Emory Baptist Church

Jesus is Superior!

Take your Bibles and turn to Luke 5:33. I want to share a message with you this morning entitled, “Oil and Water Just Don’t Mix.” 

 

Oil and water don’t mix because of their molecular properties.  You have probably observed such in a science fair project, and we have certainly seen this reality in oil spills in the oceans around the world. 

 

In today’s text, Jesus reminds us that Judaism and Christianity don’t mix.  This is because Jesus is Superior! 

 

 

1. A Comparison of Students, Luke 5:33

33 Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?” 

 

Look at verse 33.  It seems that the Pharisees asked the question of why Jesus’ disciples didn’t fast and pray like the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees. 

 

These comments were probably a reference to Jesus’ disciples eating and drinking at the reception thrown by Levi or Matthew in honor Jesus.  They were seen as party animals by the scribes and Pharisees.

 

The Bible is full of different types of fasting which is the abstention from food.  Most of the time, the occasions were sorrowful or mournful, and fasting was seen as demonstration of God providing during a difficult time with His presence than actual food.

 

 

2. Jesus’ Comments on Sorrow, Luke 5:34-35

34 And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.”

 

Beginning in verse 34, Jesus answered the question about His disciples and their not fasting with an analogy about weddings.  In short, He said this time was not a time of sorrow with fasting but one of celebration like a wedding.

 

In first century Jewish culture, newly married couples didn’t go on a honeymoon immediately following the wedding ceremony.  Instead, they joined family and friends for a wedding reception that usually lasted seven days.  It was a multiple-day event that was an occasion for celebration. 

 

Therefore, while the bride and groom are present, let’s celebrate.  Jesus was making Himself out to be the groom, and His disciples, or the church, was the bride. 

 

In verse 35, Jesus went on to say that when the groom is taken away from the wedding party, that will be a time to fast and mourn.  This is veiled reference first of all to Jesus’ death by crucifixion and second to His ascension and departure from the earth. 

 

When He is present, don’t demonstrate sorrow with fasting.  Celebrate His presence with joy!

 

 

3. Christ is Superior, Luke 5:36-39!

36 Then He spoke a parable to them: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. 39 And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’”

 

Our last section is the continuation of Jesus’ words with three parables.  Each parable begins with the words “no one” in verses 36, 37, and 39.

 

Remember that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  Jesus gave three very common and well-understand illustrations of the truth that Judaism and Christianity just don’t mix. 

 

The first parable is found in verse 36.  If you have an old garment, and it develops a hole, don’t patch the hole with a new garment. 

 

Why not? When the new garment patch is washed, it will shrink and tear away from the old garment.  Also, the new garment won’t match the old garment.  New and old just don’t mix, and Judaism and Christianity just don’t mix.

 

The second parable is found in verse 37.  It involves wineskins.  Wineskins were animal skins that were used to hold grape juice while it fermented. 

 

As the juice fermented, it expanded the wineskin.  Then the empty wineskin would dry and become brittle.  Therefore, you would not put new grape juice that had not fermented into an old wineskin that had already expanded once, had then dried out, and was now brittle. 

 

Instead, you should put new wine into new wineskins.  Why?  If you didn’t, the old wineskin would bust when the new win expanded during fermentation. 

 

You would lose the wineskin and all of the grape juice.  New and old just don’t mix, and Judaism and Christianity just don’t mix. 

 

The final parable is in verse 39.  However, it not only is a parable, but it is also a condemnation. 

 

Jesus said that once you drink old wine or fermented juice, you will not settle for new wine or unfermented juice if old wine is what you’re wanting.  You will say that the old is good enough.  Old and new just don’t mix, and Judaism and Christianity just don’t mix.

 

 

Conclusion and Application

So what does all this mean?  The Pharisees were wanting to take a few of Jesus’ practices and teachings and ad them to Judaism, and then everything would be just right. 

 

Here’s the problem.  Judaism and Christianity just don’t mix.  Old and new just don’t mix.  Oil and water just don’t mix.  Why?  Jesus is superior!!!

 

Now, let me conclude with three very specific applications.  First, if you’re here this morning, and you have yet to call on the name of the Lord to be saved, and you’re thinking that you will add a little of Jesus to your morality. 

