Author: Marybeth McCullum

Your Father’s House: Heaven

Studying a rail map of Europe, my friends hunched on the lower bunk next to me as rain pelted the windows of the youth hostel. On a break from classes, our plans to explore the picturesque alps of Switzerland, Austria, and Germany had been derailed by a chilly, wet stormfront. After sloshing through Lucerne with soggy feet and seeing only thick clouds instead of snowcapped peaks, we revamped our itinerary seeking sunnier destinations further south.

With a vague knowledge of Italy, we chose two cities that fit our timeframe and Eurail pass parameters. The next afternoon, we stepped off the train into glorious sunshine in Venice. After exploring the canals, bridges, and piazzas for a few days, we moved on to Florence and more warm weather. A thick guidebook supplemented our youthful ignorance, leading us to the highlights of each city, but sunshine, gelato, and pizza had been the main draws for us. With minimal knowledge we couldn’t fully appreciate the history, art, and culture of those rich and multi-faceted cities.

Most of us have impressions of places we’ve never been that come from reputations or stereotypes. We might attach them to certain foods, weather, events, or people. But as we learn more about the place or travel there firsthand, our preconceived notions shift, and our one-dimensional knowledge begins to expand and deepen. Not long ago I had the chance to return to Florence and revisit a few of the highlights I’d seen as a college student. With more time to research and prepare, my understanding of the city and appreciation for its beauty and history only grew. I still enjoyed the sunshine and gelato, but also so much more beyond that.

For many of us, our knowledge about Heaven is like this; it’s filled with assumptions that have been influenced by our upbringing, our faith background, books, music, and movies. We typically view it as “a better place” where people go when they die. Without much concrete knowledge, we may envision Heaven as a buffet of all of our favorite things served up according to our whims and desires: a perpetual vacation on a tropical beach, unending happiness surrounded by favorite people and pets, or a never ending series of adventures and activities in beautiful locations. Most of us focus on what the surroundings will be like, who will be there, and what we’ll do.

In John’s gospel, Jesus describes Heaven as His Father’s house. He says to His disciples, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3, NIV)

Spending eternity with the Lord isn’t always at the forefront of our minds, though is it? He’s mainly the gatekeeper who lets people in or bars entry to Heaven. A popular view is that all “good” people go there, though the measurement for “good” is vague. Sometimes we’re even suspicious of God for being the one to make this judgement. Considering what happens after we die feels uncomfortable and frightening, so many of us choose not to delve into those thoughts, find answers to our questions, or clarify our assumptions.

If any of this resonates and you’d like  a more biblical understanding of Heaven, I hope you’ll join me as I work my way through Jennifer Rothschilds’ Bible study: Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight. I’ve read a variety of materials about Heaven over the years but have never found an interactive resource like this that pulls so much information together. With Scripture as her source material, Rothschild helps participants to understand what’s true about Heaven and how we can prepare for it now. She opens the study with a few key concepts that are helpful to understand. For example, Rothschild explains that when used in Scripture, the word Heaven has one of three meanings:

  1. The sky where birds fly; the air within the earth’s atmosphere.
  2. The expanse of the universe where the sun, moon and stars reside.
  3. The dwelling place of God.

Rothschild says, “don’t assume every time you read the word Heaven in the Bible, it is referring to our eternal home with God.”1

Rothschild also explains, “even though we think of Heaven as ultimately one place, we need to see how the Scripture talks about it in three different time periods.”2 She distinguishes between them as follows:

  • Period 1: How the Bible speaks of Heaven from the time of creation in Genesis to the crucifixion of Christ in the gospels.
  • Period 2: How the Bible speaks about Heaven from the resurrection of Christ in the gospels until His return (mostly described in Revelation but also mentioned in other parts of the New Testament.)
  • Period 3: How Scripture describes Heaven from the return of Christ going forward into eternity.

According to this chronology, we are currently in the middle period after Christ’s resurrection but before His return.

As my understanding of Heaven has expanded, I’ve begun to equate it with nearness to God. It is where the Lord’s kingdom functions as He originally intended without the hindrance of sin. When Jesus taught His followers to pray, “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is with heaven,” He gave words to our yearning for wholeness and peace and our longing for a world without sin, brokenness, and evil. (Matthew 6:10, NIV).

We’re going to learn that Heaven is much more than an unending vacation in paradise. At the end of time it is where God dwells with His people and “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4b, NIV)

Join me as we consider our preconceived notions about Heaven and explore God’s Word together.  Let’s stop avoiding what we don’t understand, release our vague hopes, and find out what awaits us when faith becomes sight.

Order your copy of Jennifer Rothschild’s Heaven using this link.

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  1. Jennifer Rothschild, Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight, Lifeway Press, 2025, 23.
  2. ibid, 24

Reflecting on 2025 Before Launching 2026

Walking in my neighborhood, I spied several families already taking down lights and removing lawn decorations. At home, pine needles shedding from my Christmas tree announce the final days of the “most wonderful time of the year.” The holiday season is coming to a close, but regular life hasn’t kicked back into gear yet for some of us. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past twelve months in preparation for the year ahead. Will you consider joining me in pondering the three questions below before you get swept into the current of 2026?

  1. What shaped your character, faith, and worldview?

I try to be intentional about what I allow into my mind since the things we read, watch, listen to, and experience all affect our mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health. Here are few inputs that have shaped me positively in 2025:

Bible in a Year:  I always made excuses for not committing to reading the Bible in a year, but in 2025 I gave it a try using a chronological reading plan on the YouVersion app. Instead of going through a devotional book, I started reading Scripture daily on my phone while eating breakfast.  I’d be lying if I didn’t confess a few sections were a bit of a slog, but overall, the experience enhanced my understanding of the Bible’s cohesiveness. Reading it chronologically also brought depth and context to the specific books I studied with groups during the year (Revelation and Matthew).  I benefitted from  my daily reading so much, I’m doing it again in 2026. Want to join me? Studies show that reading the Bible four times or more each week is a key indicator of life transformation.1 Let me know if you’re giving it a try.

Studying Revelation: I’ve always shied away from the last book of the Bible but when my women’s Bible study at church chose Jen Wilkin’s Revelation workbook, I dove in headfirst. Writing blogs about this apocalyptic book for ten weeks felt like being back in college. Despite the challenge, I realized that I’ve been missing out on understanding the whole story of Scripture by avoiding Revelation. With a reliable teacher guiding me and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, even the most intimidating book of the Bible became not only accessible, but inspiring.

Books: A few years ago, a friend gave me Name Above All Names by Alastair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson. Finally making time to read it this year, I see it as a new classic. Examining seven key qualities of Jesus’ identity and ministry helped me to have a clearer picture of who He is and all He has done for us. I also re-read an old classic: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. So many familiar examples we use to explain our faith find their roots in Lewis’ writing. Classic books and older authors sometimes don’t grab our attention the way popular or current ones do, but many newer books just re-package great writers’  ideas. Will you consider reading or listening to at least one classic book this year that will expand your knowledge about the Lord or some aspect of your faith journey?

