Prayer--Pray not to be persuaded by the crowds in their opinions when they stand against Jesus and His way. Pray for strength to stand by this "righteous man."
Wednesday--Read Matthew 27:24-44
  • Pilate finally caves under opposition to Jesus. Does washing his hands exonerate him? Or was the final decision still ultimately his? How does Pilate opt for political expedience?
  • In vv 27-31, what is ironic about the treatment Jesus receives? How do they treat "King Jesus"? How are you to treat Him?
  • During the crucifixion, the subjects of Jesus as king
    (v 37) and Jesus destroying and rebuilding the Temple in 3 days (v 40) recur. Why do you think Matthew mentions them again?
  • Prayer--Pray to enter into the events of Jesus' betrayal, His trial, His suffering and death, with your heart moved.
Thursday--Read Matthew 27:45-66
  • In v 51, the theme of Jesus and the Temple continues. What happens in the Temple? What might this symbolize? What does Jesus' death do to the barrier between you and God?
  • How does verse 52 tie the witness of the Old Testament to the events of Jesus' death and resurrection?
  • It is interesting that the religious leaders know of Jesus' prophecy to rise after 3 days (v 63). What do they do to try to prevent it? How do they show themselves to be against Jesus even after they've killed Him?
  • Prayer--Jesus will prove greater than the religious leaders' power to stop God's will. Pray for faith that believes God's power in you to do His will is greater than is the powers that oppose you.
Friday--Read Matthew 28:1-15
  • Try to envision yourself with Mary and the other Mary on the first Easter morning. What do you see? What do you experience? What might you feel in your heart?
  • "And they worshiped Him" (v 9). The first and second of the Ten Commandments tell you only to worship God--and absolutely nothing else. What does this action by the women as received by Jesus imply about His identity?
  • How do the religious leaders attempt to cover up the failure to keep the body under "lock and key"? What evidence is there of its historical failure for the last 2,000 years?
  • Prayer--Pray with great thanksgiving and joy; He is risen!
Saturday--Read Matthew 28:16-20
  • Even after the resurrection "some doubted" (v 17). Though you know He is risen, do you sometimes doubt, too?
  • What claim to authority does the risen Jesus make? How does it amplify the authority of His earthly ministry (see 7:28)?
  • Memorize the Great Commission. Pray through the Great Commission. Live the Great Commission!
Pastor Tim

++++ 

Having Trouble Viewing the Clip Art?

 

If you are having trouble viewing the clip art on this Pastoral E-Letter, please go to the top of the page and click where it reads "Click Here." If you have Outlook, please right click in the image block and "download pictures."