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Introduction to Matthew 24-25
Introduction:
1. In 1 Peter 3:15 the Bible teaches us to be ready to answer questions. 2. Occasionally questions are asked about the signs found in Matthew 24. 3. We must be prepared to answer such questions. 4. This evening we are beginning a study of Matthew 24-25. 5. In this lesson we are laying a foundation for our study. 6. Let us begin with some information from the Old Testament. Discussion: I. DEUTERONOMY 28 A. The Israelites became a great people while they were in bondage in Egypt. 1. Moses led them out of Egypt to the land God had promised to their fathers. 2. Just before they were ready to enter the Promised Land they sinned, and God caused them to wander in the wilderness 40 years. 3. When God gave the words in Deuteronomy 28 to Moses, the Israelites were finally about to enter Canaan. B. In this chapter God stressed faithfulness by saying that He would: 1. bless the Israelites if they obeyed Him (vs.1-14) [see vs.1-2] 2. curse them if they disobeyed Him (vs.15-68) [see vs.15, 26, 49, 52-53, 62, 64]. C. About 1500 years passed before Jesus came to earth and began His ministry. 1. During this time God punished the Jews many times for their disobedience. 2. However, He had never completely destroyed them as He said He would. II. THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE JEWS WHEN JESUS SPOKE HIS WORDS RECORDED IN MATTHEW 24-25 A. (Matthew 21) Jesus entered Jerusalem shortly before His crucifixion. 1. (vs.12-13) He cleansed the temple. 2. (vs.23) His authority was challenged in the temple. 3. In His response, Jesus told 2 parables, showing that these Jewish leaders would not be allowed to enter God's kingdom. 4. (vs.45-46) The chief priests and Pharisees reacted to the Lord's parables. B. (Matthew 22) Tension began to increase. 1. (vs.15) The Pharisees wanted to find something to use against Jesus. 2. (vs.16) They sent their disciples and the Herodians. 3. (vs.23) The Sadducees tried. 4. (vs.34) The Pharisees tried. C. (Matthew 23) Jesus spoke to the multitude and to His disciples about the Jewish leaders. 1. From ch.23 we are aware of the spiritual condition of the Jews at that time. 2. As we read this chapter we need to remember what God said He would do to the Jews if they disobeyed Him (Deuteronomy 28). III. MATTHEW 23 A. (vs.2-7) The scribes and Pharisees loved preeminence. B. (vs.13-31) They had a problem with "hypocrisy" [play acting]. C. (vs.32-36) Jesus said that destruction would come on that generation. D. (vs.37-39) Jesus lamented over the state of Jerusalem. 1. He said all of this in the temple. 2. (vs.38) He said, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." Conclusion: 1. (Matthew 24:1a) Jesus left the temple -- we will begin here next week. 2. Summarizing: a. (Deuteronomy 28) God said that He would destroy His people if they disobeyed Him. b. The Israelites had been punished many times, but never destroyed. c. (Matthew 23) The spiritual condition of the Jews was very low. d. (Matthew 23:36) That generation would suffer great destruction. | ||