Commuter Bible NT

For more information visit commuterbible.org or patreon.com/commuterbible  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Friends, we've reached the final chapter of the final book of the New Testament, which means we have also reached the end of our reading plan for the year. Today, John sees the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Whereas the first Adam fell into sin and death by eating from a tree, the second Adam from above provides a tree of life which heals the nations. John hears the Lord say that he is coming soon, and that his reward is with him. He declares himself to be the Alpha and the Omega, the root and descendant of David, and the bright morning star. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

While the message of “Immanuel, God with us” is rightly accented at Christmastime, it is neither the beginning nor the end of the idea. In fact, God's presence with his people is a story arc that begins in Genesis and finds it fruition here in Revelation. In the new heaven and the new earth the Lord will be with his people in the fullest and more final sense. A new Jerusalem appears with massive walls but with 12 open gates named after the 12 apostles of the Lamb. The walls and streets are made of transparent gold, and even the foundations are adorned with jewels. All of this imagery connotes that this city is secure, beautiful, and wanting for nothing. There is no temple in this city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are it's temple. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

There are many things written in the book of Revelation that are confusing and sometimes even scary, but one truth shines brightly throughout the message of this book: in the end Christ is unfathomably glorious and eternally victorious. In our last episode, Babylon the Great fell and the world mourned. Today, the vast multitude of heaven cheers that God's righteous judgment is begin executed. Christ appears as a rider on a white horse whose robe is dipped in blood, and the sword from his mouth will strike the nations who refused to repent. The beast and its armies will be slain, and Satan will be bound. The slain in Christ who had not submitted to the beast are raised from the dead to reign with Christ for a thousand years. Ultimately, Satan is thrown into the lake of fire, along with all of those whose name is not found in the book of life. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our last episode, an angel escorted John to a wilderness where he saw a woman on a scarlet beast. That woman has “Babylon the Great” written on her forehead. Today, another angel with great authority proclaims that Babylon has fallen. This lament is modeled after the lament found in Jeremiah 51, one of the longest chapters in Scripture, which declares the fall of the historic Babylon. Since Revelation is a book about the future, we don't know exactly what this represents, but it is likely that Babylon is representative of a global power in rebellion against God. Merchants mourn her demise, for they had grown rich from her. Finally, a mighty angel hurls a large stone into the sea, saying that Babylon will fall like this, never to rise again. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Seven angels have poured out seven bowls of wrath, and today, one of them approaches John and carries him away in the Spirit to a wilderness. There, he sees a woman sitting on a scarlet beast. The woman is clothed in lavish and expensive attire, but holds a cup with every detestable thing. Moreover, she is drunk on the blood of the saints and the witnesses of Jesus. “Babylon the Great” is written on her forehead. The angel then explains the beast and its seven heads, stating that they represent seven mountains and seven kings. The beast itself represents an eighth king. It's ten horns also represent ten kings which reign briefly, give their power and authority to the beast, and who unsuccessfully wage war with the Lamb. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our last episode the Son of Man appeared, seated on a cloud with a sickle in his hand. He harvested the earth with a single swing, and with a second swing he gathered the grapes for the winepress of God's wrath. Today, the heavenly temple, also called the tabernacle of testimony, opens. Out of this temple, seven angels come forth to retrieve 7 golden bowls which are filled with God's wrath. The first bowl produces painful sores for those who served the beast. The second bowl turns the sea to blood causing all life in the sea to die. The third bowl, likewise, turns the rivers and springs to blood. The fourth bowl intensifies the sun's heat. The fifth bowl is poured on the throne of beast, plunging its kingdom into darkness. The sixth bowl dries up the Euphrates. The seventh bowl brings a number of natural disasters. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The last few chapters have been focused on the dragon and the two beasts that arose from the sea and from the earth. In our last reading, we learned that the number of the beast is 666 and that this number or the beast's name were to be marked on the right hand or on the forehead of everyone one earth. Today, the focus switches from the dragon to the Lamb who stands on Mount Zion with the 144,000. They have the Father's name on their foreheads, and stand aloft, unharmed by the dragon or the two beasts. Three angels fly high overhead warning of judgment on Babylon and those who worship the beast and its image. The Son of Man appears, seated on a cloud with a sickle in his hand. He harvests the earth with a single swing, and soon thereafter the rest of the earth harvested for wrath. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