Practical Podcasts: Among the many I listened to, one that consistently expanded my knowledge and spurred on my faith was Susie Larson Live. Susie’s knowledge of Scripture and desire to bring health and wholeness to her listeners’ minds, bodies, and spirits provide meaningful content and clear action steps.

Now, that you’ve read my answers, consider what shaped your character and worldview this year for better or for worse. What will you add or eliminate for 2026 so that the world shapes you less and the Holy Spirit shapes you more?

2) Where did you see God at work? How did you grow personally and/or spiritually?

In-Person Discipleship: Studying the Bible with small groups of high school girls regularly and mentoring a few college girls one on one showed me the power of consistent connection. Asking the Spirit to use the gifts, wisdom, and knowledge He’s given me has led to relationships that have blessed me beyond measure. I’ve seen that growth happens little by little studying God’s Word together. As relationships deepen, trust grows, and life transformation occurs for everyone involved.

If you’re a mature believer, will you pray and invite the Lord to use you to walk alongside someone younger in faith this year? And if you’re new to faith or just checking things out, will you ask the Lord to lead you to a spiritually mature person who can help you learn and grow?

Stillness and Silence: I am a person of action, but the Lord has reminded me that I need to slow myself to His pace instead of demanding that He move at mine (which is usually faster and involves less patience.) Through slowing down over the holiday season and practicing silence and stillness daily, I experienced some profound moments with the Lord. In one instance, He convicted me of sin, in another He reminded me to seek Him for comfort about a situation I was grieving. During another time of stillness He reminded me that even good things like family and friends can become idols that take His rightful place on the throne of my life. Had I been rushing through the holiday season and using busyness to avoid confronting pain, I would have missed hearing from the Lord.

Fasting: Studying the Gospel of Matthew recently, I was struck by a statement Jesus makes in the Sermon on the Mount: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do…put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.” (5:16a, 17, 18a) Jesus assumes that His followers fast regularly, and although I’ve practiced it from time to time, this has never been a regular discipline for me. So, in the past few months, I’ve given it a try. Fasting has been a physical way to direct my energy (and angst) when I’m praying for something that feels beyond me. I’m still learning, but it’s been a surprisingly positive experience thus far.

Now, how did you grow personally and/or spiritually in the past year?

3) Where will you focus your energy in 2026?

I want to be used by God to bless others, make disciples, expand His kingdom, and bring Him glory. I want to trust God with the unknowns that lie ahead. I pray the Lord will expand my capacity to receive His Spirit and that He will use my time, resources, and gifts to pour into others and point them toward Him. This year I hope to grow in my understanding of God’s grace and to recognize I am never above needing it. I also hope to re-route some of my unhealthy thought patterns by asking the Lord to help me take my thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5) and renew my mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Before launching into 2026, take some time to ponder where you’ve been. Reflecting on the past helps us to be more intentional about the future. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8, NIV) Happy New Year!

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  1. “Bible Engagement and ‘The Power of 4’: A Key to Spiritual Growth”, Center for Bible Engagement  

Reactions to the Passion of the King

Throughout the fall I had the privilege of serving with ten other women as part of a teaching team at one of our church’s Bible studies. Each week I sat in the front row beaming as a different woman on our team delivered a powerful message from the Gospel of Matthew in conjunction with our study book: Knowing Jesus as King by Tara Leigh Cobble. All the while, I knew my turn to teach was fast approaching. Each time I thought about it, I’d find my heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. The weightiness of preparing to teach on the crucifixion, resurrection, and Great Commission was significant for me.

Studying chapters 27 & 28 in Matthew’s gospel to prepare, I found myself intrigued by the many people who interacted with Jesus at the end of His life. Though their names and stories are familiar, placing myself in their shoes gave me a surprising glimpse of my own weaknesses and propensity to sin.

Below you’ll find some excerpts from my teaching that explore different reactions to Jesus in the final day of His pre-resurrection life. Each one includes a question for personal reflection that may sting a bit, but is intended to uncover mindsets that may be hindering you from growing deeper in faith.

Judas: Scholars have different theories on why Judas betrayed Jesus. While it seems obvious that money was part of the motivation, I think there may have been a deeper issue. Perhaps Jesus wasn’t meeting whatever expectations Judas had for the Messiah. Like many Jewish people of the time, Judas may have been envisioning a mighty conqueror overthrowing Rome, not a humble servant coming to save souls.

 It’s easy for us to criticize Judas but are you ever disillusioned when God doesn’t respond to your prayers the way you expect or in the timing you want? We may share some of Judas’ tendencies by wanting to mold Jesus into our image of Him. We see examples of this in different attitudes all the time:

  • those who think freedom in Christ means they’re free to do whatever makes them happy rather than understanding they’ve been freed from sin
  • those who want to make Jesus the mascot for their political views
  • those  who pick the words of Jesus that feel good but ignore the teachings that make them uncomfortable.

We all have a tendency to want Jesus to fit our personal agendas at different times. So, let me ask a hard question: How are you tempted to fit Jesus into your kingdom instead of seeking your place in His kingdom?

Pilate: Under Roman rule, the Jews didn’t have the authority to give Jesus the death penalty. Although their main charge against Him was blasphemy, they described Jesus as a rebel who claimed to be a king so that He would be viewed as a threat to Caesar and eligible for death under Roman law.

Pilate believed Jesus was innocent but washed his hands of the situation and satisfied the angry crowd. He was under pressure from his superiors to keep peace in the region, so handing over Jesus was preferable to having a riot. He knew Jesus wasn’t guilty but wasn’t willing to put his career on the line for Him. Do you know people like Pilate who have encountered Jesus but won’t let the truth of who He is disrupt their lives? If a specific face popped in your mind when you read that, pray for that person today instead of losing hope or writing them off. Or if you’re the one who is leery of letting Jesus change your life, will you be honest and admit it to Him in your prayers?

The Crowd: As a gesture of goodwill toward the people at Passover Pilate gives the crowd a choice of letting one prisoner go free: “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him… But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.” (Matthew 27: 17, 18, 20, NIV)

It’s amazing to see how a little manipulation from the chief priests stirs the crowd to turn on Jesus just a few days after hailing Him as the Messiah, shouting “Hosanna,” and waving palm branches when He entered Jerusalem in Matthew 21. Now they’re so caught up with emotions they don’t pause to consider they’re demanding the execution of an innocent man. Stop and think for a moment: How are we like the crowd letting persuasive voices manipulate us and our emotions lead us? It’s easy to fall prey to all sorts of different agendas in our world today with so many inputs from our various electronic devices.

