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"THE MEN OF CHRISTMAS" MATTHEW 1-2
There are several men who are very much a part of the Christmas story in the Gospel of Matthew. From some of them we learn negative lessons, and from some we learn positive lessons
JOSEPH - A TRUSTED MAN Not just any man could be trusted to be the guardian of the Son of God! Notice 3 qualities that make Joseph a trusted man. 1. He was just. Vss. 18-19 2. He was compassionate. Vs. 19 - Not willing to publicly expose what he thought as Mary's sin, he would privately divorce her. 3. He was obedient. Matthew 1:20-25, 2:13-15, 2:19-23
HEROD - A TREACHEROUS MAN Herod wanted the wise men to find the Christ Child, and report back to him. He said he wanted to worship Him, but he wanted to kill Him. Notice his act towards the children of Bethlehem. 2:1-8, 16-18
THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM - TROUBLED MEN When Herod was troubled, the whole city of Jerusalem was troubled too. Probably this was because when Herod was troubled, he troubled others. But being troubled would also be an indication of unbelief. Where was the joy that Israel's Messiah was born? Matthew 2:1-3 When there is unbelief, there is trouble! Hebrews 11:6
THE WISE MEN - THOUGHTFUL MEN 1. Thoughtful to visit. Matthew 2:1-2 2. Thoughtful to worship. Matthew 2:11 3. Thoughtful to share. Matthew 2:11 4. Thoughtful to obey. Matthew 2:12
"Christmas Dreams"
Jeremiah 23:25-32 "I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy falsely in My name, saying, 'I had a dream, I had a dream!' 26 "How long? Is there [anything] in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even [these] prophets of the deception of their own heart, 27 who intend to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they relate to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal? 28 "The prophet who has a dream may relate [his] dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have [in common] with grain?" declares the LORD. 29 "Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock? 30 "Therefore behold, I am against the prophets," declares the LORD, "who steal My words from each other. 31 "Behold, I am against the prophets," declares the LORD, "who use their tongues and declare, '[The Lord] declares.' 32 "Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams," declares the LORD, "and related them, and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit," declares the LORD.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods whom you have not known and let us serve them,' 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Colossians 2:18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on [visions] he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,
Joel 2:28 "And it will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.
Matthew 1:20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 2:12-13 And having been warned [by God] in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise and take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him."
Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned [by God] in a dream, he departed for the regions of Galilee,
The Pedigree of a King Matthew 1:1-17 I. Jesus' Lineage Certifies Him as King over Israel.
II. Jesus' Lineage Certifies Him as King over Sinners.
III. Jesus' Lineage Certifies Him as King over Gentiles.
IV. Jesus' Lineage Certifies Him as King over Failures.
V. Jesus' Lineage Certifies Him as King over Nobodies.
VI. Jesus' Lineage Certifies Him as King over Time.
THE INTERVENING, IMPLICATIONS OF INCARNATION
MATT. 1:18-25; LUKE 2:1-20
1. Seventy- seven baby boys are born in unbroken succession to form Jesus’ ancestry. Luke 3:23ff. Jesus is born of the seed of women. Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4.
2. Jesus was the seventh person to be prenamed before birth. Matt. 1:21. Isaac (Laughter), Ismael (God is hearing), Moses (Born or drawn out), Solomon (Peace), Josiah (God supports), John (Grace).
3. The entire world population is disrupted just to bring about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1; Proverbs 16:1,7,9; 21:1
4. A miraculous birth must precede the only virgin birth just to have an announcer for the Christ of God. Luke 1:7,24.
5. The womb of Mary conceives miraculously by being overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. Isa. 7:14; Lk. 1:35; 1 John 1:1-4; All conception is done in secret (Psalm 139:14-17). How much more the birth of Jesus.
JESUS AND IMMANUEL Matthew 1:18-25I. "YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME JESUS" A. HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS OF THIS NAME... 1. A very common Jewish name, often given in memory of Joshua (the Hebrew form of the name, Jesus) 2. It is interesting to compare these two figures of history a. Joshua led the nation of Israel into the promised land (Canaan) b. Jesus leads the people of God into the Promised Land (Heaven) B. SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS NAME... 1. Jesus (Joshua) means "God is Savior" 2. The son of Mary was rightfully called that, because "He will save His people from their sins" 3. This Jesus would do by saving them... a. From the GUILT of sin 1) By offering His blood as the atonement for their sins - cf. Rom. 5:8-9a 2) When one is washed by the blood of Jesus, He truly is their Savior b. From the POWER of sin 1) By sending His sanctifying Spirit to help His people break sin's dominion 2) Paul writes of this in Rom. 8:1-2,12-14 c. From the CONSEQUENCE of sin 1) I.e., the wrath of God to come 2) Cf. Rom. 5:9; 1 Thess. 1:9-10 d. Ultimately, from the PRESENCE of sin 1) I.e., when we depart to "be with the Lord" 2) Cf. Re 7:13-17 4. And so the name of JESUS should be... a. A very encouraging name to heavy-laden sinners 1) Souls which desire salvation may draw near to the Father with confidence through Christ 2) For it is His OFFICE (function, work) to show mercy - John 3:17 b. A very sweet and precious name to believers 1) For He continues to intercede in our behalf, to save us from our sins 2) Cf. He 4:14-16; 7:24-25
II. "THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL" A. HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS OF THIS NAME... 1. Isaiah's prophecy concerning this name is found in Isa. 7:14 2. In which a virgin would give birth to a child who would be called "Immanuel" B. SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS NAME... 1. Immanuel literally means "God is with us" - cf. Mt. 1:23 2. This name describes the Messiah's NATURE; i.e., that He is Deity! a. Other passages expound upon this aspect of Christ's nature 1) He is "Mighty God, Everlasting Father" - Isa. 9:6 2) He is "God", possessing the "glory of God"; the Great "I AM", who shared in the glory of the Father prior to His incarnation - cf. John 1:1-3,14; 8:56-59; 17:5 (cf. Isa 42:8) 3) Declared to be "the Son of God with power" by virtue of His resurrection - Rom. 1:3-4 4) He was "equal with God" who willingly humbled Himself - cf. Ph 2:5-11
THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST Matthew 1:18-25 I. It Was A Visioned Birth. A. Seen by Adam in Genesis 3:15 B. Seen by Abraham in Isaac C. Seen by Isaiah 9 D. Seen by Joseph in Matthew 1
II. It Was a Vital Birth. A. To fulfill the Scripture - Hebrews 7:11 B. To provide the Saviour - Luke 2:11 C. To bring hope to a lost Society - Luke 1:35
III. It Was A Virgin Birth A. The Purity of the Woman - Matthew 1:18 B. The Perfection of the Seed - Luke 1:35 C. The Performance of the Holy Spirit - Matthew 1:20
IV. It Was A Victorious Birth. A. Over Satan - Genesis 3:15 B. Over Sin - Matthew 1:21 C. Over Society - Luke 1:32-33
The Birth of a King Matthew 1:18-25 I. A Unique Conception (v.18). A. There are many amazing births recorded in Scripture. B. Jesus' mother, Mary "was betrothed to Joseph." C. During the betrothal period, Mary "was found with child." D. Scripture affirms the truth that the child was "of the Holy Spirit."
II. A Perplexing Problem (v.19). A. Joseph is described in two ways:
III. An Angelic Announcement (vv. 20-21). A. Joseph "thought about these things." B. The angel's message. IV. A Prophetic Confirmation (vv. 22-23). A. The Testimony of the Prophet (v.22). B. The Message of the Prophet (v.23). V. An Obedient Reaction (vv. 24-25). A. Joseph honored Mary (v.24). B. Joseph honored God (v.25). VI. Four Foundational Facts. A. When you have to make a difficult decision, it's best to take your time and seek God's will. Joseph acted wisely by not immediately having Mary stoned.
C. Belief in the Virgin Birth is essential to salvation.Take away the divine birth and Jesus is a mere man. His virgin birth, atoning death, resurrection, ascension and return stand or fall together. If you reject any of these great teachings about Jesus you reject them all. D. What you decide about the birth of Jesus is one of the most important decisions of your life. In Mat. 22:42, Jesus asked the Pharisees, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" How you answer that question will determine how you live this life and where you will spend eternity.
The Visit Of The Wise Men Matthew 2:1-12
I. INTERESTING FEATURES OF THIS STORY A. WHAT MATTHEW DOESN'T TELL US... 1. Who exactly were these "wise men from the East"? a. Some think they were a group of priests from Persia b. Others believe they were astrologers from Babylon 2. How many were there? a. No actual number is given b. Three types of gifts are mentioned ( Mt 2:11), but quality of gifts does not necessarily imply the quantity of givers! 3. What was the nature of the "star"? a. Was it an actual "star"? b. Was it the planet Jupiter, often associated with the birth of kings c. Was it a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the Sign of the Fish? d. Was it a comet acting erratically? 4. How did these wise men connect the star with the birth of the king of the Jews? a. Had they been taught by Jews of the Dispersion to expect the Messiah? b. Had they been given special revelation from God not recorded in the Scriptures? B. FOR WHAT LEGENDS HAVE RISEN... 1. That these wise men were "three kings from the Orient" 2. That their names were Melchior, Balthasar, and Caspar 3. That they visited Baby Jesus together with the shepherds the night of His birth a. But it was some time later (up to two years!) - Mt 2:1,16 b. They visited Mary and the child in a house, not a stable! - Mt 2:11 4. That they were later baptized by Thomas
II. LESSONS TO BE LEARNED A. IT IS EASY FOR FICTION TO BE TAKEN AS FACT... 1. We have seen what people have done with the story of Jesus' birth a. Making the number of the wise men to be three b. Having them visit Jesus in the stable 2. There are other examples a. Making the "forbidden fruit" in the Garden to be an "apple"
B. THERE MAY BE TRUE SERVANTS OF GOD IN PLACES WHERE WE MIGHT NOT EXPECT TO FIND THEM... 1. The Lord may have many "hidden ones" (i.e., hidden to our knowledge) like the wise men 2. Their history on earth may be as little known as that of
6. I GOTTA TELL SOMEBODY!
B. They could not help but speak of it because it is such good tidings of great joy!!! C. They made it known because it is a faithful saying and worthy to be repeated and accepted by all.
7. REJOICE!
CONCLUSION: There are 7 things that the shepherds did that we need to do: 1. THEY HEARD! 2. THEY BELIEVED! 3. THEY OBEYED! 4. THEY RECEIVED! 5. THEY TESTIFIED! 6. THEY REJOICED! 7. THEY PRAISED!
If someone is not serving God right now, it is because of a breakdown of one or more of these things. They RETURNED praising God. They returned to their daily living with new vision and a new power in their lives.
"Four Prophets and The King " Matthew 2:5, 15, 18, 23
Micah, Hosea, Jeremiah and Isaiah find their deepest fulfillment in history as they unfold the nativity of the King.
I. The first of the prophesies to be considered is Micah 5:2 as found unveiled in Matt. 2:5-6. A. This prophesy centers around the subject of authority. 1. Micah thunders out denunciation for the present rulers of the land while making mention of the hope of a new King. 2. Matthew adds a new insight that Micah knew not: "Who will shepherd my people Israel." 3. Homage and hatred are two opposing forces at work in the narrative. The Magi come to worship the King while Herod desires to kill the same Ruler. a. Their are always those who bring the finest gold, frankincense and myrrh to the lowly King of kings while the stupid and blind are forever in pursuit with their blood- thirstyness.
II. The second of these prophesies to be studied is that of the prophet Hosea in Chap. 11:1 which is found revealed in Matt. 2:15. A. This prophesy focuses on the subject of spiritual harlotry as the worst of all sin. The decadence and failure of Israel to love their God is obvious to all. [See 1 Cor. 6:18] 1. National Jewish Israel is the subject matter for Hosea’s prophesy. 2. God brings Hosea, himself , low by insisting that he marry a harlot and father children to her in order to feel the same feelings that God Himself is feeling. 3. Israel is reminded that God did deliver them from Egyptian bondage and oppression 4. Matthew picks up another note about God’s love for Israel and that is: He is going to bring His only begotten Son out of Egypt too. The purpose is to save them all over again.
III. The third prophet [Jeremiah the weeping prophet] speaks in his record in Chapter 31:15. Matthew amplifies this in Matt. 2:18. A. Our Lord also spoke those dooms day expressions as did his predecessor [Matt. 23:37-39]. B. But Jeremiah 31:15 is to be heard by Matthew’s audience as a message of great joy! 1. First off Ramah must be located and explained. It was a city that lay about six miles to the north of Jerusalem and was a rendezvous of Jewish captives held by king Nebuchadnezzar. 2. Jeremiah was, himself, released from this consecration camp of sorts [Jere. 39:11; 40:1]. 3. Much of the wailing came from mothers that saw their children taken to Babylon. 4. Rachel was the wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin [Gen. 35:16-19]. She died in childbirth on her way the Bethlehem and died calling her son Ben-oni [child of my sorrow]. His father then changed his name to Benjamin. Her grave was therefore between Ramah and Bethlehem.
IV. The last prophesy comes from various and sundry places. Isaiah 11:1 is my choice for the correlation to Matt. 2:23. A. The meaning of the word "NAZARENE" must be understood in the light of contempt. 1. Nazarene or one from Nazareth comes from the word "netser" {nay'-tser} or sprout of branch. This was a very derogatory term used by the ancients. A new sprout or branch coming out from the stump of a freshly felled tree was a disgrace and wholly unwanted. 2. Note now the references to this point of view. John 1:46; 7:41; 19:19. B. The One Who was held in contempt, despised, condemned, rejected by "even His own" was to be the "Choice" of God , Himself.
SEVEN STRANGE PREACHERS
Matthew 3:1-5 Intro: John the Baptist was a strange preacher! 1. He had a strange message. 2. He had a strange pulpit. 3. He had a strange from of dress.
Let’s notice some other strange preachers in the Bible.
I. Gen. 8:11 NOAH’S DOVE
The dove brought a message about the faithfulness of God
II. Num. 22:28 BALAAM’S DONKEY
The donkey brought a message of rebuke.
III. 1 Kings 17:6 ELIJAH’S RAVENS
The ravens brought the message of Romans 8:28.
IV. Luke 16:21 THE RICH MAN’S DOGS
The dogs brought a message of compassion.
V. Luke 22:60-62 SIMON PETER’S ROOSTER
The rooster brought a message of repentance.
VI. Acts 12:23 HEROD’S WORMS
The worms brought a message of judgment.
VII. Rev. 10:5-6 THE ANGEL OF NO MORE TIME
The angel brought a message of extreme urgency.
JOHN THE BAPTIST SPOKE OF THREE BAPTISMS; NOT ONE OF THEM IS CHRISTIAN BAPTISM! Matthew 3:1-17 Introduction: Matthew 17:10-13 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" 11 And He answered and said, "Elijah is coming and will restore all things; 12 but I say to you, that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands. " 13 Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist. (NASB)
Matthew 11:11 "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen[ anyone] greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (NASB)
I. John was truly a "God Send" in every way. A. He was one of a half dozen prenamed individuals in history. Luke 1:13 Isaac (Laughter), Ismael (God is hearing), Moses (Born or drawn out), Solomon (Peace), Josiah (God supports), John (Grace). B. He was called to be a great prophet from the beginning. Luke 1:17 C. His very ministry was ordained by God. John 1:33
II. John practiced only one baptism while in his ministry. A. It was ordained of God. John 1:33 "...but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me..." B. It was by immersion. Matthew 3:6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River [not with it], as they confessed their sins. (NASB) C. It followed confession of sins. Matthew 3:6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. (NASB) D. It followed repentance. Matthew 3:8 "Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance. E. It was for the remission of sins. Mark 1:4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (NASB) F. It had one exception clause to it. In Jesus’ case, it was "to fulfill all righteousness." Matt. 3:15 1. What does this mean? 2. Let me suggest that in no way did they complete God’s character or nature or essence. 3. One does not subject himself to attributes or characteristics. One subjects himself to the will of God. 4. Jesus and John (US) were "fulfilling all righteousness" by "DOING THE RIGHT THING." John’s baptism was commanded by God through John and it was, indeed, the right thing to do. 5. Paul repeated the very same thing as he wrote to the Romans. Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for [their] salvation. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (NASB) 6. No doctrine is more plainly taught by scripture than the fact that man is destitute of the any means to produce righteousness by himself. Cf. Romans 3:10; Isa. 64:6; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21; Romans 5:17; Phil 3:9-10; Eph. 2:8-10.
III. John preached two other baptisms while in his ministry. vs. 11 A. One was a "Baptism of the Holy Spirit." 1. For the first time in human utterance, it was sent forth to a general population. 2. It was next sited by the Lord, Himself, in Acts 1:5 for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. " (NASB) 3. It was now refined to the twelve. Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. (NASB) Acts 2:7 And they were amazed and marveled, saying, "Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? (NASB) Acts 2:14 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea, and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give heed to my words. (NASB) 4. The next and only other time we see the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" in Acts 11:15-16 "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as [He did] upon us at the beginning. 16 "And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' (NASB) B. The other was a "Baptism of fire." 1. It is defined by John the Baptist, himself. a. It came in the form of an admonition to the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (NASB) b. Their phony religious structure was to be cut down to the ground. Matthew 3:9 and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father'; for I say to you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. (NASB) c. The are to be burned up as unwanted chaff. Matthew 3:12 "And His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (NASB) d. The fulfillment of this prophesy.
Acts 2:23 this [Man], delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death. (NASB)
Matthew 21:43 "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and be given to a nation producing the fruit of it.
Acts 13:44-49 And the next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and[ began] contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 "For thus the Lord has commanded us, 'I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, That You should bring salvation to the end of the earth.'" 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they [began] rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. (NASB)
The Pure In Heart See God Matthew 5:8
1. The heart is the seat of intellect. Lk. 9:47; Matt.13:15; 15:19 2. The heart houses the conscience. I Jn. 3:20,21 3. The heart holds the will. II Cor. 9:7; Acts 5:4 4. The heart brings forth the emotions. Matt. 22:37
4 COMPARTMENTS OF THE HEART: intellect conscience will emotion
JUSTICE AND INJUSTICE Matthew 5:43-48
A. DIVINE JUSTICE. Psalm 103:6 The LORD performs righteous deeds, And judgments for all who are oppressed. (NASB)
Proverbs 16:11 A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern.
John 5:30 "I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (NASB)
B. PRESCRIBED TO ALL. Deuteronomy 16:20 "Justice, [and only] justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you. (NASB)
Psalm 82:3 Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. (NASB)
Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD rather than sacrifice. (NASB)
Romans 13:7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax [is due;] custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. (NASB)
Colossians 4:1 Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. (NASB)
C. DIVINE FAIRNESS. Psalm 98:9 Before the LORD; for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with equity. (NASB)
Psalm 99:4 And the strength of the King loves justice; Thou hast established equity; Thou hast executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. (NASB)
Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.
