Archippus Awakening KINGDOM101

Mountain top experiences are great. But what happens when you hit rock bottom? Like Peter in Matthew 26:69-75 after he denied Jesus three times. Are there lessons we can learn from Peter's lowest point? Henson draws from Peter's rock bottom experience and shares implications for all disciples of Jesus Christ.

Truth on trial. That's what Matthew 26:57-68 is about. Will the Truth stand against all that is false? In the midst of gross darkness, will the Light still shine? When the Lamb is put on the stand? Learning from Jesus, Henson shares a few truths about truth and three points for application.

Matthew 26:47-56 is packed with so many things happening with so many moving parts – betrayal, arrest, retaliation, abandonment. Each one did what they knew best to do to take charge, to be in control … “I've got this!” Yet, only One could truly say, “I've got this.” Learning from Jesus, Henson draws 7 observations and reminders from this account.

When told to ‘press on', we grit our teeth, brace ourselves and push forward with all our might. Not wrong. But there's more. In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus shows us how He pressed on by turning His prayers on and overcame the three temptations that we are all familiar with when moving on kingdom assignment.

No one intends to fail – especially not in our walk with Jesus. But what happens if or when we do? In Matthew 26:31-35, Peter and the disciples were about to fail. Big time. Not that they intended to; yet they did. In this teaching, Henson shares 6 observations we can learn from such unintended failings.

We are familiar with the Lord's Supper. However, familiar does not necessarily mean we fully appreciate what this supper is all about. What exactly is it? What does it mean to and for us? Let's learn from Jesus when He instituted the Lord's Supper at the Passover meal in Matthew 26:26-30.

Everyone enjoys a good party, right? That depends if every party at the party wants to be party to the purposes of that party. If not, that person would just kill the mood and spoil the fun. What a party pooper! And that was what happened with Jesus and His party of twelve at the Passover Party in Matthew 26:17–25.

As a disciple, leaving all to follow Jesus, Judas was sold out for the King and the causes of the kingdom. Who would have thought that Jesus would finally be sold out by one initially sold out for Him? How does one start out sold out only to end up selling out? Through Matthew 26:14-16, we will learn about Judas: the man, the motive, the price and the prophetic point.

In Matthew 26:6-13, when the woman broke the alabaster jar and anointed Jesus, those present were indignant, resentful, grieved, vexed, very upset, extremely angry. We could say that it jarred them rather deeply. How would you have responded?

Something was cooking in the plots and plans of the religious leaders and it sure didn't look good for Jesus. In Matthew 26:1-5, the Son of Man would be served a curved ball. He saw it coming, yet stepped up to the plate and moved purposefully on His kingdom assignment. Would you?

Jesus' final teaching about the separation of the sheep and the goats is easy to read but not quite as easy to understand or to accept. Henson tackles some tough questions in Matthew 25:31-46. Who are the nations? Who are the brethren? Who are the ones being separated? Who is Jesus really referring to?

We know we have to wait for Jesus' return. But what do we do while waiting? Through the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus provides what might be the clearest directions on how to be ready and prepared. Let those who have ears hear what Jesus is looking for when He returns to settle accounts. May we be found not just desiring but truly deserving of the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Many have tried to decipher the Parable of the 10 Virgins, applying different interpretations and attaching different meanings to the elements of this parable. What if that was not Jesus' intent at all? And it is really much simpler than what we make it out to be? That said, simple does not mean easy. Henson notes five reminders and draws five pertinent implications from five wise and five foolish virgins.

So much has been said about the return of Jesus. What do all these mean to you? Is it all just nice-to-know information to you? Or do you have a Return Mindset – a mind set on the return of Jesus? Drawing from the parable in Matthew 24:45-51, Henson shares four reasons why having such a mindset is absolutely critical.

In Matthew 24:36-44, when Jesus said that “no one knows”, what exactly did He mean? Although clearly communicated, this has caused considerable confusion within the Body of Christ. For some, it's a closed case. For others, it's a clue. Careful. That in end-time discussions about knowing or not knowing, we do not end up missing what all must know.

In Matthew 24:32-36, Jesus wraps up His reply with a statement about summer. More accurately, how to know when summer is approaching. Or shall we say … when it gets sort of summery? Guess that makes the parable of the fig tree a summary statement.

Christians generally agree that Jesus is coming back. But not everyone holds the same view of how the events leading up to His return may unfold. Or when. There are just so many different interpretations, theories and positions. Take heart. There is no need to be distracted, confused or fearful. In Matthew 24:15-31, Jesus shows us what we should be looking out for.

When it comes to the topic of the end times – eschatology – Matthew 24:3-14 is one of the go-to passages, as well as the proof text, that Jesus is coming very soon. Was that the Lord's intent? Context will reveal that the emphasis is more on what to expect while expecting His return. And what Jesus expects of all who are expecting. Henson reviews the eschatological setting and what is expected of disciples as we expect the end.