Barabbas: Ironically, Barabbas was guilty of the crime for which Jesus was being accused—he had taken part in a rebellion against Rome. One commentary explains, “The story of Barabbas and his release from condemnation is a remarkable parallel to the story of every believer. We stood guilty before God and deserving of death (Romans 3:23; 6:23a). But then, due to no influence of our own, Jesus was chosen to die in our stead. He, the Innocent One, bore the punishment we rightly deserved. We, like Barabbas, were allowed to go free with no condemnation (Romans 8:1). And Jesus ‘suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God’ (1 Peter 3:18, ESV).* Do you recognize yourself in the person of Barabbas? Understanding the exchange of his life for the life of Jesus gives us an incredible picture of God’s grace. This holds deep relevance for all who call on the name of Jesus as their savior and king.

This Christmas season, consider reading or listening to the Gospel of Matthew paying attention to the ways people react to Jesus. Where do you find yourself in the story? Who do you identify with most? What  might the Lord be asking you to consider so that you can grow as a citizen in His upside kingdom?

To watch my full teaching on Matthew chapters 27 & 28, click here.

Painting in header: “Behold the Man” by Antonio Ciseri, 1871

*”Who was Barabbas in the Bible?” Gotquestions.org, Click here to read full article.

Passion of the King: Matthew 27-28

This week I have the daunting privilege of teaching on Matthew chapters 27-28 covering Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and the Great Commission. Speaking on such weighty topics in a fixed amount of time means I can’t include many of the interesting things I learned while diving into these chapters. So, today’s post includes some  information that enhanced my understanding of the text. Use the bold headings to find the topics that interest you. (The link to my teaching will be on the “videos” page of my website when it’s available.)

Chapter 27:

Judas Returns the Thirty Pieces of Silver

When Judas changes his mind and returns the 30 pieces of silver the Jewish leaders paid him to betray Jesus, he confesses, “I have sinned…for I have betrayed innocent blood.” The chief priests reply, “What is that to us?…That’s your responsibility.” (27:4, NIV) The lack of concern for an innocent man being condemned and for another man confessing his sin shows just how far the religious leaders have veered from being the spiritual shepherds of the children of Israel. They care only about ensuring that the threat to their power will be eliminated with the crucifixion of Jesus. Like them, tunnel vision and personal pride often prevent us from seeing our shortcomings or the hurt we cause others.

His Blood Be on Our Heads

A commentary I read explains this well: “Pilate believed Jesus was innocent and had not committed a crime deserving crucifixion, so he tried to convince the Jews of this. Matthew 27:24 notes, ‘So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ The Jews were adamant about crucifying Jesus and were willing to accept the blame and consequences for it, including punishment upon their own children. At this point, Pilate gave in to their demands and allowed the crucifixion to proceed.”

The commentary continues, “Those who sought the death of Jesus desired it so much they were willing to accept the consequences upon them and their children for it. This is in contrast with Pilate, who sought release from this responsibility, but who still gave in and had Jesus crucified. Both Jews and Gentiles were involved in the death of Jesus, yet Jesus died so all people would have the opportunity to be saved (John 3:16–18). We are called to respond to the opportunity to believe in Jesus and His salvation, recognizing that His sacrifice was made for all of humanity (Galatians 3:25–29; 2 Peter 3:8–13; 1 John 2:2).”1

Jen Wilkin points out the ironic twist that Jesus’ blood is on the heads of all who confess their sin, acknowledge the atoning sacrifice He made in their place, and receive forgiveness from the Lord. What was meant as a curse became a blessing.

Mocking Turns to Awe

Roman soldiers gather to mock Jesus before His crucifixion. “They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ’Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said.” (27:28-29, NIV) Pretending to bow down in worship, they make Jesus the butt of a cruel and vicious joke. Yet a few hours later “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’” (27:54, NIV) Worship offered in jest becomes genuine when the soldiers recognize Jesus is who He claimed to be.

Simon of Cyrene Helps Carry the Cross

Jen Wilkin highlights the absence of the disciples in this moment when Jesus’ physical strength gives out. He told His followers “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” but they desert their Rabbi and Savior at His moment of greatest anguish. (Matthew 16:24, NIV) When He needs the supportive presence of His closest followers and literal help carrying His cross, they are nowhere to be found. Roman soldiers force a stranger in the crowd to step in where Jesus’ disciples fail Him. Despite this, He still refers to the disciples as His brothers and continues in relationship with them after His resurrection (28:10). This is an incredible picture of His grace and forgiveness.

Women from Galilee

Matthew mentions women witnessing Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection several times throughout these chapters (27:55-56, 61, 28:1-10). While the women are powerless to change the circumstances, their presence communicates a deep love and devotion to Jesus. Peter and the rest of the male disciples have deserted Him, but Jesus likely takes comfort in the presence of faithful women who have followed and supported Him throughout His ministry.

Women are the first to arrive at the tomb after the Sabbath and Jesus appears to women first after His resurrection. He tells them to bear witness to others about what has happened. Jen Wilkin points out that at a time in history and culture when the voices of women were devalued by society, Jesus entrusts them with this sacred task, and they carry it out without delay.

Temple Curtain Tearing

Part of mourning in the Jewish faith is a ritual called “kriah” which is a physical act of tearing clothing meant to show the metaphorical tear in the heart that occurs at the death of a loved one. The tear in the temple curtain was an outward symbol of the deep grief of the Father over the sin of the world and the crucifixion of His son to atone for it. At the same time, the tear represented new and direct access to the Lord without the need for priests as an intermediary or the temple as the place for sacrifice. With the death of Christ, animal sacrifices would no longer be necessary because Jesus atoned for sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:1-14).

Joseph of Arimathea

Matthew describes Joseph as “a rich man” who had become a disciple of Jesus. Joseph honors Jesus by preparing His body for burial before the Sabbath and laying it in “his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.” (27:60, NIV) Jen Wilkin comments that this provides additional perspective for the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19 who couldn’t part with his wealth to follow Jesus. Being rich wasn’t the problem, it was that “he didn’t know how to relate to wealth in a way that allowed him to serve the Lord, Christ.”2 In contrast, Joseph uses his wealth to meet a felt need and honor the Lord.

 Chapter 28

The First Day of the Week

Matthew highlights that the resurrection takes place after the Sabbath, on the first day of the week. This is not a coincidence but is symbolic, revealing it is the dawn of a new era; a new thing is happening. It is the first day of a new age. The resurrection changes everything.3

 They Worshipped Him, But Some Doubted

After the resurrection, “The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” (28:16-17, NIV) There is no shame in doubting—even the disciples did it in the presence of the risen Jesus. It’s healthy and wise to acknowledge doubt and to grapple with hard questions. Hearing how others have dealt with it can build our faith and forge meaningful connections between people. In contrast, avoiding difficult questions and letting doubt linger can lead to feelings of isolation, instability, and cynicism. Doubt and faith are not mutually exclusive.

