We will finish Tim Keller and his series on the prodigal sons, but for the next five weeks, we are switching to Paige Brown’s Teachings: Scenes from the Last Week of Jesus Life. They dovetail so well with Lent. Hopefully, she’ll share what passage it is ahead of time, so you can read that over at the beginning of the week and then watch her teaching the last 4 days of the week. Don’t worry about missing the first 3 weeks, as each teaching can stand alone. But here is a summary of the first 3 weeks.
Week 1: The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11)
Who but God could do this — have a foal who had never been ridden waiting for him, and ride it? Only Jesus knew this was His last week, and His bucket list was to try one more time to awaken the religious leaders to their sin, and to show the world who He was. This time coming as a humble King on a donkey to rescue them, not from Rome, but from their sins.
Week 2: The Cleansing of the Temple and the Cursing of the Fig Tree (Matthew 21:12-22)
He cleansed the Temple because the religious leaders were preventing the people from worshipping by turning their place of worship into a corrupt marketplace. He cursed the fig tree, because though it was in full leaf (looking good like the Pharisees) it bore no fruit.
Week 3: Warnings and Parables for the Religiously Blind (Matthew 21:23-22:45)
Confrontation with the religious leaders (Many different “faiths” but who hated each other but agreed on the goal of getting rid of Jesus.
Round 1: By whose authority do you do these things? Jesus answered with a coin — to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s (Image of Caesar on the coin) and to God what is God’s (all of their hearts as they are in the image of God). They were silenced.
Round 2: 3 parables with questions to help them state their own sin by answer his questions correctly. Parable 1 — they are like the son who said he would obey the father but did not. Parable 2 — they are like the tenants who killed the son of the owner of the Vineyard. Parable 3: Wedding banquet. They are like the man who tried to get into the wedding in his own clothes instead of the garment provided by the King.
Round 3: Whose Son is the Messiah — he quotes Psalm 110:1
The line that I will remember is that it is much harder to be stood up than to be turned down. It’s one thing for your boyfriend to tell you he cannot take you to the Prom because he’s going to his grandmother’s birthday; it’s quite another to say he will take you and never show up.
I remember being stood up for Homecoming in high school. I was all dressed up and waiting for him to come. My dad paced. I kept looking out the window, feeling so embarrassed. (He had gotten drunk at a pre-party for guys and was passed out.)
Paige said the Pharisees, Sadducees, and all who wanted to get rid of Jesus acted like they had accepted God’s invitation, that they really knew Him, but they never actually repented and came to Him. They would not come. Yet He is still calling them in the last week of His life. All they needed to do was repent, but they would not. Paige said, “All you need is nothing but most do not have that.”
This musical cartoon is based on the parable in Luke 14.
This is the teaching for this week: She starts at 14.21 and goes for 70 minutes. She concentrates primarily on the Parable of the Talents.
Sunday:
- How have you experienced the goodness or mercy of the Lord this week?
Monday: Matthew 24
Read, asking the Lord to show you His central message.
2. What is it in Matthew 24:1-35 ?
3. What is it in Matthew 24:36-51?
4. What stood out to you and why?
Tuesday: Matthew 25
http://www.bibleartexperience.com/Gallery5b.html
Parables are meant to teach one central point.
5. What is the central point of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?
6. What is the central point of the Parable of the Bags of Gold?
7. When the Son of Man comes in his glory and sits on his glorious throne, how will He know who are the sheep and who are actually just goats who might have been mistaken for sheep by man?
Wednesday: Paige Live at 6:30 Central Time
If you have signed up for an e-mail from West Community Church in Nashville, they will send you a link -and I will put it here. But you can also simply go to You-Tube after she teaches and type in: Paige Brown Scenes from the Final Week. She usually teaches for about 70 minutes, so if you are watching for 4 days, I’d watch 15 minutes the first three days and finish up on Saturday. If you want to skip Saturday, listen 23 minutes each day. If you cannot finish, you’ve still gained so much and come here and we’ll discuss it together.
