Matthew: The Power of the King

After almost a full year in the Gospel of Matthew, our journey through this narrative is coming to an end. And as the story reaches its pinnacle, Matthew intentionally slows down the story to cover the last week of Jesus' life. Out of all 28 chapters, 1/3 of the book is devoted to Jesus' final days that include His betrayal, arrest, death, and resurrection. Matthew wants us to know Jesus, not just as Good Teacher, not just as Miracle Worker, not just as Master Storyteller… but Matthew is devoted to introducing us to Jesus as crucified Messiah and sacrificial Savior.

Without this part- without the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus… all the rest of the story falls flat. All of it loses its punch. Matthew wants you to know that Jesus came to die, and that Jesus rose again on the 3rd day. Without the “last days” of Jesus, you have no Jesus at all. In this last week of His earthly ministry, we will see like never before, the power of the King.

"Resurrection Life" Matthew 28:16-20 (Matthew: The Power of the King)

This is the last scene in the last passage in the last chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus is alive and gathers his disciples for his parting words and instruction. Traditionally known as the Great Commission, Jesus prepares his disciples to step into the rest of their life and ministry with power and purpose. Without a doubt, they had no idea what was in store for this post-resurrection life. The tomb is empty. Death has been defeated. Jesus is alive… now what? What does it look like for disciples of Jesus to live in response to the resurrection of Jesus? As Matthew closes his gospel, he provides an open-ended finale that rings with massive implication for disciples in every age and era. Will we listen and obey?

"Resurrection" Matthew 28:1-15 (Matthew: The Power of the King)

"Jesus Christ and Him Crucified" Matthew 27:27-56 (Matthew: The Power of the King)

After nearly a year in the Gospel of Matthew, we have finally reached its climatic scene: Jesus go to the cross to die. While some in the church have grown bored with death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we believe that this is earth-shattering reality is our only hope in life and death. This week we will walk through Matthew's portrayal of the crucifixion scene in all it's upside-down irony. While the surrounding characters all speak in mockery and condemnation, their words ring more true than they know. Come be reminded of God's foolish wisdom and His powerless power.

"Pilate and Barabbas" Matthew 27:11-31 (Matthew: The Power of the King)

"The Rooster & the Silver: A Tale of Two Failures" Matthew 26:69-27:10 (Matthew: The Power of the King)

As Jesus is handed over to the arresting mob in the Garden, all of His disciples scatter and flee. However, as Matthew continues his account, he keeps the spotlight on two particular figures: Peter and Judas. Peter follows Jesus into the council courtyard where he eventually denies Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Judas, meanwhile, is filled with remorse and returns the 30 pieces of silver that he earned for his betrayal. Both men face moments of soul-crushing failure, but both end up in vastly different places. Judas ends up hanging himself. And, in time, Peter ends up restored. As we see these two men in contrast, Matthew reminds us that spiritual success is not somehow to be failure free. Rather, spiritual success hinges on how you respond to your failure. The rooster and the silver call us to engage our failure with Jesus for the Kingdom of God. 

"Three Ways to Be Human" Matthew 26:47-56 (Matthew: The Power of the King)

In the midst of their late night prayer time in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus and his disciples are interrupted by Judas and a great crowd armed with swords and clubs. This scene is the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. Judas sells out with a kiss. Peter swings his sword. And Jesus lets it happen. As we watch these 3 men in the garden, we see a mirror into own broken souls and the ways we live out our humanity. Misplaced desires and misplaced confidence expose our need for a Savior.

"Gut Wrench in the Garden" Matthew 26:36-46 (Matthew: The Power of the King)

Following their celebration of the Passover meal, Jesus takes His disciples to the garden known as Gethsemane. It is here, in these moments before His betrayal and arrest that Jesus spends several agonizing hours in prayer. It is gut wrenching in every sense of the word. And yet, it is in His gut-wrenching agony that we find help for our gut-wrenched world. This week, we are invited to step closer into what Jesus felt, what Jesus faced, and how He fought for the salvation of His people.

"The Church" Ephesians 3-4 (Guest Speaker)

Cole Brown joined us as a guest speaker on Sunday, October 1st. Cole is the founding pastor of a multi-ethnic church in Portland, and most recently served as a missionary helping plant churches in Mexico City, Mexico. He is a Humble Beast author and speaker, and has authored several books including, Daddy Issues: How the Gospel Heals Wounds Caused By Absent, Abusive & Aloof Fathers and The Gospel Is: Defining the Most Important Message in the World. Cole, his wife ReShawn, and his kids are longtime friends of the Jones family and have ministered to many.

"Church Planting" Luke 10:1-9 (Guest Speaker)

On Sunday, September 24th, we had the privilege to hear and learn from CJ Bergmen, pastor and church planter of Citizens Church in San Francisco. CJ and his wife, Renee, have ministered in San Francisco for the past 5 years, beginning with Redemption San Francisco, and now with Citizens. Citizens is one of the church plants that Reality regularly supports and we are excited to have CJ and Renee join us for the weekend to stir our hearts for God’s ongoing mission in other parts of our country. The Bergmens have a burden to be a part of a diverse, multigenerational, multiethnic church that serves the least of these, pursues health, and is a safe place for those who are hurting.

"The Meal" Matthew 26:14-35 (Matthew: The Power of the King)

As Jesus' last week commences, we will pick up with the meal commonly known as "The Last Supper." With betrayal and denial in the air, Jesus pulls together his disciples for one last celebration of the traditional Passover meal. As we look at the various facets of this night, we will discover a meal that is rich in history, meaning, and purpose. For in the meal, we see Jesus' power to retell God's salvation story in new covenant ways.