Matthew 24:1-3 is about Jesus' prediction of the destruction of the temple, prompting the disciples' question about His coming. Although His disciples marvelled at the temple buildings, Jesus was not impressed at all. Reduced to just religion and rituals, the temple sorely missed God's original intent and the purposes of the kingdom. This teaching gets into some serious temple talk and ends with five key points for the Church as the God's temple today.

If your heart has ever ached for a loved one to know or return to the Lord, you will resonate deeply with the heart cry of Jesus in Matthew 23:37-39. As a hen gathers her chicks, the King longs to take His people under His wings, to have each one rightly aligned with Him. Sadly, not everyone wants what Jesus wants. Our personal choices today will determine how we finally greet Him when He comes again.

Would a loving and gracious Jesus pronounce a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees? Well, that was exactly what He did in Matthew 23:13-36. He had absolutely no choice but to warn them because things had already gone from bad to worse. And Jesus did what He did because He was loving and gracious. Henson takes us through the seven woes and shares seven reminders for kingdom leaders and people.

Jesus has many things to say about kingdom leadership; as well as to those who lead His kingdom people. For leaders, Matthew 23 must be the least favourite chapter and the hardest to stomach. That said, in Matthew 23:1-12, there is much to learn from the mistakes of the scribes and Pharisees so we know what to do – or as we will see from this teaching – what to do not do.

In Matthew 22:41-46, Jesus asks His question and redirects everyone back to the main issue – Christ.The Pharisees knew the Scriptures extremely well. But when it came to acknowledging Jesus as the Christ, that was a totally different matter. Right answers may earn full marks but still not produce the right response. Henson shares pertinent pointers for personal processing.

Matthew 22:34-40 records the third round of questioning against the Jesus. However, unlike the previous two, Jesus' answer was totally consistent with the Pharisees' position about the greatest commandment. That said, agreement does not necessarily mean alignment. This teaching considers what it truly means to love God and love others so that we do not merely agree but also fully align with Jesus our King.

In Matthew 22:23-33, the Sadducees attempt to show that the resurrection is a ridiculous idea. But is it? What happens when we die? Is the end really the end? What if we think it is the end but it is not the end? Is there life after death? If so, how should we live before we die?

Is Matthew 22:15-22 just about money and taxes? Or is there something more than meets the eye? Trust Jesus to turn a malicious trap into another teaching moment. It is an object lesson about ownership from the image and inscription on a Roman coin. A lesson for now. And also for what is to come at the end of the age.

The Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22:1-14 is about two groups of people with two different responses to God's gracious invitation to His kingdom. Rejection of the invitation brings with it a dire consequence. Acceptance comes with a condition – to honour the dress code. This teaching considers what it means to dress right, to be rightly dressed for the kingdom party.

Matthew 21:33-46 is a parable about the expectation and inspection of fruit. It is also about the rejection of accountability as well as authority. Applied to Israel, both the leaders and the nation did not fare too well. As Jesus' kingdom community, how would the Church fare when the time comes for us to 'stand by fruit'? How would you fare?

In Matthew 21:28-32, the Parable of the Two Sons is simple and straightforward. That said, it is also surprising and shocking. On one hand, it focuses on doing. Yet, on the other hand, it seems to be about believing. Which is it? What exactly was Jesus telling the religious leaders? What is He saying to us as sons and daughters of God?

In Matthew 21:23-27, Jesus encounters the temple authorities who promptly questions His authority. In true rabbinic form, Jesus responds with His own question and catches them all by surprise. Not wishing to commit, they play the 'we-do-not-know' card. In Singlish, this is called 'acting blur'. Bad move. Especially when it comes to acknowledging Jesus' authority, don't act blur.

What do we make of Jesus' cursing of the fig tree in Matthew 21:18-22? It's tempting to ignore such accounts and rationalise that He no longer does that. Or that such curses do not apply to us. On the contrary, the rarity of such incidents should highlight the seriousness of such pronouncements. While Jesus presents a warning against fruitlessness, He also provides the way to fruitfulness.

Matthew 21:12-17 presents a side of Jesus that many would not like to know or talk about – an angry Jesus who chases people out, overturns tables and upsets the leaders. We cannot imagine Him doing the same thing today. Would He? Could He?

What is peace to you? What would you do for peace? Matthew 21:1-11 describes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem amidst the festivities and celebration of the Passover season, At first glance, hardly a picture of peace. A deeper dive into the fulfilment of two OT passages will reveal the answer to the cry of every heart: Peace, please.

In Matthew 20, the account of Jesus healing two blind men seems a little out of place. Was it just about the two who finally get to see? Perhaps there is more than meets the eye. Henson takes a closer look at Matthew 20:29-34 and discovers lessons that will help us align with Jesus and His kingdom.