 

It won’t work.  Oil and water just don’t mix.  Jesus doesn’t need any help in saving you.  When it comes to forgiveness of sins, heaven, and eternal life, it is only Jesus saves.  Will you call on Him today?

 

Second, Christians today often try to mix the ways of the world with the ways of the God.  It won’t work.  Oil and water just don’t mix.  See 1 Corinthians 10:21.

 

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.

 

This morning, as it relates to salvation and sanctification, Jesus is superior.  Therefore, trust in Jesus alone to save you and sanctify you making your more like Himself.

Can We See Strange Things Happen at EBC?

I invite you to find Luke 5:17-26.  This morning’s sermon is entitled, “Can We See Strange Things Happen at Emory Baptist Church?”  That question will make more sense after we read today’s text. 

 

Just for your information, this same story is also found in Matthew 9 and Mark 2.  In our sermon series through those books, I have shared a sermon entitled, “Four of Kind Beats a Full House.” I wish I could take credit for that sermon title, but I actually heard it from Steve Stroop, pastor of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall.

 

Let me take just a moment to trace that thought.  As it relates to how poker hands rank, I know that the best hand possible is a Royal Flush.  That is a ten, a jack, a queen, a king, and an ace all in the same suit.  The next best hand is the Straight Flush.  That is something like 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in the same suit. 

 

Just under a Straight Flush is four of a kind.  That could be four 2’s or four 7’s or four 10’s.  And just under four of a kind is a full house, which is three of a kind and one pair.  Four of a kind beats a full house.  Four of a kind beats a full house in poker and in today’s story from Luke 5.

 

 

1. Jesus’ Audacious Claim, 5:17-20

17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.  20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

 

Verse 17 begins with Jesus teaching.  Even though Luke doesn’t specify, we know from Mark that this occasion happened in an individual’s house, and as you will see, it must have been a large house due to the size of the crowd. 

 

In this house, along with common folks, were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting and listening to Jesus.  They had come from every village of Galilee and Judea. 

 

These were Jewish religious leaders.  They were known for their strict and literal understanding of the OT.

 

The end of verse 17 tells us that the power of the Lord was present for Jesus to perform healing.  We have seen Him heal previously and will continue, but keep in mind that this occasion begins as one devoted to teaching as that was Jesus’ primary ministry on earth.

 

In verse 18, we are introduced to some more individuals in this story.  Luke says some men were carrying a paralyzed man on a bed or mat.  Mark says it was four friends.  Evidently, they heard about Jesus’ ability to heal and were trying to get their friend to Jesus. 

 

However, verse 19 says they couldn’t get through because Jesus was in the middle of the room, and the crowd was too thick all the way around Him.  This was a full house.

 

BTW, this is the way it should always be.  When there is preaching, the house should always be full, and that should be true regardless of the preacher.  Why?  Because the preaching of God’s Word is more important than your day off.  The preaching of God’s Word is more important than your “honey-do’s.”  The preaching of God’s Word is more important than your hunting, fishing, or golfing, and the preaching of God’s Word is more important than your child’s extracurricular activities.

 

Therefore, they went to plan B.  They used an outside ladder to carry their paralyzed friend on the roof.  They then begin to take the roof apart in order to lower him down setting Him at Jesus’ feet.  Can you even imagine the scene? 

 

In verse 20, Jesus had stopped teaching and spoke directly to the paralyzed man.  However, notice how Luke worded this verse. When Jesus saw THEIR faith, He spoke to the man.

 

In this text, we see the power of intercession.  We see how absolutely essential it is that we act on behalf of others.  We must pray for them.  We must go to them.  We must bring them. 

 

This is the picture of four of a kind beating a full house.  It does in poker, and it did here when these four men brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. 

 

These four had cooperation.  When was the last time you picked up 175 pounds of dead weight?  It’s not easy. The cooperated together and carried this man who was helpless otherwise. 

 

These four had determination.  They couldn’t get him into the house.  Did they give up?  Did they wait?  Did they ask Jesus to come outside?  No, they made their way to the roof, dug a hole, and lowered him down and placed him at the feet of Jesus. 

 

These four had motivation.  They knew Jesus could heal their friend. 