As the dragon stands on the shore, a beast comes out of the sea. It has ten horns and seven heads, each horn has a crown and each head has a blasphemous name. One head appears to have been fatally wounded, but has since been healed. The earth is enamored with the beast and worships the dragon, who gave the beast authority. The beast speaks blasphemies against God and wages war against the saints. Another beast comes up from the earth whose two horns are like that of a lamb, but whose voice is like that dragon. It exercises the authority of the beast on it's behalf and makes everyone on earth receive a mark on their right hand or forehead. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The book of Revelation is full of imagery and prophecy, which means that as we read there will be many confusing passages that Christians may disagree on and which I will not be able to cover at length here. Some see this next section as an overlap, sort of a call back to what has already been described at a different angle. The sign of the woman that gives birth to a child who will rule the nations is full of references to Psalm 2 which in turn is full messianic promises. The dragon is a reference to Satan, who sought to annihilate this promised child through Herod. The woman is later supernaturally sustained for 1260 days, which is the exact amount of time that the two witnesses were protected. Unable to harm the woman, the dragon wages war against those who keep the commands of God. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Thus far in our reading of Revelation, the lamb has opened the seven seals on the scroll and seven angels have come forward to blow trumpets. At this point, only six of the seven trumpets have been blown. Today, a mighty angels appears with a small scroll, which John commanded to eat; it tastes as sweet as honey, but it makes his stomach bitter. Two unnamed witnesses appear and are given authority to prophesy and to declare plagues. When their time is complete, the beast will arise to kill them. Though they will lay slain in street for three and a half days, at which point the breath of God will enter them and they will rise to their feet. When the seventh trumpet is blown, the 24 elders declare that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The lamb has taken the scroll from the one seated on throne and has opened the first six of its seven seals. Today, the lamb opens the seventh seal. After a period of silence, seven angels with seven trumpets appear. With each successive trumpet blast a series natural disasters and plagues occur reminiscent of the plagues released upon Egypt in the time of Moses. After six of the seven trumpets have been blown, we are told that those who survived these plagues remain unrepentant of their works of lawlessness. As we read, keep in mind that the number seven often represents perfection or completion in Scripture.  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

When we last read from Revelation, we were in the throne room of God and the Lamb approached to open the seals of a scroll. Today, the Lamb opens the seals. We see a pattern in the first four seals that includes the opening of a seal followed by one of the four living creatures saying “Come!” In each instance a horse and a rider appear, sometimes appearing in surreal forms. The fifth seal prompts distribution of white robes to those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God as they cry out for judgment and holy vengeance. The sixth seal prompts violent natural disasters. Later, John sees the sealed of Israel, 12,000 from each tribe. After this, the apostle sees a vast multitude from every tribe, nation, people, and language crying out in worship before throne. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The letters to the seven churches have concluded, and in today's episode the apostle John sees a vision of the throne room of heaven. The hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” harkens back to this seen where 24 elders cast their crowns before the throne as a sign of humility and submission. To say that God is thrice-fold holy is to say that he is perfect in his holiness. The four living creatures bring to mind the angels seen in the visions of Ezekiel, representing God's power and authority. One like a slaughtered lamb appears to take the scroll from the one seated on the throne, causing those who had gathered to bow before the lamb. A congregation of thousands upon thousands rise up to declare the praise of the one on the throne and of the lamb that was slain. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John is receiving direct revelation from Jesus Christ concerning what he should write to seven churches of his day. In our last episode we covered the churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Today we'll cover the churches of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Sardis was known for being alive in Christ, but in reality they were dead. The Lord discerns between those who have kept their way pure and those who have defiled themselves. The church in Philadelphia is commended for enduring in faithfulness even though they has but little power; to them belong the promise of a new Jerusalem. The church in Laodicea is compared to the luke-warm water that was piped into the city: neither cold and refreshing nor hot and therapeutic. Their riches had deceived them into thinking they didn't need to rely on the Lord. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

After the apostle John opens with an introduction to his vision, he begins to record the words of Jesus to the seven churches. In today's reading we'll cover the first four of the seven churches, including Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. The Ephesian church is commended for not tolerating evil people, but rebuked for forgetting their love for the Lord. The church in Smyrna is encouraged, for even though they are poor, they are rich in Christ; they are further warned that their suffering will soon increase. The church at Pergamum live in a highly idolatrous city, and though they suffer for their faithfulness, there are some among them who are idolatrous. Finally, the church at Thyatira are commended for being loving, faithful, servants who endured much, but condemned for tolerating a sexual immoral woman who convinces others to join her in deviancy. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