8. Share what stood out to you and why.
Thursday: Paige on You-Tube
9. What stood out to you and why?
Friday: Paige on You-Tube
10. What stood out to you and why?
Saturday:
11. If you are finishing up, what stood out and why?
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
74 comments
Dee, thankful for this excellent side trip with Paige! I have been sick the past week but grateful for the break from my normal schedule. I have listened to a few sermons from the Kellers and read/listened to my Bible in the midst of Kleenex and cough drops! Hahaha Feeling much better today.
the funny musical rendition of ā I cannot comeā brought back memories from my growing up years in the Philippines. I donāt think I took that song seriously then. What Grace and mercy God has shown me through the years. Thanks for sharing.
Dee, Amen to Bing! Thank you for this wonderful side trip with Paige! I needed this!
Sunday:
1. How have you experienced the goodness or mercy of the Lord this week?
Thanks for the recap of Paige’s past three lessons. They were all powerful and she has such dry humor. Her examples lend such a punch to her points.
I have been using the Bible Project Read through the Bible program and we just finished Leviticus. ( sigh/smile with relief). So tedious until the creators summed it up. I felt like in the tedious experience that I had with reading, God was prodding me alone to just keep reading. So here, while I am at my daughterās, relishing the quiet with her dog and two cats, I felt God speaking to me of His great love. The rituals, priest and purity requirements were all met in Christ by His substitutionary act through His death at the cross. No greater love than this Ā that God sent His son to die for me. And He is always with me, sanctifying me throughout my life here on earth until I see Him face to face.
Oh Bing, even as you are sick you are encouraging!
Thanks for your tip on the BIBLE PROJECT. I will try that when I get to LEVITICUS.
How have you experienced the goodness or mercy of the Lord this week? Ā In worship this morning. Ā His awesome Presence. Ā Tears streamed down my face. Ā He loves us so much. Ā We did sing the song with line we were the beggars now we are royalty.
1. How have you experienced the goodness or mercy of the Lord this week?
Boy, oh boy did I have a rough week. Iām confident he was present the whole time however. Work was really especially tough. Supervision duty each morning at 7 (!), Iām not much of a morning person. I had to be at school Monday night and Tuesday night for two separate events. And then a student who complained about me to a dean. Long story, but it turned out OK. Add to that the good news that the kids will still be with us and not have to move to New York City. However, Sarah turned right around and petitioned to the court for a reconsideration. We donāt think anything will come of it but you never know. Now, one of our cats is very sick. I need to figure that out tomorrow. Please pray that he feels better in the morning. I really need a break right now. I know God loves me and is driving this show, but wow life can be tough sometimes.
Oh man. Praying Laura! I love your confidence in God despite your circumstances.
So true, Laura:Ā Ā I know God loves me and is driving this show, but wow life can be tough sometimes.
Oh, Laura, I am so sorry for your rough week. I will pray for the Lord to give you His peace. I will pray for your cat too. š
Sunday:
How have you experienced the goodness or mercy of the Lord this week?Ā The Lord showed me his goodness at Sunday lunch. Our beautiful family all together. We rearranged our seating a bit and instead of families sitting together or all the kids/spouses mixed in, the men all sat together at a table (6), the women (7) at another table and the children at their own table (11). Our son, Sam and his wife, missing. We prayed for them. It was a powerful picture of the Lord working as we enjoyed lunch and celebrated a birthday, but had little conversations of our struggling son and how we hope and pray the Lord will yet save his marriage. I believe there is much power in a family united in the Kingdom work.Ā
There is power in that!
What a wonderful answer to prayer, Chris. I will continue to pray for Sam and his wife.
2. What is it in Matthew 24:1-35 ?
Life will get harder. Endure to the end and you will be blessed. Donāt be taken by false prophets. Only certain events, listed here, will be the precursor to the Messiah, returning.
3. What is it in Matthew 24:36-51?
Be vigilant. Keep watch for His return. You will never know when that will occur.
Read, asking the Lord to show you His central message.
2. What is it in Matthew 24:1-35 ? Message of caution about false messiahs and about the eventual return of Christ
3. What is it in Matthew 24:36-51? Only God know when Christ returns, but be ready.
4. What stood out to you and why? Ā Vs 34. This generation will not pass away until all this happens. Ā It confuses me because I donāt know what things.
Good question. We know the destruction of the Temple happened in 70 A. D. so that generatioon would have seen it. We’ll see what Paige says — hopefully!
