This day of the Passion Week is not mentioned specifically in the Scriptures. On the charts detailing the Passion Week, it is sometimes referred to as “A Day of Rest.”

It followed a jam packed three days, First, the Triumphal Entry; then the Clearing the Temple; followed by the Confrontation with the Priests and Elders in the Temple.

Jesus and the Disciples probably returned to Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus.

I believe this was the time when the Olivet Discourse was given (Matthew 24, 25; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44).

The setting would have been atop the Mount of Olives, overlooking the city of Jerusalem.

The Olivet Discourse is the final of five teachings given by Jesus and recorded by Matthew. Essentially, it is Jesus’ response to three questions posed by the disciples in Matthew 24:3.

The three questions and their answers are: “When will these things happen?” (answered in Matthew 24:36) “What will be the sign of your coming?” (answered in Matthew 24:30-35) and “What will be the sign of the end of the age?” (answered in Matthew 4:4-29)

Notice that Jesus answered their questions in reverse order.

In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus reminds the disciples to not get so caught up in trying to figure everything out that they miss out. He was also wanting the disciples to “be righteous,” rather that simply to “appear righteous.” The Pharisees had done a pretty good job of this. They were so focused on dotting every “i” and crossing every “t” that they forgot to make sure they were taking care of business, watching and always being prepared for these things to happen.

In Matthew 24:36, Jesus tells them that, “No one knows about the day or the hour.” He then proceeds to liken the day of His coming to the times of Noah. It was evil; people were completely disregarding the call to repent; and were eternally lost when the door to the Ark was closed.

I guess the moral of that lesson is to make sure we “don’t miss the boat.” Jesus proceeded to try and help the disciples not to miss the boat.

Jesus tells two parables in Matthew 25. The first (Matthew 25:1-13) is the Parable of “The Ten Virgins.” You remember it from Sunday school. Five were wise, five were foolish. The foolish ran out of oil and ultimately missed the coming of the Bride Groom because they were not prepared.

The second parable (Matthew 25:14-30) is, “The Parable of the Talents.” In this story, Jesus puts the emphasis on each of us using the talents (God given abilities) to accomplish His purposes. I would remind you of Ephesians 2:10 were we are told that not only are we God’s workmanship or His masterpieces, but there are also works established for us to do. And God has given each of us “talents” or “abilities” to accomplish those works. We just need to make sure we do what we we’re supposed to do.

Matthew 25 concludes with a great warning. It’s a teaching about the coming judgment. It’s about “sheep and goats” in Matthew 25:31-46. These words were a warning for those who do not live prepared or for those who choose not to use their talents for God’s purposes. There will be judgment. Christ will separate those who were obedient from those who were disobedient.

Again, the big picture here is to always be ready; always be doing the work of God; and always be looking to God as our source.

Always in Pursuit!

Don