Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:24-29
Jesus the Preacher
Intro.
1. The preacher (his message) is part of God’s means of bringing men to salvation, Rom. 10:13-15; Titus 1:3 (“through preaching”).
2. Matt. 4:17: Preaching occupied a central part of Jesus’ work. Jesus was ever the preacher (synagogues, on mountains, seaside, boat, village to village, at temple, homes, road, by a well).
3. Drew large crowds, yet His preaching offended many who turned away, Lk. 14:25; Jno. 6:66.
4. Preachers and those who listen to preachers can be helped by learning and applying the traits of Jesus’ preaching. What do you want from a preacher? What do you try to accomplish when you preach, and how?
I. HIS PREACHING WAS AUTHORITATIVE, Matt. 7:28-29.
A. Authority of Heaven was behind what He Said, Jno. 12:48-50.
1. This gave his preaching certainty and clarity. cf. 1 Cor. 1:23; 2 Cor. 11:3
2. Preach the word/truth with bold assurance: you have the backing of heaven. 1 Tim. 4:11; 5:7; 6:2; Titus 2:15
II. HIS PREACHING WAS URGENT, Lk. 8:8, 18. (2 Tim. 4:2)
A. Urgent in Content, Lk. 4:16-19.
B. Urgent in Manner (“cry”), Jno. 7:28, 37; 12:44.
1. He was arresting and compelling.
2. Conveyed the need for immediate action.
3. Gospel preachers must not forget why they preach. Rom. 1:16
III. HIS PREACHING WAS INSTRUCTIVE, Matt. 5:2; 13:54.
A. Jesus Imparted God’s Will, Matt. 4:23; Mk. 4:2.
1. He taught in parables, Matt. 13:9-10.
2. He taught plainly (without figures), Jno. 16:29-30.
-He didn’t just “fill up” time. He had something to say, and said it.
3. People did not know God’s will:
a. They didn’t need clichés, jokes or a pep talk – needed God’s word. cf. Acts 10:33
b. Those who heard Jesus heard the word of God.
IV. HIS PREACHING WAS COMPASSIONATE, Matt. 9:35-38.
A. Compassion for the Sinner without Condoning Sin (Lk. 15:1-2).
1. He was stern, gentle and direct, Jno. 8:7, 11.
2. Woman at the well: From water, he turned to salvation and the Messiah, to her immorality and faith, Jno. 4:7-26.
3. He had time for a Jewish ruler (Nicodemus), Jno 3:2; for a tax collector (Zacchaeus), Lk. 19:1-5; for children, Matt. 19:13-15.
a. He loved a ruler who turned away, Mk. 10:21.
b. He had forgiveness for his executioners, Lk. 23:34 (cf. Phil. 1:15-18).
B. We must always be Sensitive to the Plight of the Lost and the Weak, Rom. 10:1; cf. 1 Thess. 2:7; 5:14.
V. HIS PREACHING WAS VEHEMENT WHEN NECESSARY.
A. Jesus Denounced Sin in the Strongest Terms, Matt. 15:7-9.
1. NOT: “Can’t hurt their feelings”, Matt. 15:12-14.
2. NOT: “Must leave certain topics alone.” Acts 20:27
3. Some today: “No guilt trips.”
4. Matt. 23: Heaven’s woes on religious leaders who rejected the Messiah – “Hypocrites, pretenders, blind guides, full from extortion and excess, unclean, vipers” – Damnation of hell.
5. Yet, Jesus wept, Matt. 23:37. (Took no pleasure in denouncing sin)
VI. HIS PREACHING WAS DEMANDING. Matt. 7:13-14, 21
A. Jesus Demanded Repentance, Mk. 1:15; 6:12; Lk. 13:3, 5 – 24:47.
B. Jesus Demanded Self-Denial, Matt. 16:24.
1. Prerequisite to discipleship, Matt. 10:37-38; cf. 19:21-22.
2. Living sacrifice, Rom. 12:1.
3. “Preaching which asks nothing will get nothing.” Challenge your audience with the demands of truth. (1 Kgs. 18:21)
VII. HIS PREACHING HAD A COMMON TOUCH, Mark 12:37.
A. Jesus Reached People’s Hearts with the Gospel.
1. He was at home with fishermen, farmers, carpenters, merchants, tax collectors and children. He spoke their language.
2. In words they understood, he elevated the thinking of the common people to heavenly realms (read the Sermon on Mount).
a. Don’t try to impress the worldly with eloquence, 1 Cor. 2:2.
b. Do not cheapen the gospel with coarseness.
Conclusion
Preach the way Jesus preached. Apply these traits to how and why we listen to gospel preaching. Then, both the preacher and the hearer will be saved, 1 Tim. 4:16.