D. DIVINE IMPARTIALITY. Job 34:18-19 Who says to a king, 'Worthless one,' To nobles, 'Wicked ones'; 19 Who shows no partiality to princes, Nor regards the rich above the poor, For they all are the work of His hands? (NASB)
Acts 10:34-35 And opening his mouth, Peter said: "I most certainly understand [now] that God is not one to show partiality, 35 but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him. (NASB)
Romans 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same [Lord] is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; (NASB)
E. INJUSTICE CONDEMNED. Deuteronomy 24:17 "You shall not pervert the justice due an alien [or] an orphan, nor take a widow's garment in pledge. (NASB)
Psalm 82:2 How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah. (NASB)
Proverbs 31:4-5 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 Lest they drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted. (NASB)
Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. (NASB)
F. PARTIALITY FORBIDDEN. Leviticus 19:15 'You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly. (NASB)
Job 13:10 "He will surely reprove you, If you secretly show partiality. (NASB)
Proverbs 24:23 These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good. (NASB)
1 Timothy 5:19-22 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful [of sinning.] 21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of [His] chosen angels, to maintain these [principles] without bias, doing nothing in a [spirit of] partiality. 22 Do not lay hands upon anyone [too] hastily and thus share [responsibility for] the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. (NASB)
James 2:1-13 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with [an attitude of] personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man," You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool, " 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world[ to be] rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? 8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin [and] are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one [point,] he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by [the] law of liberty. 13 For judgment [will be] merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. (NASB)
THE PROCESS OF HYPOCRITICAL JUDGING Matthew 6:19-7:6
I. CRAVING EARTHLY POSSESSIONS BEGINS THE PROCESS [19-24]. A. Choose wisely the things of this world [19-21]. 1. Our happiness cannot be found in the things of life. a. There is no lasting glory in things. b. We must not covet an abundance of things. c. We must not confide in things. 2. Things are liable to loss and decay. a. From corruption within. b. From violence without. 3. Our happiness can only be found in the life to come. a. This is the better part of wisdom to lay up treasures in heaven. b. It is also a great encouragement for us to lay up treasures in heaven. 4. The heart follows the treasure.
B. The eye [perhaps heart] determines the treasure [vs. 22-23]. 1. If the eye is single, clear, free and bountiful it will be inclined to goodness. 2. If the eye is double, ensnared and unhealthy it will be call good evil and evil good.
C. What we choose in this life will result in Who we choose in this life [24]. 1. No man can serve two masters. 2. No man can serve God and mammon. a. Mammon is a Syriac word meaning GAIN, any of the world’s gain. b. Some scripture references: Phil. 3:7; 1 John 2:15-16.
II. WORRYING OVER THE THINGS OF LIFE CONTINUES THE PROCESS [25-34]. A. KJV says to ‘take no thought for your life [25-26].’ But we do have a duty for life. 1. This is a tormenting thought. 2. This is a distrustful, unbelieving thought. a. An active faith overcomes worry. 1. Life is far more important than livelihood. 2. Life comes from God and livelihood from the earth. 3. The fowl and frail lilies become our schoolmasters. B. ‘Take no thought’ for your age [27]. C. ‘Take no thought’ for your clothing [28. D. ‘Take no thought’ for your food [31]. E. ‘Take no thought’ for tomorrow [34]. F. But think, think, think about heaven and righteousness constantly [33].
III. HYPOCRITICAL JUDGING OF OTHERS IS THE RESULT [7:1-6]. A. Do not judge. B. You will be judged the very way you judge others. C. You with the large sin of hypocrisy, why do you look at the small sins in others? 1. This eye hear refers back to Matthew 6:22-23. 2. The log in your eye makes it unclear, double, unhealthy and inaccurate. 3. Lust of mammon makes it unhealthy. 4. Worry that follows renders it untrustworthy. D. Two types of judgment follow: 1. Hypocritical judgment. a. This can be rash and censorious, over-judging. a) Destroying those who are as bad or ever better than we are spiritually. b. This can be [on the surface] gracious, and, under-judging. a) Calling good evil and evil good.
IV. THE SOLUTION IS TO SEEK THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN AND GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS. A. This will enable us to see clearly. B. Then we can judge righteously [John 7:24]. C. Then heaven will be ours as we seek it [Matthew 7:7-12].
"EVIL PASSION" WHAT'S ON THE INSIDE MUST COME OUT! Matthew 6:21; 12:34-35; 15:18-19 Proverbs 26:27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him. 1. Passion (evil passion, suffering) seems to be a part of all sinners. Romans 1:26; 7:5; Galatians 5:24; 1 Thess.4:5; Titus 3:3 2. People are so very passionate for lies, myths, falsehoods and foolishness. 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 3:13; 4:3-4,14-15; Titus 3:9-11. 3. We might ask the question, "Why are folks so passionate over sin?" God just may be involved with disgust because they despise His word. 2 Thess. 2:10-12; Romans 1:28 4. The scriptures are full of individuals immersed in passion: A. The first two parents had a passion over just one forbidden fruit. Gen. 3:6 B. Cain had a passion for disobedience. Gen. 4:3-8. C. Babel's lust for a name for themselves. Gen. 10:8-10; 11:4. D. Lot's passion for Sodom. Gen. 13:10. E. Sarai's passion for the wrong baby. Gen. 16:1-4. F. Sodom's passion for homosexuality. Gen. 19:11. G. Lot's daughter's passion for children. Gen. 19:32. H. Isaac's boy's (Esau & Jacob) passion for the wrong things. Gen. 27. I. Joseph's brother's passion for his life. Gen. 37. J. Potiphar's wife's passion for Joseph. Gen. 39:7 K. Pharaoh's passion for his 2200 gods. Exodus 3:19,22; 4:8; 5:2. L. Korah's passion for usurped leadership. Numbers 16. M. Baalam's passion for unrighteousness. Numbers 22. N. Herod's passion for kingship. Matthew 2:16. O. Caiaphas' passion for religion. John 11:50-53. P. Pilate's passion for politics. John 18 & 19. Q. How do you stack up? Romans 2:4; 11:22.
Saved or Self-Deceived? Matthew 7:13-29 [Satan's ultimate deception is to make us THINK we are saved!] I. The SAVED pass through the narrow gate, while the DECEIVED pass by the broad way. vss. 13-14 A. Our total inability to go it alone must be recognized. B. We must FIND the narrow way and agonize to enter. Luke 13:24. C. It is not easily visible and nobody stumbles into it. D. We go through it alone counting the cost constantly. Luke 9:23. II. Only the minority (few) are SAVED, but the great majority (many) are DECEIVED. vss. l3-14 A. The narrow way is totally opposite the easy way of the many. 1 John 2:15; James 4:4. III. Good prophets produce SAVED lasting fruit, while bad prophets produce DECEIVED rotten fruit. vss. 15-20 A. Unsound teachers produce unsound hearers. B. False prophets chase the self deceived toward the wide opening. Matthew 23:13-15. IV. Obedient professors are SAVED while the disobedient professors are SELF-DECEIVED. vss. 21-23 A. Empty words and empty hearts are a mere camouflage for disobedience. Titus 1:16. B. Tell me, why do so many "Christians" continue in sin and then try to defend it? C. Why take the fare exchange approach? Swapping good for bad, right for wrong. No self-examination. 2 Corinthians 13:5 D. The self-deceived are more committed to groups, causes, and organizations than to our King and His word. V. Wise men are SAVED by building their spiritual lives upon the rock of obedience to the word, while the fool is building his religious structure upon sand. He is totally SELF-DECEIVED. vss. 24-27 A. The two are alike in so many ways. Both are actively building in the same location, one on the rock [petra] and other on the sand [amon]. The rock is more than God [Ps. 18:2] and Christ [1 Cor. 10:4] B. Both builders may be immersed, pray, commune, teach, tithe, fellowship and be religiously active. Only the storm of judgment will reveal the truth. Matthew 13:24-30. C. One has no regard for purity, spirituality, integrity or obedience to God's word and does not fear God D. The other is the rock of obedience to the word. (vs. 24; see Matthew 16:18) No shifting sands of philosophy for him. John 8:30-31; James 1:22; Col. 1:22; 1 John 2:3. E. One has no plans, specs, directions, tolerances for digging. He is a fool and wants shortcuts, quick results, quick evangelism. He has no time to dig deeply into the right soils of God's word. F. When he doesn't get a quick fix, he cuts and runs to yet another sandy place to slovenly build again. G. Ah, but the wise man sweeps away the sand; patiently digs deep for the rock of obedience. With slow, steady, maximum effort he learns right and does right in building his life in Christ. H. He always keeps checking the foundation. When rain, flood and wind comes, it counts. 1 Cor. 3:11.
"COMPASSION" MATTHEW 9:13; 1 Corinthians 12:26 1. The Compassion of Christ. A.For the Multitude. Matt. 9:36; 14:14; 15:32. B.For the Unfortunate. Matt. 20:34. C.For Jerusalem. Matt.23:37. D.For the Leper. Mark 1:41. E.For the Bereaved. Luke 7:13; John 11:35. F.For the Lost Sinner. Matt. 18:27.
2. The Compassion of the Apostle Paul. A.For the Entire Church. 2 Corinthians 11:28.
3. The Compassion of the Apostle Peter. A.For the Lame Beggar. Acts 3:1-10. 4. The Compassion of the Good Samaritan. A.For the Jericho traveler. Luke 10:25-37.
JESUS AND JONAH Matthew 12:39-40 I. FACING DEATH. A. Both pronounced own means of death. B. Both were questioned about their calmness facing it. 1. Jonah 1:8-9 2. Jesus - Caused Pilate to marvel. Matt. 27:11-15 C. Both took responsibility on selves. 1. Jonah said tempest was because of him. Jonah 1:12 2. Jesus - "For this hour I am come." D. Sacrifice of one saved others. 1. Jonah - Boat full of sailors. 2. Jesus - World full of lost people. E. Drastic changes in nature occurred. 1. Jonah - A stormy tempest became calm. 2. Jesus - A calm day became tumultuous. Mt. 27:50 F. Both were forsaken by God because of sin. 1. Jonah for his own sin. 2. Jesus because of the sin of the world. G. When events ended, people who saw them feared. 1. Jonah 1:16 - The men feared the Lord exceedingly. 2. Matt. 27:54 - "They feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God."
II. IN THE DEPTHS. A. Both were wrapped. 1. Jonah with weeds around his head. 2:5 2. Jesus with head cloth and linens. B. Both were in Hades. 1. Jonah considered himself there 3 days. 2:2-3 2. Jesus - Acts 2:27 "Thou will not leave my soul in Hades......." C. Both put trust in God. 1. Jonah prayed, looking to God in His temple. 2:7 2. Jesus - Confidence that God would raise Him.
III. IN DELIVERANCE. A. Both delivered by Power of God. 1. God spoke to fish that spit up Jonah. 2:10 2. God raised up Christ. Rom. 1:4 B. Both went on to complete their mission. 1. Jonah - 40 days in Ninevah with message that brought about their redemption. 2. Jesus - 40 days with disciples, giving them message of redemption for the whole world.
"three long days in the underworld" Matthew 12:38-40 (Matthew 16:21; 26:61; 27:63; john 2:19-20)
1. DIRECTIONS TO THE underworld? A. At the time of Christ, it was in the center of the earth. Matthew 12:40 for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. B. Our Lord, as well as the thief on the cross went there. It was referred to as "Paradise." Luke 23:43. And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
C. In the days of Paul, it seems to have been moved. 2 Corinthians 12:4 was caught up into Paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.
2. Destroyed Satan’s Power. John 12:31 "Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world shall be cast out.
Matthew 12:29 "Or how can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong [man]? And then he will plunder his house.
3. Demonstrated victory. Colossians 2:15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. (See also Hebrews 2:14) 4. Delivered the p.o.w.’s. Ephesians 4:8-9 Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men." 9 Now this [expression,] "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;
5. defeated death. Acts 2:24 "And God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. (See also Acts 2:27-32) Hebrews 2:14 Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; 1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death.
6. declared life. 2 Timothy 1:10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
HOW TO WALK ON WATER Matthew 14:22ff I. Remove Fear: The greatest obstacle. (26:27) Psalms 118: 1-9 II. Make sure Jesus bids you do it. (28) Proverbs 14:12 Exodus 33:15 III. Make sure it leads you toward Christ. (29) I Peter 2:21 IV. Don't become distracted by obstacles. (30) Hebrews 12:2 V. If Christ is in it, don't worry about sinking. (30) Mark 6:52 VI. Do not doubt your faith to achieve it. (30-31) Philippians 4:13 VII. When it's over, regardless of outcome, give God the praise. (33)
THE EPISODE AT CAESAREA PHILIPPI MATT. 16:16ff WHEN PETER MADE THE "GREAT CONFESSION", WHAT KIND OF MESSIAH DID HE CONFESS TO? WHY DID JESUS TELL THEM TO "TELL NO ONE" THAT HE WAS THE CHRIST (vs.20)? DID PETER and APOSTLES UNDERSTAND (vs.21) A SELF-SURRENDERED JESUS CHRIST ? NO! WERE THEY EXPECTING A CAESAR-LIKE SAVIOR? YES ! (see vs. 22) The following illustrations and passages show clearly this UN-SURRENDERED life. A. The quest for place & power. Luke 9:46
B. There was the group/cause clash. Luke 9:49
C. There was the race clash. Luke 9:52-56
D. The clash with the un-surrendered self. Luke 9:57-59
E. The clash with family status/inheritance. Luke 9:59-60
F. Clash with the past (facing both ways). Luke 9:61-62
G. Demon possession greater than God-Possession. Luke 9:40 H. More thrilled over demon exhortation than in ~ersonal salvation. Notice pronoun "us" in Luke 10:17. Satan fell for not surrendering. CONCLUSION
THEY LIVED SIDE BY SIDE WITH JESUS CHRIST IN TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS FOR THREE YEARS. ONE WAS A WORLD OF SELF-SAVING (apostles). WHILE JESUS LIVED A LIFE OF SELF-GIVING. IT, THEREFORE, IS NOT ENOUGH TO KNOW FACTS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST. MERE KNOWLEDGE DOES NOT TRANSFORM. SURRENDER OF ONE'S SELF TO THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST BRINGS GOD'S POWER INTO OUR LIVES.
"Voices of Victory" Matt. 16:20-25; Luke 9:23-25 I. The Non-Christian answer to victory.
A. Know thyself! When we compare ourselves with ourselves and/or other selves, without comparing ourselves with Jesus, our knowledge of ourselves is only marginal.
B. Accept thyself! But how can we accept a totally unacceptable self? A self of conflicts, contradictions, guilt, frustrations, inferiority's and inhibitions. Accept a self that is, in no way, transformed into the very image of Jesus? Nonsense.
C. Express thyself! This sets the stage for clash; confusion, jealousy and strife. Self- assertion means self-centeredness and is really off-centeredness. Tell it like it is? II. The Christian answer to victory is self-surrender. A. Self-Surrender - Nothing more or less is required by the New Testament. B. Self-Surrender - Eliminates self-assertion or self-idolatry. C. Self-Surrender - Eliminates self-deification or self-mortification. Col. 2:23; 3:5; Rom. 8:13. Self-mortification is self-preoccupation and is self-defeating, producing self-attention. D. Self-Surrender- Requires the one thing we own; self. Gal. 2:20; Luke 9:23; Rom. 12:1-3; Col. 2:18. E. Self-Surrender- Is not self-extinction, wipeout or soul-death, but the very beginning of a new life. I Cor. 13:3. F. Self-Surrender - Eliminates self-assertion which is self-glorification or "What's in it for me?" Matt.19:27 . G. Self-Surrender - Eliminates self-centeredness which is disintegrating and contributes to nothing.
H. Self-Surrender - Doesn't mean we are strained and drained, but effortlessly striving in Christ’s resources. 1 Cor. 1: 29. I. Self -Surrender - Means God appears NOT when the self disappears, but when self-surrenders. I Cor. 3:22- 23. Have you attended the funeral of your own independence? Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:3-11 --- We are not a worm nor a wonder, but we are Christ's. I Cor. 15:10
"Be the Very Humblest You Can Be"
1. Humility is the measure of your importance in the Kingdom. A. The first wrong question. Who's the boss? (1). B. Only the humble need apply. (3). C. Relative rank in the Kingdom depends on humility. (4). 2. Humility is measured by your openness and sensitivity to so-called "inferiors". A. Receiving the least means receiving the King. (5).
3. Humility is measured by your concern over your personal sin and how it effects others. A. The one who causes stumbling is better off dead. (6). B. The world does not need a stockpile of Christian stumbling blocks. (7). C. No sacrifice is too great. (8,9) D. To teach another to sin is the worst sin of all. 4. Humility toward the weak is measured in heaven. A. Guardian angels have God's instant, unannounced, undivided attention. (10). B. Little lost sheep are the reason for the cross. (11-14). 5. Humility and sensitivity toward others is measured by your concern over their sins. A. Are you concerned enough to go to them in private? (15). B. Are you concerned enough to take several of their friends to them? (16). C. Are you concerned enough to take them before the Church? (17). 6. Humility and sensitivity to others is measured by your readiness to forgive and show mercy. A. The second wrong question. Am I always the only one right? (21). B. Sin is a crime and an unpayable indebtedness; compassion and mercy are our only chance for forgiveness. (22-27). C. Severe unreasonableness to sinners brings the wrath of God upon us. (28-35).
TRUE GREATNESS IS IN HUMBLE SERVICE Matt. 18:1-14; Mk. 9:33ff; Lk. 9:46ff
"...let not man put asunder" Matthew 19:6 ...What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (KJV)
Mt 3:16-17 And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Mt 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Ro 8:9 But you are not in the flesh, you are in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Any one who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 1Co 12:3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. 1Co 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 1Co 12:5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 1Co 12:6 and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. 2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Eph 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph 4:6 one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. 1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure. (NASB) Jude 1:20-21 But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Revelation 1:3-5 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. 4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood, (NASB)
1 Corinthians 6:15-17 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? May it never be! 16 Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a harlot is one body [with her]? For He says, "The two will become one flesh." 17 But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit [with Him.] (NASB)
John 19:34 but one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water. (NASB) 1 John 5:8 For there are three that bear witness, the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. (NASB)
1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. (NASB)
Matthew 26:26-28 And while they were eating, Jesus took [some] bread, and after a blessing, He broke [it] and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. (NASB)
Acts 20:7 And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul [began] talking to them, intending to depart the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. (NASB)
Mark 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB)
Acts 2:38 And Peter [said] to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NASB)
Acts 8:37 (And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.") (NASB)
Acts 2:38 And Peter [said] to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NASB)
Acts 2:38 And Peter [said] to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NASB)
SALVATION AND BAPTISM 1 Peter 3:21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (NASB)
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. (NASB)
1 Timothy 4:16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (NASB)
John 14:15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (NASB)
"DOCTORS, LAWYERS AND INDIAN CHIEFS" Matthew 23:1-12 CONTRAST BETWEEN FALSE AND TRUE SPIRITUAL LEADERS
A. Warning against false teachers. 23:1-7 1. If their message is Mosaic, listen and obey. 23:1-3a a. If they taught what Moses taught, they were to be obeyed, but not their traditions (Matt. 15:3, 6-9, 12-14). 2. But beware of their falsity and failure. 23:3b-7 a. Not practicing what they preach. 23:3b (1) They had a superficial and hypocritical approach. b. Making religion unbearable. 23:4 (1) The weights they would bind would be both awkward and weighty, making them heavy and hard to carry. (2) See the contrast of the Lord (Matt. 11:29-30). c. Proud humility. 23:5-7 (1) This is the only time in scripture that phylacteries (the tefillin of Qumran) are mentioned. They were little more than prayer boxes worn by "righteous" Jews around their foreheads and upper arms close to their hearts (2) The tassels as mentioned in Num. 15:37-38 were ordered by God to bring attention to the seriousness of scripture. Our Lord may have worn these (Matt. 9:20). (3) The "chief couch" (triclinium) at the banquet and the chief seat in the Synagogue were the places that the Pharisees and Scribes would race to in order to be seen..
