🙏 Heavenly Father, we return to Your Word today, because we can. It is not complicated, it is a simple choice to talk with our Father and ask for His wisdom to bring us life – both here and in eternity. We thank You for spending this time with us. We speak the glorious name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior over our conversation today. Amen.
The Widow’s Offering
21 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Points to Ponder: Jesus told us that there will always be the poor among us. While we strive to address poverty in the world, it continues as Jesus told us it would. How do we sit with that? In this set of verses Jesus watches both the rich and the poor giving to the temple treasury and He points out to His disciples the level of trust and obedience that the poor widow displays in her giving back to God. Our love for God and the faith we have in His Son, Jesus, is not to be based on the material gifts He’s given to us in this life, but on the love and faithfulness He’s communicated to us through Scripture and displayed throughout history – the Gospel message of our salvation, given to us through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the treasure that we hold. In response to His love, we give back to the Church so that this same message can be brought to others.
The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times
5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
Points to Ponder: Some disciples might have missed the point of Jesus commending the poor widow’s offering, because her two small copper coins to them, didn’t look like much to adorn this majestic temple. Jesus prophesies about the destruction of this temple – history tells us the destruction occurred about 70 AD.
8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.
Points to Ponder: Throughout this section, Jesus speaks to His disciples… then and now. He speaks of events to take place soon – from the persecution of the disciples and the early apostolic church that we read about in Acts as well as the rest of time… until His return.
When bad things happen – wars, earthquakes, famines, pandemics… many question the wisdom, the authority, even the love of God. It is verses like these however, that remind us that these things aren’t a surprise to Him, even if they are a surprise or a disappointment to us. Verses 18-19 strengthen us, when we talk to Him about our questions, concerns, and lack of understanding our current circumstances.
20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Points to Ponder: First, Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem – as punishment, to fulfill what had been written. He had wept over Jerusalem when He entered it because they did not recognize Him (Luke 19:41-44) How encouraging for the early disciples to recognize that His prophecies, as unpleasant as they were, were spoken in truth.
Then, Jesus gives us a sneak preview of what the Last Day… the day of His return will look like. His disciples, that’s us – believers and followers, if we’re still breathing, should lift our heads because He’s redeeming us. (Jesus’ description is confirmed in John’s vision written in Revelation.)
29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
Points to Ponder: This generation… the people alive between Jesus’ earthly ministry and His return, are each to be careful. We will be lied to, deceived, persecuted, even hated for standing firm for the abundant life found in Jesus. There will be that day where we all stand before our King.
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
22 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
Points to Ponder: The time – Passover – the celebration of God’s intervention of rescuing His people, Israel, from their bondage in Egypt. The players – the religious authorities, a disciple of Jesus, and Satan. The temptation – Jealousy and Pride on the part of the religious leaders, Greed and Pride on the part of Judas.
Pride – when Satan tempts us to choose what is ‘good’ in our own eyes. Eating from that tree of the knowledge of good and evil is the Biblical authors’ reminder that choosing to define ‘good’ on our own terms, apart from the wisdom of God our creator, never works out well for us. Satan appeals to our sinful nature to tempt us away from God.
The Last Supper
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.
10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”
13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
Points to Ponder: The betrayal of Judas was known to Jesus. While Judas was looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus, Jesus had already made plans to share this last Passover with His disciples; He sent only two of His inner circle to make preparations.
I eagerly await the feast where Jesus eats that Passover meal again – in His Kingdom, with all those who have found life with Him, eternally freed from our slavery to sin. That feast will celebrate the fulfillment of ALL THE PROMISES FOUND IN SCRIPTURE! 💖
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
Points to Ponder: A pivotal moment in our Christian faith. Jesus breaks the bread as the symbol of His broken body that suffered the consequences of our sin. The cup is divided and shared among them as a symbol of His blood being poured out as an atoning sacrifice – substituting His life for ours.
So much to consider here. Jesus knows beforehand what is required of Him. He knows that Judas will betray Him, even warns Judas of choosing such an action.
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Points to Ponder: We can look at this section and the significance of it and wonder, ‘Really? At a time like this the disciples are wondering about their own status?’ But we live in the age of grace, between the Resurrection and the Return, these disciples didn’t. May we always grow in the attitude of humbly serving others, like Jesus, even when those around us criticize us for such an attitude.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”
“Nothing,” they answered.
36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”
38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”
“That’s enough!” he replied.