Sunday:
1. How have you experienced the goodness or mercy of the Lord this week?
āBeing in church this week was a huge blessing. The worship service and sermon were an extremely rich and meaningful time. Interestingly the pastor taught from the parable of the prodigal son which of course we had been immersed in here on the blog. His main point centered on the love of God as represented by the father of the prodigal. He wanted people in the service to think of those whom we have a mindset that (This Person) will NEVER CHANGE!
He encouraged us that no one is too far gone and to never give up on anyone. He set aside time at the end of the service and encouraged us to go to the back of the sanctuary and write down on sticky notes the first name of that person in our lives that it seems will never will change and post it on the bulletin board. Then one of the pastors shared his own powerful personal testimony of a particularly hard person in his own family who came to Christ. Then he took time to pray over all the names listed. I feel I am not doing justice on trying to explain what took place Sunday morning because the Spirit was moving and there were many tears in many eyes men and women alike for the prodigals and the unsaved people in our lives. It was in no way contrived or caused by emotional stirring up. Just a beautiful challenge to Godās people to pray and love others like God the Father does. To love like Kellerās Prodigal God. Terry and I agreed we have not experienced anything that meaningful in a shared way in a church for a long time.
Bev, this is beautiful. This is what our faith is all about-believers coming together and working through our hard places together in prayer. I love this. This pastor had great wisdom to draw out the hard things in a way that gave each person time to consider their circumstances and what they could comfortably/appropriately share, and then still bring it all back to congregational prayer. This is beautiful. It isnāt easy to put this together and it is telling that this pastor put much thought/prayer into his planning and desire to bring the congregation together in a shared lament via example and then shared purpose to pray for healing in those they love. Iām going to remember this strategy of the scripture, shared testimony & sticky notes/prayer. This is powerful.
Dear Bev, I totally agree with Chris. What a beautiful and meaningful experience. Ā Praise God for pastors with such depth and wisdom.
That’s a good application. I wonder if we will address the older son next week?
Monday: Matthew 24
Read, asking the Lord to show you His central message.
2. What is it in Matthew 24:1-35 ?Ā Watch for the signs and be ready for his return.Ā
3. What is it in Matthew 24:36-51?Ā No one knows the hour of His return, be ready!
4. What stood out to you and why?Ā Our lives will be going on like always and SUDDENLY He will be here! This always gets me. Am I each day feeling like I have considered all the Lord would have me do that day?
Parables are meant to teach one central point.
5. What is the central point of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?Ā We must be ready NOW-there will no time left when he suddenly appears.Ā
6. What is the central point of the Parable of the Bags of Gold?Ā We are to use what the Lord has given us to further His Kingdom. Those who donāt will suffer judgement.Ā
7. When the Son of Man comes in his glory and sits on his glorious throne, how will He know who are the sheep and who are actually just goats who might have been mistaken for sheep by man?Ā Those who do the work of the Father are rewarded (sharing resources and the gospel) with receiving eternal life.Ā
My Romanian friend wants to be 100% convinced — I may give him this parable!
Sounds like a good idea!
1. How have you experienced the goodness or mercy of the Lord this week? Ā Ā Even in the hardest times, the Lord is faithful. I have had the intestinal flu, and at the same time we had another foot of snow on top of the unmelted snow. I had to take my dog to emergency again for more seizures and reaction to a med. I am so exhausted, I can hardly breathe, but I know that when I have nothing left, the Lord takes over. I kept praying for the Lord to somehow be glorified through all this. My daughter and her husband are in Nashville, so I felt quite alone. I felt Him telling me I could do this, because He was with me. Ā He is faithful, even when I have nothing left. His goodness and mercy were with me, in spite of all this craziness at once.
Thank you, Lord! I praise your Name!
āDo not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.ā Isaiah 41:10
Oh Patti, So sorry your troubles. Today I was discouraged and this song came to my mind and was a balm to my soul.
God bless you sweet friend. Ā You are loved and prayed for.
https://youtu.be/RfvvEKMPGhA?si=VPjzHBD1mek2QoTP
Dear Bev, Thank you for that beautiful, tranquil music. It truly calms my soul. I love and appreciate you all so much.
2. Ā What is it in Matthew 24:1-35 ?