B. The essence of true religion and the character of its teachers. 23:8-12 1. Its only, unmediated source of life, truth and direction is God. 23:8-10 a. Rabbi was a title that set the holder off from lessor mortals. He was referred to as one of the "great ones." There were big "I’s" and little "you’s." b. Father cannot mean earthly Dads (Matt. 15:4; 19:19). Nor can it always mean spiritual fathers (2 Kings 2:12; Luke 16:24; 1 Cor. 4:15; 1 Tim. 1:2). It may never be used as a title to promote any spirit of superiority. There is only one Father in the truest sense (Eph. 4:6). c. Leader cannot mean Elders and Evangelists (Heb.13:17). One is truly your instructor (John 13:13-14). 2. Its highest ambition is sincere, humble service to others. 23:11-12 a. See Matt. 20:25-28
jesus’ last public sermon Matthew 23:1-39
I. Marks of a Pharisee [vs. 1-3]. A. Twenty-one Characteristics of Hypocrites 1. They demand respect as teachers (Matthew 23:2). 2. They teach, but do not practice (Matthew 23:3). 3. They demand service; not give it (Matthew 23:4). 4. They seek praise of men (Matthew 23:5). 5. They parade their religion (Matthew 23:5). 6. They seek chief banquet places (Matthew 23:6). 7. They seek chief places in church (Matthew 23:6). 8. They glory in personal attention (Matthew 23:7). 9. They glory in titles (Matthew 23:7). 10. They rob men of truth and life (Matthew 23:13). 11. They reject truth and life (Matthew 23:13). 12. They take advantage of widows (Matthew 23:14). 13. They exhibit long prayers (Matthew 23:14). 14. They are zealous to win men to their sect, but not to God (Matthew 23:15). 15. They root and ground converts in hypocrisy, but not to God (Matthew 23:15). 16. They profess to be the only guide in religion, but are blind to truth and practical Christianity (Matthew 23:16-22). 17. They propagate those parts of religion from which they receive most personal gain and honor (Matthew 23:16-22). 18. They strain at gnats and swallow camels; stress minor details and omit the fundamentals of religion (Matthew 23:23-24). 19. They glory in physical cleanliness, but live in moral filth (Matthew 23:25-26). 20. They exhibit outward religion and self-righteousness and ignore inward holiness in life and conduct (Matthew 23:27-28). 21. They pretend to be more righteous than their forefathers (Matthew 23:29-33).
II. Warnings Against Phariseeism [4-12]. A. Don’t demand of people that which you will not "turn a tap" to do [v. 4]. B. Don’t become people pleasers [v. 5]. C. Don’t enjoy the spotlight too much [v. 6]. D. Don’t bask in elevated titles [vs. 7-12]. 1. "...But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers." 2. "And do not call [anyone] on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 3. "...And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, [that is,] Christ."
III. Eight Woes Upon The Pharisees [vs. 13-30]. 1. WOE: Antagonism Against God. v. 13 2. WOE: Oppression - Hypocrisy. v. 14 a. [devour widows’ houses] A reference to robbing widows of property (cp. 2 Tim. 3:5-9). b. [long prayer] Prayers were sometimes three hours long and three times a day (cp. Matt 6:5-9). c. [greater damnation] Matthew 10:15 "Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for [the] land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. (NASB) 3. WOE: Damnation of Soul. v. 15 4. WOE: False Vows. vs. 16-22 5. WOE: Outward Show. vs. 23-24 6. WOE: False Cleansers. vs. 25-26 7. WOE: Self - Righteousness. vs. 27-28 8. WOE: Boasting and Self - Conceit. vs. 29-30 a. Unwillingness to let common people enjoy religious freedom and pure truth (Matthew 23:13) b. Greed and pretended holiness to secure secular ends (Matthew 23:14) c. Pretended zeal to win converts to God but with no view in mind other than to make instruments to serve their own oppressions and cruelty (Matthew 23:15) d. False doctrines and interpretations of Scripture and ungodly means in escaping responsibility in vows which were made in hypocrisy (Matthew 23:16-22) e. Meticulously attending little things and things not commanded; and omitting things of great importance that are definitely commanded (Matthew 23:23-24) f. Maintaining hypocrisy and pretended sainthood by outward religious show (Matt. 23:25-26) g. Deep inward depravities and abominations covered only by outward forms of religion (Matthew 23:27-28) h. Pretended concern for the holiness of the people which goes no further than whitewashing tombs and bragging about their own supposed regrets for the sins of their fathers while at the same time plotting every conceivable means to commit worse sins than their fathers did (Matthew 23:29-30)
IV. Our Dear Lord’s Concluding Remarks: Matthew 23:37-39 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. 38 "Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! 39 "For I say to you, from now on you shall not see Me until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Jesus' Olivet Discourse Matthew 24 INTRODUCTION
I. THIS DISCOURSE IS DELIVERED IN HIGHLY APOCALYPTIC LANGUAGE. Depicting symbolically ultimate destruction of evil & triumph of good. {Revelation} You say, "God says what He means & means what He says." God does say what He means, but does not always say it the same way that He would in the 20th. century.
II. WE NEED TO RID OUR MINDS OF ALMOST EVERYTHING TOLD TO US PREVIOUSLY ABOUT THIS CHAPTER. Most interpreters teach the very thing Jesus devoted Himself warning others against. Mainly that Christ's return will not be in a predetermined hour. But rather: 1. Like the flood. vss. 37-39 2. Like the thief. vss. 43-44 3. Like a bolt of lightening. vss. 27,28 The preceding chapter tells the story. 23:38; 24:2. Stones measuring 50' long X 24' broad X 16' high. They were standing outside of the temple during the discourse.
III. FROM VS. 3 HOW MANY QUESTIONS WERE ASKED ? Three ! (1 )When will these things be. (2 What will be the sign of your coming? (3 )The end of the age. Jesus answered in order, but the last two are coupled.
IV. LOOK AT "TIME-KEYS" THAT DIVIDE TWO SECTIONS OF DISCOURSE. vss. 29, 34 & 36.
vs. 34 is pivotal. Begin here. "This generation" includes everything up to this point. Fall of Jerusalem is included. See Matt. 16:18,19 & also vs. 28 for proof of this. Church is proof positive of the kingdom. Matt. 24:34 Destruction of Jerusalem, religious establishment, cessation of ancient rituals was accomplished. Read 24:16-28 & 29-31 Verse 34 is pivotal & verse 35 is transitional. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but not my words." In answer to questions 2 & 3. Jesus beginning in vs. 36. Notice sharp contrast between "that day" of vs. 36 & "those days" of vs. 29. Read vs. 29 That really sounds like the end of world ? But end of time is "that day" ? Explain all apocalyptic language ! 1. Illustrate. Fall of Babylon. Is. 13:1-22 vss. 1 & 6 & 9 & 10 & 13 Are the heavens still up there ? Did Babylon fall ? 2. Ill. #2 Down fall of Edam. Is. 34:1-4, 5, 9-10. Metaphoric phraseology. 3. Ill. #3 Wrath of God on Egypt. Ezk. 32:7 & 8 vss. 1, 2, 7, 8 (cf) Jere. 15:9; Joel 2:10, 30, 31; 3:15 & Micah 3:6 4. Ill. #4 Roots of Sun, moon & star imagery. Gen. 37:7-11 Was this literal?
* So it is in Matt. 24:29. The sun & moon are the house of Caiaphus & Herod {religious & civil heads}. Stars are scribes and pharisees and priests and elders. Shaking of heaven is fall of sacrificial & ritual system . Heb. 8:13 (old testament) growing old & ready to disappear. Yes, but how about vs. 30-31 ? See Acts 2:16-21 (cf. Joel 2:28-32) Where is the vapor of smoke? It did not have immediate fulfillment. Apocalyptic chapter.
V. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE ( NOT A HANDY RESUME` OF "SIGNS OF TIMES") IS THAT CHRISTIANS GET OUT OF JERUSALEM BEFORE IT FALLS IN 70 AD. Gen. Cestius laid siege. Suddenly there was a temporary withdrawal. Only Christians withdrew from Jerusalem. Gal. 4:26 "The Jerusalem which is above" is our present Jerusalem. Were not caught up in nostalgia. Those wishing to escaped, disguised themselves as beggars swallowing gold & jewelry. The church fled to the north to the mountains of Perea. Not one Christian lost his life in Jerusalem. The next siege was pursued by General Titus. The remaining Jews roasted their babies for food, civil war broke out & Romans took the city. Romans melted with torches gold & silver from the temple & pried great stones apart to get gold in crevices. vs. 6 Wars & rumors of wars. Caligula ordered his statue set in temple. A sign of coming attractions ? Yes ! Jews neglected to till the fields. vs. 7 Nation shall rise up against nation. Because of Jews' refusal to place statue in the temple, dissensions, insurrections & mutual slaughter of Jews & other nations occurred. At Caesarea 200,000 Jews slain by Syrians. Jewish nation drew arms & in Scythopolis 13,000 Jews were killed. At Alexandria 50,000 lost their lives. Kingdom against Kingdom. Otho - vs - Vitellius. Produced civil war in Italy. Famines - Acts 11:28 Agabus said "a great famine over all world, which came to pass in days od Claudius." Tacitus & Eusebius verify report of the earthquakes. Earthquakes - more in 40 yrs. before fall than any other equal time in history. Alford : Great quake AD 46,47. Rome on the day Nero assumed toga AD 51. Apamea & Phaygia & Laodicea & Phrygia AD 60. Amporia AD 62 or 63. Seneca states: Asia - Achaia - Syria - Macedonia - Cyprus - Papaus. Tacitus says : Crete - Italy - (Rome & Campanen) - Phrygia - Apamea - Laodocia. Many violent storms. The end times may be the same or they would be noticeably different. Matt. 24:36 & vs. 44.
WHAT IS HELL LIKE? Matthew 25:31-46 1. HELL IS ETERNAL. MATT. 25:46 Some say that's too long, too ugly and too horrible. 2. HELL IS A PLACE OF DARKNESS. 2 PETER 2:4 Hell is a place farthest removed from light. 3. HELL IS A PLACE OF FIRE. MATT. 25:41 A fire that does not illuminate, yet Fire, Fire, Fire! 4. HELL IS A PLACE OF PAIN. MATT. 25:30 5. NO REST IN HELL. REV. 14:11 6. NO RELIEF IN HELL. LK. 16:24 7. NO HOPE nu HELL. MATT. 25:46 You can spend a dollar, but you can't spend eternity. You can live throughout a lifetime, but you can't live throughout eternity. 8. IN HELL A MAN RETAINS HIS MENTAL FACULTIES. LK.16:25 Oh, the memories of the past. And then to remember and recognize that Mom and Dad or Sister and Brother are there, also. 9. HELL IS WORSE FOR SOME THAN OTHERS. MATT. 11:21-24; LK. 12:47,48 More or less tolerable and more or less stripes. 10. HELL IS A PLACE OF DIVIDED FAMILIES. Some will never, ever get to go home again. No caring family members who understand.
THE GREAT WHITE THRONE SENTENCING Matthew 25:31-46 THIS IS NOT A TRIAL FOR JUDGING, BUT SENTENCING. VS. 32 SHOWS THAT THE WORLD WILL ALREADY BE SHEEP OR GOATS. The "WHITE THRONE" parable of vss. 31ff is but one of four parables beginning in chapter 24:45, which is "THE UNFAITHFUL SERVANT" story. Next are "THE TEN VIRGINS" and "THE TALENTS" Our Lord's audience is the 12 apostles (Matt. 24:3) and He is answering the last of three questions asked by them, "THE END OF THE AGE" The accountability of the 12 to the lost world is shown here. The "WHITE THRONE" parable does not teach salvation by works or benevolence or prison ministries. vs.40 "ONE OF THESE BROTHERS", and vs.45 "THE LEAST OF THESE" holds the key to interpretation. If "THESE BROTHERS" are some members of the general audience of sheep and goats, then you must be poor, impoverished and imprisoned to be saved. Also, we must feed and clothe and visit the destitute in order to save ourselves (salvation by works). Further, the plan of redemption goes beyond believing Jesus and His apostolic message and obeying it. On the other hand, if "these brothers" or "least of these" are the talented men and the five wise virgins and the sensible slave, then they (these my brothers) must be the apostles of Matthew 24:3. This approach shows the sheep and goats that the very way they treated the apostles (these my brothers) and their divinely derived word affects Jesus personally. It also affects their final destination...... Heaven or Hell. (see Matthew 10:40; 19:28.)
"THE APPREHENSION OF THE LORD JESUS" MATTHEW 26:47-56 (Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-11) I. WHO THE PERSONS WERE, THAT EMPLOYED IT (v. 47). A. Satan planned a mighty coup: He recruited muscle from the Romans, Jews & Apostles.
II. HOW THEY WERE ARMED FOR THIS ENTERPRISE. A. What weapons they were armed with, swords and clubs (v. 47). B. What warrant they were armed with, from the Great Sanhedrin Counsel.
III. HOW THE ARREST WAS DONE. A. How Judas betrayed Him. 1. The instructions he gave the soldiers (v. 48). See Acts 1:16 2. The insincere complement he gave his Master (v. 49). 3. The greeting Jesus gave Judas (v. 50). B. How the officers and soldiers secured Him. C. How Peter fought for Christ. 1. Peter’s rashness as he cut off Malchus’ ear (v. 51). 2. The rebuke of the Lord (v. 52). a. It would be dangerous to himself and to all the disciples. b. It was just simply needless seeing how much help was at hand (v. 53). (1) The Father’s help was on His mind. (2) All the heavenly host were on His mind (Psalm 103:20-21). c. The scriptures had to be fulfilled (v. 54). See Isaiah 53:7 D. How Christ argued the case against them that came to get Him (v. 55). 1. Why all the rage and enmity? 2. Why all the power and force? E. How He was, in the midst of this distress, separated from His disciples (v. 56). 1. This was, however, first prophesied then requested by the Lord Himself. a. Matt. 26:31 ... "You will all fall away because of Me this night..." b. John 18:8 Jesus answered, "... let these go their way," 2. They were not entirely disconcerted. a. John 18:15 And Simon Peter was following Jesus, and [so was] another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, 3. Non-the-less, Jesus virtually went it alone.
THE LAST HOURS IN THE LIFE OF THE TRAITOR
THE TRAITOR’S BARGAIN Matthew 26:14-16 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, and said, "What are you willing to give me to deliver Him up to you?" And they weighed out to him thirty pieces of silver. And from then on he [began] looking for a good opportunity to betray Him.
LOVE’S LAST APPEAL Matthew 26:20-25 Now when evening had come, He was reclining [at the table] with the twelve disciples. And as they were eating, He said, "Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me." And being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, "Surely not I, Lord?" And He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. "The Son of Man [is to] go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." And Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You have said [it] yourself."
THE TRAITOR’S KISS Matthew 26:47-50 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up, accompanied by a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomever I shall kiss, He is the one; seize Him." And immediately he went to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. And Jesus said to him, "Friend, [do] what you have come for." Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.
THE TRAITOR’S END Matthew 27:3-10 Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? See [to that] yourself!" And he threw the pieces of silver into the sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the temple treasury, since it is the price of blood." And they counseled together and with the money bought the Potter's Field as a burial place for strangers. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one whose price had been set by the sons of Israel; and they gave them for the Potter's Field, as the Lord directed me."
the church is a blood relation to Jesus Matthew 26:26-30
1. THROUGH THE CLEANSING BLOOD. 1 John 1:7 but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
2. THROUGH THE WASHING BLOOD. Revelation 7:14 And I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
3. THROUGH THE JUSTIFYING BLOOD. Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath [of God] through Him.
4. THROUGH THE REDEEMING BLOOD. Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,
5. THROUGH THE BLOOD THAT DRAWS US. Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
6. THROUGH THE PEACE MAKING BLOOD. Colossians 1:20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, [I say], whether things on earth or things in heaven.
"THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN" Matthew 26:30,36-46 Mark 14;26,32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1
I. THE RIGHT WAY TO SUFFER FOR TRUTH. (V. 36) Hebrews 5:7-8 In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.
John 12:27 "Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. II. THE LONELINESS OF THE STRUGGLE. (V. 37) Matthew 17:1 And six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. (The mount of transfiguration) Luke 8:51 And when He had come to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl's father and mother. (Jairus’s daughter) III. THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERING. (V. 38) Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as [we are, yet] without sin.
IV. THE BATTLE WITH SELF-PRESERVATION AND SELF-RENUNCIATION. (V. 39) Matthew 6:9 "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. John 17:11 " ... Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, [the name] which Thou hast given Me... John 14:6 ... "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.
V. WHEN BEST FRIENDS DON’T UNDERSTAND. (V. 40) Luke 22:45 ... He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow. (John 13:33,36)
VI. THE PROBLEM AND ITS SOLUTION. (V. 41) The problem is temptation while the solution is watch and pray.
VII. THE VICTORY OVER SELF. (V. 42) Luke 22:44 And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops (clots) of blood, falling down upon the ground. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
VIII. THE SON OF GOD GOES FORTH TO WAR A KINGLY CROWN TO WIN. (V. 46)
PETER’S DENIALS Matthew 26:58, 69-75 Mark 14:54, 66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15, 25-27
I. THE COWARDICE AND FAINT-HEARTEDNESS OF PETER (v. 58). A. He followed Him, But he was not far off (Luke 9:62). B. He followed Him, but he went in, and sat with the servants. C. He followed Him, but it was only to see the end.
II. HIS SIN. THE IMMEDIATE OCCASION OF HIS SIN. (v. 69). A. He said "I will never deny thee." B. No one of a real threat questions him. The assertions (in haste) are as follows: 1. Were you not with Jesus (v. 69)? a. This was said in the courtyard. 2. This fellow was with Jesus (v. 71). a. This was said in the gateway. 3. Your speech gives you away, you Galilean you (v. 73). See also Acts 2:7. a. This was said by many. B. The denial is as follows: 1. I don’t know what you are talking about (v. 70). 2. I do not know the man under oath (v. 72). 3. I do not know the man and cursed a curse on himself (v. 74). a. He did so to back up what he said. b. Also to give evidence that he was none of His disciples. c. See the contrast of Matt. 26:34-35.
III. PETER’S REPENTANCE FOR HIS SIN. A. The cock crowed, the voice of one crying for repentance (v. 74). B. He remembered the words of the Lord (John 13:38). C. How he expressed his repentance (v. 75). 1. His sorrow was secret. 2. His sorrow was serious.
IV. THE LORD TURNED AND LOOKED AT HIM (Luke 22:61). A. It was a downward look. Mark 14:66 "And as Peter was below in the courtyard..." B. It was a convincing look. C. It was a chiding look. D. It was an upbraiding look. E. It was a compassionate look. F. It was a directing look. G. It was a significant look.
John 13:38 ... Truly, truly, I say to you, a cock shall not crow, until you deny Me three times.
