Laurie and Mike W on Mathew

Thanks for your thoughts.

Laurie, I am impressed by your attention to detail re Ch 22 on. Good catch. The consistent pattern of the Kingdom throughout adds a lot of clarity. You show a very interesting illustration of God’s design of a kingdom under the dominion of a couple; Adam and Eve, Jesus and bride/church, Messiah and Jewish nation. The timing of collecting the Bride before the establishment of the (Heavenly?) Kingdom is encouraging.

I want to think about that a little more as Adam was placed in Eden before Eve.

Mike W, excellent point regarding an incomplete understanding as a cause of the widespread debate in the reading of Ch’s 24 and 25. You mention the 144,000 and that may be pivotal. They, it seems, will have a ministry more openly directed by God.

Here are some thoughts you have drawn me to..

In our time, God speaks in a “still, small voice”, preferring to work through people, by the Holy Spirit. The 144, 000, well, I don’t think there’s much subtlety. If that is the case, not much will be a surprise to those living under God’s wing of protection.

Perhaps our assumptions regarding the knowledge we have, rather than incomplete information is what causes uncertainty. Still, it is in keeping with Jesus’ own words that the parables are messages for the church to understand. Grace, subtlety, small voice and parables all fit into a common theme. All of these are in keeping with “surprises” which is the theme in the later chapters.

Surprise, this is the theme of Chs 24 and 25 along with being unprepared. If these messages are for the end of the end what use are they (afterwards) to those not prepared? In other words, we are told Christ will return. That is a useful warning. Believe he came once and be prepared the second time. On the other hand, if the warnings in Chs 24 and 25 are for the end of the end, what use are they for those that see them occur? Too late.

I’m looking back to Ch 21 which introduces Jesus’ entrance to the temple area. Ch 22 begins with the parable of the wedding banquet, ending with “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” A clear connection to Chs 24 and 25; and the same end result. Are we obligated to look at Ch 22 on as to the same audience? Is all of this, Ch 22 on, for the end time Jews?

Last observation for now; Ch 26 is the return of the messiah spelled out, no parable. If the preceding chapters are for those that see the wrath on earth, why are there no parables or descriptions of that time as described in Revelation?

Personally, I’m taking this a piece at a time as I’m distracted with a big spiritual battle at an organization I’m involved with. God bless.