The parables in Matthew 25 are good reminders to me to always be
ready for Jesus' return. In verses 1-13 the wise virgins were prepared to
wait and be ready for the bridegroom's return while the foolish virgins were
not prepared and missed out on the bridegroom's arrival ultimately not being
able to attend the wedding banquet. This represents always being ready
for Jesus' return at any time and if we are not prepared we will miss out on heaven.
The parable in verses 14-30 shows us the importance of using what God has
given us to the best of our ability. This made me think about what
talents and gifts God has given me and question myself if I am using these
gifts to God's glory. How disappointing it must be for God to see gifts
and talents not being used.
Verses 35-36 say "For I was hungry and you gave me something
to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and
you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you
looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." After
reading these 2 verses I thought about whether I share what I have and help
those in need. In my Life Application Bible it describes this parable as
acts of mercy that we all can do every day. These acts do not depend on
wealth, ability or intelligence, they are simple acts freely given and freely
received. We have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs.
What a great reminder to myself to be aware of others around me that may
need help in different ways and not necessarily monetary.
Finally, I found reading the passages of the Last Supper
interesting in each of the Gospels. Each Gospel is very similar yet a few
extra details are thrown in some of the verses that not all the Gospels have.
One example would be in Matthew 26:15 where it mentions that Judas
received 30 silver coins where Mark and Luke don't mention the number of coins
that Judas received for betraying Jesus but that Judas was promised money.
Finally, John 13:1-20 are the verses about Jesus washing the
Disciples' Feet. I have heard this story many many times but after
reading this passage again I tried hard to envision what that would have been
like to be one of the disciples and what this represented. I learned that
by Jesus washing their feet He was showing humility and servant hood as this was
usually done by the lowliest of servants. This action of servant hood was
completely opposite of what the disciples had been arguing about prior to this
in Luke 22:24 as to which one of them was the greatest. This was also an
example for us to serve one another in humility and love.
1 comment:
I found it striking that when Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him, they each wondered if it was themselves. They recognized their weakness, and their capability of betrayal. To me this was a reminder to stay humble, not to think I am unsusceptible to sin, and to stay vigilant.
Post a Comment