The Great Commission

Matthew closes his gospel with Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (28:18b-20, NIV)

 In this powerful statement Jesus reveals the culmination of so many promises and prophecies. Here are a few of the most crucial ones:

-Image Bearers of God: The Lord created humans to be a representation of Him: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV) Just as humans bear the image of God, followers of Christ take on His character and bear His image to the world.

-The Cultural Mandate from Genesis 1:28: “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” Similarly, Jesus commissions His followers to take His authority and advance His kingdom on earth by sharing the gospel and making disciples. Just as intimacy between Adam and Eve multiplied the human race, intimacy with Christ produces spiritual fruit that multiplies His disciples.

-The Head Crusher: When Adam and Eve rebel, they unknowingly give authority over the earth to the enemy and taint God’s perfect world with sin. In His mercy, the Lord promises He will one day save the world through Eve’s offspring. To the deceiving serpent, the Lord pronounces this curse: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 NIV) At the crucifixion the enemy strikes, but with His resurrection, Jesus crushes his head and reclaims authority for His image bearers on earth.

-All Nations Will Be Blessed: God promises Abraham “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3b) The opening lines of Matthew’s Gospel show the lineage of Jesus that connects Him to Abraham. Through the blood of Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles (aka “all peoples on earth”) can receive the blessings of forgiveness from sin and reconciliation with the Lord.

As we wrap up this study of the Gospel of Matthew, there is still much to process and deeper layers to be excavated at a future time. Just like the disciples, we are works in progress– we don’t understand everything Jesus says and we often struggle with sin. But, we can take heart from Jesus’ final words to His disciples, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (28:2-b, NIV) What a comfort to know He’s with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit and that He provides all that we need to keep pressing on.

Posts in this series are based on Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

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  1. https://www.compellingtruth.org/His-blood-be-on-us.html
  2. Jen Wilkin, “Matthew: Crucifixion”, The Village Church Resources, Feb. 13, 2018
  3. Jen Wilkin, “Matthew: Resurrection”, The Village Church Resources, Feb. 21, 2018

(Note, many ideas in this post were inspired by these two teachings from Jen Wilkin.)

Betrayal of the King: Matthew 26

We’ve been traveling through Matthew in the fast lane covering three chapters at a time for the past few months. Although this post focuses on a single chapter, it’s a dense one as Jesus draws nearer to His final destiny. Let’s take a look at three key moments from this pivotal part of Holy Week.

Anointing at Bethany

Sandwiched between Jesus’ warning to the disciples that He’s two days from being crucified and Judas putting plans in motion to betray Jesus, Matthew includes a poignant moment of worship.

“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’ Aware of this, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’” (Matthew 26:6-13, NIV)

Tara Leigh Cobble notes, “How beautiful that in the midst of this story about His final days, Jesus took the time to highlight the offering of a woman—someone who had little value in that culture. It has always been like Jesus to see the lesser, the outcast, and to remind them of their value to God (10:31).1

Charles Spurgeon explains, “She probably did not know all that her action meant when she anointed her Lord for his burial. The consequences of the simplest action done for Christ may be much greater than we think…She thus showed that there was, at least, one heart in the world that thought nothing was too good for her Lord, and that the best of the very best ought to be given to him.”2

Mark’s Gospel includes the same story, with one additional statement by Jesus, “She did what she could.” (Mark 14:8, NIV) A friend of mine screen printed this verse on a tote bag to remind herself of the profound freedom it gives her. She said, “Jesus sees what we offer, however incomplete, inexperienced, inconsistent, or inept and receives it with love as good. “

Sometimes we beat ourselves up for not doing “enough” and forget that God rejoices whenever we turn toward Him and offer what we have. A pure heart seeking to honor Jesus will never be overlooked. Bible teacher Jennie Allen recently wrote: “I just want to remind you today: it matters. Every quiet conversation. Every prayer that feels like it’s hitting the ceiling. Every act of faithfulness when you can’t see the outcome. You may not see the fruit for years, maybe not until heaven, but it lasts.”3 In a world that fixes its gaze on whatever is loud, shiny, and grand, this woman reminds us that God’s upside kingdom values heartfelt service done with humility and love.

All four gospels include a story of a woman anointing Jesus. Most scholars seem in agreement that the accounts in Mark and Matthew are the same event while a similar story in Luke 7:36-50 records a separate event occurring earlier in Jesus’ ministry. However, there is some debate as to whether the story in John’s gospel about Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha and Lazarus) is the same as the one in Matthew and Mark or a separate event. Regardless, the beauty of the act is in the extravagant worship of Jesus despite the disdain and criticism of onlookers.

The Lord’s Supper

Jesus and His disciples gather in an upper room in Jerusalem to celebrate a meal during the lead up to Passover. “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’” (Matthew 26:26-29, NIV)

Using symbolism from the Passover meal, Jesus reveals Himself as the perfect sacrifice whose body will be broken and blood will be shed to atone for the sins of all people. He sets a pattern for the Christian practice of Communion. The root word of “communion” is the Latin word commūniō, which means “sharing in common” or “mutual participation”. It is also related to the Greek word koinōnía, which is often translated as “fellowship” and can mean partnership, joint participation, or community. So, participating in this sacrament identifies us with Christ and reaffirms our bond with fellow believers.

Receiving Communion is a sacred moment to recognize the sacrifice Jesus made for us and to join with other believers in re-affirming our faith in Him. It’s meant to be a solemn time of personal conviction and spiritual reflection, not performed as a mechanical religious ritual. May we never become numb to the familiar words our pastors use as they lead us in celebrating Communion.

Gethsemane

Finishing their final meal together, Jesus takes the disciples to a garden called Gethsemane to watch and pray. Pulling away from the group with His three closest disciples, Jesus reveals dread and anguish about what awaits: “He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” (26:37-39, NIV)

While the disciples who are supposed to be keeping watch slumber nearby, Jesus pleads with His Father three times to let the cup of suffering pass from Him; despite His dread, He models ultimate submission each time by saying “your will be done.”

Later, when Judas arrives with temple guards to arrest Jesus, one of His disciples rushes to protect Him and Jesus says, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (26:53-54)

Jesus never loses sight of the purpose for which He came to earth. He willingly endures what He dreads, knowing it will bring about ultimate good. In a world that prizes comfort and ease and takes great measures to avoid pain, it’s a powerful example of living according to God’s upside kingdom. Jesus assures His followers that they will also face suffering; may we never circumvent what He can use for our good and His glory.

Follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. Tara Leigh Cobble, Knowing Jesus as King, Bethany House, 2024, 206.
  2. Enduring Word Commentary, Matthew 26- Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest 
  3. Jennie Allen, “Let Me Tell You About My Weekend,” Nov. 5, 2025

Discourse of the King: Matthew 23-25

Exploring the narrow side streets of a European city always gives me a thrill. Recently I had the opportunity to travel to Italy for a family wedding. My husband, sons and I made a brief stopover in Florence, a city I last visited over 30 years ago. I enjoyed showing my family a few highlights like Michelangelo’s exquisite sculpture of David, Botticelli’s iconic painting The Birth of Venus, and the ornate white marble Duomo di Firenze. I also loved  expanding my knowledge of the city by biking thorough it with a local tour guide. True to form, I already have a list of additional places to explore if I’m ever fortunate enough to return to Tuscany.

Studying the Bible can be a bit like my recent travel experience. As we re-visit familiar passages and study them further our knowledge increases, our understanding grows, and our curiosity widens. Maybe you’re familiar with the highlights of Matthew chapters 23-25 but haven’t had the chance to delve much deeper. So today, let’s take a tour of these three dense chapters to increase or understanding of them. This post is longer than usual but bold headings will help you focus on the parts that are most helpful to you. I’ve borrowed quite a bit from a teaching by Jen Wilkin listed at the bottom.1

Chapter 23 Woes

Woes are messages of lament and warning of impending judgement and calamity. In this chapter, Jesus pronounces judgement on the Pharisees who have been the target of His rebukes throughout Matthew’s Gospel. Now in Jerusalem and nearing the end of His ministry, Jesus doesn’t hold back from speaking harsh truth about hard hearts. Wilkin points out that each of the seven woes corresponds to the blessings in the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. More modern translations like the NIV do not include Matthew 23:14 which, when included, makes the eight woes correspond to the eight beatitudes. (The missing verse is “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” 23:14, KJV)

Blessings (5:3-10) Woes (23:13-33)
Poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces (thus making it inaccessible)
Those who mourn, they will be comforted You devour widows/ mourners
The meek who will inherit the earth You travel the earth to make converts who are sons of hell
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness You make hollow, false oaths with no regard for righteousness
The merciful Neglect justice, mercy & faithfulness
The pure in heart Hypocrites- clean on the outside but impure on the inside; full of greed & self-indulgence
The peacemakers Hypocrites- appear righteous but filled with wickedness (robbing people of peace)
Those persecuted because of righteousness Took part in persecuting and shedding blood of righteous prophets

Jesus concludes the woes with an expression of grief: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (23:37-39, NIV) The city that should celebrate Him as the Messiah and King will reject and crucify Him in a matter of days.

Chapter 24 Signs of the End of the Age

 Jesus delivers this fifth and final chunk of teaching in Matthew’s Gospel known as the “Olivet Discourse” while sitting with His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Three prevailing schools of thought affect the way the signs of the end of the age are interpreted:

  1. Those who see events described in this chapter as historical and fulfilled when Rome conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the temple in 70 AD.
  2. Those who believe the events described are a future reality. (This view came into prominence in the 20th century and was popularized by books, movies, and songs about the rapture.)
  3. Those who believe the descriptions in this passage are multi-layered and that some have taken place whiles others have yet to occur.

Common Ground Between All Three Viewpoints:

  • Jesus will appear in a way that all nations will see Him
  • Jesus will come with power and great glory
  • Angels will sound a loud trumpet to gather God’s people
  • The elect will be gathered from all parts of the world

For a more detailed explanation of these three views, see the appendix at the end of this post. Below are a few new insights I learned about these chapters.

Destruction of the Temple

Chapter 24 opens, “Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “’Do you see all these things?’ he asked. ‘Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.’ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’” (24:1-3, NIV)

Many of the events Jesus describes here came to pass in 70 AD when the Roman General Titus conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Jerusalem was subjected to a brutal five- month siege that culminated when the Romans committed the ultimate sacrilegious act by carrying their religious and military symbol of an eagle into the Holy of Holies. This may be what Jesus foreshadows in verses 15-28 when He says, “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (24:15-16, NIV) The abomination that causes desolation would have been like Israel’s 9/11 or Pearl Harbor. It was an event that marked them that they would never forget.

The historian Josephus says over 350,000 Jews lost their lives during this period while other historians say up to 1 million may have perished. Multitudes suffered and fled the city to save their lives. Jesus said the events He was describing would happen within “this generation” (verse 34). A generation in the Bible is about 40 years; this teaching occurred in 33 AD, and Rome destroyed the temple in 70 AD. So, the temple’s destruction  happened within that generation.

Carcass, Vultures, Sun, Moon, Stars

Jesus describes a chilling scene: “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. Immediately after the distress of those days ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’” (24:28-9, NIV)

Jen Wilkin explains that carcass/ vulture imagery is symbolic. The word “eagles” can also be translated as “vultures.” So, eagles/ vultures could represent the Roman legions circling around Israel, symbolized as a carcass. The sun, moon, and stars also have a metaphorical element. Since they were worshipped by different cultures who influenced the Israelites at various times, this could be a comment about the ultimate end of idolatry when Christ returns.

The Son of Man Coming on the Clouds

Scholars agree that Jesus’ description of His return is a future reality: “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (24:30-31, NIV)

This calls to mind the same prophecy recorded by John in Revelation: “’Look, he is coming with the clouds,’ and ‘every eye will see him, even those who pierced him’; and all peoples on earth ‘will mourn because of him.’ So shall it be! Amen.” (Revelation 1:7, NIV)

The Day and the Hour Unknown

Jesus speaks of His return by comparing it to the days of Noah: “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.” (24:38-41, NIV)

The return of Son of Man hasn’t happened yet—this is pointing to end of age and consummation of all things.  Several sources assert that this passage has been  wrongly associated with the idea of the rapture. Instead “Jesus’ reference of Noah’s flood suggests that those who are taken away are taken in judgment. The taken will be destroyed, just as the ungodly of Noah’s day were swept away by the flood…They will be continuing with life as normal when judgment suddenly befalls them. Jesus’ second coming and the accompanying judgment will be sudden and surprising for the unprepared.”2 (If, like me, you read the Left Behind series, this is a huge paradigm shift for you. Some scholars like N.T. Wright even assert that the notion of the rapture is a misinterpretation of 1 Thessalonians 4:17)3

If you studied Revelation with me last year, you may remember that events described there were often symbolic and layered—they could mean several things at the same time and still be true. Just as history repeats itself, prophecies have truth that pushes beyond the boundaries of specific times and places. Some of what Jesus describes in this chapter took place within that generation; other events happened then and will happen again, and some are yet to take place.

Regardless of the era of history, the common theme is for believers to remain faithful and obedient to the Lord and to live anticipating Christ’s return. “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (24:14, NIV)

Chapter 25

In this chapter, Jesus tells three parables to illustrate the mindset and actions believers need to have as we await His return.

