Recall that the magnificent glory of God hidden within the humble earthenware vessel of Christ has just left Herod’s temple for the last time, having been driven from it by those who would have it filled with the spirit of their own worldly religion rather than the Holy Spirit of God. In this context, what…
Recall one of the most great and central truths in all of Scripture that is rooted in the divine nature and that was most manifest in the person of Jesus Christ: By veiling our own glory there is a much greater glory to be had—indeed a glory that has no limits and increases without bound. …
Recall Phil 2:5-11 and consider that although He existed in the very form of God, Christ in no manner sought to seize control from, demand equality with, or usurp authority from the Father as His head, but in humble submission and complete faith in His Father’s lovingkindness, He veiled His glory in an earthenware vessel,…
As they were leaving the temple, what did Jesus’ disciples’ point out to Him? See Mat 24:1; cf. Luk 21:5. What does their pointing out the temple buildings to Him and noting its beautiful stones and votive gifts indicate about the impression the temple had upon them and how they viewed it? In light of…
What is the significance of the first words from Mat 24:1 in light of the preceding context? See Mat 23:38-39 and recall that Jerusalem’s “house” refers primarily to the temple. Having departed from the temple, did Jesus ever return to it again? What happens to any habitation when God’s presence forsakes it? See Mat 23:38,…
Recall that after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and cleansing of the temple the previous two days, Jesus was met and soundly rejected on Tuesday of Passion Week by the religious leaders who sought in various ways, though in vain, to ensnare Him in something He might say so they could deliver Him up to…
What central part of Jewish worship located in Jerusalem was regularly referred to as a house throughout the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus said was being left to her desolate? See 2Ch 7:20-21, 2Ch 36:19-21, Mic 3:12, and the immediately following context in Mat 24:1-2. As the temple was the house of God in which…
What does Jesus say in Mat 23:38 was the result of the worldly Jerusalem’s refusal to be gathered under the Lord’s wings of refuge by giving heed to His messengers? What does it mean to be desolate? See Lev 26:31-33,43, Neh 2:17, Job 15:28, Isa 5:9, 6:11, and cf. Jeremiah’s similar lament in Jer 4:19-27a. …
For what purpose does a hen gather her chicks together under her wings? Cf. Ruth 2:12, Psa 17:8, 36:7, 57:1, 91:4. From the immediate context, by what means does God seek “again and again” to gather His people together under His wings to protect them? See Mat 23:37a, as well as Mat 23:34. What does…
Against whom has Jesus been pronouncing woe and judgment throughout this chapter? See Mat 23:25,27,29, etc… What then is the significance against whom His lament in Mat 23:37 is addressed? Was it the case that the judgment for all the righteous blood that would fall upon the scribes and Pharisees would overtake and touch them…