How do we prepare for the End times? It is a subject that captures our attention. When Jesus entered Jerusalem the week leading up to his death, burial and resurrection he gave very clear instructions to his disciples about the end times and the judgment coming to Jerusalem and the world before he returns to rule as King. He warned them not to be fooled by frauds, fearful of wars or natural disasters but to live joyfully even through persecution and to pray continually until creation announces his victorious return. Luke 21:5-38.    

Jesus is being attacked by the religious leaders who are threatened by his cleansing the Temple Mount and teaching the gospel. They want to arrest him and kill him but they are afraid of doing anything because the crowds love him. So they set a political trap hoping he will incriminate himself against Rome, but Jesus doesn't fall for it and he walks through the trap unscathed. They set a theological trap mocking the doctrine of resurrection hoping he will prove foolish and be discredited. Again Jesus proves the integrity of scripture and validity of the hope of the resurrection making his critics look ignorant and incompetent. They concede their arguments and determine to never challenge him again. After dominating his detractors Jesus closes with the knock out, an inspiring message to follow him and not the greedy evil leaders but Trust him with humble faithful obedience. Luke 20:20-21:4. 

The first place Jesus goes when he arrives in Jerusalem is the temple to exercise his authority to cleanse it from sinfulness and corruption because the leaders had transformed the temple from a place of worship and prayer into a marketplace. Jesus has authority to cleanse sinfulness from believers and give hearts that function in worship of the Father. Will you Trust Jesus authority over your heart? Luke 19:45-20:19. 

As we follow Jesus journey to Jerusalem it is clear from the reception he receives from the Pharisees they despise the crowds celebrating him as Messiah and Jesus mourns the nation who has rejected his kingdom of salvation. We have the opportunity to receive this same offer of salvation in Jesus by believing in him and living joyfully praising God for his salvation. Luke 19:28-44 The Triumphal Entry.  

Bryan Gilbert serves as an elder here at Cornerstone. He is sharing from Matthew 15:21-28 about how God meets our needs when we trust in His Son.