The Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples was punctuated with some bombshells of betrayal, predictions of desertion, all over a celebration meal given a new and profound meaning, both for those first disciples and for us.
This last section of Matthew’s gospel shows the extent of Mary of Bethany’s costly devotion to Jesus, whilst also showing the opposition and betrayal of Jesus. [Matthew 26: 1-16]
The final block of Jesus’ teaching on the end of the world and the final judgment, this time with the analogy of the separation of sheep from goats – true believers from those who look like them. The difference? True faith is witnessed by active love and compassion for other disciples of Jesus.
Sometimes called the Parable of the Talents, the challenge from Jesus is to ensure that as we wait for his inevitable return, we use the gifts, talents, resources and opportunities that God has given us for the glory of Jesus. Are you?