 

However, first, Jesus saved him, and when the words of forgiveness came from Jesus’ mouth, the Pharisees were in disbelief.  This was an audacious claim.

 

BTW, look at exactly what Jesus said.  Your sins are forgiven. 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, did you know that your sins separate you from God?  God is holy, and He cannot have fellowship with sinners.  See Romans 6:23.

 

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Our sin is a stench in His nostrils.  Our adultery deserves death.  Our arrogance deserves death.  Our gluttony deserves death.  Our greed deserves death.    Our laziness deserves death.  Our selfishness deserves death.

 

However, when we receive God’s Son, Jesus, as our personal Lord and Savior, God can and will have fellowship with sinners through His sinless Son, and He gives us the gift of eternal life in heaven.  The OT has wonderful word pictures of what forgiveness means.

 

Psalm 103:12, As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

 

Isaiah 38:17, Indeed it was for my own peace That I had great bitterness; But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.

 

Jeremiah 31:34, No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

 

Micah 7:19, He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities.  You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

 

 

2. The Pharisees’ Appropriate Question, Luke 5:21

21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

 

They were thinking that Jesus had just committed blasphemy.  That is to put yourself in the place of God. 

 

They knew that only God could forgive sins…and they were right.  So, do you know what Jesus was saying?  He was saying, “I am God!”

 

 

3. The Paralytic’s Amazing Conduct, Luke 5:22-26

22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”  25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!”

 

Jesus knew what the Pharisees were thinking, and so He posed a dilemma in verse 23.  Is it easier to say a person’s sins are forgiven or to say get up and walk? 

 

It is certainly easier to say a person’s sins are forgiven because you can’t see that.  Nobody knows if they are or aren’t. 

 

However, if you say to a paralytic, “You are healed,” and yet, he can’t walk, you are a fake.  You are a fraud.  Therefore, it is much easier to say a person’s sins are forgiven. 

 

However, Jesus didn’t leave the situation.  He not only saved the man, look at what He also did. 

 

Look at verse 24.  In order to verify that in fact He was God, Jesus told the man to get up and walk.  You know what?  He did. 

 

Verse 25 says he immediately got up and picked up his bed and went home glorifying God.  God had saved him and healed him instantly. 

 

Verse 26 says all who saw this miracle and heard this miracle were amazed.  The paralytic’s conduct was amazing.  He couldn’t walk, but now he walked.   

 

The story ends with the crowd including the Pharisees and teachers of the law being in awe of what they had just witnessed with their own eyes.  They were glorifying God as well and saying, “We have seen strange things today.” 

 

That phrase literally means paradox.  A paradox is a statement or experience that seems to contradict itself.  In this instance, the paralytic came into the house unable to walk.  However, he left the house walking on his own power.  Another paradox is that most of the crowd would have thought this man had committed some really bad sins, and as a result, God punished him with paralysis.  However, he left the house having been saved with his sins forgiven.  That is a paradox. 

 

 

Conclusion

So here is my question.  Can we see strange things happen at Emory Baptist Church?  Can we see terrible sinners gloriously saved?  Can we see the deathly ill miraculously healed? 

 

It depends.  It will depend a lot on you.  Remember what verse 20 says, “Seeing their faith…”  Much of what happened to the man involved the faith of his friends.

 

Last Sunday, we had Friend Day at EBC.  Thank you for inviting friends, and thank you to friends for coming.

 

On March 24, we will celebrate Palm Sunday, and our Celebration Choir will be sharing their Easter Music Presentation.  Will you bring someone with you to church?

 

Easter Sunday will be March 31.  In 2021, we had 390 on Easter Sunday.  In 2022, we had 410 on Easter Sunday.  In 2023, we had 440 on Easter Sunday.  

 

In 2024, I am challenging you to have pack this auditorium with 500 people.  Here’s why.

 

The point of this story is that Jesus could forgive sins because Jesus was God.  He was omnipotent in verse 17.  He was omniscient in verse 22.  He was omni-benevolent in verse 23. 

 

Jesus was God, and only God can save and forgive sins and give eternal life, and that is the message that we want to share at Easter.  See John 11:25.

