Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:15-21
Jesus is Dangerous!
Intro.
1. Jesus is God’s Servant who declared justice to the nations and brought healing of the soul to all who trust in His name, Matt. 12:15-21.
2. Yet, some saw Jesus as a dangerous threat to their position and power, and so they conspired to kill him, Jno. 5:16; 7:1.
3. Jesus is dangerous to all who refuse to believe / obey Him, Heb. 12:29.
I. JESUS IS DANGEROUS TO SATAN.
A. Destroys the Works of the Devil, 1 Jno. 3:8.
1. Overcame sin and death – Jesus “cast out” Satan, Jno. 12:31-33.
2. Jesus plundered Satan’s house, Matt. 12:28-29.
a. Overcame sin in His life, and as our sinless sacrifice He gives us salvation from sin, 1 Pet. 2:22-24.
b. Overcame death in resurrection, Jno. 11:25-26.
3. His victories over Satan are for our benefit, Heb. 2:14-15.
B. He is Dangerous to the Servants of Satan (those who refuse to repent), Jno. 12:48. (cf. Matt. 8:29)
1. Because He has power to judge, Jno. 5:22; Lk. 12:4-5.
a. Cf. Unbelieving Jerusalem, Matt. 22:37-39.
b. All unrepentant sinners, Jno. 5:22-30. (Most people think they will escape God’s wrath, Rom. 2:1-3)
2. Unfruitful disciples, cf. Mk. 11:12-14, 20-24; Jno. 15:4-6.
II. JESUS IS DANGEROUS TO THOSE WHO DO NOT RESPECT AND OBEY THE WORD OF GOD, Matt 7:15-23. (See Satan behind them all)
A. Those who Bind the Traditions of Men, Matt. 15:1-9.
1. Denominationalism. Defended by many as righteous
2. Instrumental music is worship. Introduced by men long after NT
3. Sprinkling/pouring for baptism: Death bed conversions, infants.
4. Worship traditions that are not in the NT – Liturgical ceremonies...
B. False Teachers, 2 Cor. 11:13-15, 3-4.
1. Paul feared for their safety, 2 Cor. 11:3-4.
2. False teachers inject doubt and impurity into the gospel! cf. Jude 4
3. The Lord knows how to hold such under punishment for the day of judgment, 2 Pet. 2:1-3, 9.
C. Hypocrites, Matt. 23:14, 25-33.
1. Pretend holiness yet have a heart/live in selfish, sinful indulgence.
2. The remedy for hypocrisy is not open immorality; it is genuine repentance! Matt. 23:26; 2 Cor. 7:9-11
III. JESUS IS DANGEROUS TO EVIL MEN WHO REFUSE FAITH.
A. He was “Dangerous” to Herod, Matt. 2:1-5, 12-16.
B. He was “Dangerous” to Pilate, Jno. 18:33-38; 19:1-5, 7-12 (8); his wife, Matt. 27:18-19.
C. He was “Dangerous” to the Jewish Leaders, Jno. 11:47-53.
1. It was too dangerous to confess Jesus, Jno. 12:42-43.
2. Still too dangerous for the selfish, self-seeking, self-indulgent.
IV. JESUS IS DANGEROUS TO ALL WHO ARE PROUD OF HEART, Jas. 4:6.
A. Those who Refuse to Hold God in their Knowledge, Rom. 1:28, 30.
1. Christ stands resolute and victorious against their unbelief, their immorality and their persecution of the righteous, Rev. 17:1-2, 6, 14.
2. Just as Christ judged Rome (the great harlot) for her evil – all who live in unrestrained immorality and prideful defiance of Almighty God will be judged! These should be very afraid! Matt. 10:28
3. The day of God’s vengeance is coming and there will be no escape, Rev. 18:2.
4. God warns His people to come out and be separate because God’s judgment against sin is certain! Rev. 18:4-8 (2 Cor. 6:17-18)
a. Holy conduct and godliness, 2 Pet. 3:11, 14.
b. Live in hope of His return, Phil. 3:20.
Conclusion
1. Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart (Lamb of God), Matt. 11:29.
2. He is also the Lion of Judah who rules and conquers all the enemies of God and His people, Rev. 5:5.
3. Perfect peace is found in the Prince of Peace when we believe and obey.
4. Will you have His mercy or face His wrath in Judgment Day? The decision is yours.