The Surprising God

This post exegetes Matthew chapters 24 and 25, providing context for the Gospel reading on 11/30/25, which this year is the 1st Sunday of Advent. Insights are drawn from "Kingdom, Grace, Judgment" by Robert Capon; "New Bible Commentary" by RT France; and "Bible Knowledge Commentary" by Louis Barbieri. "He Wept Over It" by Simonet (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Note: This study of Matthew 24 and 25 is divided into two parts: The Great Transision (Mat24:1-35) and The  Great Consummation (Mat 24:36-25:46)   Part 1: The Great Transition  Matthew 24:1–35   Introduction and interpretive approach At the end of Matthew chapter 23, Jesus mourns the coming destruction of Jerusalem (Mat 23:37-38). He sees this terrible event as signaling a great transition from the present dispensation (age) into a new one. The new age, elsewhere called the last days (Acts 2:17; 2Pet 3:3; 2Tim 3:1), will culminate in what the Jews of that time refer to as the end of...

This post exegetes Luke chapter 23, providing context for the Gospel reading on 11/23/25, the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, which this year is the last day of Ordinary Time known as Reign of Christ Sunday. Insights are drawn from Warren Wiersbe ("The Bible Expository Commentary"), Howard Marshall ("New Bible Commentary"), and Robert Farrar Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"). "Kiss of Judas" by Giotto (publc domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction Luke chapter 22 continues the account of Holy Week. The last part of this chapter (vv39-71) covers Jesus’ arrest and trial by the Jewish authorities—events that span late Thursday night into early Friday morning. As we proceed, we’ll note six symbols that highlight Jesus’ suffering in our place: a garden, a cup, a kiss, a sword, a rooster, and a throne.  A garden  Luke 22:39 39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. After leaving The Last Supper, held in The Upp...

This post exegetes Luke chapter 21, providing context for the Gospel reading on 11/16/25, the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost. Insights are drawn from Warren Wiersbe ("The Bible Expository Commentary"), Howard Marshall ("New Bible Commentary"), and Robert Farrar Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"). Jesus teaching in the temple, painting by Tissot (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction In chapter 21, Luke continues the story of Jesus’ journey through Holy Week. At this point, Jesus is still in the temple courts—teaching his disciples and others. The light of his presence in the House of God exposes people’s true colors. It is within this context of judgment in the shadow of the cross and the empty tomb, that Luke continues… 1 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more ...

This post exegetes Luke chapter 20, providing context for the Gospel reading on 11/9/25, the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost. Insights are drawn from Warren Wiersbe ("The Bible Expository Commentary"), Howard Marshall ("New Bible Commentary"), and Robert Farrar Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"). "Christ Accused by the Pharisees" by di Buoninsegna (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction In Luke chapter 20, we continue with Jesus through the events of Holy Week. The Jewish religious leaders are aggressively examining him, determined to find (or to invent) cause to reject him. This is as Jesus prophesied: "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law…." (Luke 9:22). This is a great irony, for each year, during this very week, the Jews examined the lambs chosen for Passover sacrifice, rejecting any found to be blemished (Ex. 12:1–6). So now comes Jesus, the sacrificial L...

This post exegetes Luke chapter 19 providing context for the Gospel reading on 11/2/25, the 21st Sunday after Pentecost. Insights are drawn from Warren Wiersbe ("The Bible Expository Commentary"), Howard Marshall ("New Bible Commentary"), and Robert Farrar Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"). Jesus addresses Zacchaeus, painting by Tissot (public doman via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction As Jesus nears Jerusalem and the cross, people are confused concerning his identity. Some hope he is the promised deliverer who will free them from Roman bondage. Others hope he will perform more healings, exorcisms and other miracles. Though Jesus’ disciples share these hopes, they are beginning to get a bigger picture concerning Jesus’ true identity. In Luke chapter 19, Jesus helps them glimpse the truth that he is humankind’s Savior, Lord and King. Let’s open our minds and hearts to embrace the fullness of Jesus’ glory! Savior  Luke 19:1–10 1 Jesus entered Jericho and wa...