 

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

 

Nobody Washes the Soap

Calling Disciples

When one speaks of being a disciple of Jesus, some church members through the years have tried to convince me that being a disciple is different than being a Christian.  They have essentially tried to convince me that being a disciple requires more than being a Christian. 

 

However, the New Testament knows no difference between disciples and Christians.  To be one, was to be the other. 

 

As a matter of fact, the books of Acts uses the term “disciples” on 27 occasions.   All 27 occasions refer to Christians not more mature Christians.  See Acts 11:26.

 

26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

 

The occasion of Luke 5:1-11 can also be found in Matthew 4 and Mark 1.  However, it is not the same event John 21.  While there are similarities, there are too many differences.

 

In Luke 5, it was mid-morning.  Peter, Andrew, James, and John had been out fishing all night, and they had caught nothing.

 

In calling it a day, they had beached their boats. They were then cleaning their nets and getting them ready for the next night.  That’s what professional fishermen did day after day and night after night.

 

In today’s text, Jesus called these men to be His disciples.  Specifically, that meant Simon Peter.  What did that mean?

 

 

1. Following Jesus can seem illogical, Luke 5:1-4.

1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.  4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 

 

In verse 1, the multitude of people had heard about Jesus’ preaching and His healing ministry.  They wanted more. 

 

Notice, in verse 1, that they understood that God was speaking.  The “word of God” doesn’t refer to our Bibles.  It refers to Jesus being God.

 

He was originally on the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret.  This body of fresh water was also known as the Sea of Galilee. 

 

Jesus saw two fishing boats that would been 20-30 feet in length.  However, at the time, they were empty because Peter and Andrew and James and John were washing their nets getting ready for the next night.

 

In order to get a better hearing, Jesus got into Simon’s boat, and asked him to put out in the water just a bit.  This would allow folks to see and hear better.

 

After He finished preaching, Jesus told Peter to do the illogical.  Why was it illogical?

 

Jesus was a carpenter by trade.  Peter was a professional fisherman.  He had fish all night.  He caught nothing.  Why would he take the word of the non-fishing carpenter?  It was illogical.

 

Following Jesus can also be illogical.  There will be times when it doesn’t make sense. 

 

For example, it may not make sense to just pray rather than taking action.  It may not make sense to give your tithe when you “need” a new car.  It may not make sense keeping yourself sexually pure when the world’s mindset is that you should never buy a car without testing driving it first. 

 

Also, consider the sermon on the mount when Jesus talked about true happiness in this life.  See Matthew 5:3-10.

 

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

 

2. Following Jesus will always be worthwhile, Luke 5:5-8.

5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 

 

Even though it was against Peter’s better judgement, he obliged.  Look at verse 5.

 

BTW…The devil will try to convince you like he tried to convince Peter that this carpenter doesn’t know about your situation. 

 

How could He know about marriage?  He was never married.  How could He know about raising kids?  He wasn’t a parent.  How could He know about money?  He was poor.

 

Jesus’ was and is omniscient.  That means He knows all, and that includes everything that is best for you regardless of what area of your life. 

 

Therefore, Peter believed and obeyed.  Verse 5 says he let down the net in the deep water.

 

BTW…Without faith and obedience, it is impossible to please God.  That is what Peter did here.  He believed, and He obeyed.  See Hebrews 11:6.

 

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

Was it worth Peter’s while?  Look at verse 6.  A miracle happened.

 

They caught so many fish that the nets were breaking and the boats were sinking.  This was an act of the not only omniscient Jesus but the omnipotent Jesus.  He caused their nets to be full of fish. 

 

In verse 8, when he recognized why the nets were, he also recognized who he was in light of who Jesus was.  Consequently, he fell at Jesus’ feet and confessed his sinfulness. 

 

Peter’s confession is reminiscent of Isaiah.  See Isaiah 6:5.

 

5 So I said:

 

“Woe is me, for I am undone!

Because I am a man of unclean lips,

And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;

For my eyes have seen the King,

The Lord of hosts.”

 

Needless to say, I don’t think Peter regretted doing the illogical.  I never have either. 

 

I have never regretted writing a tithe check. I have never regretted sharing the gospel.  I have never regretted being faithful to my wife.  I have never regretted praying too much, and neither will you. 

