말보다 말씀! 빚보다 빛!

Prepare for the Lord’s appointed time! (Matthew 21–25)

On Monday of Passion Week, Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem. He rebuked those who had turned God’s house of prayer for all nations into a den of thieves, and He healed the poor and needy. Afterward, He stayed in Bethany, just outside the city. Then on Tuesday, Jesus engaged in intense debates with the religious leaders (Matt. 21:23–23:39; Mark 11:27–12:44) and delivered His powerful teaching on the end times (Matt. 24:1–25:46; Mark 13:1–37). So, what principles can we learn from these events on that Tuesday of Passion Week?

First, believers are called to proclaim heaven’s blessings not merely through words, but through lives of faith.
The religious leaders questioned Jesus' authority, and in response, He used parables to reveal the truth of the kingdom of heaven—particularly the Parable of the Tenants (Matt. 21:33–46) and the Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matt. 22:1–14). At the core of these stories is a sobering warning of judgment against those who lack true faith. The conflict deepens through further disputes over paying taxes (22:15–22), the resurrection (22:23–33), and the greatest commandment (22:34–40). Ultimately, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the religious elite. He concludes with a searing rebuke—seven “woes” directed at the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23:13–36)—calling them to live out what they preach. These woes stand in stark contrast to the eight Beatitudes that describe the true citizens of heaven. Jesus calls His followers to be people who embody blessing not only in word, but through the testimony of their lives.

Second, believers must always remain vigilant and faithful as servants, preparing for the day of the Lord.
Following these parables, Jesus teaches on the end times, urging His followers to remain alert. He describes the signs of the end (Matt. 24:1–14), the great tribulation (24:15–28), and His glorious return (24:29–31). Through the parables of the fig tree, the days of Noah, and the thief in the night (24:32–51), Jesus stresses the uncertainty of the timing. Then in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (25:1–13), He emphasizes the importance of being ready at all times for His return. In the Parable of the Talents (25:14–30), He calls us to live faithfully until the day of reckoning. And in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (25:31–46), He reveals that our care for the least of these is central to our readiness for His coming. In sum, Jesus urges His disciples to live faithfully and watchfully, always prepared for the coming of the King.

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Are you staying awake and preparing for the Lord’s day, or are you putting it off?
Today is the day to prepare. “Today” is more important than “tomorrow” because, without today, tomorrow will not come. “Now” matters more than “later” because later depends on what we do now. Tomorrow is not ours—it belongs entirely to the Lord, who plans and unfolds it according to His will. This is why He has given us today. Today is the best day—and the right day—to prepare for that day. So, today, may you prepare for the Lord’s day not just with words but with a faithful life.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Hyung Joong Kim

© 2023 by Hyung Joong Kim. All rights reserved.