The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids/ Virgins emphasizes that every person is responsible for his or her own spiritual condition. “Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Our relationship with God must be our own.”4  The parable highlights the contrast of people who are unprepared (subject to woe) and others prepared and waiting expectantly (receiving blessing).

The Parable of the Talents illustrates the importance of being good stewards of resources entrusted to us by God. “We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have but how well we use what we have.”5  Jen Wilkin asserts that the foolish servant represents hypocrites who will reject the Messiah when He comes while the faithful servants represent those who prepare for and accept the Messiah.This parable should prompt us to consider how we invest our time, resources, and abilities.

The Sheep and the Goats (Final Judgement): In this illustration of final judgement, the sheep represent those who are blessed, and the goats represent those who are cursed. It is similar to the “sorting” parables of the wheat/weeds and good/bad fish in Matthew 13. This parable contrasts followers of Christ with those interested in religion for the sake of self-promotion. True followers of Christ will reveal themselves by the fruit of their deeds towards those with the greatest needs. Jesus describes those who show tangible mercy to those in need, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40, NIV)  When we’ re ministering to others, we’re ministering to Jesus– no matter how mundane or trivial it may seem.

As you prayerfully examine your life in light of these parables, consider how you’re living in preparation for Christ’s return. Ask the Lord to give you the strength and courage to act on any areas that could be more aligned with His will so you can look forward to hearing Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21, NIV)

Follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. Jen Wilkin, Matthew: Warnings of Judgement, The Village Church, Feb. 1, 2018
  2. “What does it mean that one will be taken and the other left (Matthew 24:40)?” got questions.org
  3. N.T. Wright, “Farwell to the Rapture”
  4. NIV Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan, 1988, 1712.
  5. ibid

Appendix

1) Preterist or Postmillienialism: This interpretation views the events in chapter twenty four as having been already completed, It emphasizes the historical destruction of the temple by the Romans in Jerusalem in 70 AD as the fulfillment of Matthew 24-25. It contends that Christian influence on the world will continue to spread until the second coming of Christ.

2) Futurist or Premillenialism: This interpretation views the events in chapter twenty four as a future reality. It emphasizes the final return of Christ and the events leading up to it. It contends that Christians will be increasingly persecuted, there will be a literal tribulation, and a millennial (1000 year) reign of Christ on earth before the establishment of the New Heavens and New Earth. This is the most common interpretation that became the prevailing view in the 20thcentury. The Left Behind series and other books, movies and music focused on the rapture of all believers from earth.

3) Hybrid or Amillenialism: This interpretation emphasizes the destruction of Jerusalem as a foreshadowing of the final return of Christ at the end of time. It contends that God’s triumph in the current age is primarily spiritual rather than material. The Church will continue to experience persecution. There is no literal millennium and the final reign of God will be established with the second coming of Christ. The end times began at the ascension of Christ and will culminate with His return.

Tensions of the King: Matthew 20-22

Intensity builds in Matthew’s gospel as we move into the final week of Jesus’ life. Kicking off this section, Jesus tells a parable about workers in a vineyard. Those hired first agree to a fair wage and toil throughout the day while others join them at different points. When it’s time to clock out, all of the workers receive the same wage, despite the differing numbers of hours worked. This is a picture of God’s audacious unfairness—the generosity He shows by allowing the undeserving to receive what they did not earn. He reveals this in every sinner who claims righteousness through Christ.

The chapter continues with Jesus predicting His death and resurrection for a third time as He makes His way to Jerusalem with His disciples for Passover. Next the mother of James and John asks Jesus to grant her sons the privilege of sitting at His right and left hands when He comes into His kingdom. Jesus uses her request to reiterate His purpose: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (20:26-28, NIV)

Chapter 20 opens with the Triumphal Entry, marking Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover and the beginning of the last week of His pre-resurrection life. If you grew up in church, you may remember waving palm fronds on Palm Sunday to open Holy Week.

Approaching Jerusalem, Jesus sends two of the disciples ahead saying “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

Matthew explains, “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:‘Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

The disciples do as Jesus instructs and bring the donkey and colt back. As they lead Him into Jerusalem “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” (21:2-4, 8-9, NIV)

Matthew writes this gospel to convince Jewish people that Jesus actually was the Messiah and King they’d been anticipating for centuries. He quotes the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 to show that Jesus fulfills it by entering Jerusalem riding on the foal of a donkey. In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but donkeys if they came in peace. Tara Leigh Cobble explains, “He entered in meekness—not majesty—on an animal made for service, not battle.”1

The people shouted “Hosanna” which means “Save now!” It was both a praise and a petition that they were reciting from Psalm 118. The Jewish people were desperate for relief from the oppression of Rome and expected the Messiah to arrive as a political hero and a conquering king. They wanted Him to fix their problems in the moment and didn’t understand His greater purpose. Jesus came to offer reconciliation and eternal peace with His Father, but the people were only looking for relief in their current circumstances. They cared more about what was happening outside of them than within their own hearts.

While it’s easy to see how they missed the point, we may be more like the crowd than we’d like to admit. Sometimes we want Jesus to wave a magic wand and make everything better when He’s inviting us into something of eternal significance that’s much bigger and deeper. Following Jesus brings lasting, inner peace that far exceeds the comfort we find in circumstances going the way we want. In the Gospel of John Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV)

The Triumphal Entry was the official presentation of Jesus as the Messiah—the rightful descendant of King David. Matthew highlights to the Jewish people that Jesus is the Savior and King they’d been waiting for who had been promised in the Old Testament starting in Genesis 3. The crowd jumps on the bandwagon to worship Jesus but (spoiler alert) they will be quick to turn on Him a few days later and call for His crucifixion.

I wonder sometimes, how are we like the crowd on Palm Sunday? Are we more interested in a Jesus who provides quick fixes for our current circumstances than heart-level life transformation? Do we join the enthusiastic crowd that praises Jesus when He’s popular without bothering to pursue Him privately when no one else is looking? Or, do we recognize that He’s King but refuse to relinquish control of our lives to Him?

In the remaining passages in chapters 21 & 22, Jesus continues to emphasize the importance of genuine faith, humility, and purity of heart. He overturns tables in the temple courtyard to chastise opportunistic businesspeople who are taking advantage of others. He goes head to head with the Pharisees who are trying to entrap Him and teaches several parables that contrast the hard hearts of the prideful Jewish elite with the receptivity of sinners and outcasts. This section also includes the greatest commandment: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (22:37-40, NIV)

As our study moves towards Jesus’ final teachings and the events of Holy Week, let’s stop and consider our own hearts. What are you learning in Matthew’s gospel that’s changing the way you see yourself and how you respond to the Lord? Pray that God continues to soften your heart, open your eyes, and draw you deeper into life in His upside kingdom.

Follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. Tara Leigh Cobble, Knowing Jesus as King, Bethany House Publishers, 2024, 161

Perspective of the King: Matthew 17-19

Continuing our walk through the Gospel of Matthew, this portion opens with the transfiguration. Once again, Matthew gives hard evidence to show Jesus as the long- awaited King of Kings. In this scene, James, John and Peter witness Jesus transfiguring from the Rabbi they know to the Son of Man shining brilliantly in His glorified form and talking with Moses and Elijah. Reminiscent of the baptism of Jesus, they hear the voice of the Father speaking, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5, NIV)

In the rest of the chapter Jesus continues to emphasize purity heart and the pursuit of righteousness. He heals a demon-possessed boy, answers questions about paying taxes to Caesar, and emphasizes that the greatest citizens in His kingdom approach Him with childlike faith. Chapter 19 includes an extended discussion on divorce and a conversation between Jesus and a wealthy young man about whole-heartedly following Him.

Sandwiched in the middle of all this action chapter 18 includes three related teachings about relationships. First, Jesus tells the parable of the Lost Sheep:

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:12-14, NIV)

One commentary explains, “God does not abandon the 99. They are already safely in His kingdom, attended by His angels, and guided by His Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; Hebrews 13:5). But His heart aches for those not yet in the fold. So the Good Shepherd pursues the lost sheep, woos them, calls to them, and allows circumstances into their lives designed to make them look up… The 99 are still important to Him, but He knows the flock is not complete without the lost sheep. And a good shepherd always goes after the lost sheep.”1

 In this first illustration Jesus shows the Father’s deep love for each individual person and the effort He expends to pursue and rescue every lost soul. In the next section, He shows our part in restoring “lost sheep” to the fold through confronting sin: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17, ESV)

The process Jesus lays out escalates incrementally, with each step involving the fewest number of people possible. “Only in rare cases will a Christian seeking to follow the Lord refuse to resolve conflict when the entire congregation is involved… Finally, if the person in the center of the conflict refuses to respond positively even when the entire congregation is involved, then that person is to be considered as ‘a pagan or a tax collector.’ This simply means… removing the negative influence from the congregation.”2

Whether we’ve been personally affected by sin of another or are witnessing how it’s  tainting the body of believers, the goal of addressing it remains the same: to restore the sinner to righteous living. Biblical, healthy confrontation seeks to  reconcile broken relationships affected by behavior that dishonors God.

 While eliminating someone from a congregation sounds harsh and final, the next teaching emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. In this parable, a servant owing a king a large sum of money begs for more time to repay him. The gracious king cancels the debt and allows the servant to go. The same servant then demands a miniscule debt from one of his fellow servants be repaid immediately. When the man can’t pay, the servant calls for him to be thrown in prison. The forgiving king learns this news, summons the unmerciful servant and says, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ Jesus concludes by saying “And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:32-35, ESV)

This parable urges us to remember that even when we’ve been hurt or offended, we’re called to forgive. We cannot withhold from others what has been freely given to us—especially knowing it was purchased by the blood of Christ. As far as it depends upon us, the door for reconciliation must always remain open: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:17-18, ESV)

We can’t control how others respond in challenging relational circumstances, but “Christians are called to handle disputes in love, with a goal of restoration. Conflict should be handled according to the steps listed in Matthew 18. This style of conflict resolution is based on a desire for holy living and love for the person who has committed wrong.”3

The Message paraphrase of Matthew 18:18-20 sums up Jesus’ teaching on conflict saying: “Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”4

The biblical response to conflict stands in sharp contrast to typical worldly reactions such as avoidance, resentment, retaliation, and gossip. It takes prayer and intentionality to change our usual default modes. So, responding to sin and conflict by obeying Jesus’ teaching creates yet another opportunity to reveal His upside-down kingdom to a world that desperately needs Him.

Follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. “Why Would God Leave the 99 to Find the 1?” gotquestions.org
  2. “How Should Christians Handle Disputes (Matthew 18:15-17)? gotquestions.org
  3. ibid
  4. Eugene Peterson, The Message, NavPress, 1993

Purpose of the King: Matthew 14-16

Continuing our journey through Matthew, chapters 14-16 include some familiar stories about Jesus and His followers: the devastating beheading of John the Baptist, Jesus feeding crowds of 5000 and 4000, Jesus and Peter walking on the waves during a storm. They also include multiple healings and deep expressions of faith from Gentiles contrasted with hard hearts of the Pharisees.

Chapter 16 includes two significant conversations between Peter and Jesus that show a sharp contrast. First Jesus asks His disciples “Who do people say the son of man is?” They list off a variety of answers: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (16:13-14, NIV)

Next, Jesus probes a level deeper: “’But what about you? Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” (16:15-16, NIV) Jesus affirms Peter’s response: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (16:17-18, NIV)

Tara Leigh Cobble explains, “The rock that the Church would be built on isn’t Peter. It can’t be; Peter is a pebble. The mountain-rock that the Church would be built on was the truth that Peter confessed…While Jesus affirmed Peter’s statement of faith, this moment really wasn’t about Peter at all— it was about King Jesus the Messiah, the Son of Man, the foundation of our faith.”1

Not long after this, Jesus begins explaining that He will suffer at the hands of the chief priest, that He will be killed and then raised back to life. Dismayed, Peter pulls Jesus aside and reprimands Him saying, “Never, Lord…This shall never happen to you!” Jesus responds with a sharp rebuke: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23, NIV)

The pivot from affirming Peter for his faith to calling him an adversary and a stumbling block highlights Christ’s ultimate purpose. “Jesus was saying that the way of the cross was God’s will, the plan of redemption for all mankind…Peter was inadvertently being used of Satan in thinking he was protecting Jesus…He had not yet grasped Jesus’ true Messianic purpose. Although Peter had just moments before declared Jesus as the Christ, he turned from God’s perspective and viewed the situation from man’s perspective, which brought about the stern rebuke”2

This interaction prompts me to consider when I’m viewing a situation from my perspective instead of God’s. When do I allow a stumbling block to derail me from the Lord’s purposes? When have I become a hindrance for someone else?

Most of us have a natural instinct to protect and comfort those we love, but there are times we insert ourselves where we don’t belong. Instead of helping, we become an impediment to growth.  Here are words of wisdom I’ve gleaned  over the years:

-Don’t steal the struggle. I learned this from a friend and it reminds me that rushing to help/ rescue someone who needs to contend with God can short-circuit their spiritual growth. When a spouse, son, daughter, grandchild or close friend is grappling with something they need to learn and we rush in to fix the situation, we may unintentionally prolong the struggle, prevent learning, or avert them from encountering the Lord personally.