THE TRIAL BEFORE CAIAPHAS Matt. 26:57, 59-68 Mark 14:53, 56-65; Luke 22:63-65
I. THE SITTING OF THE COURT (v. 57). A. Who were they? The most bitter enemies that our Lord had. B. Where were they assembled? In the palace of Caiaphas the High Priest.
II. THE SETTING OF THE PRISONER TO THE BAR (v. 58). A. Jesus was led from the Mt. of Olives through the sheep gate. B. He was brought bound.
III. THE TRIAL OF OUR LORD JESUS IN THIS COURT (v. 59-64). A. They examined witnesses against (Joseph of Arimathea did not consent. See Luke 23:50-51). 1. Their search for proof . See Mark 14:55-56 (v. 60). 2. Their success in this search (v. 61). a. They accused Him of being an enemy of the Temple. b. They accused Him of dealing in witchcraft (John 2:21). (1) He did not say "I am able to destroy this Temple." See Also Mark 14:58. (2) The words were misunderstood (2 Peter 3:16). 3. Christ’s silence under all of these accusations (v. 62-63). See Isa. 53:7. B. They interrogated our Lord and tried to get Him to incriminate Himself (v. 64). 1. He admits that He is the Son of God (Lev. 5:1; Mark 14:62). 2. He points to the ascension and coronation for proof of this. a. They shall see Him in a brand new light. b. They shall see Him "sitting on the right hand of power" where the Son sits.
IV. HIS CONVICTION UPON THIS TRIAL (V. 66). A. The crime He was supposedly found guilty of. B. The evidence upon which they proved their case.
V. HIS SENTENCE PASSED, UPON HIS CONVICTION (v. 66). A. Caiaphas appeal to the bench. B. Their concurrence with him.
VI. THE ABUSES AND INDIGNITIES DONE TO HIM AFTER THE SENTENCE WAS PASSED (v. 67-68). A. They spat in His face. B. They beat Him with their fists and slapped Him (Isa. 50:6).
C. They blindfolded Him and then ask Him to prophesy who did it (Luke 22:64).
THE DEATH OF JUDAS MATTHEW 27:3-10; ACTS 1:18-19
I. THE MONEY PROBLEM (V. 3). A. See how Judas at least found remorse (metamellomai and not metanoeo). 1. What induced this sorrow? 2. What were the indications of sadness? a. He made restitution. b. He made confession (v. 4). (1) To the honor of Christ, he pronounces His blood innocent. (2) To his shame, he confesses that he betrayed that blood.
B. See how the chief priests and elders entertained his remorse. 1. The Christ is no big deal to them. 2. What he did is no big deal to them. 3. His sorrow means nothing to them.
C. See the despair Judas is driven to. 1. He casts down the silver (v. 5). 2. He went and hanged himself. a. All those controlled by Satan end up dead. b. Take a long look at the wrath of God. c. Self-murder can be the result of despair. (1) Let us think as bad as we can of sin, provided we do not think it unpardonable. (2) Let us despair of help in ourselves, but not of help in God.
D. See the disposal of the money that Judas brought back (vs. 6-10). 1. It signified the hypocrisy of the chief priests (Deut 23:18). a. Note the laundering of the criminal money. MURDER money must be given back to the murderer according to Jewish law. Judas still owned it in his death (Acts 1:18-19). b. Note the callousness about justice. c. Note the sanctimonious scrupulousness about trivia. 2. It signified that the grave in a very destitute place is the result of betrayal.. 3. It signified the infamy of the whole affair. 4. It signified the that the scriptures must be fulfilled.
THE SOLDIERS' REPULSIVE CONDUCT MATTHEW 27:26-32 I. THE SENTENCE PASSED AND THE WARRANT SIGNED FOR HIS EXECUTION. A. Barabbas (chief of sinners) was released. Christ was delivered up that we might be delivered (v. 26). B. Jesus was scourged. This was not moderately provided by the Romans. C. He then was delivered up to the highest degree of terrible and miserable punishment.
II. THE BARBAROUS TREATMENT WHICH THE SOLDIERS GAVE HIM.. A. Where was this done? In the governor’s house (v. 27). B. Who were concerned in it. The whole band (up to 600 men) this time. C. What particular indignities were done Him (Heb. 12:2)? 1. They stripped Him (v. 28). 2. They put on His some old scarlet cloak. 3. They platted a crown of thorns and put it on His head (v. 29). He took them to the cross. 4. The put a reed (mock-scepter) in His right hand. 5. They bowed the knee before Him (Romans 14:11; Phil. 2:10). 6. They spit on Him as did the guards of Caiaphas before (v. 30). 7. They took the reed and smote (Gk. imperfect tense means over and over) Him on the head.
III. THE CONVEYING OF HIM TO THE PLACE OF EXECUTION. A. They led Him away to be crucified (v. 31). B. They compelled Simon of Cyrene (Libya), N. Africa to carry His cross (v. 32). See Luke 9:23. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MARK 15:16-20 IV. PILATE, TO GRATIFY THE JEWS’ MALICE, DELIVERS CHRIST TO BE CRUCIFIED. A. It was a bloody death (Heb. 9:22). B. It was a painful death. Jesus felt Himself die. C. It was a cursed death (Deut. 21:23).
V. PILATE, TO HUMOR THE SOLDIERS, DELIVERS HIM TO THEM (vs. 16-19). A. Do kings wear robes of purple or scarlet? B. Do kings wear crowns? C. Are kings attended with acclamations by their subjects? "Hail, King of the Jews." D. Do kings have scepters? E. Are kings addressed upon the knee?
VI. THE SOLDIERS, AT THE RIGHT TIME, LED HIM AWAY TO THE PLACE OF EXECUTION (v. 20). A. This is told as a memorial to Simon of Cyrene through the ages without end.
THE RESURRECTION, FACT OR FICTION? Matt. 27:57 - 28:15
I. THE SWOON THEORY. A. Theory: There was a terrible bodily shock, blood loss with the pain, and He soon swooned away. His ignorant disciples didn’t believe He merely resuscitated but that He actually resurrected. B. Questions? No food or drink or medical attention for three days? In a sealed tomb, on a cold slab, behind a huge stone for three days? How did He shed Himself of His grave clothing? Luke 24:12 (But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at that which had happened.) (NASB) How did He walk 7 miles to Emaus ahead of the two on crippled feet? Luke 24:14 And they were conversing with each other about all these things which had taken place. (NASB)
II. THE THEFT OR BRIBERY THEORY. Matt. 28:11-15. A. The corpse is the hope of Israel. Where is it?
B. Is this the voice of a thief? Matt. 26:69-75; 27:62ff. C. But listen to the voice of a believer. Acts 4:8-12.
III. THE HALLUCINATION THEORY. A. Luke 24:31, 39, 42, 43 speaks not to hallucinations. B. Acts 1:5; 1 john 1:1-5 speaks of reality.
IV. THE WRONG TOMB WAS VISITED THEORY. A. Theory: The women only saw the tomb at a distance when He was buried. When the returned they were confused as to which tomb it really was. When they came to an empty tomb they were frightened and ran away. B. Why do all of the Gospels repeat the following facts? Matt. 27:61; Mk. 15:47; Luke 23:55. C. The women gave good directions to Peter and John. John 20:2-8. D. The angel said, "Come and see the place." So take a look and see that it is still EMPTY. Matt. 28:6; Mark 16:5-6.
Christmas Is Coming Mark 1:1 Mark's gospel account is shorter than the others. He spent no time on preliminaries, he gets to the point and he gets there quickly. Note verse one. "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." He is determined to leave no room for mistake concerning the person of his Master, he at once accords to Him His full title, "Jesus Christ, Son of God." "Jesus"-the Savior "Christ"-the Divinely appointed Prophet, Priest, and King of men "Son of God"-Revealer of the Father, Incarnate Deity. Mark then introduces John the Baptist whose ministry was to prepare the world for the coming of Christ. The world then was not so different than the world remains today. It was mostly made up of religious and non- religious people, neither of which had the Lord. The heathen of the day liked their sin and didn't want Christ. The religious of the day didn't think they needed Christ. So, when Christ came, He was rejected by Jews and Gentiles alike. They weren't ready for Christmas. The question today is this, "Are we ready for Christmas?" I am not asking whether you have completed your shopping or even whether you have started! The question before us is simply this, as Christ comes to us, will we receive Him or reject Him? The four Gospel books were written-to give the world the "Good News" of Christ. That is why John the Baptist preached the "Good News" of Christ's coming. The Gospel prepares us for Christmas.
I. The Origin Of The Gospel (v.1) A. The Gospel came from heaven. 1. It was not man's thought but God's. 2. To destroy the works of the devil, and devise means that God's banished ones should be restored to Him, was far beyond the conception of any but the Creator. 3. The mode of carrying out this plan was equally of God. 4. The Creator became a creature - God came to us in human flesh.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NASB) B. The Gospel is not man-made religion. 1. It just isn't something that someone came up with a long time ago. 2. It is the response of a loving Creator who has chosen to redeem His creation back to Himself through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. Are we ready for Christmas? 4. The Gospel prepares us for Christmas.
II. The Preparation For The Gospel (v.2) A. This preparation for the Gospel on earth began in the first promise to Adam and Eve. 1. When it seemed that they had lost everything because of the deceitfulness of sin. 2. God came to them with the promise of a seed…One who would crush the enemy. 3. From that point their worship was directed toward God in anticipation of the fulfillment of that promise. B. The sacrificial offerings, the bleeding lambs. 1. Each time an offering was made, the death was a picture of the One who would die for them. 2. Each time the blood was sprinkled it was a picture of the blood of the Lamb of God which would take away their sins. 3. It began with the blood that was shed by God to cover their nakedness, and would continue until the day Christ died on Calvary. C. It was predicted by the prophets, and now it had come to pass. 1. The message of the Gospel has been proclaimed throughout history.
Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. (NASB)
Micah 5:2 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, [Too] little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity." (NASB) 2. Everything about His birth, life, death, and resurrection was prophesied for us by the Old Testament prophets. 3. Nothing was left to chance or circumstance…it was all in the plan and purpose of God. 4. The goal…to secure the salvation for all of mankind. 5. Are you ready for Christmas? Have you believed the gospel message?
III. The Forerunner Of The Gospel (v.2-8) Isaiah 40:3 A voice is calling, "Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. (NASB) John the Baptist's mission was to prepare the way for the coming of Christ. He did his job well, so much so, that Christ said that there was none greater than John. What was his ministry like? A. His Mission Was Foretold (v.2) 1. The one who was to proclaim the coming of Jesus, had himself been heralded long before. 2. The appearance of one answering to the prophetic announcements was to be the sign that a Greater than he was at hand.
Malachi 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts. (NASB) B. His Preaching Was Appropriate (v.3) 1. John the Baptist's message was straightforward and unmistakable. 2. John stood boldly forth as a preacher of righteousness, in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation. 3. In his cry, "Repent ye," he called his listeners to personal action. C. His Ministry Was A Success (v.4-5) 1. Never before had the souls of the people been so stirred. 2. And of those were several of the apostles. 3. These men, empowered by the Holy Spirit, turned the world upside down for Christ. D. His Appearance Was Befitting (v.6) 1. The personal appearance of John was in perfect harmony with the truths he proclaimed. 2. He was different from the religious crowd of the day. 3. He wore no flowing robes or golden adornments. 4. His appearance, like his message, was straightforward and simple enough for all to understand. 5. The gospel message has been obscured by so-called religious leaders down through history. 6. But it is so simple that a child could understand and receive it into their lives. E. He Was True To His Calling. (v.7-8) 1. He was popular enough that he could have easily become the founder of a new religious sect. 2. John was the son of Zacharias, a respected priest of Judah. 3. But John never wavered in his testimony, and never dreamed of securing for himself any honor. 4. He maintained that he was only the messenger of the Messiah. 5. He did not think himself worthy to loose the shoes of the Lamb of God! 6. One who would baptize not merely in the waters of Jordan, but in the fire of the Life-giving Spirit. 7. John wanted people to be ready to accept Christ at His coming to earth. The month of December has arrived, and this is the time of year that we remember and celebrate the birth of the Savior. Are we ready? The Gospel prepares us for Christmas. John the Baptist urged people to get ready for the Messiah. Thank God for His mercy in the gospel. Without it there would be no plan for our salvation; there would be no possibility of our redemption. John prepared the people of his day for the coming of Christ, by what he said and what he did. Are you ready for Christmas? Its coming whether we like it or not-whether we are ready or not. Jesus came to this earth to become our Savior and Lord. Have we accepted Him? Each time we consider His first coming, we are reminded that the Bible teaches us that Jesus is coming again! But the next time He comes He will come in judgment. Are you ready for Christ to come?
Revelation 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward [is] with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. (NASB)
"The Only Miracle of Destruction" Mark 11:11-26 1. Fruit is Expected. (v. 11) The all-seeing eye of God Himself is constantly looking to see if His people are in His purpose. God is long-suffering. 2 Pet. 3:9.
2. Fruit is Inspected. (v. 13) Our Lord is not nearly as interested in pretensions as He is in results. He is constantly inspecting us for fruit and encourages us to do the same. 2 Corinthians 13:5; Matthew 7:15-20; John 7:24.
3. Fruit Can Be Infected. (vs. 15-18) Fruit that is infected by the very growers themselves is an abomination to God. Matthew 23:13,15; 18:5-10.
4. Future Fruit is Rejected. (vs. 14, 20, 21) There comes a time when God's patience runs out. John 15:1-16.
5. Fruitless Nations are Dejected. (vs. 22-26) Entire nations and countries will be dejected by God if they do not abide in His will and purpose. If any nation, including the U.S.A. is not producing disciples of Christ, they can be removed from the playing field. Matthew 21:43; Revelation 2:5.
THE ONLY MIRACLE OF DESTRUCTION MARK 11:11-26 The only miracle of destruction that I have found in the New Testament performed by Jesus Christ is the "Destruction of the Fig Tree." Freely, I must admit this passage has perplexed me for the longest time, a dozen years or more. Questions flew through my head as I pondered this text such as: "Why would Jesus destroy a harmless fig tree in the first place?" Or "Why the cursing of this particular tree is executed by our Lord in between two separate visits to the Temple?" Even myself, a most casual observer, can imagine that the cursing has some link to the visits. We shall see shortly that this fig tree is linked to the nation Israel and stands as an image of the people of God. Have no fear "Tree Huggers of America," our Lord has no intention of upsetting the ecological system of the country.
THE TEXT
Mark 11:11-26 And He entered Jerusalem [and came] into the temple; and after looking all around, He departed for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late. 12 And on the next day, when they had departed from Bethany, He became hungry. 13 And seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went [to see] if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And He answered and said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" And His disciples were listening. 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who were selling doves; 16 and He would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple. 17 And He [began] to teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a robbers' den." 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard [this], and [began] seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for all the multitude was astonished at His teaching. 19 And whenever evening came, they would go out of the city. 20 And as they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots [up.] 21 And being reminded, Peter said to Him, "Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which You cursed has withered." 22 And Jesus answered saying to them, "Have faith in God. 23 "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be [granted] him. 24 "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be [granted] you. 25 "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions. 26 ("But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.") (NASB)
FRUIT IS EXPECTED [vs. 11] The all-seeing eye of God Himself is ever looking in order to see if His people are in His purpose. Long-suffering [2 Pet. 3:9] is one of God’s divine attributes, to be sure, but He, none the less, is constantly watching our behavior. We find Jesus, God’s Son, surveying the Temple area and appears acutely interested in the things of the Father. He is looking for the harvest of God in the Temple of God in Jerusalem - what better place to find such a cash crop?
FRUIT IS INSPECTED [vss. 12-14]
Our Lord is not nearly as interested in pretensions as He is in results. There wasn’t any more fruit on that fig tree than there was in all the Temple the day before. Jesus wasn’t taken in by the beautiful leaves of the tree nor by its size or splendor. He was hungry, as we are in the morning, and he wanted fed. The tree would supply no such nourishment, only the promise at some later date. This fig tree was in direct violation of the word of God. Then God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed,[ and] fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with seed in them, on the earth"; and it was so. See Genesis 1:11 (NASB). In this case "it was not so." And Jesus, as the creator of everything in existence, took personal offense to this. Seething wrath filled the Lord of all as He said, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" Note also that the disciples were listening. What are we to make of this? It wasn’t even the season for figs. As Jesus reached deep into the boughs of the tree, He didn’t find figs from any season. Trees must be as ready as preachers "in season and out." The Temple was as devoid of real fruit for God as was this cursed fig tree. Little wonder that later on in His ministry Jesus would say of the entire nation, "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and be given to a nation producing the fruit of it. See Matthew 21:43 (NASB). Brethren, it behooves us all to inspect ourselves first. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Test yourselves [to see] if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-- unless indeed you fail the test? (NASB) Our eternal welfare could be at stake depending on the kind of fruit we and others produce. Matthew 7:15-20 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn [bushes,] nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 "So then, you will know them by their fruits. (NASB) God is inspecting us daily, believe it.
FRUIT CAN BE INFECTED [vss. 15-18]
What more of a travesty could one perpetrate than to poison one’s own crops? God
must view the infecting of His precious children as an abomination. One rather quick
look-see the day before finds Jesus settled as to what He would do this early morning.
Entering the Temple for the second consecutive time, Jesus began casting out the infection
in the form of the moneychangers and their like. They turned the House of God into a
robbers den. Rather than leading out in prayer, the so-called leaders of Israel set up a
huge trading post called "Annas’ Bazaar" after its founder, These thieves were mere drapes hanging around the Temple looking, oh so, pious. They have been in the House of God, but make no mistake about it, they were not in the heart of God. Also, they were trying their level best to keep as many Jews and Gentiles from God. Matthew 23:13,15 "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from men; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 15 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel about on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. (NASB) The multitudes appeared savvy; condoning the Savior’s behavior, but the chief priests and scribes plotted to kill Him. Imagine, the creator of the universe, the very one who justly demanded figs from the tree, standing in the midst of the Temple designed to house His glory, insisting proper fruit from His people. And for this they plot to kill Him, tragic. Matthew 18:5-10 warns us of the possibility of poisoning the fruit. "And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea.7 Woe to the world because of [its] stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into the fiery hell. 10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven." (NASB) We could be cursed by God as swiftly as the fig tree.
FUTURE FRUIT IS REJECTED [vss. 14, 20, 21]
There comes a time when God’s patience runs completely out. Not only is He through with begging fruit today, but He will not be back - ever. As the band leaves Bethany the next day, the disciples pass where the fig tree had withered from the roots up [unnatural death delivered by God Himself], they mention the curse and the miracle of destruction performed by Jesus.