There will be very challenging times for Christians before Christās return, but endure in your faith and what He has called you to do, Ā sharing the gospel, which can never be destroyed.
3. What is it in Matthew 24:36-51? Ā
Daily, live your life ready for the Lordās return, for no one knows the hour.
4. What stood out to you and why? Ā Be consistent in living fully for Jesus. We do not need to figure out when He is coming, for we shall not know, but we should live our lives in readiness to see Him, for life can change in a heartbeat.
Oh Lord, please have mercy and put your healing hand on Patti — and please stop the seizure with her dog. In Jesus name I pray!
Thank you dear Dee. ā¤ļø
Monday: Matthew 24
Read, asking the Lord to show you His central message.
2. What is it in Matthew 24:1-35 ?
3. What is it in Matthew 24:36-51?
4. What stood out to you and why?
In the Olivet Discourse here that Jesus was having with his disciples they had questions aboutĀ Ā the future events associated with the Temple, his return and the sign about the end of the age. In needing to research a little and refresh my understanding of this passage I saw where Weirsbe comments that we need to keep in mind that the atmosphere of this discussion was Jewish. The church was still a mystery to the disciples. Here Jesus talks about Judea, the Sabbath, and the prophecies of Daniel concerning Jewish people. These verses indicate that the Lord was discussing events that will take place on earth during the time of Tribulation. Because I am dispensational in my views I see this teaching by Jesus as explaining the three different periods of time in the 7 years of the Tribulation. The beginning; verses 4-14. The middle; 15-22 and the end; 23-44. And so this is a time of God dealing with the Jewish people and does not apply to the Church. And at this point I recognize that there are different positions of thought on the end times in particular and that scholars far more knowledgeable than myself do not agree on all the details of future events.Ā
I would echo Weirsbeās comment that āThe purpose of prophecy is not to entertain the curious, but to encourage the consecrated.ā
He said Jesus closed this section of His discourse with three practical admonitions, built around three illustrations: The fig tree, the days of Noah and the thief in the night. Weirsbeās thought is that āThe interpretations may vary on some of this teaching but we may apply the Word to our own hearts. We do not know when our Lord will return for His church. Therefore, we must be alert, watchful, and faithful.ā
Verses 42 and 44 speak to this admonition.Ā
āāTherefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.ā
āāMatthewā¬ ā24ā¬:ā42ā¬Ā
āFor this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.ā
āāMatthewā¬ ā24ā¬:ā44ā¬ ā
For me the point of this teachingĀ Ā is not to try and figure out the when or the day of these events as many foolish people have over the many years since Christ taught them. But it is to be alert and to be faithful to further the gospel until he returns.Ā
The beauty of this all is that we have a glorious hope and it is that Jesus is coming back soon. The time is near at hand and I do well to live everyday in the light of the fact it could be today. My responsibility is to be about the Lordās business until He comes.Ā
āThe one who has spoken these things says, āI am coming soon!ā So, Lord Jesus, please come soon!āĀ Ā Revelationā¬ ā22ā¬:ā20ā¬ āCEVā¬ā¬
Thank you, Bev, for this detailed answer. Being pressed for time this week, I find this so helpful. I agree I need to review this information and reflect again. I agree, remain watchful and about the Fatherās business.
5. What is the central point of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? Be ready and supplied with oil because we donāt know when Jesus returns.
6. What is the central point of the Parable of the Bags of Gold? Ā We have been given talents but not in equal amounts Ā What is important is what I do with what He has given me. Ā Itās not a case of use it or lose it. He expects me to work for the kingdom with what He has given me.
7. When the Son of Man comes in his glory and sits on his glorious throne, how will He know who are the sheep and who are actually just goats who might have been mistaken for sheep by man? The righteous will do acts of service representing Him. Ā The goats will ignore the needs of others that they could have Ā helped.
I like your answer to 7-good distinction.
Tuesday: Matthew 25
Parables are meant to teach one central point.
5. What is the central point of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?
āIt would seem to me that this parable continues with the thought we are to be alert and watchful. The church has known for 2,000 years that Jesus is coming again but many have become lethargic and drowsy about it. Oil is usually a symbol of the Holy Spirit and because we have āoilā in our lamps we have light to shed in this dark World. We need to keep witnessing to the return of Christ. It is the hope that brightens our hearts and lives. We want to promote the Good news of the Gospel so that others can have oil in their lamps too and live anticipating Jesus return.