Points to Ponder: Satan wanted to sift them all; Jesus prayed for Simon that his faith would not fail… and when you have turned back… Jesus, of course, knew, that Peter’s words would not stand the test of Satan for a single day, but He also knew Peter would turn back and strengthen his brothers. (Acts 2:14-40)
If you don’t have a sword, get one. The disciples think physical swords, weapons of the day. But what is reaching its fulfillment is Jesus and the Sword we fight with is His Word. (Ephesians 6:17) The enemy we fight is Satan. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
Points to Ponder: Knowing what was ahead, didn’t make it easy for Jesus, but His commitment to His Father’s will is a model for all of us, He is faithful until the end. Jesus commands us to pray because He knows that without prayer, we are unable to avoid Satan’s temptation. Prayer is a privilege for believers to reach their Father – the world may dismiss this powerful, spiritual communication tool we were gifted, but this world is ending, Our Father is never-ending.
I’ll choose to listen and to trust what He’s given us every time.
Jesus Arrested
47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”
Points to Ponder: I often wondered if I was a disciple at this time in history, would I be betraying Him with a kiss, swinging a sword, or standing around watching.
One of my favorite tender-Jesus moments is here. In the middle of this great betrayal, Jesus heals the man’s ear.
Peter Disowns Jesus
54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”
57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.
58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.
59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”
60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Points to Ponder: As often as we read this part, or watch it played out in a movie, or hear about it in a sermon, it still hurts a little to watch Peter’s faith fail. 😢 The admittance to such a failure though, lends credibility to the authenticity of the Gospels. (Nobody else portrays their weaknesses as inspiration to others. When the Gospels were written, this type of writing was uniquely Christian and Spirit-led, meant to invite others to saving faith.)
The Guards Mock Jesus
63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” 65 And they said many other insulting things to him.
Points to Ponder: The cruel details of Jesus’ treatment after His arrest both testify to the sinful, human condition as well as fulfill prophecy from the Old Testament. The treatment of Jesus here reminds us of how many of the Old Testament prophets were treated when they spoke the truth. (1 Kings 22:24)
Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.”
Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”
70 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”
He replied, “You say that I am.”
71 Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”
Points to Ponder: The elders had already made up their minds who Jesus was not. It is sobering to think that many do not accept the truth when they hear it nor when it is standing right in front of them!
I believe it is natural to desire to reject the truth of Jesus as the Savior of the world. It goes against our sense of ‘self-worth’. I used to think that my inner rebellion would be erased if only I’d have lived in the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth. But Luke’s Gospel clearly shows that many people exposed to Jesus directly did not automatically accept Him. If we begin to think, ‘But that’s not fair,’ we are forgetting Who rules this universe. We are forgetting whose universe this is. We are forgetting that the Almighty Creator loves us enough to die for us and He offers us a life we can’t create on our own. We forget all the stories in scripture that show what life looks like when men rule apart from God – filled with violence and injustice. We forget that the world we live in still looks an awful lot like that – filled with violence and injustice. (Ecclesiastes 1:9, Ecclesiastes 3:15-16) We just continue to think, in our pride, that somehow we can do better. That is the lie of Satan that we listen to.
Summary: These chapters are the last encounters Jesus has with His disciples before His death. Jesus demonstrates His self-sacrificial love and servant leadership to the very end. We reflect in awe and wonder when we consider that we are to submit to the Spirit that will transform us to be more like Him when we see that our sinful human nature will fight against such a transformation.
🙏 Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word. Help us and strengthen us to grow more and more into the life You’ve created for Your children. Like Peter, we cannot do this on our own, even when we think we can. Help us to gratefully submit to Your Spirit to bring us peaceful and abundant life. We pray this is the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.
Points to Ponder: I often wondered if I was a disciple at this time in history, would I be betraying Him with a kiss, swinging a sword, or standing around watching.
One of my favorite tender-Jesus moments is here. In the middle of this great betrayal, Jesus heals the man’s ear.
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Not just in the middle of being betrayed, but also in the middle of such anger and hatred…Oh that we, as His followers would do the same. We may not be given the ability to heal, but perhaps be a witness or have the opportunity to bring healing in a different way. (As a few years ago my friend shared how her daughter got into the chocolate fondue at a wedding and was covered in chocolate when she went up to sing. ) It made me picture myself covered in poop that someone threw at me, and yet I’d be able to sing and still be a witness. This is my prayer…to be so surrendered to the Holy Spirit that I would be a witness in the midst of any and every kind of situation.