Matthew 27 - 4.11.25

Scripture:  Matthew 27:46

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)

Observation

Jesus is on the cross and moments away from his death when he cried out to God.  Jesus was made sin for us.  God had to turn his back on his son because he is Holy, in him there is no sin, and in that moment Christ took the sin of the world upon him.

Before the cross, Jesus was one with the Father as we see in John 14:9-11

“Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.”

Jesus was in a time of suffering but his Father turned his back. As a father myself, I cannot comprehend being in that position. This is one of those situations where it is hard to understand that God can’t be one with sin and had to turn away from Jesus on the cross.

Application

We are a week away from Resurrection Day or what we call Easter. We really need to take some time and try to comprehend how a perfect sinless Jesus took our place on the cross. Our destination was eternal death and Jesus made a way for us to have fellowship with God. Jesus had a perfect redemption plan and we get to celebrate eternal life with our Savior.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus’ birth here on earth. On Good Friday Jesus went to the Cross for us. Sunday is Resurrection Day and we get to celebrate Jesus’ redemption through the cross for all who believe. 

Prayer

Jesus, Lord and Savior, I praise, honor and glorify your name, Jesus. You made the ultimate sacrifice for my sin on that cross. Because of your redemption plan, you have saved me from eternal darkness. Your love for me is priceless. Thank you, in Jesus name, Amen.

- Robert Oberg

Matthew 26 - 4.10.25

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:26-30

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body.

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.”  28“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”.29 ”I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”  30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

OBSERVATION

Definition of New Covenant: The New Covenant replaces the Passover the Jews celebrated and is the promise that God will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned toward Him. Jesus Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant, and His death on the cross is the basis of the promise , “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). Moments before, the Lord had broken the bread and given it to His disciples with the words, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (verse 19). With these symbolic actions Jesus instituted the ordinance of communion, or the Lord’s Table.  And they are powerful pictures of bread and wine to partake of, to know what Jesus did for us so that believing in Him brings us eternal life with HIM. 

And they sang a hymn.

When they had sung a hymn: We don’t often think of Jesus singing, but He did. He lifted His voice in adoration and worship to God the Father. We can wonder what His voice sounded like, but we know for certain that He sang with more than His voice, and He lifted His whole heart up in praise.  

And from there they went out to the Mount of Olives: There, Jesus prayed before His betrayal and crucifixion, however, it is also from there that Jesus triumphantly ascended into Heaven (Luke 22:39-44, Acts 1:11). The Mount of Olives also holds the hope of His victorious second coming (Zechariah 14:4). It is a sacred Biblical location that still exists today and is central to God’s plan of redemption.

APPLICATION

When we take communion/Eucharist it isn’t symbolism but its Jesus’s promise. WE ARE THE YOU!! Until that day when I drink it new with YOU in My Father’s kingdom: This is the fulfillment in My Father’s kingdom that Jesus longed for.  And when we sing to HIM in words of praise and worship, reminds us that God wants to be praised with singing to draw us near to HIM and it’s from our hearts to Him of all He has done for us.  As we stand with arms raised high singing of HIS glory and HIS unfailing love for us, we praise him for all HE has done to fulfill HIS promises!! UNTIL THAT DAY!! 

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, words fail with tears to know all of you did for us:  living a sinless life in a fallen world, believing all God gave you to give for US; to teach to heal to remind everyone of God’s words in the OLD TESTAMENT.  AND dying on a cross for our redemption and the promise that you left with the Holy Spirit which right now are the words (scriptures and hearing you) I want from you.  Lord, let me never take for granted your crucifixion and resurrection when we have communion in your honor; and when we sing to you Jesus, as a sweet incense up to heaven.  And Lord Jesus there are not words that can thank you enough; you opened a door for us to be with you NOW and forever.  Let me live my life honoring you, listening to your words, being with others who know and love you and understand and remember what you’ve done.  And bringing others who don’t know you through seeds of your words to them, and knowing someone  WILL water those seeds to fruition. So that through your word multitudes WILL come to know who you are and accept you as LORD Jesus, the hope and Savior of the world.  HUMBLY I thank you Jesus! Thank you for who you are: OUR Trinity…Father, Son and Holy Spirit. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Amen

- Charleen Zakarian

Matthew 25 - 4.9.25

Scripture: Matthew 25:10-13

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Observation

Jesus died to save us from our sin, not because we did anything to deserve it, but simply because of his great love for us. Once we accept his salvation, it should be evident in our lives. In three separate parables in Matthew 25, Jesus warns us not to become complacent. If we truly love God, we should want to please him by following his commands.

Application

On Sunday, Pastor Levi shared the story of the fig tree that did not bear fruit. And within days, I am again reminded that God loves me, but he also requires something of me.

It is easy to become complacent in his love. But Jesus warns us throughout scripture that we have a duty to stay focused on him; to follow God’s commands, to love others, and to share his word.

Matthew 10:5-8 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.  As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Prayer

Lord, please forgive me for my complacency. Forgive me for putting you second, or sometimes even last. Forgive me for testing you. Freely you shower me with your love and forgiveness. Help me to stay focused on you and connected to you. Help me to walk in a way that is pleasing to you.

Colossians 1:9-12 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

- Debbie Dunn