6. What is the central point of the Parable of the Bags of Gold?
āWeirsbe says āThe talents represent opportunities to use our abilities.ā He said the amount given correlates to the servants ability. The issue was not the amount but whether the servant was faithful with what God gave him. The faithful servants put their talents to work for their Lord according to their individual abilities. Being faithful servants resulted in reward and joy. The unfaithful servant just did nothing and missed his opportunity to serve the Lord and increase Godās work. What ever his reasons he lost his opportunity for service and his reward.
I liked Weirsbeās assessment and application of the last 3 parables.
āThese three parables encourage us to love His appearing, look for His appearing, and labor faithfully until He comes. We should be watching, witnessing, and working. We may not be successful in the eyes of men, or even popular with others. But if we are faithful and profitable, we shall receive our reward.ā
7. When the Son of Man comes in his glory and sits on his glorious throne, how will He know who are the sheep and who are actually just goats who might have been mistaken for sheep by man?
āFrom my perspective it is actually a heart issue. Those who have the heart of God for people in great need and demonstrate Godās love to them are his sheep. Those with no heart for their fellow mankind and ignore the needs around them are the goats. It isnāt as much what they do or donāt do but the motivation behind their actions. God will readily identify those with good hearts because their actions revealed their hearts. That is why they are surprised because they wouldnāt have thought not to help. People often do works to try and earn their salvation but works wonāt save them. They may even look like they are doing much good and would qualify as sheep but they have to give control of their hearts and lives to Jesus and demonstrate His compassion.
Thanks for the explanation from āWeirsbe.ā It helps me understand so much better! Iām saving it!
ditto, Laura! I am saving the Wiersbe quotes as well!
Thank you, Bev, for sharing Wiersbe’s quotes and your answer to 37.
Bev, in addition to your answer to #7, I would suggest that the Lord leads us even to help those we would not help if we were to choose. As you say, we must give control of our hearts and lives to Jesus and demonstrate His compassion. I think of Corrie TB who forgave the Nazi soldier and ministered to many from the war on both sides. What a testimony to not only help those in need but to help your āenemyā, because Christ came for all. Please pray for me as I am still on a journey of forgiveness in my life and it is complicated.
5. What is the central point of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?
The point is to always be prepared and ready because we never know when Christ will return for us.
6. What is the central point of the Parable of the Bags of Gold?
This one isnāt as clear to me. You should use your resources wisely? If you are put in charge of an important task, use it to multiply it. I cheated? And looked in the resources, and it said the third situation is when the Israelites didnāt believe in a Jesus and didnāt want to be part of the family of Jews. Still didnāt help muchā¦
7. When the Son of Man comes in his glory and sits on his glorious throne, how will He know who are the sheep and who are actually just goats who might have been mistaken for sheep by man?
The separation will occur based on those who treated others well; shared and took care of them in their time of need. The goats are those people who didnāt feed the hungry, clothe those without clothes, or invited in the stranger.
What is it in Matthew 24:1-35 ?There will be very challenging times for Christians before Christās return, but endure in your faith and what He has called you to do, Ā sharing the gospel, which can never be destroyed.3. What is it in Matthew 24:36-51? Ā Daily, live your life ready for the Lordās return, for no one knows the hour.4. What stood out to you and why? Ā Be consistent in living fully for Jesus. We do not need to figure out when He is coming, for we shall not know, but we should live our lives in readiness to see Him,Ā for life can change in a heartbeat.
5. What is the central point of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? Live life every day ready for the return of Jesus, our bridegroom.
6. What is the central point of the Parable of the Bags of Gold? Use the money, time, resources and talents that God has entrusted to our care, to invest in drawing others to Jesus, and to Glorify Him.
