Category: 7 Arrows

In this parable Jesus makes it clear that his servants are to invest wisely.

Since Jesus’ close disciple were the original audience this concept of “going on a journey” coupled with the predictions Jesus has already talked about would give light to the meaning.

Jesus is leaving people with responsibilities.

Some people will have no interest in Jesus or his mission (more about this in Matthew 25:31-46…the next blog post).

Be faithful and obedient to Jesus. To love him is to love his mission.

This is a great conversation starter about the ongoing mission of Jesus.

Jesus, help me be #onmission and #onpurpose with loving you and your mission.

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Jesus tells a parable encouraging being ready for his return.

The Jewish wedding parallel would have been fully understood.

Jesus will return and he wants people to be ready.

Some will be wise and ready. Others will be foolish and unprepared.

Be wise. Be ready for the return of Christ.

Jesus was adamant that one day he would return. After multiple admonitions, parables, and straightforward promises he should be taken seriously. Jesus will return for his bride. Be ready.

Lord help us wisely prepare.

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Jesus speaks about his second coming.

I think the original hearers of this had difficulty in discerning that there were two comings of Christ.

Jesus will return in power and glory.

Man has a responsibility to prepare for the second coming of Jesus.

About the return of Jesus…be ready. And help others be ready.

Jesus gives several snapshots of what would lead up to his second coming.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

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Jesus comes off the top rope as he denounces the wicked actions & intentions of the highest religious leaders in the land.

Jesus’ boldness is staggering.

God is not pleased with empty ritual or religion.

Men are so broken that they prefer religious activity to actually knowing and obeying God.

Don’t follow the bad example of these leaders.

Its easy to decry terrible examples like this- especially since they are supposed to know better. But beware! Anyone can fall into these patterns of legalistic empty religion.

Lord Jesus, may my lips match my words and my words match my heart.

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Religious leaders do their best/worst to try and trap Jesus.

The ability of Jesus to effortlessly go toe to toe with these leaders was astonishing.

God is not trapped by anyone.

People can be drunk on their own power and influence. Are they important and morally superior or bumbling loudmouths?

Humility. Soberly come before King Jesus and bow.

God is not impressed by the pretentious and self-exalting.

Jesus, I love you now…but please deepen that. Help me see you even more clearly.

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Jesus is questioned by the top religious leaders and publicly calls them out.

I imagine a good many Jewish people had seen these same self-righteous religious officials bully and belittle others many times before. This did not go their way.

Jesus did not take kindly to being demeaned by religious leaders who were supposedly representing God.

These religious leaders are more motivated by what people think of them (holding on to their prominence and influence) than what God thinks of them.

Submit wholly to Jesus’ authority.

Jesus is verbally unloading both barrels on these puffed up people pleasing religious leaders.

Father, your will and want to is all I’m interested in pleasing. I want this life you’ve lent me to count for your Kingdom.

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Crowds cheer on Jesus as he rides into Jerusalem.

It looks as if Jesus is about to take over. Could this be what the Jewish people have waited so long for?

Jesus operates with authority because he is the authority.

Some people have wickedly made religion an industry to profit from.

Jesus is King. Recognize this fact and wrap your life around it.

People are fickle. The same crowd welcoming Jesus with gleeful shouts “hosanna” (save us now) would be angrily shouting “crucify him” 5 days later.

Lord Jesus, may I always recognize your majesty.

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Jesus shows mercy by healing two blind men.

People in this day saw all manner of disabled beggars as part of day to day life.

Jesus is merciful.

The crowd is often unmerciful.

Don’t overlook someone’s need. It may not mean much to you but it affects everything for them.

The mercy of Jesus is delightfully surprising.

Jesus, thank you for your mercy.

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A couple of disciples (+ their mother) have misplaces ambitions.

The thought of power grabs being wrong was against the grain of the culture.

God’s kingdom values great humility.

Mankind leans toward jockeying for power.

Humble yourself and enjoy Jesus.

This instance of an over ambitious mother and two grown mama’s boys is embarrassing- but it shows so much authenticity.

Jesus, your kingdom is simple. Teach my heart day by day as I enjoy you.

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Jesus gives more instruction on the upside down kingdom. and once agin clearly predicts his crucifixion and resurrection.

This story was so relatable- but the application had to be surprising.

God is soverign. He doesn’t need permission to be God.

The idea of “earning our way” is deeply embedded in the hearts of men.

Be grateful that God delights in giving far more than is deserved. Grace is beautiful and should be savored.

This passage about God’s authority, power, and character is a good one to help discuss how salvation is an action fueled by grace- not man’s performance.

Father, thank you for your amazing grace!

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