It's the beginning of the end! No, that's not the gift of prophecy coming out, but it is a Dad-joke about the book of Revelation and our reading plan. The book of Revelation is the last book in the Bible, the last book in our reading plan, and it is the book that is all about last things. The topic of the end times is referred to as “eschatology.” The apostle John found himself imprisoned on the island of Patmos because of his gospel ministry. While there, the Spirit came upon John and revealed a vision to him, instructing him to write everything he saw on a scroll, which was to be sent to seven churches. These beginning chapters contain direct communication to particular local congregations, giving both commendation and critique. This first chapter serves as an introduction to John's entire vision and to those letters. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The letter known as 2 John is addressed to “the elect lady and her children” which is most likely a reference to the church body to whom he was writing. In it, John encourages the church to continue in love and to reject false teaching. You'll hear echoes of 1 John as tells the church that those remain in Christ's teaching have both the Father and the Son. In 3 John, the apostle commends his friend Gaius, who is likely a pastor, and writes to warn him about Diotrophes who loves attention, power, divisive speech, and who probably already had a twitter account. John encourages Gaius to refrain from imitating what is evil and imitate what is good. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Our reading of 1 John concludes today as John continues to discuss how one might discern between those who have been born of God and those who are still worldly. One must love God and the commands of God through victorious faith in Jesus Christ which comes by the testimony of the Spirit. The one who has the Son has life, but the one who does not have the Son does not have life. In Christ, we can come to God the Father boldly in prayer, knowing that he hears us. Wrapping up his letter where he began, John says that the one who has been born of God does not continue in sin. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John continues in his letter warning believers against false prophets, saying that those who do not confess Christ, and that he has come in the flesh, are not from God. Simply put, John says that those who oppose the teaching of the apostles are of the world and should not be believed. Rather, the apostles teaching should be believed, and those who believe it are from God. This may sound self-aggrandizing, but John is one of the twelve apostles appointed by Jesus, one who walked with him, learned from him broke bread with him, who witnessed his miracles, and who saw his resurrected body. John goes on to encourage the church to love one another with the kind of love that comes from the Father, by the Spirit, through the Son. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John writes to the church reminding them that we are beloved children of God the Father. The world won't understand us, because it doesn't know the Father; even so this new identity calls to be set apart as we live a life of purity and devotion to the One who has redeemed us. Our new relationship with God begets a new relationship with other believers: with God as our Father, we should love other Christians as brothers and sisters. Christ said that the church would be known for loving one another, and John echoes this teaching by admonishing the church to believe in the name of God's Son Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John, the apostle whom Jesus loved and the author of the fourth gospel writes today's letter to the church with encouragement to flee from sin, to trust in Jesus, to love one another, and to assure them of the eternal life that Christ has secured for them. This letter doesn't have a typical structure; unlike other epistles it doesn't address a particular church or mention individual people. Here in the first two chapters, John addresses those who continue in sinful lifestyles while saying that they have fellowship with God. Of course, everyone has sinned, but those who perpetuate evil, who hate brothers in Christ, who lust and who are proud without any inclination toward repentance, do not fellowship with God. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Jude's letter, while brief, is both pointed and to the point. While he had hoped to write a letter of encouragement and celebration in the gospel, he realized it was more prudent to encourage them to contend for the faith against those false teachings which had infiltrated the church. Pointing back to Sodom and Gomorrah, the rebellion in the wilderness after the exodus, to Balaam, to Cain, and to those who rebelled with Korah, he asserts that these people who deny Jesus and who rely on dreams will be doomed to hell. In these end times there are certain to be scoffers who live according to their ungodly desires, who create division, and who are worldly. Even so, he encourages the church to have mercy on those who waver. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The book of Hebrews concludes today with a laundry list of encouragements to pursue one another in brotherly love. As the writer lists out the manner in which members of the church should relate to one another, he cites biblical and theological reasons why each should be practiced in the manner he describes. As you listen, consider the self-sacrificing nature of each action, for the nature of Christ's love for the church was self-sacrificial, and in order to be Christlike, we too, must follow the path selflessness. There are also commendations to rest in the truth and suffer for the sake of righteousness, enduring what is temporary in order to gain that which is eternal. The author then concludes with final remarks and a benediction. