Scripture – Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-14, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19, Psalm 118, Zechariah 9:9, Galatians 5:22-23

We explore Palm Sunday – the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to shouts of hosanna. It was the 10th day of Nissan on the Jewish calendar. The day when the Passover lambs were herded in and prepared for sacrifice in Jerusalem at the temple.

Palm Sunday on Nisan 10 – recorded in these gospels:
Matthew 21:1–11
Mark 11:1-11
Luke 19:28-44
John 12:12-19

There are two dates that could be the date of the first Palm Sunday. Those dates are April 3, 30 A.D. or March 29, 33 A.D. 

Jesus rides in on an unbroken donkey – one never before ridden on. This is biblically significant – a young animal, never previously ridden on was an animal that could be offered in a sacrifice as a gift to God. Jesus rides in on such an animal.

All donkeys across the world have the same markings on their backs. It is a long dark stripe that runs along their spine, along the center of their backs and another stripe that runs across from shoulder to shoulder, forming the sign of a cross. Every donkey carries a cross on its back.

When Jesus rode on the donkey into the city of Jerusalem, he was sitting on a cross.

in Zachariah 9:9 we read, “rejoice greatly, daughter, Zion! Shout, daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey. “

Jesus fulfill this prophetic word from Zachariah as he enters Jerusalem as a king riding on a donkey coming in peace and offering hope. “Hope for the nations.” (more on this in the coming next weeks.)

As Jesus enters Jerusalem on the donkey – it is possible that there were as many as 2.5–3 million people there for the Passover based on ancient writings of Josephus and the rabbis. 

The crowds are shouting “hosanna!” Hosanna means “Lord, save us!”. This is an acknowledgment by the crowd that Jesus is the Messiah. The crowd knew who he was, and this hugely angered the chief priest, upsetting the status quo. BUT it also inaugurates the greatest life anyone can experience and that is a relationship with the living God through Jesus Christ. 

Palm Sunday Nissan 10 – order of events:

Palm Sunday branches John 12:13
Pharisees object Luke 19:39-40
Jesus weeps Luke 19:41-44
Lazarus crowd John 12:17–19
Return to Bethany. Mark 11:11

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, it is with a heavy heart because he knows what lies had; rejection by the religious authorities, the future for his disciples and believers and for Jerusalem. He knew that many would not receive him for who he is. The Messiah. 

The story of Jesus going “up to Jerusalem” continues on Monday morning Nissan 11 – the next day after Palm Sunday with the story of the cursing of the fig tree. 

The fig tree
– they shed their leaves in November
– new leaves in late March 
– paggim (early fruit)on branches in March
– paggim come out early in spring. They come first before the figs.
– Jesus finds no paggim
-summer figs – August – October.

Jesus recognizes that not finding the paggim is more than just a biological event – this is prophetic. Fig trees are the symbol of the nation of Israel. Figs are symbolic of the people of Israel.

Jesus is hungry and the tree that should’ve been producing fruit had nothing on it. This is symbolic of the nation of Israel – so many were religious, but there is not spiritual fruit. Jesus curses the fig tree because God desires fruit. This speaks to those then and to us today. We are called to bear fruit. It says Galatians 5:22-23 “but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

These are what God does in the hearts of all who believe. If fruit is not there, it is a warning and a sign that calls us back to him in repentance. We don’t want to just “look good” we want to be transformed by Jesus and with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit so we can bear fruit.

Jesus goes to the temple and finds money changers and a marketplace in the courtyard and cleanses it by turning the tables over and throwing them out. He says that his house is not a den of thieves, but is to be a house of prayer for all nations.

Pastor shares a detailed description of the layout of the temple and the courtyards. 

The cleansing of the temple ends with Jesus miraculously healing the blind and the lame. This is prophetic. “Blind and lame” were not allowed into the temple or its courtyard. Jesus frees those who have never been welcomed into the temple area. In fact, he is announcing to everyone that he is the one who gives everyone access to God.

By Jesus’ death, he will open the gates of heaven to all who repent and believe, join us next week for the continued story of Jesus going “Up to Jerusalem.”

Our website –  https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus’ ministry concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries.  Up to Jerusalem is part four of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father’s plan. As we study Jesus’ final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us. 

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

Check out this episode!

This teaching is from Matthew 28:1-20, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 1 Corinthians 15:6

Today we finish up the Gospel of Matthew. Pastor helps us see the Old Testament Feasts through New Testament eyes showing us some interesting insights.

