JesusX30 Challenge—Scene 22: WARNINGS, PLOTS & BETRAYALS
@TysonPutthoff | #JesusX30Challenge #JesusX30 #JX30Challenge
1. Key Texts
• Matthew 24–26
• Mark 13–14
• Luke 21–22
• Daniel 7 (Son of Man imagery)
• Zechariah 11 (thirty pieces of silver)
2. Date & Place
• Spring 29 AD, final week of Jesus’ public ministry.
• From the Temple to the Mount of Olives; evenings in Bethany.
• Final teachings before arrest; tension in Jerusalem at its peak.
3. Main Account
A. Leaving the Temple & Foretelling Its Fall (Mark 13:1–2)
• Disciples admire the Temple’s beauty; Jesus predicts its collapse.
• Warning: religious impressiveness ≠ spiritual integrity.
• The old order is already cracking.
B. Olivet Discourse: Stay Awake (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21)
• Jesus shifts from prediction to formation—habits, not headlines.
• “Stay awake” (gregoreite): guard against fear, deception, numbness.
• Events described mirror the coming fall of Jerusalem (70 AD).
• Message: when everything shakes, lift your head—God’s mission stands.
C. Parables of Watchfulness (Matthew 25)
• Bridesmaids, faithful servants, talents.
• Core idea: readiness = faithfulness in the present, not anxiety about the future.
• Do the next right thing with what you’ve been given.
D. Sheep & Goats: Judgment by Compassion (Matthew 25:31–46)
• The King is hidden in the suffering.
• Faith is measured by tangible mercy—feeding, welcoming, visiting.
• Love, not ritual, reveals loyalty to the Son of Man.
E. Plot at Caiaphas’ House (Matthew 26:3–5)
• Religious leaders decide to arrest Jesus quietly to avoid riots.
• His Temple protest has made him a direct threat to their power.
F. Anointing at Bethany (Mark 14:3–9)
• A woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus—preparing him for burial.
• Disciples criticize; Jesus honors her insight and devotion.
• Her act becomes a model of love that sees what others miss.
G. Judas’ Betrayal (Matthew 26:14–16; Luke 22:3–6)
• Judas agrees to hand Jesus over for thirty silver pieces.
• Luke: “Satan entered Judas”—deception through disappointment and impatience.
• Betrayal isn’t always external—it often arises inside the circle.
4. Main Point
• Jesus prepares his followers not for prediction, but for presence.
• Faithfulness = staying awake, alert, and compassionate when the world feels unstable.
• The contrast sharpens: religious performance collapses; Kingdom love endures.
• In confusion and chaos, discipleship is measured by steadiness, not certainty.
5. Exegetical Insight
• “Stay awake” (gregoreite): vigilance of heart, not paranoia.
• “I and the Father are one” echoes Daniel 7’s divine authority.
• Thirty silver pieces links Judas to Zechariah’s rejected shepherd motif.
• Sheep & goats parable shows eschatology through ethics—judgment by mercy.
6. Reflection Questions
• Where am I spiritually drifting into autopilot?
• What practices help me stay awake to God’s presence?
• How do I respond when God’s plan doesn’t match my expectations?
• Who are the “least of these” I’m called to see and serve this week?
7. Action Step / Challenge
• Practice presence: take 5 minutes each day to breathe, observe, and re-center.
• Do one act of mercy for someone who can’t repay you.
• Name one fear-driven reaction and replace it with a faithful response.
Buy the books!
This 30-day challenge is based on my book trilogy entitled Jesus: The Strategic Life and Mission of the Messiah and His Movement (3 Volumes, Hekhal Publishing Co., 2025).
You can buy or borrow the trilogy at:
Hekhal Publishing Co. (look for free samples of each book as well)
Amazon (print or ebook)
Barnes & Noble (print or ebook)
Hoopla (borrow)
Many more booksellers worldwide!
