#190
I. Jesus enters the synagogue to teach and minister. Vs. 1
Introduction: Today another miracle by Jesus and another time of accusations from the scribes and Pharisees, along with the Herodians. Jesus was getting more and more popular with the multitudes and less and less with the religious leaders.
A. Jesus was confronted by a man witli a withered hand.
II. Regardless of the opposition, Jesus continued to minister. Vs. 10
1. Would He heal on the Sabbath? Vs. 2
B. Jesus poses a question to the religious. Vs. 4
2. If so, it would be an opportunity to accuse Jesus.
3. The action of true religion, "stand forth"
I. Strange, it is hard to condemn someone when what they do is right
C. Here is an example for us:
2. Anger with grief was the feeling Jesus had. Vs. 5
3. "Stretch forth thine hand" and it was restored.
I. There is a thne when anger is appropriate, is to be controlled.
2. Jesus was angered because of the hardness of heart.
3. Jesus was grieved because of their unbelief and closed minds.
4. Those who remained obstinate in unbelief despite the evidence.
5. They were unable to accept change. Vs. 6.
A. Jesus cast out devils. Vs. 11
III. Again, the religious leaders came to examine and condemn.
1. Even the evil spirits knew Jesus was the Son of God.
2. At this time He ordained the twelve disciples. Vs. 13-14
The object was to send them out two by two.
3. Multitudes came to hear Him and to be healed.
a. No time for Himself
b. He was accused of being 'beside Himself', lost His balance, insane
A. Jesus was accused of casting out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils. Vs. 22.
IV. The difference between "family and family".
I. His response: Vs. 23-30, Matthew 12:31-32, 37.
2. Blasphemous words against the Holy Spirit are unforgiven.
a. All sins are unforgiven except this one sin.
3. Words, the tongue, are extremely important; they determine a man's destiny. Matthew 12:37
b. Unforgiven in this world.
c. Unforgiven in the next world.
4. This is a �tongue sin� that is unpardonable. James 3:~9
a. This is a sin against the Holy Spirit.
5. Man may go on and on.
b. There is one simple reason given in Scripture. John 16:8-11
c. One word, conviction, what a man sees, feels, or hears about God's goodness and love.
d. Man's own need to surrender to God.
a. Insisting on his own way.
6. Man becomes so hardened he does not recognize God's truth and goodness.
b. Refusing to acknowledge God and surrender his life to God.
c. Choosing to be blind to what he sees, hears, and feels.
a. He reaches a point of hardness where lie no longer sees or feels God, or hears God.
7. Here is what the unpardonable sin is in simple terms.
b. This man has blasphemed God's Spirit, which is unforgivable.
a. It is stubborn rejection, stiff-necked refusal, and obstinate unbelief of the Holy Spirit.
b. This results in a dead spirit and a rooted malice.
c. One becomes determined NOT to trust God.
d. This is to deprive a person of eternal salvation.
A. His mother and brothers came to take Him home because He was beside Himself.
Conclusion: Are we going to stand for "True Religion" as Jesus did? Will be willing to forsake all to do God's will in our life? The most important decision we will ever make is to follow Jesus no matter what the cost. Will ministering to the oppressed, healing the sick, casting out devils effect your relationship with religion? If so, it is time to reevaluate your position in Christ Jesus.
1. They did not come in themselves, but sent word by others that they were there.
2. Jesus response: Vs 31-35.
3. Every born again person becomes part of the family of God.
4. Being part of the Family of God is more important than family.