Sunday Prep 3/30

THIS SUNDAY: Sparring with Jesus - Matthew 22:15-45

After hearing Jesus' three parables and understanding them to be about them, the elders of Israel went on the attack. The rest of Matthew 22 is the coordinated attack on Jesus by the Pharisees and Sadducees. They attempted to "entangle him in his own words" by asking him difficult theological questions. Of course, they failed in their mission, and the chapter ends with Jesus coming out on top in the theological battle.

While you read and pray through Matthew 22:15-45, consider the following:

The attack took place because Jesus was pressing on their unbelief. Their theological challenges were based on distortions of the scriptures, denial of other scriptures, and pride in their knowledge of the law.
We can react the same way when God presses on our unbelief. We can conveniently distort and deny certain aspects of God's word to excuse our behavior or our theological position. We can also think we know more than God when he confronts us with certain sins and unbelief.
Jesus' question about the Christ ( "Whose son is he?") is a rebuke to anyone who would challenge Jesus. Let us be reminded who Jesus is, the Son of God.
1. Read Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 1:1-2:4

Prayer Meeting & Catechism Class:

Catechism Class

Q91. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace (Heb. 10:39), whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel (Jn. 1:12; Is. 26:3, 4; Ph. 3:9; Gal. 2:16).

Prayer Points for 3/30 Prayer Meeting

We praise God for the gracious gift of faith and ask him to increase our rest and trust in Christ alone.
For the preaching of God's word in the pulpit, at home, in public
For salvation of....
Any other petitions...