Sermon Nugget Weds May 14, 2008
Theme- Calling for a Decision
Verses-John 7:40-52 On hearing his words, some of the people said, "Surely this man is the Prophet." Others said, "He is the Christ." Still others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?"
Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him. Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, "Why didn't you bring him in?"
46 "No one ever spoke the way this man does," the guards declared.
47 "You mean he has deceived you also?" the Pharisees retorted.
48 "Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law-- there is a curse on them."
50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, "Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?"
52 They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee."
Expressing Concerns
It seems to me that the presidential race has developed into something it has never been before-an agonizing marathon. Each year as we get closer to elections I am already so tired of TV ads, commentaries on TV, talk shows on the radio, letters to the editor, lawn signs, telephone solicitations and the like. When asked about my choice for President almost a year ago I said that I don’t get involved until April because that is about all I can take of endless bantering of opinions and by April there will be a clearer choice of candidates since most have been eliminated in the last 12 months.
What do other people think? They are expressing their concerns, their opinions, and their biases. This is an important part of how we make decisions.
Jesus made claims that were words like a bombshell on the crowd. No wonder there was tremendous controversy as he was symbolically and verbally telling them the Messiah was here. "God, save us", was their prayer and that was what Jesus had come to do. People start arguing and choosing sides. "He is the prophet." "No he is the Christ" "No it is impossible for him to be the Christ. He wasn't from the right town."
Jesus often brought controversy. He even told us in Matt. 10:34-36:" Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in law- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household."
Those who thought Jesus was the prophet thought He was to prepare the people for the true Messiah. Since John the Baptist was dead they wondered if this was the one who was to come. Many reasoned He could not be the Messiah himself. He didn't fit the image.
"No" said some, "He is the Messiah". He is more than a good man, or a wise man, he is the one sent from God". But most of the world would not follow Him. Many believed, but still did not follow. That is true today too isn't it. Many will know the truth of Jesus believe Him to be the Son of God, died for sins, buried, resurrected, and coming again, but never committed their life to Him and are still lost in their sins.
There are many ideas as to who Jesus was. Indeed that is a natural and normal concern. People also want to know what are others saying.
Sometimes where there is a resolution on the floor of the Baptist General Conference I am interested in what others have to say because I have not studied the ramafications of each ammendment as some have. What appears to me to say one thing on the surface often has different interpretations that aren’t seen until they are pointed out by other people’s concerns. Many times the resolution is clarified, or voted down.
When it comes to who Jesus is and what does this mean in my life, many people desire to weigh the issues out and listen to others share their thoughts about their experience of accepting Jesus to be their savior, or what they think of the Christ.
If you were part of the crowd, what would you say? Your words about Jesus are listened to if you express them. You actions are watched about what you believe. You are a witness to the cause. Think and pray about that today.
Pastor Dale.