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Having laid a foundation of former faithful followers from Israel's past, the writer of Hebrews encourages his audience to lay aside every hindrance and sin so that they might faithfully run the race set before them. By enduring hardship and suffering, the church is strengthened by a disciplined life. He goes on to encourage peaceful living with one another, making sure that no root of bitterness springs up. He continues to encourage hopeful perseverance by reminding them that they are not headed to Mount Sinai, a physical mountain where the Lord shook the earth in holiness; they are headed to Mount Zion, an unshakeable kingdom where the peace of Christ reigns and the redeemed saints gather to live forevermore. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as “Hall of Faith” wherein the writer of Hebrews goes through a list of men in the history of God's people who had faith in the Lord. Beginning with Creation itself, he writes about the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and then says that time prohibits him from going on and on about others who came after them. Even so, he lists what the faithful had endured, persevering by faith. All of these were approved through their faith, yet did not yet fully receive what God had promised. All of this history will be used as a platform in chapter 12 to encourage the church to persevere through difficulties and maintain faith in the Lord. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The writer of Hebrews is writing to a largely Jewish audience discussing how Jesus is better than all that has come before him. This is an effort to help them see the futility of keeping certain Jewish practices which have been fulfilled in Christ. Today, the writer considers how Jesus is a better sacrifice. In the tabernacle and temple system, sacrifices for sins were once made continually because men sinned continually, but in Jesus we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time. This security is a source of hope for the believer, for in Christ we have a better and enduring possession that is far more valuable than anything we might lose in this world. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In the old covenant, the average Israelite was not allowed to enter into the holy place, and only the high priest was allowed to enter into the most holy place. This earthly tabernacle was a shadow and predecessor of the heavenly pattern, wherein sinful men like us cannot enter into God's holy presence. Thankfully, we have a high priest in Jesus, for he is able, not only to enter into His Father's presence, but to cleanse our consciences. He cleanses us, not with the blood of bulls or goats, but with his very own blood. In so doing, Christ is the perfect lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Unlike the old covenant which required continual sacrifices by imperfect men, Christ has entered into this heavenly tabernacle, or one “not made with hands” and has made sacrifice once and for all. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The plans for the tabernacle given to Moses are in some ways a finite, earthly replica of the heavens, as they are said to be a copy or a shadow of the heavenly things. This system of worship included finite, earthly priests who served until they died, but Christ is the high priest of the new covenant who always lives to intercede. Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant which was prophesied through Jeremiah, and in today's episode the writer of Hebrews quotes the prophet Jeremiah at length. He argues that a new covenant would not need to be given if the old covenant was sufficient. The Jews should therefore partake of the new covenant in Christ, for the old covenant is obsolete. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In chapters 5 and 6, the writer of Hebrews briefly mentioned that Jesus was a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. As we read chapter 7 today, he'll elaborate on what that means. In short, the question is this: since we know that the lineage of Jesus is from Judah and not Levi, how can it be that he qualifies to be a high priest? Even though Jesus had parents who were of the line of David, he himself is not from Adam's fallen race; as such, he can be compared to Melchizedek, who is without a genealogy. Moreover, Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything, as Abraham was the inferior and Melchizedek was superior. Because Jesus is even better than Melchizedek, the author concludes that a better covenant has come, and it comes under a priest who holy, innocent, and undefiled. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In the gospels, Jesus teaches a parable about a sower and seeds. Some of the seeds show signs of growth and life, yet all of them, save one seed, do not survive. The planted seed of the gospel can have a temporary, life-giving effect on some who have not truly repented, but those who endure and bear fruit are those who prove to be Christ's disciples. Likewise, the writer of Hebrews tells his audience it is impossible to renew to repentance those who merely tasted the heavenly gift of Christ's church, but who ultimately fall away and despise the Lord. He wants the church to endure in hope until the end, being diligent in their faith, not lazy. Finally, the writer argues that God wants to show his unchangeable purpose through his promises to his people. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