The resurrection of Jesus took place on the 1st day of the week, Sunday, which is the first day after the Jewish Sabbath on Saturday. Jesus’ resurrection also happened on the day called The Day of First Fruits which is celebrated on the first day after the Sabbath as part of their week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Day of First Fruits a day to celebrate the harvest and to give back a part of the harvest to God as an offering. Israel has two harvest times. One in the spring – this is the springtime harvest – but there is also a second harvest in the fall. (The second harvest will be at Jesus return.) 

It is no coincidence that Jesus was raised from death on the day of First Fruits. God had a plan from the beginning and Jesus is the fulfillment of that plan, He is the First Fruits of the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 says, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” 

Our story picks up with another earthquake, the guards being frightened and running off as an angel comes down from heaven to the tomb of Jesus and talks to the women that are there. The tomb is open and Jesus is not there and the angels tells them Jesus is risen. The story goes on with the women being the first to meet Jesus and worship Him.

The runaway guards go to the chief priests to tell them all that’s happened. So the chief priests and elders gather to devise a plan, paying off the guards, they tell them to say that Jesus’ disciples stole Jesus’ body. Verse 15 ends with “And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.”   

There is no record of anyone suggesting the tomb was still occupied, everyone knew the tomb was empty – the only story the priests could come up with was that the disciples stole the body. Yet the truth is – Christ rose!! Victorious over the death and the grave.

Our story goes on with the disciples going to a mountain in area of Galilee to see Jesus where they worshiped Him. He tells them that all authority of heaven and earth has been given to Him. Jesus is the Lord of the Universe!  Jesus is the image of the invisible God, He’s the One through whom everything was created.

Jesus saying he has all authority is the first part of the Great Commission and explains why He can give the command of the great commission. The Great Commission tells all disciples then and now to make more disciples, not believers, but disciples, meaning those who believe AND follow Christ.

We are told to baptize them in THE NAME of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  “The Name” why not “names” – Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three names. Jesus specifically says, “Name” no “s” – not plural. Because they are ONE.  

Jesus goes on telling us to teach everything He’s commanded us. Ending with the assuring promise that He is always with us.

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We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

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Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 3
Scripture – Luke 19:11-27, John 12:1-11, Psalm 45:4, 6-8, Mark 14:10-11, Hebrews 1:8-9

Jesus has set his face toward Jerusalem and will carry out  the heavenly Father’s will.

People were expecting the Kingdom of God to appear suddenly – political deliverance – a great king to rule – but Jesus continued to emphasize the difficulties that lie ahead as well as the glory that would come in the future. 

Today’s teaching begins with the Parable of the Mina. A mina is equivalent to 3-4 months pay. The story tells of a king and 10 servants, each are given a mina, the king goes away and then returns asking for an accounting of the mines each had been given.

In this parable – Jesus is trying to show how he too will go away. The kingdom of God is coming – but the final fulfillment is in the future – His second return.  But while the king is away and we await His return – those of us that follow Him are called to wisely use what He has given us.  

As Jesus continues heading “Up to Jerusalem” He stops in the town of Bethany to dine with friends: Mary, Martha, Lazarus and others. Just weeks earlier Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. During the meal, Mary pores expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet – perfume worth about 1 year’s wage. Judas speaks up that it was a waste of money that could have/should have gone to the poor, but Jesus speaks up in Mary’s defense saying, “You will always have the poor but you will not always have Me.”

Anointing with perfume had remarkable application and significance for devout Jewish people in the 1st century. They were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Messiah – Messiah means the Anointed One and now Mary anoints Jesus. She even wipes His feet with her hair – showing complete surrender – she gave Jesus everything, possibly even her life savings in this act of devotion. 

On the next day Jesus would be riding into Jerusalem on a donkey as their king to the cheers of Hosanna (Save Us!) – as Mary does the symbolic, prophetic act of anointing Jesus, she’s not just showing devotion to Him and not just preparing His body for death, she is announcing to all that He’s her King, she serves Him and that He is the fulfillment of the Scriptures.

Judas is angered so much by Mary’s act that he goes to the chief priests to betray Jesus. These chief priests had seen the miraculous healings, they knew of Jesus raising Lazarus, and they knew what people were saying about Jesus, but their own hearts were hardened. They wanted to kill Jesus and Lazarus as well. Mere recognition of something being true doesn’t always change the heart and mind, only God changes them. Only when we encounter Jesus for who He really is are we then changed and that is an action of God. This is why we are called to be humble before God, to believe and repent and to follow him.