 

 

3. Following Jesus may cost you everything, Luke 5:9-11.

9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

 

Verse nine says that Peter and all those with him were astonished or amazed at all that had happened.  Jesus told them not to let this miracle scare them. 

 

Why would they be scared?  This miracle was supernatural.  It was contrary to nature.  Think about if you were in their shoes.  If you were Peter or Andrew or James or John, would this be a little creepy or cringe?

 

At the end of verse 10, these two sets of brothers were given their assignment from that point forward.  However, it wasn’t just their assignment.  Brothers and sisters, it is our assignment as well.

 

We are to catch men alive or catch men for life.  That is literally what the end of verse 10 says. 

 

Consequently, as Christians, as Disciples, as Followers of Jesus, our job is point people to Jesus.  Whoever God brings in our path, that is the only reason He didn’t take us to heaven already so get to work!

 

In verse 11, these two sets of brothers left every thing and every one and followed Jesus.  They left everything behind.

 

Jesus would extend this invitation multiple times in Luke’s Gospel.  See 14:33 and 18:22.

 

33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

 

22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

 

These men left behind the greatest catch ever.  They left behind their business.  They left behind their family. They left behind their friends.

 

Are you willing to do the same today?  If Jesus called you to sell your business and do something new for Him, would you do it?

 

If you follow Jesus and your family isn’t on board, will you still do it?  If you follow Jesus and your friends don’t want to come, will still follow?

 

 

Invitation

My first invitation is for anyone to follow Jesus for the first time by admitting that you are a sinner, believing that Jesus died on the cross in your place, and call on Him to save you.

 

My second invitation is for anyone to follow Jesus completely in every area of your life.  That means your marriage and your parenting and your money and your business and baptism and church membership.

 

My second invitation is for anyone to follow Jesus into vocational ministry.  It may mean leaving behind everything including your business, your family, and your friends.

 

However, following Jesus for the first time or again is always worth it.  Won’t you do it today?

Jesus' Absolute Authority

I want you to take your Bibles this morning and turn to Luke 4:31. I want to talk with you this morning about a subject matter that is not too common of a topic in Baptist churches.  I want to talk you about the ministry of physical healing.

 

In today’s church culture, when we talk about a physical healing ministry, that is usually in reference to an individual’s physical healing ministry.  However, I don’t believe that spiritual gift is still active today, but you are more than welcome to disagree with me.

 

This morning, we are going to see in Luke 4 the physical healing ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.  While I don’t believe that individuals can heal others today, I certainly believe that Jesus physically heals and can heal you this very morning. 

 

Even though we are going to see Jesus physically healing many this morning in Luke 4, the primary message from today’s text is Jesus’ absolute authority.  You will find that word twice in today’s text: 32 and 36.

 

Jesus’ absolute authority applies to His teaching ministry.  Remember, that was His primary ministry, and He began that ministry close to home in Galilee.  That is like a county.  Last week, we saw Him in Nazareth. 

 

Today, He is in Capernaum, and He first ministered to His countrymen on the Sabbath and in the synagogues.  That’s what verse 31 tells us.

 

Verse 32 says that people were astonished at His teachings.  Why?  His word was with authority. 

 

Now, in order to demonstrate His authority further or authenticate His authority, Jesus healed many.  His miracles authenticated His message. 

 

In the next several verses, we are going to see that Jesus’ absolute authority was demonstrated when He healed an individual spiritually.  He then healed an in-law physically, and He then healed in mass completely. 

 

 

1. Jesus’ absolute authority was affirmed when He healed an individual spiritually, Luke 4:33-37.

33 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”  35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. 36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” 37 And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region. 

 

Look at verse 33.  There in Capernaum in the synagogue was a man who was demon possessed. 

 

BTW…Let me take this opportunity to remind you that demons are real.  They were real in Luke 4, and they are real today, and just like this individual was demon possessed 2,000 years ago, individuals can be demon possessed today.

 

Also, demons are spirit beings, and they are evil.  If you are a follower of Christ, you cannot be demon-possessed because darkness and light cannot occupy the same space.  However, demons can and will terrorize Christians and attempt to make their earthly lives hell on earth.

