Watching

Matthew 24:36-44 is part of the Olivet discourse or Olivet prophecy. It is also called the little apocalypse because it is reminiscent of the book of Revelation. Apocalyptic writings are a symbolic genre, a point that literal interpretations often overlook. One of the mandates in the passage is to watch. What could that mean? A night watchman was a common task in cities, farms and villages. However, the task of a watchman was vigilance and that is the sense of the wording here. Similar wording is also used a little later in Matthew 26:41 where we are encouraged to watch and pray that we do not give into temptation. In the context of the prophecy, Jesus encouraged disciples to be ready at all times, because he is coming at an hour when we do not think he will.

Who Will Lead

Throughout human history we have tried various forms of government. All have failed us miserably. All have the one common ingredient that caused them to fail: humans and their sins. At one time or another we have tried Absolutism, Anarchy, Aristocracy, Authoritarianism, Autocracy, Communism, Democracy, Despotism, Dictatorship, Fascism, Federation, Feudalism, Kleptocracy, the Lot, Matriarchy, Meritocracy, Monarchy, Constitutional Monarchy, Regency, Oligarchy, Patriarchy, Plutocracy, Police state, Polyarchy, Republic, Socialism, Synarchy, Technocracy, Thalassocracy, Theocracy, Totalitarianism, Tribal, Chiefdom and Tyranny. Although the Kingdom of God is described in monarchical terms it is unlike any form of human government. The rule of God begins with leadership that is willing to die for its citizens (Matthew 26:14-27:66). When we have found the perfect leadership, there is no more reason to choose another failed variety of human leadership. There is only one vote left, to choose Jesus.

One Faithful Leader

A reason for democracy is the abject failure of every other form of human government. When human leaders abuse or dishearten us, at least in a democracy we can vote them back out of office. The great weakness of democracy is that there is a constant need to change leadership, because the next person we vote in will only disappoint us too. On the way to the cross, we read a litany of human leadership failures. Roman and Jewish leadership was brutal, vicious and double-dealing. Even Church leadership that Jesus had trained for three long years failed miserably (Matthew 26:14-27:66). When the rest failed, he stood the test and did not quit until he had paid the penalty for all of us. We can only forgive fallible human leadership while looking to Jesus as history’s one faithful leader.

Where to find Forgiveness

When Judas repented of his betrayal of Jesus, the words used are not much different than those used of Peter. However, Peter found forgiveness. Judas did not. Why? Judas went to the wrong place. He went to the chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:14-27:66). Their reply showed their callousness, “What is that to us?” Judas could not even forgive himself and committed suicide. There is a place to go to find forgiveness. Peter found that place, and the forgiveness was so profound that it allowed him to become a great leader of the Church. The place of forgiveness is with God and the people of God. If a church will not forgive, like those hard-hearted elders long ago, we are in the wrong church. When we are unforgiven even by ourselves, there is a place to find it.

Money and Pastors

Money Matters
in Church

This is a touchy subject. However, I have always believed that how congregation members value their pastor reveals how much they value the gospel. When a preacher goes up to the annual conference or church convention, what attitudes do the people have to the accommodation? What attitudes are there towards salary, expenses and even small luxuries? In Matthew 26:14-27:66 we read about several different extremes of attitude towards Jesus and the delicate topic of money. The worst attitude of all was that of Judas who betrayed his teacher for blood money. The most positive attitude of all was that of a woman who anointed Jesus’ head with a very expensive perfume. Even the disciples were critical of such a waste of money blessing their leader rather than giving it to the poor. Is there a time for both?

Two Betrayers

Judas

Experiencing betrayal at some point in our lives is common. Whether a friend reveals private information or a spouse breaks marriage vows, betrayal hurts, deeply. Breaking trust even happens in the Christian community. Before his death on the cross, Jesus was betrayed by friends who he loved (Matthew 26:14-27:66). Even harder than being stabbed in the back is forgiveness of the one who did so, yet forgiveness is a distinction of the Christian life. In the Our Father, we pray for God’s forgiveness AS we forgive those who trespass against us. Peter’s unfaithfulness was probably due to fear, whereas Judas’ double crossing contained some measure of greed. Neither act of treachery was unforgivable by God, yet their regret took them in two very different directions. We have all betrayed God. He is always willing and ready to forgive.