The next day (Palm Sunday) Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. Did He still smell of the perfume Mary had put on Him? He was hailed with Hosannas and the waving of palm branches. Riding in on a donkey was a symbol of peace.

Something else was coinciding with Jesus coming into Jerusalem on this specific day. This was the 10th Day of Nissan for the Jewish people, which was the day that all the lambs that would be sacrificed for the Passover in 4 days were herded into Jerusalem. The very day that Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb of God, also enters the city. This is not a coincidence.And 4 days later as the lambs were slaughtered for the Passover meals to celebrate their freedom from bondage to Egypt, Jesus would be hung on the cross shedding His blood for our freedom from sin’s bondage. Nothing here is coincidental. Jesus is the fulfillment of all the Father has promised!!

3 Key Events that lead to Jesus’ arrest, death and crucifixion:
    ⁃    Resurrection of Lazarus
    ⁃    Anointing by Mary
    ⁃    Jesus in the temple courts

These three incidents enraged the chief priests and were the final straw in their desire to get rid of Him earlier than originally planned. 

We will pick up next week with the cleansing of the temple. 

Our website –  https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus’ ministry concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries.  Up to Jerusalem is part four of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father’s plan. As we study Jesus’ final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us. 

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

Check out this episode!

This teaching is from Matthew 27:49-28:4

We pick up the story from last week on the evening of Passover.  Jesus is on the cross, it’s three in the afternoon. Jesus cries out, “it is finished” and dies just as the sacrifice is being offered in the Temple. At that very moment the curtain in the Temple is torn from top to bottom. That curtain separated the Holy Place of the Sanctuary from the Holy of Holies in the rear of the Sanctuary. The curtain was a massive curtain approximately 60′ by 30′ and about 8 inches thick.

Symbolically – this is a sign that everything has changed. The entry way to the Holy of Holies which had been only for a chief priest to enter once a year for atonement was now wide open – a physical representation that the way to the Heavenly Father is now opened for all.  No longer through multiple sacrifices, it is now through the blood of the Son of the Living God. That entry gives us direct access to the Father through the Son.

There was darkness from 12-3pm and when Christ died, there was a massive earth quake and a Centurian exclaimed, “Surely, this was the Son of God!”

Jesus’ burial – Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilot to ask for Jesus’ body and it was given to him. 

God’s command in Deuteronomy 21:22-23 says, “If someone guilty of a capital offense is put to death and their body is exposed on a pole, you must not leave the body hanging on the pole overnight. Be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse. You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.” 

The Jewish people followed this command from God and so Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body down from the cross at His death and didn’t allow it to stay on the “pole.” Joseph wrapped the body in cloth and placed Jesus in the tomb that he had recently purchased for himself.

Pastor shares archeological and historical evidence of the site of Jesus’ burial site under the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

After Jesus is placed in the tomb the chief priests and pharisees – who do not normally agree with each other – went together to Pilate to remind him that Jesus had said, “After three days I will rise again.”  So Pilate tells them to secure the tomb so that Jesus’ disciples could not come steal the body and claim Jesus had risen from the dead.

The tomb was secured by sealing it with wax around the stone at the opening of the tomb and a guard was posted.

We move into Matthew chapter 28 where we read the story of Jesus resurrection. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb early the next morning when again there is another violent earthquake at the time of Jesus’ resurrection. An angel comes down from heaven, rolls the stone of the tomb away from the opening and sits on it, frightening the guard.

All the plans of man to do away with Jesus have come to an end. And now God is intervening in a remarkable and powerful and awesome way.

Join us next week for the rest of Jesus’ amazing resurrection story that is also ours!

Visit our website here
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Watch the video from our website
https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling

Watch the video from Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Check out this episode!

Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 2
Scripture – Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43, Luke 19:1-9

“Up to Jerusalem” are words used by several of the Gospel authors – this phrase is teleological, meaning it has evidence of design, purpose, and planning of the Heavenly Father.  And it shows the heart of Jesus as He steadfastly walks the route that leads to Jerusalem where He knows the coming events of betrayal suffering, crucifixion, and paying the full penalty for our sins against the Father.  Jesus was willing to take on all the filth of the human race.

The feeling of many at the time of Jesus was that now that the Messiah is here – now everything will fall into place and the kingdom of God will  – after waiting and waiting centuries – finally be established on earth.  