FRUITLESS NATIONS ARE DEJECTED [vss. 22-26]
Now the proverbial "tire hits the road" and the object lesson begins. B. W. Johnson and Don DeWelt [College Press] say in their commentary that Jesus here abruptly changes His discourse, but this cannot be so. What can all of this mean then? If any nation does not abide in the purpose of God, it will be cut off. Be it tree or nation, if it resists Christ, it will be swept away. Whether that nation be Israel, America or any other, it must go if it insists on rejecting God. When Peter asked the question, "Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which You cursed has withered," Jesus did NOT most certainly ignore his query. He rather explains. This being the last day of our Lord’s public ministry, and having wept over Jerusalem only the day before saying that they missed their "day of its visitation," He quite profoundly instructs His disciples. "Believe God" were the words of the Master in contrast to the complete and total unbelief of barren Israel. "After my departure, you constantly believe Go," were His words of advice. To the soon to be inspired apostles, our Lord tells of future endeavors by them. They will, by simple faith, not only destroy single trees but cast entire mountains into the sea. This is, of course, a hyperbole to illustrate the impossible or incredible task which will be miraculously done through the apostles. "All things for which you pray" is not a blanket statement for the modern church, but rather for the inspired prayers of the twelve. "They shall be granted" is the rule for them. Not a certain percentage of their prayers, but all of them which are asked in trustful, unwavering belief will be answered. We do not share in this promise. We as the church are told by the Apostle John in his first letter, "And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14 (NASB). The only common stipulation for apostle and Christian is that we pray, not grudge prayers, nor prayers of malice, but those filled with the love of God and man. Forgiveness on our part is the qualifier in any answered prayer, especially for the lost. In other words, when they went about obeying the commission of Jesus [Matt. 28:18-20] to preach and to baptize, they were not to target folks for cursing but for blessing. The accepting or rejecting would already be [shall have been] done in heaven. Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (NASB) "Don’t worry yourselves with cursing individuals or nations," God is certainly capable of doing this. The power of God is in the gospel, not in individuals. 2 Timothy 2:19 "Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, The Lord knows those who are His..." (NASB) Jesus is cautioning the apostles against personal malice in their upcoming preaching assignments. The Nation Israel violated the holiness of the living God, therefore Jesus was just, as God’s Son in cursing them, their city and their Temple, eventually. So you see, the destruction of the tree was a symbol of the eventual destruction of the Nation of Israel. The Temple was not being used as "a house of prayer for all nations." The possibility of the apostles falling into the very trap of the Temple leaders was ever present. They could become self-righteous stumbling blocks to those won through the Gospel, thus producing no real lasting fruit for the glory of God. Examine John 15 carefully. Souls must be won, to be sure, but they also must be kept! If Jesus cursed the "natural branches," He would not hesitate to curse "those grafted in." This means me and thee, dear friend. Twice was the Temple cleansed by the Lord, once in the very beginning of His public ministry and once and its end. Perhaps the most significant cleansing is yet to come, as He cleanses the Temple [the church] finally and completely upon his final arrival for her. Souls are the main event, not trees.
The Nativity of Jesus Christ Luke 2:1-7 1. The time when our Lord Jesus was born. vs. 1 A. He was born when the fourth Roman monarchy was at its height. B. He was born when Judæa had become a province of the empire. C. He was born when there was universal peace in the empire. Isaiah 9:6-7; Romans 5:1. 2. The place where our Lord Jesus was born. vs. 4 A. He was born at Bethlehem. a. The prophets foretold it. Mica 5:2. b. The scribes understood it that way. Matthew 2:5-6. c. The common people knew this to be so. John 7:42. B. He was born in the house of bread. a. But then again, He is the bread of life. John 6:48. C. He was born in the city of David. Acts 2:29-31 a. But then again, He is the great King. Rev. 19:16; Matt. 2:1-6. 3. The accompanying conditions of our Lord's birth. vs. 5-7 A. He was a first born son. Gal. 4:4; Matt. 13:55-56. B. He was wrapped in the swaddling clothes of the common.
C. He was not born in an inn, but in the backyard, so to speak. But inns usually receive all comers as does the Lord. Luke15:2 D. He was born in a stable (manger). a. This shows the poverty of His parents. b. This shows the corruption and degeneracy of manners in that age c. This shows the humiliation of our Lord Jesus.
PARADOXES OF THE INCARNATION LUKE 2:1-14 1. He came out of the Ivory palaces to live in the lowly places. Luke 1:46-55; 2 Cor. 8:9 2. The all wise God would grow in wisdom and stature. Luke 2:52 3. The omnipresent would now dwell in an earthly tabernacle. John 1:14; I Kings 8:.27 4. The mighty God would become a helpless infant. Isa. 9:6 5. The creator now became the creature. John 1:3 6. The Word became speechless. John 1:1 7. The Holy One has now been made in the likeness of sinful flesh. Rom. 8:3 8. He who would not be tempted is tempted. James 1:13; Heb. 4:15 9. He who was from eternity would now inhabit time. John 8:58; Col. 1.17 10. He who was worshipped by angels is now made lower than angels. Heb. 1:6; 2:7 11. He who would have men seek His will would now have to seek His Father's will. Matt. 26:39 12. He who upheld all things by the power of His word must be obedient. Heb. 1:3; Heb. 5:8 13. He who was equal with God now would become a humble servant. Phil. 2:6-7 14. He who was invisible would now dwell in our presence, but the world would not receive Him. 1 Tim. 6:16; John 1:5 15. He was called a man of war, but became the Prince of Peace. Ex. 15:3 16. He who gave the Law, must now live under the Law. Gal. 4:4 17. The source of life is now subject to death. Job 33:4 18. He who could not be sought out, now revealed himself. Job 11:7-9; John 1.18 19. He who owns the cattle on a thousand hills will now lay in a cattle stall. Ps. 50:10 20. He who owned the earth and the fullness thereof could find no room in the inn. Ps. 24:1
PARADOX, a statement that seems contradictory, unbelievable, or absurd, but that may actually be true in fact. Seemingly contradictory but founded on truth.. THE EXPECTANT FATHER LUKE 2:1-20 1. The Expectant Father Expected a Census. v. 1-3
2. The Expectant Father Expected Joseph.
3. The Expectant Father Expected Mary. v. 4
4. The Expectant Father Expected The City of Bethlehem. v. 4
5. The Expectant Father Expected a Son. v. 5-7
6. The Expectant Father Expected Joy. v. 8-14
7. The Expectant Father Expects You. 1 John 3:1
"CHRISTMAS, DON'T MISS THE POINT" LUKE 2:1-20 1. CAESAR AUGUSTUS MISSED THE POINT. LK. 2:1-3. A. HE THOUGHT HE WAS GOD. B. HE WAS PREOCCUPIED WITH THE POPULATION. NUMBERS GAME.
2. JOSEPH MISSED THE POINT. MATT. 1:18-25 A. HE WAS NOT EXPECTING THE INCARNATION. (The Jews missed the point. John. 8:41) B. THOUGH RELIGIOUS, HE DESIRED A DIVORCE. C. HE HAD TO HAVE A MIRACULOUS DREAM TO CURB HIS THOUGHTS. D. HE MISSED THE POINT. ISA. 7:14.
3. MARY MISSED THE POINT. LK. 1:28-34 A. SHE DIDN'T REALIZE GOD WAS IN THIS. B. AN ANGEL INSTRUCTED OF THE HOLY SPIRIT'S WORK.
4. THE INN-KEEPER MISSED THE POINT. LK. 2:7 A. HAD HE KNOWN WHO JESUS WAS, HE WOULD HAVE SAVED THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE.
5. THE SHEPHERDS MISSED THE POINT. LK. 2:18-20. A. THEY WERE WATCHING SHEEP USED IN THE SERVICE OF TEMPLE SACRIFICE. B. THEIR FOCUS WAS WRONG. C. THEY LOOKED FOR SHEEP RATHER THAN A SAVIOR. D. WE LOOK FOR A BABY? E. THEY FINALLY CAME IN HASTE.
6. DID WE MISS THE POINT?
"THE SHEPHERDS ROLE AT THE NATIVITY" LUKE 2:8-20 1. How the shepherds were employed. vs.8 2. How the shepherds were surprised at the appearance of the angel. vs. 9 3. What was the message delivered by the herald angel. vss. 10-12 4. The choir of heaven and their congratulations to God and good will toward men. vss. 13-14 5. The visit to the new born Savior. vss. 15-16 6. The care which the shepherds took to spread this great event. vss. 17-18 7. The results from those who believed them.
vss. 19-20
THE THREE-FOLD IDENTITY OF BETHLEHEM’S BABE Luke 2:11 I. SAVIOR (soter - deliverer) – THE TITLE OF ACCEPTANCE A. This child’s mission wasn’t to save the wealthy, or the righteous. He came to set the sinner free – Luke 9:10. He came for those no one else wanted – Mark 2:17. B. As Savior, Jesus provided 3 essential services to the sinner: Acceptance - Deliverance - Preservation 1. We are Accepted in Him – Ephesians 1:3-7 2. We are Delivered in Him – Delivered from sin’s penalty, power and presence. Rev. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:18-19 3. We are Preserved in Him – Those whom Jesus saves are forever saved as long as they remain faithful in Jesus – John 6:37; 1 Pet. 1:3-5 C. Thank God, He came not as Judge, but as Savior – John 3:17
II. CHRIST (christos -anointed) – THE TITLE OF ACCESS A. This child came to do more than provide simple salvation. He came to allow us access into the very presence of Almighty God (Romans 5:1-2). . B. Through Jesus, we can: 1. Approach the Father – Heb. 4:16 (Jesus is the only means of access – 1 Tim. 2:5) 2. Appeal to the Father – John 16:23 C. The Name "Christ" refers to Jesus as the "Anointed High Priest." In this ministry, He addresses the father on our behalf. He does this in two ways: 1. He talks to the Father on our behalf – Heb. 7:25 2. He pleads our case before the throne of God – 1 John 2:1
III. LORD (kurios - supremacy) – THE TITLE OF AUTHORITY A. When the angel called Jesus Lord, He was referring to One who was to be in absolute control. B. This title of our Lord is a reminder to every Christian that Jesus Christ is to be the absolute authority in our lives. We are to allow Him the Headship in every area of our beings. (Rom. 12:1-2) C. God’s demand for total obedience is not too much to ask. He knows that true love is always shown by obedience to Him.
"THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED THE WORLD" LUKE 2:1-20 INTRO: Jesus was born at the RIGHT TIME! In the chaos and confusion of a godless world, Jesus was born. The Light of the World was born in the darkness of night. Spiritually the world at His coming was wrapped in helpless darkness. Thank God that He came as LIGHT, not LIGHTNING!
There are 7 things to be learned from the story of His birth.... 1. GOD HAD PREPARED! A. Joseph and Mary, because they belonged to the house of David, went up to Bethlehem to be taxed. (Vs. 1-5) - God had foretold, through the mouth of His prophet Micah, that Christ the King of Israel was to be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, [Too] little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity." B. NOTHING TAKES GOD BY SURPRISE!!! - If you could travel into your future you would find the footprints of God there. You would find that God has already been there working all things for your good. C. Our CIRCUMSTANCES are in the hand of God as well as our soul!
2. NO ROOM FOR HIM! A. She laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (V.7) - They were so crowded that night, and so busy, they didn't have room for Jesus. B. WE STILL SEE NO ROOM FOR JESUS! Not in our schools, business, homes, lives, hearts. Like the inn in Bethlehem, they are already FULL. Full of themselves lusting after the things of this world which will soon pass away. (See Matt. 13:22; 1 John 2:15-17) The scripture is still true of today... Matthew 8:20 .....and the birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
3. A ROYAL ENTRANCE! A. It was divinely fitting that Christ the Lord should be heralded by the angel of the Lord and accompanied with the glory of the Lord (V.9). (See Heb. 1:6). B. The "good tidings of great joy" (V.10) was the grace of our Lord Jesus, emptying Himself of the riches of glory to become poor that He might make many rich (2 Cor. 8:9)..
4. A BLIND WORLD AND A HEAVENLY HOST! A. Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. (Vs. 13,14) - Although there was indifference among men on earth at the coming of the Son of God, there was no indifference in Heaven at His going. B. There is still joy in Heaven because of that night. Luke 15:7 "I tell you ........ there will be [more] joy in heaven over one sinner who repents....
5. SEEKING SHEPHERDS! A. "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened." (Vs. 15,16) - The shepherds BELIEVED the Word, and acting on it, they found Him just as it was told them. B. If men today would stop reasoning in themselves and say like these shepherds, "Let us go and see," how many more would be won to the Kingdom of Christ. If you seek, you shall find.
6. I GOTTA TELL SOMEBODY! A. When they had seen they made known abroad the saying. (V.17) - They believed, and therefore they spoke. Mat. 10:32. B. They could not help but speak of it because it is such good tidings of great joy!!! C. They made it known because it is a faithful saying and worthy to be repeated and accepted by all. 1 Timothy 1:15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost [of all.] See also 2 Tim. 1:12.
7. REJOICE! A. They returned glorifying and praising God. (V.20) - I question if we have found Him if we have no joy in speaking of Him. B. If we are not constrained out of a full heart to glorify and praise Him, do we know Him at all? If the Gospel is not tidings of great joy to us it is clear that we have never yet believed it and received it. CONCLUSION: There are 7 things that the shepherds did that we need to do: 1. THEY HEARD! 2. THEY BELIEVED! 3. THEY OBEYED! 4. THEY RECEIVED! 5. THEY TESTIFIED! 6. THEY REJOICED! 7. THEY PRAISED! If someone is not serving God right now, it is because of a breakdown of one or more of these things. They RETURNED praising God. They returned to their daily living with new vision and a new power in their lives.
THE INTERVENING, IMPLICATIONS OF INCARNATION
LUKE 2:1-20; MATT. 1:18-25
1. Seventy- seven baby boys are born in unbroken succession to form Jesus’ ancestry. Luke 3:23ff. Jesus is born of the seed of women. Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4.
2. Jesus was the seventh person to be prenamed before birth. Matt. 1:21. Isaac (Laughter), Ishmael (God is hearing), Moses (Born or drawn out), Solomon (Peace), Josiah (God supports), John (Grace).
3. The entire world population is disrupted just to bring about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1; Proverbs 16:1, 7, 9; 21:1
4. A miraculous birth must precede the only virgin birth just to have an announcer for the Christ of God. Luke 1:7, 24.
5. The womb of Mary conceives miraculously by being overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. Isa. 7:14; Lk. 1:35; 1 John 1:1-4; All conception is done in secret (Psalm 139:14-17). How much more the birth of Jesus.
Familiarity Breeds Contempt Luke 4:14-30
I. The preaching of our Lord in general (vs. 14-15). II. The preaching of our Lord at Nazareth (vs. 16-30). A. How He preached there. 1. The opportunity He had for it (v. 16). 2. The method He used. 3. The text He preached upon . Isaiah 61:1-2 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives, And freedom to prisoners; 2 To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God;... a. He opened the book. b. He found the place. (1) He was qualified for the word through the Holy Spirit (v. 18). See Jn. 3:34 (2) He was anointed of God. (3) What His work was. (a) To be a great Prophet who was to preach. [1] Preach to the poor (humble or afflicted). See Lk. 14:21 [2] Deliverance to the captives. [3] Recovery of the sight of the blind (Acts 26:18). [4] Set free the downtrodden. [5] The acceptable year of the Lord (v. 19). See Lev. 25:10 (b) Christ came to be a great Physician (v. 23). See Jn. 4:46ff; Mark 6:5 Matthew 13:58 (c) Christ came to be a great Redeemer. 4. The application of the text preached (v. 21). 5. The attention and admiration of the audience. a. Their attention (v. 20). b. Their admiration (v. 22). 6. Christ’s anticipating an objection. a. What the objection was (v. 23). b. Answering the objection. (1) By plan and positive reason (v. 24). (2) By pertinent examples (vs. 25-26). B. How He was persecuted in Nazareth. 1. He provoked them by showing God’s favor toward Gentiles (v. 28). 2. They made an attempt of His life because they were so provoked. 3. Yet He escaped, because His hour had not yet come (v. 30).
Christians Are Not Perfect Just Forgive! 1 John 1:9; 5:13; Luke 5:1-11 When our faults, weaknesses, and problems really come to light, we sometimes try to mask them with pretense. Superficiality and insincerity are poles apart. Peter was superficial while Judas was insincere and hung himself. It is true that Jesus showed us the Father but the Apostles, more often than not, showed us, us. Let’s examine the worst case scenario, Peter himself, and see how Jesus treated him when he failed. We might then sense how Jesus will treat us when we fail Him and repent. I. Jesus Took Peter Back on a "From-Now-On" Basis. Luke 5:1-11
II. Jesus Stretched Out a Helping Hand to Peter When He Thought He Was Sinking. Matthew 14:22ff
III. Jesus Christ and His Death, Burial, and Resurrection Were Doubted by Peter, but Then Just Six Days Later and All Was Forgiven. Matthew 16:16-23; 17:1-7
IV. Jesus is Totally Denied by Peter in John 18:15-27 and Peter Cursed and Swore to the Fact in Matthew 26:74. But He Was Mentioned by the Resurrection Angel — Peter Was Restored. Mark 16:7
"THE END OF THE WORLD’S LOGIC" Luke 6:20-38 Completely BLESSED, ABSURDLY HAPPY, IN CONSTANT TROUBLE, ALWAYS FORGIVING 1. BLESSINGS PRONOUNCED UPON THE SUFFERING SAINTS (20-23) A. Blessed are the poor. D. Blessed are the hated. B. Blessed are the hungry. E. Blessed are the blackballed. C. Blessed are the bawlers. F. Blessed are the insulted G. Blessed are the rejected [2 Cor. 4:16-18].
2. WOES DENOUNCED AGAINST PROSPERING SINNERS (24-26). A. Woe to the fat. B. Woe to the clowns. C. Woe to the applause seekers. 3. LOVE ANNOUNCED TO THE ENEMY (27, 28). A. Love your enemies. C. Bless your cursers. B. Do good to your foes. D. Pray for your abusers.
4. BITTERNESS RENOUNCED OVER THOSE WHO HAVE INJURED US (29). A. We must not be extreme in demanding our rights [Matt. 18:28]. B. We must not be rigorous in revenging a wrong [Jn. 18:22-23; Acts 23:3]. C. We must "do" good to those who do evil to us.
