Matthew: Through Old Testament Eyes
Chapter 24:26-Chapter 26
There’s plenty in Matthew’s gospel that’s repeated in other gospels regarding the end times, however, watching for those Old Testament types and shadows helps us understand what our church father Augustine wrote, ‘the Old Testament concealed the New and the New Testament revealed the Old’. Maybe that’s why Matthew, a religiously educated guy, focused on the hidden passages Jesus quoted. In Chapter 24:26-30 Jesus gave a heads up for the end times no one else recorded, warning us of false signs and watching for The Sign of His return: His physical Presence. When He comes it won’t be all fun and games, but deep, worldwide mourning revealing Zech. 12:1-14. This prophet described unbelievers seeing the crucified Christ and realizing they were wrong, subsequently, pleading for mercy.
Only Matthew included Noah’s story as a sign of His coming as well (vs. 37-51). Remember that one? Life was good until that day when God changed the planet with a sudden cataclysmic event. Old Testament concealed, New Testament revealed. Just like in Noah’s day, opportunities will be completed and the door of rescue will be shut. Jesus’ warning is clear: be alert and circumspect in your daily walk with Christ because His coming will be like a burglar, suddenly and unexpectedly. We are like the master of our house always ready with armed security systems. How? Spending time with God, being in His Word, and gathering with other believers.
Matthew alone records Jesus’ last three parables: the 10 virgins, the talents, the sheep and goats. The kicker of these parables, in order, is this: be ready and watchful for His return (10 virgins), use your gifts and talents in the opportunities He gives you (talents), and do unto others what you’d have them do to you (sheep and goats). His last words were a warning that there’s a separation coming, those who follow Christ and His ways, and those who don’t. Reader, pay attention.
In Chapter 26 His death was imminent, and only Matthew records Judas’ encounter with the religious leaders. I’ve found in this study that he never misses recording these leaders as they reveal their hard hearts toward Jesus. Judas asked them, “How much will you pay me to betray Him?” Not surprising, this event is foretold in Psalm 41:9 and Zech. 11:12.
Matthew follows almost every detail of the other gospels describing the Last Supper or Passover meal, however, when Jesus told them betrayal was coming, they all asked the ‘Lord’, but Judas called Him ‘rabbi’ (teacher), but later (vs. 50), after Judas’ betrayal kiss, Jesus called him ‘friend’ showing affection for His betrayer. Closing out this chapter Jesus clearly reminded Peter and the others that the Old Testament must be fulfilled through His death and resurrection; there is no other way. Jesus had the power to change the plan if He wanted to, but then we’d have to pay for our own sin. He wasn’t willing to do that. Thank God.
Comments are closed.