7. When the Son of Man comes in His glory and sits on His glorious throne, how will He know who are the sheep and who are actually just goats who might have been mistaken for sheep by man? His sheep will be clothed in His garments, having been faithful in what God had called them to do. This also makes me think of Ephesians 6: 11-18
8. Share what stood out to you and why.Ā
I love the review Paige does. Jesus is King. He shows them who He is. He shows them what they are. They are like fig trees full of showy leaves, which should be promising fruit, but there is no fruit. They are like that in the Temple, promising worship, yet only corrupt religious leadership, filled with corruption and greed. It is not about the Lord with the religious leadership, it is all about them. Yet, He still continues to call them to repent. He wants all to put on Christ, the wedding garment.
They press Jesus with questions about the temple and about the coming of the Lord. Ā They do not fully listen or comprehend His words. He says, Be ready, that is all they need to know. No one will know when the return will be. They just donāt get it ~ they want immediate fulfillmentā¦just like usā¦.
The important thing is not, knowing the future, the important thing is being planted in His Word!
Be planted in My Word. Do not listen to false teachers. People are blowing off what He has asked of them and that leads to their hearts growing cold. Because of lawlessness, hearts grow cold. Everyone seems to need to know what He tells them they donāt need to know!
āDo not follow anyone but Me. Ā Ā Ā Stay in My Word. Ā Ā Ā No one will miss My coming. Ā Ā Ā You will know when it is Me. Ā Ā Ā Donāt worry about looking for all of that.
Your job is not to grow weary. Ā Ā Ā It is all about our endurance.
I love that Paige also reminds us, that nothing we have is oursā¦.it is all His, just entrusted to us to use for His kingdom purposes.
Love how articulately you summarized her review, Patti!
It was new to me that the reason the fig tree was such a good illustration of the Pharisees was because it has full leaves, promising fruit! And I love the parallel with the temple – -promising worship, but no.
Monday: Matthew 24
Read, asking the Lord to show you His central message.
1.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā What is it in Matthew 24:1-35?
The destruction of the temple and signs of the end times. Everything that Jesus said will come to pass.
2.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā What is it in Matthew 24:36-51?
We do not know when Jesus will come again, so we have to be prepared to meet Him.
3.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā What stood out to you and why?
I should be paying more attention to the fact that time is short. When Jesus comes again, there will be judgment, and may He find me/us wise and faithful servants.
Ā Tuesday: Matthew 25
Parables are meant to teach one central point.
1.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā What is the central point of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?
The wise prepare themselves for the coming of the Bridegroom, who is Jesus.
2.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā What is the central point of the Parable of the Bags of Gold?
We have to be faithful stewards of what God has given to us.
3.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā When the Son of Man comes in his glory and sits on his glorious throne, how will He know who are the sheep and who are actually just goats who might have been mistaken for sheep by man?
By their works done in faith and to the least: the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, those in prison, those who are sick, those who are not clothed, not offered hospitality. These are faithfully done by the “sheep”.
P.S. Except for an occasional cough, I am much better.
So thankful you are feeling better, Bing. May the Lord bless you today and give you energy you need for His kingdom work.
Friends, I am going to visit my mom todayā¦ I have no agenda but am looking for what the Lord would have me share with her. I am bringing along a family photo book that I inherited and hoping she has some clues as to family history. I love researching and looking for family ties to Christianity as it fell by the wayside in my generation and I believe my maternal grandfatherās as well. Iām curious to see if any opportunity to discuss the gospel comes up. Praying the Spirit gives me the words and opportunity. Planning to listen to Paige as time allows today. Praying for each of you as you study the Word to find peace and purpose in your Kingdom work today.
So thankful you are better, Bing. I love your answer to 3. The work of Christās love is faithfully done by the āsheep.ā
Chris, I pray that your time with your mom, is sweet and that the Holy Spirit will anoint you with His peace and the perfect words to warm her heart to Jesus.
Thank you, Patti and Chris! Praying for both of you in regard to your concerns. Paige is golden here once more and I love the last part about kingdom work. I am so grateful to God for his ongoing sanctifying work in our lives. And we in turn have the privilege to particpate in His kingdom work while still here on earth. Preparation!
Thank you for your prayers. We had a nice visit and found many names for the old photos in our family history album. She had a few stories but not much and nothing about the Lord š, but I will wait on His leading. So sad to me that she has very little to say about faith, but I didnāt bring it up either for now-maybe our next meeting.
I hope your visit was successful Chris.