Strangely, amongst believers, there seems to be an aversion to the idea of greatness, as if it is wrong to desire significance in the kingdom of God. But is it? In Matthew 20:17-28, upon hearing Jesus' prediction about His death and resurrection, James and John requested for top positions. Instead of chiding them for having lofty ambitions, Jesus clarified the way to be great and first. Note the plus points in this teaching. Even so, don't miss the minus points.

If the rich young man left sad and empty, what can those who follow Jesus expect? That was Peter's burning question, "What's in it for me?" (And ours too.) Can we ask about rewards? Should we even be motivated by rewards? Jesus provides the answer. And then proceeds to explain – through the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard – how kingdom rewards are given and what is the right perspective to have. Surprise! Surprise!

In Matthew 19:16-26, after meeting the young man, Jesus mentioned to His disciples that it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Is it still the same today as it was then? Or has it been made possible and easier now by simply believing in Jesus? Considering this passage in its context will reveal so much more than what we typically understand of this familiar account.

In Matthew 19:13-15, parents queued for Jesus to bless their children. The disciples rebuked them for disturbing Jesus. In turn, Jesus rebuked the disciples for missing the point. Again. But what exactly is the point? More than just lining up for a prayer of blessing, the King uses the little children to explain and show the right Q to get to Kingdom HQ. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

In Matthew 19:1-12, the Pharisees came with intentions to test and trap Jesus. They asked wrong questions about divorce but Jesus provided right answers about marriage. This teaching shows our questions can reveal our focus but God's answers will always reveal His heart. Knowing the difference will enable us to live out the spirit of the law, and not simply get by with the letter of the law.

As believers and followers of Jesus, we know that we are to forgive. However, many still struggle with this instruction. Can we ignore it altogether? After all, aren't we already forgiven and saved? Even worse, why should we keep forgiving if the other party is unrepentant? Unfair? Henson considers these concerns in this session on Matthew 18:21-35 through the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. This teaching closes Jesus' kingdom discourse in Matthew 18 about relationships in the kingdom community.

Matthew 18:20 is well known and often quoted in opening prayers – "where two or three are gathered together in My name". Interestingly, what is not as known are the verses that come before and what the entire passage is about. Still on the theme of relationships, Matthew 18:15-20 addresses discipline in the kingdom community. This teaching will consider the process as prescribed by Jesus, the challenges of implementation, as well as how to apply Matthew 18:20 correctly.

Matthew 18:10-14 is a continuation of how we are to relate to one another in the kingdom community. In this teaching, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the lost sheep, reminding and challenging us to always be mindful of who's missing. Henson draws three key points from the parable before sharing implications for the kingdom community.

Matthew 18:6-9 is about scandals, stumbling stones (oops!) and sin. The King is very serious about righteousness in the kingdom community. And about protecting His people from unrighteousness. Jesus clearly warns against stumbling others. We are instead to look out for one another.

Matthew 18:1-5 provides the key to right relationships in the kingdom community. It also lays the foundation and sets the tone for the next teachings. Can relationship challenges in the Body of Christ be resolved? Removed? Is this even possible? Yes. Seriously. I kid you not.

Is Matthew 17:24-27 merely about supernatural provision of tax money? At first glance, it may appear to be so. However, there is so much more when the background of the half-shekel tax is examined. In this teaching about kingdom freedom and kingdom giving, Henson will touch on tax, tradition, trap ... and tithe.

Matthew 17:14-23 is about discipleship and faith. When push came to shove, when it mattered, how did the disciples fare? Where the rubber meets the road, how do we fare? Note the way the Master trained His disciples. Much to glean for our own discipleship and disciple-making initiatives.

Matthew 16:28 - 7:13 records the Transfiguration of Jesus. Up on the peak, the disciples were given a sneak peek – a glimpse – of the glory of the Christ and His kingdom. More than just a high point, how are we to respond to the revelations and insights the Lord reveals to us from time to time? Henson draws practical application for the spiritual walk and kingdom assignments.

It's always easier to blame something or someone for getting in the way. Drawing from Matthew 16:21-27, learning from Peter's rebuke of Jesus, this teaching will reveal that the "I" in each of us is usually the barrier that keeps us from kingdom purposes and assignments.

Matthew 16:13-20 is often referred to as the high point or climax of the gospel where Peter declares that famous line, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." To this end, the lessons here are also pivotal for those who regard themselves as people of the kingdom of God. Henson shares four alignment check points for followers of the Christ.

In Matthew 16:5-12, Jesus gives His disciples another leaven lesson. Jesus’ warning to look out for erroneous teachings and negative influences is critically applicable for believers today. Our faith must be one that matures, understands and discerns kingdom paradigms and perspectives.

Red Alerts are warning signs that the enemy is approaching or that danger is imminent. In Matthew 16:1-4, to the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus was the common enemy. However, Jesus warns of more critical signs that they are not seeing and the most important one they must not miss. These red alerts are still and especially relevant in the times we live in.