Last words are often lasting words. That is definitely true of the final words Jesus delivered to the apostles according to Matthew, who was there to receive the Great Commission. It is also our commission.
Matthew 23 has been called “the stormy north side of Jesus.” In the strongest language of His ministry, He condemns the Pharisees for “saying things but not doing them.” The lesson is obvious: what we teach, we must practice.
Some of the parables of Jesus are difficult to understand, like this one, the parable of the persistent widow. Through her example, the Lord teaches us not only to pray, but not to give up on prayer.