Dee, I would definitely say that two of the “guest speakers” that you have had here who often would make me cry with their sermons are Tim Keller and Paige; they definitely have been faithful stewards of God’s kingdom work.Ā They both are wordsmiths, a gift that is God-given, the Bezalel and Oholiab of words.
The last part regarding our work is very convicting and has lend clarity to the purpose in the near-winter season of my life. It has given me confidence to Paige’s questions, Be ready for what, where and how?Ā I so wished she would leave her messages up longer!
I agree, Bing! Thank you, Dee!
I add my agreement to that. šš»
Thank you Bing, Patti, and Bev for your encouragement! I know she is a lot, but I learn so much from her.
I agree, Dee ! I learn so much with each lecture. Paige always adds a new perspective and great illustrations.
I have had to listen in big chunks to her study, am reporting now up through 1 hour.
Things that stuck out to me:
Be wise and pay attention!
If you, arenāt led astray, keep in the Word, donāt let your hearts grow cold, donāt follow anyone but Him, then you will not miss His coming.
Donāt grow weary.
Be ready!
What do we do as we wait? We work for Him! He gave us gifts. We need to use them. He wants us to be involved with Him. Itās not just works for worksā sake. Itās to be in touch with Him! This work is His Grace.
Needs are all around us. Only God can tell you what your specialty is. Not your friends or family.
Our job is to spread the Word.
Good job at listening for a whole hour! With all on your plate.
You are using your talents with your grandchildren, with your students, and with us!
1.Ā Wednesday:
a.Ā a. He is the King. He came to show who He was.
b. The fig tree is a metaphor for empty religion.Ā The destruction of the temple is a foreshadowing of the final judgment
c. He called for repentance, warning them but still welcoming them.
d. THIS IS BEAUTIFUL! Jesus said, “You will not miss my return. You just need to be ready for it.” When? All the time because no one knows the exact time. How? By being vigilant and diligent.
What stands out to me and my take-aways.Ā
āItās really hard to zero on what stands out because the scope of Paigeās teaching in just one section of scripture is always so rich. And full of challenge!
From this study I really do appreciate and have a better understanding of the significance of the talents and their value as they related within the Jewish culture at that time. The master was generous and gave to each servant what amount was appropriate according to the abilities of the servant and in doing so what He gave them was equitable. It was about the value of what he was giving them and each one had an equal opportunity to use it for the masterās work.Ā
I was encouraged by recognizing the point of Jesusās parable being comparable to what God has done for me as his servant. What I have been given to serve Him with is by Divine design. It comes from the wise and gracious of God for each of us. These are some nut shell comments by Paige.Ā
ā The Lord gives to us according to our ability.Ā
It is Godās grace to give to us what is right for us and only God knows what is right for us. Not resources for us to have but resources for us to use. We do not own them we only possess. It is the currency of the kingdom. And they are to be used here and now for the kingdom. It is only worth what we use it for.Ā
The whole point of the resources are for us to use them. For the Kingdom. That is the responsibilityā
She enlarged on the Kingdom work that we are part of and how we need to employ, invest and steward the resources that are unique to us using them for his Kingdom work.Ā
She said āEverything the Lord involves us in is harder, slower, messier and more problematic so why does he bother.āĀ Ā I certainly related to that. Being down here in Texas with my daughter in-law again is a lot harder, slower, messier and more problematic than I would like it to be.Ā
Her point was that God could easily do it on his own perfectly, quickly and easily but that it is his grace that includes us and lets is be part of his kingdom work and part if his nearest and dearest activities. It is because we have value given to us by him and in working with Him we are the better for it.Ā Ā And it is work that has eternal value. This is getting too long but I could just keep reiterating more of what she taught me here.Ā
Final thought that stood out would be that āWe have a fixed point when the work will come to an end.āĀ Ā We either die or Jesus returns. He is coming back and we need to be about the work that He gives us. I liked the reminder that Jesus is not keeping a list of our sins but rather he is keeping a list of how we receive his resources and use them.Ā
A couple of more Paige comments.Ā
āWhat the Lord hates is not to attempt and fail but it is the failure to attempt.ā
āHe does his work through our work. He draws straight lines with crooked sticks.ā
Like Bing now in my ānear-winter season of lifeā I find confidence in what the Lord is doing.Ā
Ok Iāll stop. š š
Bev, beautifully explained! I agree that Paige has given us such rich spiritual lessons in these 2 chapters of Matthew. I want to listen again so I can write some more notes to keep.