5. NOT AN OUNCE, BUT TONS OF GENEROSITY UPON ALL MANKIND (30- 38). A. Give to everyone. G. Be kind like the Most High. B. Don’t demand it back. H. Be merciful. C. Treat others like they are you. I. Do not judge. D. Out love the sinners love. J. Do not condemn. E. Do good to the no-goods. K. Pardon. F. Lend without strings attached. L. Give, give, give, give Brother!!!!! Matt. 26:6-11; 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 John 3:17
"THE FOLLY OF A FOOL" LUKE 12:13-21 Definition of a FOOL: APHRON - with out mind. A lack of common sense perception of the reality of things natural or spiritual. (Gk.). {Not MOROS - empty head or godless (Gk.)}. 1. It was folly for him to call all of the fruits of the ground his. 2. It was folly for him to hoard up ALL that he had, and think that he had done a good thing. He provided for no one else. 3. It was folly for him to become big headed and then to think next year will necessarily be the same as this year as far as crop yield. 4. It was folly for him to think he would have ease in building new barns. 5. It was folly for him to have a "this is what I will do" attitude. 6. It was folly for him to put off his comfort until his projects were completed. 7. It was folly for him to think his goods were laid up for many years. 8. It was folly for him to count on certain ease. 9. It was folly of him to make no other use of his abundance than to eat, drink and be merry. To live to eat and not to eat to live is so foolish. 10. It was the greatest folly to speak to his own soul in such an assured way as to even think he had any control over it what so ever. Resolving Conflicts Luke 15: 11-24
1. Awareness of the Problem. vs. 17 2. Recognition of the Sin. vs. 18 3. Confrontation With the Injured. vs. 20 4. Admission of Guilt. vs. 21 5. Reconciliation of the Heart. vs. 21
LISTENERS AND THE MURMURERS Luke 15
THERE WAS A CERTAIN MAN LUKE 16:19-31 1. There was a certain rich man. vs. 19 A. The height of prosperity may mean a miserable eternity. a. Clothes don’t make the man. Gal. 3:27 b. Victuals can be vexing. B. This man is a Jew and reads the bible through once every year. vs. 24
2. There was a certain poor man. vs. 20 A. The depth of adversity may mean a wonderful eternity. a. Clothes still don’t make the man. vs. 20; Rev. 19:8 b. Victuals are not always vital. vs. 21 B. This man was also a Jew by birth. vs. 22 3. There was a certainty of death. vs. 22 A. The one was simply thrown in a hole while the other was elegized. a. God’s standards are vastly different than man’s. B. The summation of both lives is quickly ended with a stroke of pen. C. A single short glimpse of eternity is flashed before our eyes. vs. 23ff. a. Human suffering is experienced by the inhuman in eternity. vs. 23 b. Mercy is begged for by the merciless. vs. 24; Matt. 5:7 c. Pain is felt by the otherwise comfortable. vs. 25 d. A great chasm is far wider than an ordinary household gate. vs. 26 (1) Think of it. Final separation with a keen knowledge of the other side.
e. Evangelism is part of the diet of Hell. But all the bridges are out.
vs. 27-28 f. Serious bible study will replace responsive reading. vs. 29ff; 2 Tim. 2:15
"IF HADES COULD ONLY TALK!"
Luke 16: 19-31 "Hades, Sheol, Tartarus is a place of disembodied spirits"
1. Luke 16:22. There isn't any body down there! Gen. 3:17-19; Acts 2:27,31. No soul sleep. The grave isn't where the soul resides. Gen. 37:33,35; Isa. 14:15,19. 2. Luke 16:23. There isn't any leisure time, vacations or holidays down there. Matt. 13:50; Mark 9:43-48. It will not be party time with your friends!!!!! No! No! No!
3. Luke 16:24. Mercy, mercy. There isn't any mercy. Contrast Rev. 21:4. R.I.P.? Never!
4. Luke 16:25. There isn't any future in this place. Only difficult times. Just reminiscence of the past, the haunting past. If you live in the past you have no future. Contrast Isa. 65:17.
5. Luke 16:26. There aren't any round trip flights out of there. There are no exits or doors or bridges. No run-a-ways, railways, bus lines, taxi-cabs, no airports. Your fate is sealed! Matt. 25:46; Rev. 20:14. 6. Luke 16:27-31. There aren't any missionaries sent forth. No
"SO RARE, GRATITUDE!" Luke 17:11-19 1. It is quite common for misery to draw people of all sorts together. v.11-13 A. They met Christ as he entered. He was unrefreshed, unrested, unprepared and unselfish. B. They stood far off from him. There was a separation between them and their God. C. Their request was unanimous. They cried in unison for mercy.
2. It is quite common for our Lord to minister to the miserable. 3. It is quite common for religious leaders to inspect the work of others. v. 14. Lev. 14:1-32. 4. It is quite common for complete miracles to occur when the Savior is at work among individuals. v. 14. (Acts 3:1-10) 5. It is quite uncommon (so rare) for most people to remember God after the fact of disaster or dilemma. v. 15-16 A. Why didn’t the nine turn back? (a) In their legalism and obedience to the letter of the Law, did they violate the spirit of Christ’s command? (b). Did their Jewish pride feel they had a right to Christ’s blessings? (c). Did the ten have no spiritual common ground? (d). Were they now interested in social acceptance? (e). Were they simply ungrateful? Were they ingrates? This probably smacks of the truth. B. The contrast between the one and the nine. (a). One surrendered to Christ’s rule and the nine to His power. (b). One sought benefits as a means while nine looked at healing as an end. (c). One sought benefits as a road; the nine them as the goal. (d). One knew that healing brought salvation. The others could care less. (e). One was led to the Savior; the others turned away. C. Three ways we are ungrateful: (a). We are ungrateful to parents. (b). We are ungrateful to our fellow men. (c). We are ungrateful to God.
6. It is quite common to break our Lord’s heart. v. 17-19
"ALMOST PERSUADED" LUKE 16:2 7-31 A. Those in Bethany were anything but persuaded. JOHN 11:39-53; JOHN 12:9-11
B. Those in Jerusalem were anything but persuaded. MATTHEW 27:52-53; John 20:19
C. Those Romans were anything but persuaded. MATTHEW 28:2-4; 11-15
D. The Apostles, after His resurrection were anything but persuaded. Mark 16:9-17
E. If there were 3 million Jews in Jerusalem, only 3000 were persuaded. This is 1/10 th of 1% of that population. Acts 2:24-28, 32, 36-38, 41
BUSYNESS IS NOT THE LORD’S BUSINESS LUKE 19:11-27
1. The Productive Church Members understood: A. Their Mission. Luke 19:16-19 a. Understood a management responsibility of the trust given to him. b. The objective was growth. Why else the trust? B. Their Master. a. They knew He was in charge though He was absent. b. They wanted to please Him. C. Themselves. a. They knew their own abilities as did their Master. D. The Means of Producing Growth. a. Trading was the only option. 2. The Unproductive Church Member Misunderstood: A. His Mission. Luke 19:20-27 a. Maybe they redefined it into protection, maintenance or preservation. B. His Own Potential. a. Why couldn’t he also succeed? C. His Own Master By Grossly Underestimating Him. a. Losing was all that was on his mind. v.21 b. He found that his Master really knew him. v. 22 c. He should have gotten help. v. 23 d. He found that his Master was harder than he ever knew or expected. v. 27. (Romans 11:22)
TO IMPEACH A WITNESS Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:8, 22; 2:32; 3:15
I. A WITNESS MUST BE MENTALLY INCOMPETENT OR INSTITUTIONALIZED, ETC. 1 Pet. 3:16; Acts 2:7, 13, 15, 24, 31-32; 26:24-25, 31; Mark 3:21; John 10:20.
II. A WITNESS MUST BE WICKED AND NOT WORTHY OF BELIEF. DID HE EVER SPEND TIME IN JAIL, ETC. Acts 4:2-4, 13, 16, 33; 26:23; 21:27-28-32; 23:1, 6, 11; 24:12-13, 15, 21.
III. A WITNESS MUST BE PREJUDICED BEFORE THE FACT. HE ASSUMED THE OUTCOME, FOR EXAMPLE. Matt. 16:22; Lk. 24:13ff; John 2:19-22.
IV. A WITNESS MUST HAVE AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE. BRIBERY, ETC. Matt. 27:3-5; 28:11ff.
V. A WITNESS MUST GIVE CONTRADICTORY TESTIMONY. Acts 15:5-19.
PEOPLE BUSINESS John, The Gospel [Every Chapter Outlined]
1. JESUS is in the TELLING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 2. JESUS is in the CREATING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 3. JESUS is in the RELIGIOUS PEOPLE BUSINESS. 4. JESUS is in the DIVORCED PEOPLE BUSINESS. 5. JESUS is in the SICK PEOPLE BUSINESS. 6. JESUS is in the HUNGRY PEOPLE BUSINESS. 7. JESUS is in the THIRSTY PEOPLE BUSINESS. 8. JESUS is in the EVANGELIZING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 9. JESUS is in the BLIND PEOPLE BUSINESS. 10. JESUS is in the SHEPHERDING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 11. JESUS is in the RESURRECTING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 12. JESUS is in the DEVOTED PEOPLE BUSINESS. 13. JESUS is in the SERVING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 14. JESUS is in the TRUTH GIVING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 15. JESUS is in the DISCIPLING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 16. JESUS is in the CONVICTING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 17. JESUS is in the UNIFYING PEOPLE BUSINESS. 18. JESUS is in the FICKLE PEOPLE BUSINESS. 19. JESUS is in the DYING FOR PEOPLE BUSINESS. 20. JESUS is in the RESURRECTION FOR PEOPLE BUSINESS. 21. JESUS is in the LOVING PEOPLE BUSINESS.
"20/20 HIND SIGHT" John 1:1, 14....the Word was God....the Word became flesh....
Just as we dare not separate the Word from God, we dare not separate the Word from the flesh. Jesus was divine as well as He was human. He was 100% divine while at the same time He was 100% human. Registered as the "Son of God," He was also recorded as the "Son of Man." Colossians 2:9 says: "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form." The only thing He picked up on His arrival from heaven was flesh. Hebrews 2:14 declares: "Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same...." The incarnation is not a subtraction, but an addition. He took on flesh. He defeated sin in the flesh as the Son of God (Romans 8:3). While it is true that we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7), it is not necessarily true that Jesus did all of His life here on earth. He walked as the Son of God in the flesh of the Nazarene all 33 years of His earthly life. He certainly was drawing from His divinity while confounding those elders in the Temple at 12 years old. God was at work in the changing of water into wine in Cana of Galilee, the calming of the tempest, the walking on water and those hundreds of supernatural event of our Lord’s life. Jesus constantly reflected on His divine attributes while passing through this life. He came here to this plant with something we did not, memory.
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST INTERPRETED John 1:1-18
I. HE IS THE ETERNAL WORD OF GOD [VSS. 1-3]. A. Logos is defined as "the thought, purpose and expression of the mind of God." 1. So God’s ageless purposes are made known through Christ. 2. Ephesians 3:9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; (NASB) B. "The word was with God" -- the word was the very essence and nature of God. 1. Hebrews 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; (NASB) 2. Colossians 2:9 For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, (NASB) 3. God was, and ever shall be, always like Jesus revealed in Him. C. The Word was an equal agent in creation [vs. 3]. 1. Hebrews 1:2-3 in these last days has spoken to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; 2. Jesus is God Whom we worship. He was the Creator come in the flesh. 3. John 5:23 in order that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. (NASB)
II. HE BECAME FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US TO BRING US LIFE AND LIGHT [VS. 4]. A. Blessed word!... "He tabernacled among us [vs. 14]. 1. Our God is not aloof... not unsympathetic. a. Every heathen concept of gods is of unsympathetic gods always seeking to harm and hurt to man. 2. God could have sent Logos into the world and then quickly have withdrawn Him? a. But He came... He knew weariness, thirst, sadness, tears, temptation, persecution, yea -- death.
B. In Him was life. 1. It was necessary for Him to come in the flesh... in order to condemn sin in the flesh. Romans 8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God [did:] sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and [as an offering] for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, (NASB) a. Man could not fulfill the law, thus the law condemned man. b. Therefore, God sent His Son... in flesh... to conquer sin and suffer the penalty C. Many rejected Him.. and still do.. But to all who receive Him... [vs. 12]. 1. "He give the right to become the children of God [we do not earn]." 2. Yet we must accept His wonderful gift. a. This we do through the new birth. 1. John 3:3-5 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (NASB) 2. Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, (NASB) 3. 1 Peter 1:22-23 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, [that is,] through the living and abiding word of God. (NASB)
III. HE BECAME AS A COMPLETE AND FINAL REVELATION OF GOD [VS. 18]. A. In times past God spoke in partial revelations. Hebrews 1:1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, (NASB) 1. But at the end of the ages and in the fulnes of time, He spoke to us absolutely, completely, and finally in His dear Son. Hebrews 1:2 in these last days has spoken to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. (NASB) 2. The Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through the Son [vs. 17]. B. The Law was only a shadow of the reality that was in Christ. 1. It was all realized in Christ. C. He is the only opportunity for men to be saved forevermore. 1. John 8:24 "I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am [He], you shall die in your sins." (NASB) 2. This means clearly that men will be separated from God [without Jesus], and the whole weight of the penalty for their sins will fall upon their shoulders... they will pay this penalty for all eternity. 3. All men will live eternally, eventually, in heaven or hell. a. But Jesus gives Life with a capital "L." b. 2 Timothy 1:8-10 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with [me] in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, (NASB)
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE HEAVENLY KIND John 1:29-51
Baptism John 3:3-5
1. If the water in John 3:5 does not refer to baptism, then to what does it refer?
B. Entering the Kingdom
JUST A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS John 4:1-35
Why Do Folks Go To Church? JOHN 4:21-25
HUMAN MISERY CONFRONTS DIVINE MERCY John 8:1-11
I. HIS RETIREMENT IN THE EVENING OUT OF TOWN. A. The persecutors went to there own homes. John 7:53 (And everyone went to his home. (NASB) B. Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. John 8:1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. (NASB)
II. HIS RETURN IN THE MORNING TO THE TEMPLE, AND THE WORK THERE. A. He returned to the Temple in the morning. John 8:2 And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and [began] to teach them. 1. What a diligent teacher He was indeed, early in the morning. 2. The place was in the Temple where the people were. 3. He sat down to teach as one having authority. B. All the people came to Him for He always had something to say.
III. HIS DEALING WITH THOSE THAT BROUGHT TO HIM THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY, TEMPTING HIM. A. The case proposed to Him by the deceitful plotting Scribes. John 8:3-6. 1. They set the prisoner to the bar. John 8:3 And the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the midst, (NASB) 2. They prefer an indictment against her. John 8:4 they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. (NASB) 3. Today He is their Master, but what of yesterday? John 7:20 The multitude answered, "You have a demon! Who seeks to kill You?" (NASB) 4. They present the statute in this case upon which she is indicted. John 8:5 "Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" See Deut. 22:22. 5. They ask the Lord’s judgment in order to tempt Him. John 8:6 And they were saying this, testing Him, in order that they might have grounds for accusing Him. ... B. The method He took to resolve this case, and thus to break His snare. 1. He pretended not to hear the allegations. John 8:6 ... But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground. (NASB) See James 1:19 ...But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak [and] slow to anger; (NASB) 2. He turned the conviction of the prisoner upon those prosecutors. John 8:7 But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him [be the] first to throw a stone at her." (NASB) a. The word "persisted" is in the "Greek imperfect tense" which means they repeatedly asked Him and the more He wrote the more angry they became. b. Jesus turns to the Law o Moses as He asked for clean hands to be the first to stone the woman. Deuteronomy 17:7 "The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. (NASB) c. His aim was to bring the woman to repentance by showing her mercy and to bring the accusers to repentance by exposing them. d. He stoops down one more time. John 8:8 And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. (NASB) See Jere. 17:1. e. They men are frightened of Christ and creep out of the court. John 8:9 And when they heard it, they [began] to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst. (NASB) (1) The force of the word of Christ. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (NASB) (2) The folly of these sinning men under conviction. They left. To whom? John 8:9 And when they heard it, they [began] to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones... (NASB) f. When the self-conceited prosecutors left the Treasury, the self-condemned prisoner stood her ground. John 8:9 ... and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst. (NASB) g. Here is the conclusion of the trial. John 8:10-11 And straightening up, Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" 11 And she said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go your way. From now on sin no more.") (NASB) (1) Her discharge from temporal punishment. "Did no one condemn you?" (2) Her discharge from eternal punishment. "Neither do I condemn you."
THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT John 8:38-39 "I speak the things which I have seen with [My] Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from [your] father." 39 They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham. (NASB)
I. DOES THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELL IN MAN? A. OUR LORD CONTAINED THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN AN INCARNATED STATE. John 2:19-21 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 The Jews therefore said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. (NASB) John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NASB) Colossians 2:9 For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, (NASB) B. WE ALSO CONTAIN THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD HIMSELF IN AN INDWELLING FORM. 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? (NASB) 2 Corinthians 6:16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. (NASB) James 4:5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? (NASB) Romans 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you. (NASB) 2 Timothy 1:14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to [you.] (NASB) Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. (NASB) Colossians 1:27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (NASB) 1 John 4:4, 12, 15 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world... 12 No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us... 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. (NASB)
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN MAN? A. The Spirit transforms the Christian into the image of Christ. 2 Cor. 3:18 B. The Spirit has shed the love of God abroad in our hearts. Rom. 5:5 C. The Spirit sets the Christian apart from sin unto God. 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:1-2 D. The Spirit helps put to death the flesh for each Christian. Rom. 8:13; Gal. 5:16-18,24,25. E. The Spirit helps the Christian fight the battles against sin. Eph. 6:17 F. The Spirit strengthens the Christian mightily in his or her life. Eph. 4:10-12; 3:16; Col. 1:11,22;Ga1.5:17; Rom.8:5-8 G. The Spirit works in the Christian mightily to the accomplishing of great things for God. Eph. 1:18-23; 3:14-19 H. The Spirit is Chnst's pledge to the Christian that final adoption into the heavenly family, final entrance into heaven, eternal life, will be the reward of the Christian. 2 Cor. 1.2 1-22; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Cor. 5.5 I. The Spint leads every Christian into life and peace. Rom. 8:5-7 J. The Spirit will transform the earthly bodies into glorified ones in the Last Day. Rom. 8:11; Phil. 3:20-21
"Freedom" John 8:31-36
I. God's Purpose For Man Is Freedom. A. Freedom is not the absence of restraint, nor is it doing whatever you please. B. Freedom is the privilege and power to become all that God wants you to be. C. Freedom is the opportunity to fulfill your potential to the glory of God. 1. Each of us were born with a tremendous potential. 2. If you have been born again, then God has added spiritual gifts to your natural talents [Ro. 12]. 3. God's desire is that we become all that He wants us to be. 4. It begins with salvation, by grace through faith in the shed blood of Christ in baptism. 5. After salvation, we have the potential for all sorts of freedom!
II. There Is Such A Thing As False Freedom. A. It is dangerous because of where it comes from. 1. In 2 Peter 2:1-3, Peter warns of this danger. 2. Wherever you find the genuine, you will find the counterfeit. 3. These teachers claim to believe in the Lord and follow the Word of God, and yet they so twist the Word of God and so misapply the Word of God that they lead people into bondage. 4. Notice: "...they will exploit you with false words..." they are out to make money! 5. These false teachers use our vocabulary, but not our dictionary! Vocabulary of dread. When they talk about "salvation", "freedom", or "sin" they mean something totally different than we do B. It is dangerous because of what it offers. 1. Freedom to live as you please without responsibility. a. The prodigal son wanted freedom, but he didn't want responsibility. b. There can be no true freedom without responsibility. c. Unearned freedom is a dangerous and destructive thing. d. That was Satan's lie in the garden: "Go ahead, why should you listen to God? Exercise your freedom, you can get away with it." 2. Freedom to live as you please without accountability. a. There are those who would teach that there will not be any judgment. b. After all, God is a God of love isn't He? c. Sometimes they say, "We are under grace, not law, so we can live any way that we please. d. Paul answered that argument in Ro. 6:1-2. "MAY IT NEVER BE!" 3. Freedom to live as you please without consequences. a. Sin always has its consequences. b. Ro. 6:23, "The wages of sin is death..." c. "Be sure your sin will find you out" Nu. 32:23b d. Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes [them] will find compassion.
