Audio will be posted on April 26.
The Authority of Jesus
Matthew 23-32
1. Setting
• preceded by Triumphal Entry, Cleansing of Temple, Cursing of Fig Tree (21:1-20)
2. Questions Posed about Authority 23-27
• deliberate confrontation by chief priests and elders
• credential check as Jesus is teaching in the temple
• the “what” and “who” behind “these things”
• Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist
• caught on the horns of a dilemma
• exposure of incompetence
• credential check as Jesus is teaching in the temple
• the “what” and “who” behind “these things”
• Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist
• caught on the horns of a dilemma
• exposure of incompetence
3. Consequences Pictured with a Parable 28-32
• castigation of those who’ve heard John the Baptist
• put on your “thinking caps” about two sons
• promise, performance and the will of the Father
• priority of tax collectors and prostitutes
• religious refusal to submit to ultimate authority
• put on your “thinking caps” about two sons
• promise, performance and the will of the Father
• priority of tax collectors and prostitutes
• religious refusal to submit to ultimate authority
4. So What?
• Because the question of authority is settled, submit to Jesus completely.
• “Our response to Jesus’ authority is a spiritual diagnostic.” (L. Duncan)
• “In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my ransomed soul shall find rest beyond the river.” (F. Crosby, “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”)
• “Our response to Jesus’ authority is a spiritual diagnostic.” (L. Duncan)
• “In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my ransomed soul shall find rest beyond the river.” (F. Crosby, “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”)
5. The Master’s Response 13-16
• doing you no wrong
• begrudge my generosity?
• begrudge my generosity?
6. So What?
• When you rest in God’s authority and integrity, you rejoice in His grace to the undeserving.
• Recognize God’s authority. Rely on His integrity. Rejoice in His grace. “Grace So Amazing”
• Recognize God’s authority. Rely on His integrity. Rejoice in His grace. “Grace So Amazing”