Jesus and Self-righteousness

Jesus and Self-righteousness!         

Watch the sermon online.

Matthew 12:1-14         1-17-21

Bottom Line: It does no good to be doctrinally correct but spiritually detached from God.

Introduction:

 A. A good question to ask after the Lord’s Supper: What was the crucifixion to all those who were there?

   1. To Pilate and the Romans – politics & punishment!

   2. To the crowd – entertainment, maybe extra money

   3. To the apostles – shock, lost hope & dreams, fear

   4. To Mary – the death of her son given by God

   5. To the two thieves – one ridiculed, one Paradise

   6. To the Pharisees – murder (called an expediency)

 B. How did disagreeing turn into a plot to commit murder? Unfolded over the past 3 and a half years.

   1. From questions to accusing, Mt.12:10

   2. From accusing to planning to kill him, 12:14

 C. Let’s look at what brought about the change.

   1. It began with them accusing his disciples of braking the law by picking some grain to eat.

   2. Jesus didn’t just respond, he rebuked them…

1. You have mishandled the Law!  12:1-4

 A. Irony? They were critics rather than host!

   1. No compassion or hospitality – traditionally expected

   2. They were following: Sabbath days journey = 1100 meters

 B. David’s actions not condemned by scripture just their regulations! The need was greater!

 C. Grain picking? Allowed, Deut.23:25, Sabbath rest was about reaping and tools not snacking

*Imagine: arguing & dividing over things not even true!

2. You are hypocritical in your application of the law!     12:5-6

 A. Priests in the temple violate the Sabbath every week!

   *But they are priests and it’s the Temple!

 B. One greater than the Temple is here!

 C. Jesus is greater than rituals, ceremonies, & traditions

3. You miss the heart of what God wants! 12:7

 A. Hosea 6:6, Mercy over sacrifice! Love over law!

 B. Never grasped the preeminence of love!

 C. God cares about hearts! Spirit over legalism!

4. You don’t understand Son over Sabbath! 12:8

 A. Son of Man = David’s son = Messiah! Missed it!

 B. The Sabbath is only a tool to grow not an excuse for intolerance! Not unlike doctrinal correctness…

 C. Being like Jesus always transcends rules & laws!

5. Your inconsistency reveals your character! 12:9-12

 A. Rescue a sheep but not show compassion?

 B. Love = people over sheep or Sabbath!

 C. Good & compassion always more important than the Law! Example, vs.13! Character revealed, vs.14

Conclusion:

A. Harry in Deathly Hollows – “Are you sure you really know Albus Dumbledore?” At wedding & brother’s house

B. The Pharisees didn’t know Jesus because they really didn’t know God!  What does this tell us about Jesus?

   1. Careful about law over compassion; 2. Judging others

   3. Love always over law!  4. Jesus Lord over all!

C. No surprises to those who truly know him.

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Bible Study for Sunday, January 17, 2021

A Jesus Study: Matthew 12:1-14

1.  As you think about the cast of characters surrounding the crucifixion story, how did their perspectives vary?

2.  Were the Pharisees guilty of murder? Why? How?

3.  What did Jesus do to make them want to kill him?

4.  What is ironic about them accusing visitors of violating the Sabbath by picking some grains to eat?

5.  Why did Jesus use David as an example? What did it prove?

6.  The Priests working in the Temple on the Sabbath was acceptable because it was in the Temple. What did Jesus tell them about himself?

7.  Why did Jesus challenge them with a quote from Hosea? What point was he making?

8.  What does it mean to you that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath? What is the lesson? How do we apply it?

9.  When is doing good or showing compassion more important than the law?

10. What does this encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees tell us about what is important to Jesus?