As a precursor to our story today, Pastor shares the controversy surrounding Jericho and the controversy of Jesus’ appearance in Jericho along with a look at the geography and topography of Jericho. He shares archeological discoveries and information on the ancient city of Jericho, plus archeological evidence indicating the truth of scriptures and the timeline of the scriptures. The evidence is compelling.

Pastor addresses the “discrepancies” in the verses we will explore today:
Matthew 20:29-34 – two blind men and Jesus leaving Jericho
Mark 10:46-52 – one blind man begging and Jesus leaving Jericho
Luke 18:35-43 – one blind man begging and Jesus approaching Jericho.

What accounts for the differences? Two blind men vs 1 one man and Jesus leaving Jericho vs approaching Jericho. Pastor poses an interesting answer that shows all three accounts to be true. Meaning there was 1 man, there was 2 men, Jesus was leaving and He was approaching!

There is evidence pointing to TWO cities of Jericho during the New Testament times. One a rebuilding of the Old Testament Jericho and a thriving newly built Jericho. Pastor shares some great insights on this. One city was just a bit south and west of the other. If Jesus was leaving the older Jericho location He would have then been entering the newer, modern, bustling New Testament Jericho location. The authors were describing the story from different vantage points. Same story, just written from differing frames of reference.  Also, Mark and Matthew wrote for the Jewish audience and would have been more inclined to speak of ancient Jericho, whereas Luke’s audience was gentile so Luke would probably focus on the newer more busy and active newer Jericho.

How do we reconcile 1 or two blind men? As we read the story we see one is very vocal. So much so that the crowds try to shush him. Matthew noticed both men, but Mark and Luke noticed the vocal one, the one who kept calling to Jesus and would not stop.

Mark 10:46-52: The outspoken one’s name is Bartimaeus and he calls out to Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Bartimaeus’ description of Jesus as the “Son of David” is a way for Bartimaeus to express that he understands who Jesus is, the Messiah. While Bartimaeus was physically blind, he had great spiritual sight in order to address Jesus in the way he did.  He could “see” very clearly who Jesus was.

When Jesus answers him, Bartimaeus tosses aside his cloak – a most valuable possession – and jumps to his feet going  to Jesus. “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asks. “Rabbi, I want to see!” Bartimaeus answers. Jesus responds, “Go! Your faith has healed you!” And immediately Bartimaeus receives his sight and follows Jesus “Up to Jerusalem.”

This is not simply an historical description of something that took place – it is a declaration that shows us that by faith we too are changed – forever changed – just like Bartimeaus. 

Following the healing of Bartimaeus,,”Up to Jerusalem” continues in Luke 19:1-9. Jesus enters the newest Jericho and there he meets Zaccheaus, singles him out and goes to his house. Jesus continues to show us that He is concerned about us individually!

Zaccheaus, like Bartimaeus, is transformed. Zaccheaus tells Jesus he will give away 1/2 of all his possessions and payback 4-fold anyone he cheated.  Zacchaeus is a transformed man because he met the Transformer, Jesus the Messiah. 

Today’s teaching ends with Jesus saying to Zacchaeus, “Today, Salvation has come to this house, for the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Salvation had indeed come! And that Salvation come to us, too, for Salvation is found is none other than Jesus. 

Up to Jerusalem continues in Luke 19:11 where we read many in the crowd were thinking that the Kingdom of God was going to appear suddenly.  But Jesus knows the road to Victory is paved with His blood, and the road to the kingdom is a road of sacrifice.  

Join us next time for the parable of the 10 minas – another controversial story!

Our website –  https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus’ ministry concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries.  Up to Jerusalem is part four of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father’s plan. As we study Jesus’ final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us. 

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

Check out this episode!

This teaching is from Matthew 27:26-49, Psalm 22:1, 7-8

Today’s story is the crucifixion of Jesus. We pick up our story with the flogging of Jesus. Pastor describes what Jesus experienced in this brutal method of torture. 

Jesus was then brought to the preaetorium in front of all the soldiers where He was mocked and beaten before they lead Him away to be crucified.

Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus’ cross as they walked to Golgatha because Jesus was too weak from the brutality He experienced. 

Once on the cross they offered Him wine mixed with gall, but Jesus refused to drink it.  What was this drink? Evidence that has survived points to a tradition that the women of Jerusalem prepared a wine mixture that was intended to dull the pain of an individual who was being tortured or crucified.  But we see Jesus refusing to drink it. The Son of God chose to endure the pain without having anything to easy it. He chose to willingly suffer the agonies of the damned for each of us.

