Athey Creek | Video Podcast

Mary of Bethany performs a radical act of worship in Matthew 26:6-13 when she anoints Jesus with costly oil— but not everyone is on board with what she is doing. As we learn who Mary is, why she did this, and how others responded, we see how we can emulate Mary’s heart for Jesus and devote ourselves to worshipping Him.

Jesus tells parables in Matthew 25 that illustrate different behaviors and actions of people in the Last Days. As we study, we try to determine who these people may represent and what their conduct means and hear Jesus’ instructions on how to live as the end draws near.

Jesus tells a parable in Matthew 25:14-30 about a man who gave his three servants “talents” before departing on a journey and the outcome of what his servants did with them while he was away. As we look further into this parable, we learn who the master and servants are, what a talent is, and how we can use what has been given to us while we await Christ’s return.

Jesus gives us some details and parables in Matthew 24:32-51 that describe people in the End Times – but there is debate on exactly who and what He is talking about. As we look into the theories, we may not come up with a definitive answer, but we still gain valuable insight into End Times prophecy and how we should live in light of what Jesus is saying.

Jesus remarks in Matthew 24:36-39 that in the Last Days the world will look a lot like it did in the time of Noah. As we search the Scriptures, we piece together a picture of the world’s condition before the flood and see how the circumstances and behavior of the people in that time mirror what we see today.

In Matthew 24:15-31, Jesus tells about a coming time called the Tribulation when the world will experience great calamity, destruction, and turmoil like never before. As we hear what He has to say about this seven-year time of trouble, we learn what will take place and why it will be particularly brutal for the Jews.

Jesus tells us to be ready for His return in Matthew 24:44, and one of the main things we can do to prepare is to understand what is prophetically outlined in the Bible. As we study the End Times, we break down various views, define key concepts and events, examine timetables, and prepare to meet Him at any moment.

As Jesus begins His discourse on the End Times in Matthew 24:1-14, He lists a number of signs to look for that indicate the time is drawing near. So are we seeing these signs today, and if so, how should we respond?

As we prepare to embark on a study of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, it is essential to understand the context of this monologue and the concepts surrounding Bible Prophecy, The Second Coming, and the End Times. We begin in Matthew 24:1-3 by examining the disciples' question to Jesus and investigating key terms, ideas, and events that factor into what Jesus will tell us about the End Times.

Jesus has some harsh, and even shocking, words for the religious leaders in Matthew 23 that seem to be a striking departure from His regular gracious and kind speech. However, through these stern words of truth, He was actually showing great love and His desire to keep them — and us — away from sinful behaviors that ultimately lead to destruction.

While it may initially seem peculiar, Jesus comparing Himself to a mother hen protecting her young paints a beautiful picture of the type of relationship He wishes to have with us. As we learn what it means to be under His wings in Matthew 23:37-38, may we willingly choose to come under this covering and accept His protection, love, and salvation.

After racking their brains for the ultimate trap question, the religious leaders hold one final Q&A with Jesus in Matthew 22. But it does not go how they had planned and they are instead silenced by Jesus’ responses. Meanwhile, through His answers, we gain valuable insight into how God wants us to live, who Jesus really is, and how we can accept His invitation to receive eternal life.

One of the Pharisees thinks he has finally come up with the ultimate question to trap Jesus when he asks which commandment is the most important. As Jesus answers this question in Matthew 22:34-40, we see the importance of love and why choosing to love God is the biggest and best decision we will ever make.