Matthew 23-26 contains difficult words, but deep truth. Facing the cross, Christ’s final teachings urgently point to our need to fully commit to a
relationship with God. Jesus begins by confronting the religious elite and outlining seven woes or barriers which keep them from living in God’s kingdom
and grace. Jesus then speaks of the uncertainty of life and the difficulty His followers will face in the last days, the time between the crucifixion and
His second coming. Even the parables that Jesus tells at this time are difficult. Virgins, sheep and goats, hidden talents – repeated pictures of
following or denying Christ. What does it all mean? In Matthew 26:26-27, Jesus sits down to eat with His disciples and these difficult words find their
context. Jesus takes bread and wine, painting a picture of sacrifice and devotion. He is willing to give all in order to walk in the lives of those who
desire a relationship with Him. It is an invitation to walk close and be intimate with the Savior. Answering the invitation requires nothing less than a
commitment of our entire selves.
| Date | Reading |
| February 5 | Matthew 23:1-19 |
| February 6 | Matthew 23:20-39 |
| February 7 | Matthew 24:1-35 |
| February 8 | Matthew 24:36-51 |
| February 9 | Matthew 25:1-13 |
| February 10 | Matthew 25:14-30 |
| February 11 | Matthew 25:31-26:13 |
| February 12 | Matthew 26:14-30 |