III. God's Method For Freedom Is Truth. A. Two forces are at work in this world today: The Truth and The Lie. 1. The power of God works through truth. 2. Satan works through lies. John 8:44 "You are of [your] father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own [nature;] for he is a liar, and the father of lies. (NASB) 3. Satan's lies leads to bondage which in turn leads to destruction. 4. God uses truth to set us free and freedom brings us to fulfillment. B. The Truth has been given to us through Jesus Christ. 1. In John 14:6 Jesus declares, "I am the Truth..." 2. In John 17:17 Jesus said, "...Thy word is truth." 3. In 1 John 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (KJV) 4. When we receive the Son of God as revealed by the Spirit of God in the Word of God, we can experience true freedom. C. God's purpose for man is freedom, His method is through the Truth, and the Truth is manifested in Jesus Christ. 1. Our responsibility is to know Him. a. The better we know the Lord Jesus Christ, the more freedom we will enjoy. b. The way we get to know Him is through the Word of God. c. The word "know" doesn't just mean intellectually, it means to have a living relationship with Him. 2. Our responsibility is also to love and trust Him. a. Note John 8:42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. b. The better we know Him, the more we will love and trust Him. 3. Our responsibility is also to obey Him. a. John 8:31 Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, [then] you are truly disciples of Mine; b. Jesus said, John 14:15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. c. Jesus asked, Luke 6:46 "And why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
"NONE ARE SO BLIND AS THOSE WHO WILL NOT SEE" John 9:1-41
1. The Light of the world saw a beggar in total darkness and met the need. John 9:1 And as He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth.
John 8:12 Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light (phos) of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
John 9:5 "While I am in the world, I am the light (phos) of the world."
2. The disciples (lights of the world) only saw the darkness. Matthew 5:14 "You are the light (phos) of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." John 9:2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?"
3. The neighbors, who saw him every day, only saw the way he was. John 9:8 The neighbors therefore, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, "Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?"
4. The Pharisees merely saw holy days rather than holy people. John 9:16 Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, "This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath." But others were saying, "How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And there was a division among them.
5. His parents, who were the boy’s eyes from birth, saw terrible fear. John 9:22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed, that if anyone should confess Him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
6. The Jews saw a threat, took vengeance, and missed the incarnation. John 9:34 They answered and said to him, "You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?" And they put him out.
7. The newly sighted man saw the Light of the world for the very first time. John 9:37 Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you."
THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH JOHN, CHAPTERS 13-17 ( 5 chapters spoken in one evening) {Taken from Roger Chambers, my good friend} THE PERSON (in the Spirit of truth) John 14:6, of course is Jesus. "I am the truth, way and life." THE PROBLEM (in the Spirit of Truth) is simply that Jesus is leaving (John 14: 1-4). They (apostles) are going to preach without Him. The primary reason for Jesus' coming was NOT to reveal God (vs.9), but was to equip the apostles.
1 Timothy 1:15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost [of all.] Since their were more Jews in Alexandria, Egypt, at the time of Christ, it seems that the gist of John 14:12, "Greater Works" is that they will preach to many more Jews than Jesus ever did. The PROBLEM is how are they to continue if Jesus told them everything to do and say so far? Who is going to tell them now? THE PROMISE (In the Spirit of Truth) John 14:16-18. The word HELPER is not completely accurate. Paraclete means WORD GIVER- a lawyer to an extent. Advocate is good. ( 1John 2:1, Attorney). "Speech Writer" in John14:16 was ANOTHER WORD GIVER. In vs.17 the standard "Holy Spirit" is not given, but the "Spirit of Truth". True, the primary function of the Holy Spirit is Holiness (Acts 2:38). But His function is Word Giver in this context. This is the issue. "Orphans in vs.18 means that they will have help in their preaching (John 14:25,26). As Jesus has spoken of God, so shall the Holy Spirit speak of Him (John15:26).The doctrine of Sanctification should never outvote the doctrine of justification. The Holy Spirit did not die for us. We belong to the church of Christ, not the church of the Holy Spirit. They were clean because of the word (John 15:3,7). Apostles can ask whatever they wish (John 15:7). Proper understanding of this verse would put 3 Christian T.V. networks out of business. Is this a general promise? No. 1John 5:14 informs us to pray within God's will. Not the will of the Dove, but the Cross. "You will be witnesses" by way of the Word Giver (John16:5,15). Sin, righteousness and the judgment will be proclaimed through the apostles as they are inspired by the Spirit of God (John16:8). Sin would be the rejection of Jesus, Righteousness would by imputed and Judgment would come from Christ. The word CONVICT means by oral persuasion or convince. (To refute, reveal, expose, set forth). For example, in Luke 3:19, Herod was REPROVED by John (elencho- GK.).The Holy Spirit is not a Third party system hovering over the congregation. They were guided (vs. 13) into all the truth. When one cannot tell who is an apostle, then everyone becomes his own bible (Acts 2:42; Eph. 2:20-21). Does this sound spiritual? Yes! If this is a general promise, then we don't need a bible. His words were divine revelation and so were the Holy Spirit's words. They were the same words! (See John 17: 14,17). Red letters and black letters are of equal weight. THE PROMISE KEPT ( Spirit of Truth) John 17:18. "As Thou didst send me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." ( John 20:22-23). They (apostles) received the word of redemption and it is still authoritative!!!!!!!!!! ( See 2Cor. 2:4,10,12,13). WHY WOULD CHRIST DO SUCH A THING? John 13:17; Luke 22:24-30
I. CHRIST WASHED HIS DISCIPLES FEET TO PROVE HIS GREAT LOVE. VS. 12. A. Love inseparable. Rom. 8:35ff. B. He was leaving. John 14:3; 12:26.
II. CHRIST WASHED HIS DISCIPLES FEET TO SHOW HIS OWN VOLUNTARY HUMILITY. VSS. 3-5.
III. CHRIST WASHED HIS DISCIPLES FEET TO SIGNIFY THE CLEANSING OF THE SOUL FROM SIN. VSS. 6-11. IMPLICIT OBEDIENCE. VS. 9 SPEAK OF UNDISCERNED FILTH THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE BODY. Mark 16:16; Titus 3:5; John 3:3-5, 36.
IV. CHRIST WASHED HIS DISCIPLES FEET TO SET BEFORE US AN EXAMPLE. VSS. 12-17. James 4:17.
THE GREATEST PROMISE John 14:1-3, 21 I. This was the greatest promise ever made because ........... A. Made by the Greatest Person Who Ever Lived 1. Jesus' life determined the course of history. 2. His life was totally unselfish - Phil. 2:5-8 B. About the Greatest Place Ever Imagined * "In my father's house are many dwelling places" 1. Man's greatest efforts are hovels in comparison. 2. Description - Rev. 21:10-23
C. Its Purpose Is Our Eternal Comfort 1. Provides comfort now * "Let not your heart be troubled" 2. Provides comfort for the deceased. vs.3 3. Provides comfort for survivors. vs. 18 4. Provides comfort after death. * " I go to prepare" 5. No more sorrow, pain or death. 6. I will not leave you as orphans. vs. 18 D. Rests On Greatest Proposition * "Believe in God .... believe in me." 1. This proposition is called the "grace of God". 2. It is a promise to all who believe and obey. vs. 21
E. Required Greatest of Preparation * Galatians 4:4 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." 1. "Fullness" refers to preparation on earth. a. Religous preparation. b. Cultural preparation. c. Political preparation. d. Spiritual preparation. 2. Jesus had to live, die, rise from the dead, and ascend. F. Holds Forth Greatest Prospect * "I will come again, and receive you." 1. Prospect for the living and the dead. 2. Jesus’ verification - "If it were not so, I would have told you." 3. We have no reason to doubt - "If it were not so, I would have told you".
Greater Works Than These Shall You Do John 14:12 INTRODUCTION In our consideration of this remarkable text, it is necessary to briefly review the matter of signs and wonders. Some observations are necessary that are not commonly made in circles having an inordinate appetite for such things. We mean to offend no one by these words, but someone must say them. Throughout history, the times of greatest revelation have been attended by the greatest obtuseness among men. Whatever men may think of "signs and wonders," they have never been effective in bringing men closer to God, inducing faith, or suppressing iniquity. This is a remarkable situation, and worthy of our consideration.
The Egyptians When Israel was delivered from Egypt, God wrought remarkable wonders through His servant Moses. The ten plagues are unparalleled for greatness in all of history. The account of this incredible phenomenon is recorded in Exodus, chapters seven thru eleven. Do you remember what they were? (1 The waters of Egypt's streams, rivers, ponds, pools, and all vessels turned into blood. (2 A plague of frogs throughout all the borders of Egypt, in their houses, bedchambers, and kneading troughs. (3 The dust of the earth became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. (4 A grievous swarm of flies into all the houses of Egypt, which corrupted all the land of Egypt. (5 A grievous sickness upon all the cattle: horses, asses, camels, oxen, and sheep of Egypt. (6 A "fine dust" in all the land of Egypt that caused boils to break forth with sores upon man and beast throughout all the land of Egypt. (7 Mighty thunder and hail, with fire running along the ground, in all the land of Egypt, upon every man, beast, and herb of the field. (8 A plague of locusts that covered the earth, making it impossible to even see the ground, eating everything that remained from the hail. (9 A pervading 3-day darkness covering the land that could be "felt," in which the Egyptians could not see one another, and could not leave their houses. (10 The death of all the firstborn in Egypt, including beasts, creating an outcry that has not been equaled since that fateful day. As great as these miracles were, they did not reach a single heart in all the land of Egypt. None of the Egyptians repented, none believed, none were moved to forsake their abominable idolatries. There was not an awakening in Egypt. No one put on sackcloth and ashes, as did Nineveh at the preaching of Jonah. In fact, Jonah accomplished more through his preaching than the accumulated effect of these ten mighty wonders! Suffice it to say, no modern miracle worker has approximated the magnitude of these ancient miracles. They are unparalleled for greatness, and yet not a single soul was changed by them. "Greater works" refers to a different level of activity -- one which is sorely needed in our day!
"GREATER WORKS" DEMONSTRATED Our vision is expanded in Christ. We see God differently. The world looks different. We see "works" in a new and invigorating way. Concepts are expanding, being brought into harmony with heaven. Think of these three ways in which "greater works" take place.
In Commission Our Savior's commission is arresting. There has never been a commission like it before. "Make disciples," "baptize them," and "teach them to observe" (Matt. 28:18-20). Before the Law, there is no record of such amazing effects. No one under the Law was ever able to achieve such results. These are some of the "greater works" that Jesus promised. Christ's commission to Paul carries the matter even further. "I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister . . . to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me" (Acts 26:16-18). Let it be clear: opening men's spiritual eyes is a "greater work" than opening physically blinded eyes. These two works are not in the same dimension. One is in a temporal zone, and the other in an eternal one. For clarification, this does NOT constitute a denial of Divine working in the temporal realm.
In Personal Achievements The weapons of our warfare are "not carnal, but mighty through God." They are "greater" weapons, capable of bringing down strongholds of thought and destroying seemingly impregnable arguments ( 2 Cor. 10:5ff). In other words, "greater works" involve the changing of men's minds; altering their view, lifting their vision, and enabling them see things that are invisible. That is a "greater work." Think of the "greater work" of cross bearing. In answer to the Lord's summons, the individual can pick up his cross every day and follow Jesus (Lk. 9:23). Such are able to withstand the rejection of men in preference for the honor of God. Persecution cannot dissuade them. Cast out their name as evil, and it will not impede them. They are able to bare the repercussions of their faith without murmuring, and without being unduly discouraged. That is a greater work.
In Public Results The "greater works" of our text yielded unparalleled results. While 3,000 died at the giving of the Law (Ex. 32:28), 3,000 were brought back from death in trespasses and sins at the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 2:41). From an external point of view, Sinai was much more impressive than Jerusalem at Pentecost. Those impressed by the seen would be more in awe when the Law was given. It was more sensual, more visual, more apparent. Yet what happened at Jerusalem was infinitely "greater." Who would dare to compare a shaking, smoking mountain with a confident proclaimer of the Gospel? The accomplishments of the latter dwarfed the accom- plishments of the former. Following the healing of the lame man at the gate called Beautiful, 5,000 men believed the Gospel (Acts 4:4). Which was the "greater work"? Remember, the first two groups of converts came from the very community that rejected and murdered Jesus. If you could ask Moses of the greatness of such a work, he would tell you it was transcendent to anything he did. Surely you can see this truth.
Saving people You have probably heard someone say, "I cannot save anyone." It certainly sounds good--even a bit humble. But it is not true. The Word of God is too clear on this point to deny what it says. "For how do you know, O wife, whether you will SAVE your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will SAVE your wife?" (1 Cor. 7:16). "To the weak I became weak, that I might WIN the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means SAVE some" (1 Cor. 9:22). "Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will SAVE his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins" (James 5:20). "If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him GIVE LIFE to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this" (1 John 5:16). These texts are in the Bible, and need to be taken seriously. They speak of some of the "greater works" that Jesus promised. Noah, Abraham, Moses, and all the holy prophets could not boast of such works!
We Wrestle Against Superior Forces In Christ, we engage forces no human could face before. The spiritual opponents that we now wrestle once engaged and hindered angelic hosts. One mighty angel fought a single spiritual prince for 21 days (Dan. 10:13ff). Now, we are informed, we engage these very forces. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12). Truly, these are "greater works." --
AUTHORITATIVE, ERRORLESS PRAYER {Farewell Address of Our Lord} Thanks to Sherwood Smith, my good friend.
John 14, 15, 16 {Judas is betraying, the apostles are sad, and Jesus is troubled in spirit (John 16:1, 6, 22, 32, 33)}
I. THIS SECTION OF SCRIPTURE DEALS WITH COMFORTING THE APOSTLES. A. There are six sources of comfort for the apostles: 1. Assurance of Jesus’ identity or deity (14:9). 2. The coming of the Holy Spirit to provide inspiration and revelation. (14:16-17, 26; 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:16). The apostles had the mind of Christ, we do not. 3. Awesome work was promised to the apostles (14:12). 4. They would be involved in establishing the Kingdom of God in all the earth. (Eph. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:10). 5. They had assurance of victory (16:33). 6. Jesus will come again (14:3, 18). 7. They could pray authoritative, errorless prayers.
II. A DISCUSSION OF AUTHORITATIVE, ERRORLESS PRAYER. A. A number of spiritual benefits came from this: 1. Their prayer would help them build the Kingdom (14:13). 2. Their prayer would have no parameter (14:14; 15:7). 3. Jesus will no longer be doing the praying for them (16:23, 26). 4. They would be led into all the truth. 5. They will be taught by the Holy Spirit errorlessly (14:26; 16:13). 6. They would not have to pray, "Thy will be done." Their prayers would BE the will of God (Matt. 18:19-20).
III. THIS IS NOT A UNIVERSAL PROMISE. A. Several reasons we must be cautious here: 1. We are not inspired in our requests. 2. We cannot claim authority we do not have (Acts 19:15). 3. This promise is limited (15:16). Only 12 apostles were chosen, appointed and ordained. 4. We must all study to show ourselves approved.
IV. PRAYER IS HOWEVER, UNIVERSAL IN NATURE. A. Universal prayer is to be enjoined by all: 1. Pray to one mediator (1 Tim. 2:5). 2. We are saved by His intercessory life (Rom. 5:10; 8:34). We are saved through His life. 3. God does keep His word. 4. Prayer does chance things; it is not to be diminished. 5. The function of true prayer is to bring us dead center with the will of God (1 John 5:14-15).
THINGS JESUS SAID WE DON’T WANT TO BELIEVE John 15: 1-16
1. "You Are Already Clean" (vs. 3) The word of God can clean vessels of earth, 2 Cor. 4:7 and caused them to be bcgottcn again. 1 Pet. 11:23; John 17:17 2. "You Are The Branches" (vss. 5-8) We are connected to the source of life itself. Only "The Branches," not the vine, produces fruit after its kind. Eph. 3:10; 1 Peter 2:9. 3. "So I Have Loved You" (vs. 9) "Not that we first loved God." 1 John 4:10 but He first loved us and this love is great. 1 John 3:1 4. "You Are My Friends" (vs. 14) Wow! What a communicator. What a friend we have in Jesus. 5. "I Chose You" (vs. 16) And we weren't chosen last. We weren't the only choice He had left. He made deliberate decisions about us. Eph. 1:4-6; 2 Thess. 2:14
"How To Handle Pettiness In Others" JOHN 15:18-25 SIX PRINCIPLES TO RAISE YOU OUT OF A WORLD OF HURT
The ultimate ground of the world’s hatred and pettiness is an ignorance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know people who’s main business is "SMALLNESS?" Do you know people who deal in the trifling? Are you ever in the company of those who insult you, belittle you, embarrass you? Ever bump into those who nit-pick, put down, or nag you on a continuous basis? This sermon is for you friend. Most people do not want you to succeed. Believe it. Some take an almost Satanic delight in seeing you fail and will try their level best to drag you down to their plane. Believe it. They will belittle you on a personal basis and even resort to a character assassination.. They regard for neither God nor man. Story of Nobel Peace Prize Winner.
1. You win when you refuse to fight. Matthew 27:39-44 Abraham Lincoln said "when you fight a skunk, you lose even when you win." Story of skunk. In the 1960’s, a Midwestern high-school principal ran for Congress. Rumor had it that he had had an affair with one of the young women teachers at the convention. The more he tried to clear himself the more he convinced voters of his guilt. The first reaction of many of us is to get the record straight. Remember that there are three degrees of civilized man: (1) The under-civilized - Ape like - fights with their fist. (2) The average -civilized - one who fights with his tongue. (3) The truly intelligent - the one who ignores it. See Matt. 7:6 2. Learn to laugh away criticisms. No one enjoys criticism. F.D.R. was the most hated and the most loved man (at the same time) in history. When you merely mentioned his name you had to duck or pucker, some one would punch or kiss you. But he constantly made more friends than enemies. 1n 1940, as he prepared for his unprecedented third term as President of the United States of America, there was an unparalleled smear campaign against him. He said, "I am very distressed at these accusations, Eleanor (his wife) is upset, but my dog Falla is pretty darn mad." When you are big enough to take pot shots at, you are growing.
3. Make friends with your enemy. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Luke 6:26-29 "Woe [to you] when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets. "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Matthew 5:25 "Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, in order that your opponent may not deliver you to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
4. Learn to ignore the pettiness, in others. Acts 14:19,20 Some people delight in picking on you. They especially enjoy ridiculing the unfortunate and unloved masses. Lots of young people are severely and emotionally hurt for life. Words like nurds, speds, retards, etc. still surface in daily conversations, even in a "Politically Correct Age."
5. Be glad when you are criticized. James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when [men] cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. 12 "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Peanut farmers, jailbirds and hermits are never criticized for making it big. The President is always the very brunt of every joke, it seems. The bigger the job, the bigger the critic. Those on the bottom of life's totum-pole will not be criticized. Most people chase a leader. Growth makes you a bigger target. You should be unhappy and worry if you are not being criticized.