As we read from the book of Hebrews today we'll see that Jesus is a better rest than the Sabbath and a better high priest. While the Sabbath regularly pointed God's people to their need for rest and to their dependence on the Lord, the author of Hebrews says that a Sabbath rest remains for God's people, namely Jesus Christ, for all those who are found him are able to rest from works of righteousness while depending on the Lord to provide for them both here and hereafter. Later, we'll see that Jesus is a superior priest, for like Melchizedek his priesthood is not based on ancestral lineage. This idea will be developed further in later passages. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Hebrews is a book about how Jesus is better than all that has come before him, and in chapter 3 we see that Jesus is better than Moses, and this is in no way takes away from Moses' faithfulness. Moses was truly faithful as a servant in the household of God, but Jesus is worthy of more honor because Jesus was faithful as a Son over his household. While there are many who will serve in the household of God, there is only Son who inherits all things from the Father. The writer of Hebrews then warns his readers against unbelief, reminding them that those who were brought out of Egypt didn't get to see the Promised Land because they were disobedient, and instead, they died in the wilderness. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today we begin the book of Hebrews, a book that emphasizes the superiority of Christ to all that has come before him. While the writer of the book of Hebrews remains unknown, we do know that this writer can quote the Old Testament Scriptures at length and is very polished in his ability to write and to reason. This letter is unique, as it has no greeting and seems to be directed specifically toward Jewish believers. In today's passage, the writer argues that Jesus is greater than the prophets who came before, as God has spoken to us directly by the Son and appointed him heir of all things. He is greater than angels, for everything has been made subject to him. Moreover, as one who has flesh and blood, he has reached out to help men, but has not done so for angels. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Matthew's gospel concludes in today's episode as consider the hope of the resurrection in Jesus Christ our Lord. The good news of Jesus Christ is that he died for our sins on the cross, drinking the full cup of God's wrath on our behalf so that we might be forgiven of our sins. Not only this, but he also deposits his perfect righteousness into our account so that his perfect fulfillment of the Law might be attributed to us. If that weren't enough, he also has risen from the dead, conquering both sin and death so that we might live forever with him. Living forever with him begins in this life, for he has promised that he will be with us always, even to the end of the age. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today, we'll cover Matthew's account of the crucifixion including Christ's death on the cross, but stopping shy of his burial, saving that section for our next reading. We begin with the account of Judas confessing his guilt in betraying Jesus, and the response from the chief priests and elders is one of indignant apathy. Fraught with grief, Judas hangs himself and dies. Though he has been charged as guilty before the Jews, Jesus now stands trial before the governor, Pontius Pilate. Though he finds no guilt in Jesus, he condemns him in order to keep a riot from starting. After Jesus is mocked and beaten by the Roman military who oversaw his custody, he is led to the cross and crucified between two criminals. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The time has come for Jesus to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Having finished taking the Passover meal together, Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives with his disciples to spend the night. This has been their routine while in Jerusalem, and Judas knew where to find them. After Judas indicates which man is Jesus by greeting him with a kiss, an armed mob of men arrest Jesus and lead him away to be tried by the high priest and the Sanhedrin. While witnesses are brought forth to testify against him, none of their accusations stick. Finally, Jesus confirms that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and they sentence him to death. Peter waits in the wings, unable to muster the courage needed to acknowledge Jesus. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

