The Set Up: When someone tells you, “I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news, which one do you want first?” what do you usually say? Most of us choose the bad news. Get it over with, right? We would rather end on a positive note than have cold water thrown on our hopes.
Today is Tuesday of Holy Week (the week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday), and traditionally the focus of this day is what is called the “Olivet Discourse.” It is called this because it took place on the Mount of Olives outside of Jerusalem, and because Jesus gave a teaching, or discourse to his followers.
The teaching starts when some of his closest disciples ask him, “what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) Jesus tells them not to get caught up in rumors or trying to interpret world events looking for a sign. He tells them many people will claim to be the Messiah, but don’t believe them. That there will be wars and rumors of war, but don’t be alarmed. There will be famines and earthquakes and other catastrophes, but those are like the beginning of birth pains, not the delivery.
Then, he tells them there is something that will happen before his return. It might not shake the world like an earthquake or get all the attention of a war, but it is the key to his return. He said that when the gospel of his kingdom has been preached in the whole world (every nation, tribe, and tongue) – then the end will come. Jesus’ heart and his plan is for everyone to hear about him before he returns.
As I read today's reading, it felt eerily like the season our world is in right now. Wars, rumors of wars, nation against nation, famines, etc. Yet what does Jesus say Matthew 24:14? “But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.” I can’t imagine how timely this word must have been for Jesus’ followers, and I think it’s just as timely for us today.
The world might be going crazy, but Jesus has overcome the world. So don’t get lost in the headlines. This is our opportunity! As we prepare for Resurrection Sunday remind yourself of the opportunity in front of you. People need to hear about Jesus, and the chaos is a setup for our opportunity. That’s the good news!
Biblical Passage to Read: Matthew 24:1-14
Reflection Questions:
• Has there ever been a time in your lifetime when you thought, “This has to be the last days before Jesus returns?” What made you feel that way?
• If the gospel being shared throughout the whole world is key to Christ’s returning, how do you think Christians individually and collectively as the church should live?
• When is the last time you have prayed for people in other parts of the world to hear the gospel?
Prayer Focus: Jesus, thank you for the good news of the gospel and for teaching us that sharing that good news is your mission for your church. Help me not to get caught up in and overwhelmed by the news and events going on in our world today. Help me instead to focus on making you known this Easter week and every day of my life. Amen.