-Don’t over-function. Author and pastor Pete Scezzerro defines this as doing for others what they could and should be doing for themselves.3 Spoon feeding those who have the capacity to hold their own utensils prevents growth. It’s possible we’re taking more ownership for them than we should be and derailing the maturing process.

-Beware of assuming everything painful is bad. Struggles and challenges that we find difficult and want to avoid may be the very tools God uses to refine and transform us. “Great temptations can come from those who love us and seek to protect us. Be cautious of advice from a friend who says, ‘surely God doesn’t want you to face this.’ Often our most difficult temptations come from those who are only trying to protect us from discomfort.”4

-Don’t squelch the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Lisa Chan, wife of pastor Francis Chan, shared this at an event I attended many years ago. In our desire to give comfort and reassure, we offer reasonable explanations instead of letting people grieve their sin and repent. Consider where you’re tempted to excuse sin in yourself or others by rationalizing or aligning with practices in our current culture.

 “If Jesus hadn’t suffered and died, Peter (and we) would have died in his sins…Satan is always trying to get us to leave God out of the picture. Jesus rebuked Peter for this attitude.”5 Let’s pray for discernment to know when people we love need to wrestle with the Lord without our intervention. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you’re stealing the struggle, over functioning, prioritizing comfort over growth, or squelching spiritual conviction. Whether it’s a stumbling block to you or someone you love, let’s stop trying so hard on our own strength and give it over to the Lord instead.

Matthew’s gospel shows us the disciples didn’t always get it right, but they remained humble and teachable, growing stronger and wiser all the time.  May the same be said of us.

You can follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. Tara Leigh Cobble, Knowing Jesus as King, Bethany House 2024, 122-123
  2. “Why Did Jesus say to Peter, ‘Get behind me Satan’”, Got Questions.org
  3. Pete Scezzero, “Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast”
  4. NIV Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan, 1988, 1686
  5. ibid

Instructions of the King: Matthew 11-13

Matthew’s gospel continues revealing the heart and character of Jesus through His teaching and interactions with others in chapters 11-13. Sandwiched between stories of Him pronouncing woe on the unrepentant and clashing with the Pharisees about their legalism, Matthew includes a short paragraph of teaching that may be familiar to you: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

A “yoke” is a farming implement—a curved wooden beam placed across the necks of two animals so that they can bear the weight of pulling a load together. For years, I failed to understand the depth of this illustration. Frederick Dale Bruner explains, “A yoke is a work instrument. Thus when Jesus offers a yoke he offers what we might think tired workers need least. They need a mattress or a vacation, not a yoke. But Jesus realizes that the most restful gift he can give the tired is a new way to carry life, a fresh way to bear responsibilities… instead of offering escape, Jesus offers equipment. Jesus means that obedience to his Sermon on the Mount [his yoke] will develop in us a balance and a ‘way’ of carrying life that will give more rest than the way we have been living.”1

 Author and pastor John Mark Comer clarifies further: “Every rabbi had his ‘yoke’—a Hebrew idiom for his set of teachings, his way of reading the Scripture, his take on how to thrive as a human being in God’s good world. How you, too could taste a little of what they’d tasted.”2  Comer says a rabbi’s life and teaching were his credentials; his disciples traveled with him and learned from him through daily experiences. Later in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus compares His yoke with the Pharisees’: “They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” (Matt 23:4, NIV) Highlighting their hypocrisy, Jesus contrasts their legalism with living according to His upside-down kingdom.

I love how Pastor Eugene Peterson paraphrases Matthew 11:28-30: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”3

Perhaps you’re familiar with the saying, “We become what we behold.4 Where we focus our attention determines how we view ourselves, other people, and the world around us. What we see shapes who we are and what we believe. So, if you’re wondering why you’re feeling anxious, insecure, afraid, jealous, angry, or overwhelmed, more often than you’re living “freely and lightly,” consider where you fix your gaze most of the time.

In my recent post, “Origin of the King: Matthew 1-4” I quoted C.S. Lewis, who describes Jesus as the “rightful king” who has landed on earth to re-claim “enemy-occupied territory.”5  Followers of Jesus live in the tension of residing in an evil-soaked world while maintaining a kingdom-focused mindset. We win the battle for our attention by engaging Jesus daily for wisdom, strength, peace, and rest. “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” isn’t just an inspirational phrase for a coffee mug, it’s a call to walk closely linked with Jesus in all that we do. The rest He gives the weary and burdened is a soul-level state of being, not a weekend away from the pressures of life.

One of the teaching ministers at my church recently gave a sermon contrasting mindsets reflecting the kingdom of the world and the upside down kingdom of God:6

Kingdom of the World Mindset Kingdom of God Mindset
Spending every bonus or raise on a bigger house, newer car, or more toys, because that’s what “success” looks like.

 

 Choosing to give sacrificially, even when you could upgrade your lifestyle. Extra funds are given sacrificially and generosity is viewed as an eternal investment.
Filling every night with sports, Netflix, or hobbies, with no space left for serving, rest, or community.

 

 Structuring your week so there’s room for prayer, worship, and hospitality, even if it means saying no to activities everyone else assumes are essential.
Cutting ties when people annoy you, disagree with you, or don’t benefit you.

 

 Choosing forgiveness, reconciliation, and patience — staying committed to love even when it costs you comfort.
Complaining, blaming, or numbing with entertainment when life gets hard.

 

 Turning to prayer, Scripture, and hope in God’s promises; showing joy and trust that confuses the world.
Raising kids with the main goal of good grades, athletic success, and getting into the right college — because that’s what everyone else… is chasing.

 

 Raising kids with the goal of knowing Jesus, loving others, and living faithfully — even if that means turning down opportunities, slowing the pace, or choosing different priorities than every other family on the block.

These ideas may sound unrealistic, overwhelming, and convicting to you. Instead of dismissing them, will you ask God to reveal one that you can surrender to Him so you can recover your life and experience real rest?

Studies show that engaging Scripture four or more times a week is the key to life transformation. 7 Since the yoke of Jesus is laid out in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), reading it regularly is a simple way to open yourself to soul rest and the unforced rhythms of grace. Are you willing to give it a try?

You can follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. Fredrick Dale Bruner, Matthew: A Commentary Volume 1 The Christbook, Matthew 1-12; Grand Rapids MI, Eardmans, 2004 as quoted in John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Waterbrook, 2019, 86-7
  2. John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way, Waterbrook, 2024, 4
  3. Eugene Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language, Navpress, 1993
  4. Attributed to William Blake’s 1804 poem “Milton” inspired by Psalm 115:8
  5. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Geoffrey Bles Publishing, 1952
  6. Caleb Bonifay, “What Does it Mean to be Holy?” CPC Danville, Aug. 31, 2025
  7. “Bible Engagement and the ‘Power of 4’: A Key to Spiritual Growth”, Center for Bible Engagement