Why following Jesus must replace religion?
Matt.11:28-29
A. Religious men resort to physical violence rather than normal logic!
1. Jn.8:58-59à "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
a. Jesus said: “Before Abraham was born, I am!”
b. Jesus slipping away from the temple grounds.
c. According to what they said, temple and its grounds are holy place!
In such a holy place they could pick up stone to stone such a good man!
d. Jesus did not use violent force to destroy them! Jesus has the power!
2. Their ignorance in their own scriptures!
a. Heb.7:5-10à The law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people--
their brothers—- even though their brothers are descended from Abraham. …
One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham,
Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
b. Jn.10:34-37à Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law,`I have said you are gods'? If he called them `gods,'
to whom the word of God came-- and the Scripture cannot be broken--
what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?
Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, `I am God's Son'?
Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles,
that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."
B. Demon-possessed men resort to violence! Matt.8:28
When Jesus arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him.
They were so violent that no one could pass that way.
C. The more devoted, the more violent they become!
1. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and
unbelief. 1 Tim.1:13
2. The more devoted, the more gentle they become!
1 Tim.3:1-3--> Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,
able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
3. Eph.4:1-2 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
D. Religious men always resort to physical violence! Acts 21:17-22:26
1. When Paul and brothers arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers received them warmly! Acts 21:17
2. James and all the elders praised God for what they did. Acts 21:18-20
3. Religious men twisted the truth and resort to physical violence: They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him. 21:27
While they were trying to kill him. 21:31-32
The rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
Acts 22:21-22--> "Then the Lord said to me, `Go; I will send you far away tothe Gentiles.'"
The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. They raised their voices and shouted,
"Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!"
E. Let us all follow Jesus and the world may have gentleness and peace!
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matt.11:28-29.
May the LOrd bless you and keep you always! Preach on June 6, 2010.