Sermon Recap (24th February 2013)

Jesus Responds to Oppositions - Matthew 12:22-50           

Pr. Abel Phillips

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Jesus stands opposed to the Pharisees & Religious Teachers, excessive legalism in their interpretation of the Law, emphasizing that God desires instead works, mercy and a contrite and repentant heart. 

1. The Charge of Blasphemy Mt 12:22-25

2.  Insulting the Holy Spirit

a.      According to Luke 4:18 the Holy Spirit was the help for Jesus in his earthly messianic ministry. To speak against the Holy Spirit in this context of Jesus’ ministry was to cut oneself off from that ministry.

b.     This sin, in context, had reference to the Pharisees and those who listened to them during the earthly life of Jesus. The Pharisees were condemning themselves.

The unpardonable sin is committed by a person who experiences proof that God is active and argues that such action was done by the devil. The Pharisees, having witnessed irrefutable proof that Jesus was working miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, claimed instead that He was possessed by the demon Beelzebub

3. Sign of Jonah - The resurrection stands as the supreme sign in all of history that speaks to the truthfulness of Christ’s preaching.

4. Jesus’ Family Mt 12:46-50 …replied that His followers were His family - His first priority was to the people who had made a commitment to follow Him

Ø  2 Tim 3:12 – Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Ø  Matt 5:44- But, I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Principles:

v  In God’s Kingdom, compassion & mercy are higher priorities than keeping the rules.

v  The King is humble, gentle servant to his subjects, not a harsh overlord. He gives hope and victory to all who will trust him.

v  For person who is stubbornly set against Jesus, no evidence will change his or her heart.

Application:

ü  Never allow pride to take root in our lives.

ü  Exercise humility towards other.

ü  In everything, acknowledge and trust Jesus, the Messiah-King. Allow the Holy Spirit in our day to day Christian Living, in evangelism, teaching and do not quench or grieve the Holy Spirit.