During his time in Jerusalem leading up to the Passover, Jesus has been causing quite a commotion among the people. In addition to teaching God's Word with power and authority, he has insulted the chief priests, the scribes, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees, all of whom were accustomed to being revered as scholars and spiritual leaders. Concerned for their own reputation and for what they considered to be right teaching, they plot to kill Jesus. Christ, however, knows his own fate and has been telling the disciples that he will soon be handed over to be killed. During the Passover meal, he even announces that one of his own disciples will betray him. With zeal, Peter proclaims that he would never fall away from Jesus, but Christ knows that won't be the case. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our last reading, Jesus spoke to his disciples about living faithfully during the end times and about the return of the Son of Man. Jesus continues in this same discourse as we pick up and read today's chapter with two parables and one analogy that sounds a lot like a parable. All three of these ideas focus on diligence, perseverance, and expectation for the return of the Son of Man. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus teaches his disciples to prepare themselves for his return, even planning their lives appropriately toward that end. In the parable of the talents, Jesus addresses using one's gifts and opportunities to advance the kingdom in his absence. In the analogy of sheep and goats, Christ discusses humble service to those in need. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

You may have noticed that the closer we get to Christ's crucifixion, the more time seems to slow down. This is intentional, as Matthew is highlighting the importance of Christ's time in Jerusalem before he is executed by the Jews. Today Christ tells his disciples about future things, including the destruction of the temple, which happened only 70 years later, for the old covenant is passing away and the gospel of Christ's kingdom has come. Jesus tells his followers to expect persecution, false prophets, false messiahs, an increase of wars and an increase in natural disasters. Even so, the gospel will go forth into all the world. Finally, no one knows the day or hour when Christ will return, but that shouldn't stop us from anticipating that day. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In the midst of the people of Jerusalem, just days before the Passover feast was to be celebrated, Jesus speaks to large crowds of devoted Jews about the dangers of hypocritical teachers. Here, Jesus doesn't beat around the bush, but instead openly names and rebukes the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites. He criticizes them for self-righteous behaviors and traditions that only serve to exalt man. The posture that the truly righteous should take, however, is a posture of humility and service. In his rebuke, Jesus says that they will be charged with the blood of the righteous, from Adam's son Abel to the prophet Zechariah, who was murdered in the temple. This kind of rebuke against a city while standing in the city itself would have caused an uproar, perhaps even turning the crowds' fanfare into fury. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today's episode begins the parable of the wedding feast, which Jesus tells to the people of Jerusalem. If you're familiar with the book of Revelation, you'll recall that as the vision comes to a close, we are shown a wedding feast where Christ is the groom and his bride is the church. God invites all men to this banquet, but many reject this invitation and go about their business. Some even kill the messengers who were sent to invite them. Later, the Pharisees and the Sadducees try their best to trap Jesus in his words. Finally, Jesus turns the tables and asks them a challenging question about the words of King David which they are unable to answer. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

On today's episode, Jesus enters Jerusalem and is welcomed with great fanfare by the crowds. Those who had concluded that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah had also concluded that the Son of David would reign as king in the same way the David ruled as a king. In other words, they thought he was a wise man who would take the throne, perhaps even by force, and that restoration to geopolitical nation of Israel would be restored. Though Jesus is the Son of David and the promised Messiah, he hasn't come to claim victory over his foes in the ways that the Jews had surmised. In fact, we'll see from today's passage that Jesus rebukes God's people for their hardness of heart. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Our understanding of fairness is often based on what experience by comparison; in other words, we see what other people have in similar positions as ours and we make judgments about whether one thing or another is “fair” or “unfair.” When it comes to the kingdom of heaven, Jesus alters our vantage point to see things from a heavenly perspective. In short, we should not be jealous of God's generosity towards others. Later, James and John ask Jesus if they can sit on his right and left in the coming kingdom. Jesus tells them that while the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, it should not be so in the kingdom. In fact, anyone who wants to be great in the kingdom must be a servant. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today, Jesus teaches on a difficult topic, and that is the topic of divorce. The Pharisees were often associated with the Hillel school of thought, which advocated for very liberal divorce proceedings which were so petty that even something like burning your husband's dinner could be valid grounds for separation. Jesus confronts this teaching by pointing back to the garden of Eden as the design of marriage, then by saying that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of their sinful hearts, not because it was God's design for them. We'll also see how Jesus addresses a young man with great wealth who wants to be counted as righteous. This leads into a discussion about the relationship between one's riches and one's status in the kingdom of heaven. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Matthew chapter 18 is almost entirely comprised of Jesus speaking and teaching, with just two questions posed by his followers. Those questions are, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” and “How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister?” In answering the question of who is the greatest, Jesus brings in a child and says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. He then tells the parable of the lost sheep, and gives instruction on how to restore a brother who refuses to repent. On the questions of forgiveness, Jesus responds with the parable of the unforgiving servant, wherein the man who is forgiven much by his master short-sightedly demands equity from his neighbor who owes him very little. As such, that man stands condemned. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today, Jesus takes the three disciples with whom he has a closer relationship up on a high mountain, and there, he is miraculously transfigured before them. This change in his physical appearance, accompanied by an auditory testament to his identity, is in some ways a “sign from heaven” which the Pharisees and Sadducees had requested in our last reading. Jesus did not reveal this vision to those men because they wanted proof in order to have faith; Jesus instead reveals his deity to his disciples who already have faith and have confessed that Jesus is the Messiah. After this, Jesus begins to tell his disciples that he will delivered over into the hands of sinners to die. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org