Then they cast lots for His clothes and place a sign with the charge against Him: “This is Jesus, King of the Jews.”

Pastor shares a detailed description of Jesus’ cross.

The story continues with taunting coming from the gathered crowd and as darkness covers the sky from noon to 3pm.  Jesus cries out to God the Father highlighting David’s prophetic words from Psalm 22:1. 

Note also the prophetic fulfillment of the words of verses 7-8:
All who see me mock me;
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
“He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
    “let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
    since he delights in him.”

7 Words of Jesus from the Cross
    ⁃    Father forgive them they know not what they do
    ⁃    Today you will be with me in paradise
    ⁃    Woman, behold your son
    ⁃    My God, my God, why have you forsaken me
    ⁃    I thirst
    ⁃    It is finished
    ⁃    Father into Thy hands I commend my spirit

Jesus’ crucifixion is the greatest love story the world has ever heard. The Only Son of God willingly saved us and it ought to drive us to our knees in tears and holy awe.

Pastor ends today’s class with the encouragement to read through the rest of the story before joining us again next week.

Visit our website here
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Watch the video from our website
https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling

Watch the video from Youtube
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Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Check out this episode!

Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 1
Scripture – Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-33, John 11:55-57

Jesus is the most courageous man who ever lived.  He knew what lay ahead and yet He chose the road that led to the cross anyways!  Clearly, we matter to God. God loves us each individually so much that He was willing to go Up to Jerusalem.

Up to Jerusalem 
    1.    Biblical
    2.    Jewish
    3.    Chronological
    4.    Teleological (meaning it is by design – God’s deliberate plan)

In Matthew 20:17-19 we read “Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way He took the Twelve…. ” And He shares that the Son of Man (Himself) would be arrested, condemned to death, mocked, flogged, crucified and on the 3rd day He will be raised to life.

Jesus is up front with telling of His death and resurrection but the disciples did not understand what He was saying.  In Mark 10:22 and 32 Mark reports that they were on their way up to Jerusalem and Jesus told them what was going to happen to Him. There is a sense of fear and uncertainty in the air…..

Luke 18:31-33 as well tells us that Jesus took them aside and said that they were going up to Jerusalem and He told them everything that is written by the prophets on the Son of Man would be fulfilled…. He would be arrested, mocked, flogged, killed, and on the 3rd day He will rise again.

John tells us in John 11:55-57 that Jesus was going up to Jerusalem but adds the piece that the chief priests and pharisees had plans to arrest Jesus.

Comparing all four sources, we can determine a specific time when this conversation happened.  This is just days before the Passover festival (a festival commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites by God from bondage in Egypt, when they put the blood of a lamb on their door posts and the Lord passed over their homes – saving them from the 10th Plague and then God used Moses to lead them out of Egypt.)

From these four sets of verses we learn that:
God will carry out His purpose!
Jesus will do the Father’s will!
And God wins!

Everything in the Bible points to these final days of Jesus and everything that follows flows out of these days – because the Final Return of Jesus is coming!!  He has already won the victory! And because of that victory, we are assured that God wins and so do we as His believers!

The story of Up to Jerusalem is truth that transforms- it is life-giving – it changes EVERYTHING! And so let’s head Up to Jerusalem!

Pastor digs deeper into who the chief priests were: their politics, their duties, their influence, their teachings, and their opposition to Jesus. They viewed Him as a threat to their power, influence, wealth and futures.

What we learn is that what God desires from us is not religion – He desires relationship with Him: to know Him, to listen to Him, to follow Him.

Pastor explores a few more verses in Matthew as they are on the road up to Jerusalem. Jesus teaches the disciples that life is not about achievements and being “top dog”. This life is about serving.  Jesus says, “serving, even as I have served.” Jesus is a servant – and we are called to be like that. Jesus tells that serving Him and others is the way the Father would have us do things, not the way the world does – of looking out for only one’s self. Jesus teaches and shows us that with God it’s all about self sacrifice and service – being humble and obedient, it’s not about self-promotion and self-aggrandizement.  Did you know the word leader is mentioned only 6 times in the King James Bible, but servant is mentioned 900 times! Kinda’ emphasizes the point!

Jesus says, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

This is our model and we are called to be more and more like Him

Our website –  https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus’ ministry concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries.  Up to Jerusalem is part four of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father’s plan. As we study Jesus’ final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us. 

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

Check out this episode!