6. When you are wrong, admit it. Don't try to lie or cover it up. Acts 22:4-5 "And I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brethren, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. A. Relate the story of Pickett’s charge. B. When young Ted Kennedy ran for U.S. Senate it was discovered that he was expelled for cheating on an exam at Harvard University. He simply said, "I am sorry, I have no defense." This simple confession won him the election. How can you fight a man who admits he is wrong and admits he made a mistake? (1) He humanized himself. (2) It won him sympathy. (3) People thought he was honest by admitting that he was wrong. C. A certain man was attacked and accused for something that he did not do. He said "that’s OK, I’ve done a whole lot of things that I’ve never been accused of doing." Why do people go out of their way to attack you? Why would people rather climb a tree and tell a lie than stand on level ground and tell the truth about you? What possible good could come from constantly criticizing some one else? They are totally dissatisfied with themselves. They are unhappy. Perhaps bad marriages, bad jobs, or totally unconverted which make them dishonest with themselves as well as others. CONCLUSION "You will never get ahead by knocking others down. The more dirt you throw, the more ground you lose. Cutting 6 inches off another’s height will not add one inch to yours." These principles are a vaccine against a psychological virus called pettiness, but will not cure those afflicted with the disease. Only the blood of Jesus takes care of the remedy. The vast majority of people are petty (small, nit-pickers who embarrass others). Only a few are God’s leaders and a head taller than all the rest. They will not engage PETTINESS.
" THE HOLY OF HOLIES" JOHN 17 "THE HIGH PRIESTLY, INTERCESSORY PRAYER OF CHRIST JESUS"
1. CHRIST PRAYS FOR HIMSELF. 17:1-5
A. To be glorified in the cross.
B. To be glorified in revealing God to man. Heb. 8:11
C. To be glorified with former glory. Phil. 2:6-7.
2. CHRIST PRAYS FOR HIS DISCIPLES. 17:6-19
A. That what He taught them should end in His glorification.
B. That they may have His joy fulfilled in them by remaining in His name. Heb. 12:2
C. That they may be sent into the world by being sanctified in truth. John 8:31-32 a. Not as isolationists (vs. 15). b. Not as conformists (vs. 16). c. But separated from sinners and yet friends of them (vs. 17).
See Heb. 7:26; Matt 11:19 d. And on a mission (vs. 18). 3. CHRIST PRAYS FOR ALL BELIEVERS. 17:20-26
A. That they may be one. Rom. 10:17
B. That they may have His glory. 2 Cor. 3:18
C. That they may have the love of the Father. Col. 3:14
THOSE PRECIOUS GIFTS FROM THE HIGH PRIEST
JOHN 17
Verses 8, 14 - The Words of the Lord Verse 13 - Joy of the Lord Verses 14, 24 - God’s Heaven Verses 17, 19 - Sanctification of the Soul Verse 18 - Mission and Message Verse 21 - Unity of all Believers Verse 22 - Glory and Honor Verses 23, 26 - Love of God Verses 25, 8 - Knowledge of God Verse 26 - Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
what happened in Gethsemane
John 18:1-11
1. Satan planned a mighty coup - He recruited muscle from each significant group in the drama - Romans, Jews, Apostles. a. "Group of soldiers" Word used indicates a minimum of 200 b. "some guards" Temple police - the finest the Jews had c. "Judas" one of Jesus' own
2. Satan had every base covered and Jesus had no route to escape. 3. Jesus had no desire to run - He had not come to the garden to retreat - What the guard found was no coward but rather a conqueror. 4. These approach and yet standing close do not recognize Jesus. a. When He reveals himself - all the guard fall down - like dominos - The finest in the land fall at a word from the Savior b. Don't miss the symbolism here - "When Jesus speaks Satan falls"
5. Jesus again asks "Whom do you seek" When they answer he says, "If it is me then let the others go." 6. Here Satan has entered another Garden - but here God stands and Satan doesn't have a prayer. 7. Lessons from the garden. a. Satan falls in the presence of Christ b. Satan is silent in the proclamation of Christ - can only speak when invited - before Christ Satan has nothing to say c. Satan is powerless against the protection of Christ - Jesus protected those with Him and continues to do the same d. When Jesus says he will keep you safe - He means it. Hell will have to get through Him to get to you.
THE TRIAL BEFORE ANNAS JOHN 18:12-14, 19-24
I. HE CALMLY SURRENDERS (V. 12). A. They, the entire multitude, seized Him. B. They bound the Son of God? Hardly! 1. This shows the spite of Him persecutors. 2. Before they bound Him, He bound Himself to the will of God.
II. THEY LEAD HIM AWAY TO ANNAS FIRST (V. 13). A. They led Him away in triumph as a trophy of their victory. B. They led Him away to their masters who sent them. C. They led Him to Annas first.
III. ANNAS WANTS A LOOK-SEE AT THIS BRAZEN RABBI. A. The power of Caiaphas intimated (v. 13). B. The malice of Caiaphas intimated (v. 14). C. The agreement of Annas in the prosecution of Christ. 1. With the captain and the officers. 2. With the chief priest and the council.
IV. ANNAS BEGINS TO ACCUSE JESUS (v. 19). A. The articles upon which Christ was examined. 1. It was against the Law. 2. They tried to get Jesus to testify against Himself. a. Concerning His disciples. b. Concerning His teaching. B. Christ makes His appeal (v. 20-21). 1. He charges His judges with illegal proceedings. 2. He insists that He was fare and open with the publication of His doctrine. a. As to the manner of His preaching. b. As to the persons He preached to. c. As to the places He preached in. d. As to the doctrine itself (Matt. 10:27). 3. He appeals to those who heard Him, perhaps the officers who arrested Him (John. 7:42, 46).
V. THE SERVANTS BEGIN TO ABUSE HIM (v. 22-23). A. An insolent fellow affronts Jesus. 1. He struck Him. 2. He checked Him in a haughty manner. B. Christ receives this affront with the utmost anger. 1. Notice the phrase "Is that the WAY" in verse 22. Jesus spoke so they could hear!!
THE FIRST TRIAL BEFORE PILATE John 18:28-40 Matt. 27:2, 11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5
I. THE CONFERENCE WITH THE PROSECUTORS (vs. 29-32). A. The judge (Pilate, the embodiment of the Roman Empire) calls for the indictment (v. 29). 1. He is diligent and pays close attention to business (Luke 3:1; 13:1). 2. He goes out to the people. 3. He demands the accusation. B. The prosecutors demand judgment simply because they think He is a criminal (v. 30). 1. They were very rude and uncivil to Pilate. 2. They were very spiteful and malicious toward our Lord. 3. They were very proud and conceited toward themselves. C. The judge remands (sends back) Him to their own court (v. 31). 1. This may mean that Pilate is acknowledging their system of Law. 2. Still others think he is simply make light of the whole affair. D. The Jews disown any authority as judges (v. 31) 1. First, Jesus said that He would be delivered to the Gentiles (Matt. 20:19). 2. Second, He said that He would be crucified (Matt. 20:19).
II. THE CONFERENCE WITH THE PRISONER (vs. 33-39). A. The prisoner set to the bar (v. 33). B. His examination. 1. They put a question to him so as to accuse Him. 2. Christ responds with a two part question in order to make Pilate think. a. "Are you saying this on your own initiative..." b. "... did others tell you about Me?" C. Pilate resents Jesus’ answer and takes it very unfavorably (v. 35). D. Christ explains in His next answer that He indeed is a King (v. 36). 1. He accounts for the nature and constitution of Christ’s kingdom. 2. He bears evidence of the nature of the kingdom (v. 36). 3. This is the "Good Confession" of 1 Timothy 6:13. E. As Pilate persists in His query, Christ replies more directly (v. 37). See Matt. 2:2; John 1:49. F. Then Pilate puts a good question to Him, but doesn’t stay for the answer (v. 38; Jn. 8:47; 1 Jn. 4:6).
III. THE RESULT OF THESE CONFERENCES (vs. 38-40). A. The judge appeared His friend. 1. He publicly declared Him innocent (v. 38). a. For the justification and honor of the Lord Jesus Christ. b. This explained the design and intention of His death, a sacrifice, pure and simple. c. This also aggravated the sin of the Jews. 2. He proposed a way out for everyone involved (v. 39). B. The people appeared His enemies (v. 40). 1. Barabbas was a breaker of the law and yet was spared. 2. He was an enemy of public safety and personal property and yet was released.
PILATE’S QUESTION REVISITED "What is truth?" John 18:37-38
I. WHAT IS TRUTH? WHAT IT IS NOT! A. The truth is not ... words to escape punishment. Exod. 20:16 B. The truth is not... exaggeration to refine yourself. Acts 5:8-11 C. The truth is not... revenge. Pro. 24:17; Rom. 12:17 D. The truth is not... slander. Psalm 15:1-3 E. The truth is not... silence. Ezek. 33:6 F. The truth is not... Tolerance. 1 Cor. 5:1-2
II. WHAT IS TRUTH?... THE OPPOSITE OF A LIE. A. So what is lying?... SOMETHING GOD HATES. Pro. 6:16-19 B. So what is lying?... SOMETHING INITIATED BY SATAN. John 8:44 C. So what is lying?... SOMETHING ILLUSTRATING LOSTNESS. Rev. 21:8; 22:15
III. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF LYING? A. Results of lying... GOD HATES YOU. Pro. 6:16-19 B. Results of lying... GOD WILL NOT HEAR US. Isa. 59:1-2 C. Results of lying... PEOPLE LOSE RESPECT FOR YOU. Pro. 12:19
IV. WHAT IS TRUTH... A CLEANSING FORCE. Psalm 51:6-13 A. We are cleansed in... learning the truth. B. We are cleansed in... LOVING THE TRUTH. C. We are cleansed in... LIVING THE TRUTH.
JESUS CONDEMNED John 19:1-18 (Ill. There were several groups that were involved in the rejection and the condemnation of the King on that infamous and awful day. Let's take a moment to consider those directly involved in the death of the King of kings.)
government.
at the foot of the cross John 19:17ff A. At the foot of the cross were representative peoples of all forms of life. vss. 17-22, 31 1. Jews, Priests, scribes, rulers, soldiers, and two thieves blasphemed, mocked, sneered, and abused the ears of our Lord. Mark 15:23-32; Luke 23:35-39 2. Three phrases were repeated over again. a. One by Jesus -- "Father forgive them." b. One thief cried, "Save us from the cross." c. The other requested, "Remember me."
B. At the foot of the cross were the soldiers. vss. 23-25, 32-34 1. Sandals, girdle, outer robe, and head dress were divided equality, but His tunic was gambled away. 2. "They sat and watched Him there." Matt. 27:36 3. 332 distinct prophecies were fulfilled. The odds? 1/84 x 1097
C. At the foot of the cross were the women. vs. 25 1. (See also Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40) 2. The four women were: Our Lord’s mother, her sister Salome, Mary the wife of Clopas (Alphaeus), and Mary Magdalene.
D. At the foot of the cross was the Apostle John. vss. 26, 27, 35-37 1. Mary may have remembered the words of Simeon. Luke 2:35 2. John is the Apostle whom Jesus loved. John 13:23
E. At the foot of the cross were Joseph and Nicodemus. vss. 38-42 1. "I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one has taken it from me, but I lay it down on my own initiative." John 10:17-18
Seven Things Jesus Said On The Cross A. Luke 23:34. But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 1. This is a demonstration of the greatest of LOVE and MERCY. 2. When we face somebody that hates us, mocks us, or hurts us, it is hard to think well of them or wish them well. 3. Jesus had faced the most cruel and base of human conduct... a) Cruelty (the crown of thorns, mockery, scourging). b) Injustice (They tried and convicted him with false witnesses). c) Cowardice (they came and took him by night--They feared Him before but now would mock Him) 4. Still, despite all this, he wanted good for them. a) This is what Paul says we must do-- overcome evil with good. See Romans 12:19-21. b) Jesus' motive and purpose (to save the lost) was never changed by seeing the evil side of men. c) His purity of thought and holiness of purpose were never tainted or destroyed by thoughts of hatred, vengeance, etc. d) We are to follow Christ in this: 1) Strength to disregard the evil of others when deciding whether we want to wish them well. 2) Wisdom to look above the worst that men can do and know the best they are capable of being. 3) Love enough to be willing to forgive the worst of crimes against our person.
B. John 19:26-27. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her into his own [household.] 1. It is thought that the unnamed disciple is John. 2. The purpose of this seems to have been a PROVISION for her, for her living after Jesus was gone. 3. This shows that children have a RESPONSIBILITY to their parents. Eph. 6:2. 4. We can learn to be more unselfish and think less about ourselves and more about the parents we OWE SO MUCH. 5. We might use as an excuse "difficult times"-- "no time", etc. Are we having it harder than Jesus ON THE CROSS? And yet He didn't forget!!!
C. Luke 23:43. And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." 1. Some point to this as an example of forgiveness without baptism which makes them think baptism isn't needed for salvation . 2. Not only was this salvation without BAPTISM, it was salvation without BLOOD because Jesus hadn't yet shed His life's blood. 3. The thief was saved under a completely different system of forgiveness--a different requirement-- than we have today. He was saved under the Law of Moses. 4. This statement also shows us what Jesus KNEW ABOUT DEATH. a) Death is NOT a complete ceasing of existence. b) Death is NOT an experience of peace and bliss for everybody (Paradise was only one part-- there was a place of torments as well. Luke 16:22-30). c) Everyone will LIVE EVEN AFTER DEATH. (John 5: 28-29). d) DEATH would not be a SLEEP because it would be PARADISE where they were going-- How can you enjoy a PARADISE when you are asleep? e) Jesus assured the thief of the reality of a place where they would be immediately after death. 5. This gives us HOPE in death and KNOWLEDGE that we may someday go to this paradise if we are faithful in this life to Him. 6. This shows Jesus went to Hades to paradise but NOT to HEAVEN when He died.. (Acts 2:25-30).
D. Matthew 27:46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" See Psalm 22:1 1. Jesus hung there WITHOUT HELP at that moment-- The Father forsook Him because He bore the sins of mankind... a) (1 Pet. 2:23-25) He bore our sins in His own body on the tree... b) God cannot look upon sin (Hab. 1:12-13). c) His face is against the evildoer (1 Pet. 3:12). 2. This may have been one of the hardest things for Jesus to face as he saw the cross looming before Him.-- isolation from the Father-- the closest loved one. A close family member had suddenly become an enemy. 3. Remember that he suffered such a rejection so that We could be acceptable to God through Him.
E. John 19:28. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty." 1. We sometimes see Him as "superhuman", somehow not really touched by emotions, fears, doubts, temptations like we are. (Heb. 4:15) 2. This statement should remind us of how terrible the cross must have been physically to bear.--He was dying, and he was thirsty as he lost blood, body fluids...
F. John 19:30. When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. 1. We have the literal meaning, "it is finished", but the original Greek phrase meant much more (Matt. 27:50... loud voice). 2. This could very well mean a "shout of victory" 3. Jesus had won! He had conquered his fears, his aversion to shame and sorrow, and had been a winner over pain, humiliation, and the hatred of men. He had won the victory for OUR SOULS!
G. Luke 23:46. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit." And having said this, He breathed His last. 1. He was going to be with the Father shortly. 2. He could not have been really sad about all that. 3. We can have the hope of someday being with God. a) (John 14:1-3) He goes to prepare a place. b) (1 Thess. 4:13-14) Asleep in Jesus-- they will be brought WITH HIM. c) This hope can strengthen and sustain us day by day. (1 Thess. 1:9-10) They were taught to wait for Jesus from Heaven...
CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS... KING OF THE JEWS John 19:17-42 I. THE ACT OF CRUCIFIXION (17-18). A. The crucifixion was mentioned in as few words as possible since John’s hearers new it well. B. "The place of the scull" was in Hebrew, Golgotha and in Latin, Calvaria (Calvary). C. It was the custom of the Romans to force the condemned to carry the cross piece or patibulum. D. Our Lord was treated like a common criminal. Isa. 53:12 "And was numbered with the transgressors."
II. THE PLACING OF THE TITLE (TITULUS) ON THE CROSS (19-22). A. The notice read: "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." B. The divine providence of God would not allow Pilate to alter his statement for the chief priests. 1. The inscription hung over the head of the crucified to inform the people of the reason for death. 2. Second, it was an ironic statement of truth. 3. Greek was the language of literature. Latin was that of law and power. Hebrew was rebellion.
III. THE DIVISION OF THE GARMENTS (23-24). A. Four soldiers divided up the clothing four ways. The head dress, shoes, toga and belt included the 4. B. The seamless tunic was another matter. Only the high priest could wear it: Annas, Caiphas & Jesus. C. Psalms 22:18. "They divided My outer garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots."
IV. THE PROVISION FOR JESUS’ MOTHER (25-27). A. We see with out doubt, the women as they play a vital part in comforting our Lord in His last hours. B. Family obligations are discharged here. His Mother is cared for at the hour of the death of Jesus.
V. THE FINAL CRIES FROM THE CROSS (28-30). A. "I thirst" speaks to the human suffering of our Lord. Ps. 69:21. "And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." B. "It is finished;" More than any other aspect of this is that of His mission to seek and save the lost.
VI. THE LEGS BROKEN AND THE PIERCING WITH THE SPEAR (31-37) A. John is the only gospel that includes these two events. B. To leave the bodies on the crosses would breach Mosaic Law and defile the Passover. C. According to Roman law, all victims legs (femurs) were broken with iron sledges before removal. 1. Shock and almost immediate death would occur to the victim of crucifragrum (leg breaking ). 2. Our Lord, however, was already dead. Those highly trained soldiers would know that, certainly. a) They broke not His legs but they pierced Him through with a Roman spear. b) Water and blood came probably from the right side of the Lord of glory. 1 John 5:6-8.
VII. BELIEF VERSES UNBELIEF. A. Each and every one of us who have participated in this study must make the decision of absolute belief or total unbelief. Our belief will insist on obedience to the commands of Jesus while our unbelief will cause us to remain pretty much the way we found Jesus on the cross, just another crucified Jew.
MAN ALIVE! THE EMPTY TOMB; GOD WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE. JOHN 19: 38-20:10 INTRODUCTION: ALL OF GOD WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE. GOD THE FATHER WAS THERE: ACTS 2:24 GOD THE SON WAS THERE: JOHN 2:19 GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS THERE: ROMANS 8:11 1. THE SEPULCHER. John 19:41. A. Tomb which Abraham purchased. Acts 7:16 B. David's tomb. Acts 2:29 C. Bodies of mystical Jerusalem will not be permitted to be laid in a tomb. Rev. 11:9 D. "They took Jesus down from the cross & laid Him in a tomb. Acts 13:29
2. THE STONE. John 20:1. A. Was rolled away (kulio). Matt. 27: 60. To roll. B. Was rolled upward (anakulio). Mark 16:3-4. C. Was rolled away from (apokulio). Luke 24:2. D. Was levitated (airo). John 20:1.
3. THE SLAB. John 20:6-8. A. 12" swaddling band wrappings layered with myrrh and aloes powder which got sticky. John 19:39,40. B. Face-cloth or a skull cap or twisted twirled turban. John 20:7. C. John believed. What? Romans 10:17.
4. THE SAVIOR. Matt. 28:6-7. A. His resurrection was the first event of its kind and entitles Him to have pre-eminence or first place or supremacy in everything. Col 1:18. B. Other resurrection events in the Bible.
1. Elijah restores widow's son. 1Kings 17:17ff 2. Elisha restores Shunamite's son. 2 Kings 4:29-37. 3. Elisha's bones touch another's dead body. 2 Kings 13:20-21. 4. Jesus resurrects Lazarus. John 11:17-29 5. Old Testament Saint's bodies were raised. Matt. 27:52-53. 6. Peter raises Dorcas. Acts 9:40. 7. Paul raises Eutychus. Acts 20:10. C. There were seven other incidents of resurrection in the bible, but none like this one. Romans 6:9; Rev. 1: 17-18; 1 Peter 1:3.
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