Tough Stuff from Jesus (13)

Tough Stuff from Jesus (13) 6-27-21

Bottom Line: There is no obedience without respect for everything Jesus commands us to do.

Introduction:

A. “Anywhere with Jesus” challenge! Sample ideas.

B. “I went by the house I grew up in and asked if I could go in and look around. They said no and slammed the door! My parents can be so rude.”

C. Parenting has changed a lot over the years…

1. I was home alone, wondered, hiked, visited friends, rode bus to downtown Washington at 8 or 9, etc.

2. I went off to school and lived in a dorm at 13!

D. I learned not to complain about my teacher to my mom!

E. Things Moms use to say that all kids ignored! (READERS)

1. All are old, most illogical, and some illegal today!

2. Raise your hand w/ each if you ever heard it!

F. Tough stuff from Mom, but usually ignored and now it’s laughed at.

1. Why? It was just Mom being frustrated!

2. Ignored until you heard your full name…

1.Why is tough stuff from Jesus ignored or uncompelling?

A. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

B. We don’t intentionally minimize or ignore Jesus, but…

C. The main reasons why…

1. It is super familiar: repetition often waters things down

2. It is super spiritual: the struggle to understand & apply

3. It is super symbolic: ignore as only good literature

2. We can’t afford to disrespect the challenges from Jesus!

A. We dare not forget why we obey – love!

B. We dare not trivialize his message – he is his message!

C. Two tough messages from Jesus:

1. Matthew 16:24 So familiar but so important

* Deny self = There are things to say “No” to

* Take up your cross = There are things to sacrifice

* Follow me = There are things to learn

2. Matthew 22:34-40 This is the greatest command!

* Greatest means nothing more important

* Greatest means no other doctrine or belief is higher

* Greatest means it is the goal for our walk w/ God

Conclusion:

A. In John 20, Mary is at the Garden looking for Jesus – confused, hurt, and worried.

B. Talks w/ the gardener about Jesus – didn’t know who he was, asked questions, then he said her name!

C. When Mom said your full name you paid attention and obeyed. Jesus says your full name every time he calls on us to obey him.

* “__________ if you want to follow me…”

* “__________, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

* “__________, Repent and be baptized…”