That was insightful to me too that He gives according to the abilities He has already given us. I thought about how you don’t give children precious things to play with — that would just lead to sorrow.
I just finished to the end, but need to go back and see how the Lord is speaking to me as I was much distracted with thoughts of my son coming home today. Love the message of being ready and using our talents as they arenāt any good except here. My favorite part was her story at the end-the father did the shooting. Oh, His work in our lives. We are not to take credit and not to worry about our ability, for the Father is holding us close and it is all about relationship. The story of the grandfather as well. Love it. We need work to see our worth, not our ability. Oh Lord, my heart is hurting for my son, but You know his story and wrote it before he came to be. Work in his life now and draw him to You for the glory of your Kingdom.
Chris, Ā I love her stories too. I will continue praying for your son.
Love all of your great points, Bev! Thank you! Donāt stop! š„°š
I love how you listen so carefully and then articulate it.
I still have 15 more minutes of the sermon and will do it sometime today.
One thing that has stood out to me is how I am to use my gifts to further the kingdom. Iām not sure I have actually done this, as I donāt really know exactly what gifts I have š¤·š»āāļø. I have danced to help others understand scripture better, but Iām thinking that I should be giving to the poor more or inviting the poor into my house; those kinds of tasks? I guess the best thing to do is to specifically ask God, in prayer, to reveal ways I can spread His Kingdom. I understand the parable of the gold now too š.
One of the biggest ways you are furthering the kingdom is raising your grandchildren in the way of the Lord, in showing Christ’s love to your students. You don’t see all you are doing, Laura.
Amen to Dee, dear Laura! You are touching many lives!
11. If you are finishing up, what stood out and why?
Loved these highlights: Lord, this is all from You! Show me what to do with it! Show us what you want. It is only good here. It will not last forever.
Use the gifts God gave you, where He planted you. What needs are right in front of us? Take what we have and do something. This is about work. We work from a relationship with Jesus. I have given you all these things, do something with them for My kingdom. The urgency is there because there is a deadline. We will be done at sometime and He is coming back.
We all have a lot of spectators in our life, but we have an audience of only One. Donāt be distracted by the spectators. This is about Godās glory. He is the only One who can accept the Glory.
The one who buried the one talent, he is a maintainer ā¦he had no possibility of gain or lossā¦he did not want the opportunity and he blames it on the Master. Our lives reflect our relationship with the Lord. The man who did nothing, had no relationship with the Lord. That was the evil.
Our spiritual capacity grows, while we work for the Lord. If you donāt use your care giving muscles they will not grow. It is not the risky servant who has no gain, it is the one who does not try. We need to use what we have, where we are and do what the Lord has brought into our live to do. We donāt have to do it perfectly, we just have to do something. He will complete the work He gives us.
I too loved the analogy that if we don’t use our muscles they get weak. I keep getting stronger in evangelism and enjoying it more!
Thursday: Paige on You-Tube
What stood out to you and why?
We are participants in God’s enterprise. Questions to ponder: What do you want me to do with what you have given me? What is before us? Where has God put us?Ā Do something!
What we have been given is by Divine Design. He custom-made us.
We only possess what we can use. Our resources can only be used HERE on earth. The priority of our work should be people.
Friday: Paige on You-Tube
His enabling: Our capacities grow more when we work. Take a risk! Be bold. My work and resources are tailor-made for me. No one else can do my work. “Donāt be caught holding the carnival tickets.”
My hope: “I am coming back, but while you wait, do my work.”
Saturday:
11. If you are finishing up, what stood out and why?
“We have many spectators, but we only have an audience of One.”
Her prayer: May we be busy doing God’s work.
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
I was struck by the equivalent worth of 1 talent-20 years of work! It was definitely a wow thing for me to think that I have all the resources I need for this life, plus much more. Oh, that I might be faithful to the end! He will take account of what He has entrusted to me.
I also loved her point that the priority of our work should be people.
I don’t want to be a person who holds on to my “carnival tickets”. I want to use them for God’s glory and the good of others.