 

Finally, demons are extremely powerful.  Here in Luke 4, this demon physically threw this man to the ground.  However, they are not omnipotent.  That is reserved for God, and each and every demon is less than the one, true, and living God.

 

This demon spoke through the man and begged Jesus to leave them alone.  Notice that this demon was very aware of and knowledgeable of who Jesus was. 

 

He knew Jesus was from Nazareth.  He knew Jesus was more powerful and could destroy him.  He knew Jesus was the Son of God, the promised Messiah. 

 

BTW…This demon is proof that knowledge alone doesn’t save.  Remember James 2:19.

 

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

 

This demon believed the truth.  However, to be saved, you must believe personally and repent.  You must turn from your sin and yourself and turn to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

 

In verse 35, because Jesus has absolute authority, He rebuked or commanded the demon to shut up and come out.  What happened?  The demon obeyed, and this individual man was healed spiritually. 

 

The people confirmed it, and this miracle affirmed Jesus’ absolute authority and the message He was preaching.  Consequently, word began to travel about all that Jesus was doing.

 

 

2. Jesus’ absolute authority was affirmed when He healed an in-law physically, Luke 4:38-39.

38 Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. 39 So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.

 

Look at verse 38.  After Jesus healed the individual man in the synagogue, He made His way to Simon Peter’s house. 

 

When He arrived, He found Simon Peter’s mother-in-law with a high fever.  Remember, Luke was a physician so he described her fever as high while the other Gospel writers just said fever. 

 

BTW…Notice from this text that Peter had a house and was married.  The idea that ministers shouldn’t own property and can’t be married doesn’t find its basis in the Bible.

 

Jesus was then asked to heal her.  Again, like He did previously with the demon-possessed individual man, Jesus rebuked or commanded the fever to be gone, and it was.  Why?  Jesus has absolute authority, and these miracles authenticated and affirmed His message.

 

Also, while this in-laws healing was physical, it was a picture of the spiritual.  When Jesus healed Peter’s wife’s mother, she immediately began to serve others. 

 

When Jesus saves you, He doesn’t save you to sit and soak.  He saves you to serve Him by serving others.  Commit to and find your place of ministry today!

 

 

3. Jesus’ absolute authority was affirmed when He healed in mass completely, Luke 4:40-41.

40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!”  And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.

 

Brothers and sisters, if words have meaning, and they do, these next two verses are going to astonish you.  Look at verse 40.

 

When word began to get out of the miracles that Jesus was performing, the crowds came.  Verse 40 says that at sundown, folks were bringing their sick and infirmed family, friends, and neighbors to Jesus for Him to heal them.

 

And you know what?  He did…every single one of them. 

 

Jesus not only continued to heal in mass, but He also continued to heal spiritually by casting out demons.  How could He do this?  He did this because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world has absolute authority.  That means His authority is supreme, and all other authority is subservient to His.

 

Finally, in verses 42-44, we end in a similar way as we began.  Jesus’ primary ministry was a teaching/preaching ministry.  Remember, the crowds were amazed at the authority with which He preached. 

 

Jesus even said in verse 43 that preaching and teaching was why He came.  That message was affirmed and authenticated through miracles. 

 

Again, remember His ministry started close to home.  Verse 44 says He preached in all the synagogues in Galilee.  Going to the synagogues reminds us that Jesus first tried to take His message of hope first to His own countrymen, the Jews.

 

 

Conclusion

So allow me to conclude with two final thoughts.  First, spiritual healing is far more important than physical healing.  In other words, healing the heart of sin is better than healing the heart from clogged arteries. 

 

Let me explain further.  Jesus is the great physician, and He can heal any sickness, any disease, any infirmity, any time and any place and for any one. 

 

However, if that person who is physically healed has not been spiritually healed and dies and goes to hell, what good is a cure for cancer?  What good is being able to walk again?  What good is being about to see again?

 

Before Jesus heals you physically, His first desire is to heal you spiritually by saving your soul.  Today, you can begin a personal relationship with Jesus and having forgiveness of sin, a home in heaven, and eternal life if you will admit you are a sinner and call on Jesus to save you today.

 

Secondly, and this what you might not have expected to hear this morning, I believe that God’s will is always physical healing unless the person who is sick personally knows otherwise.  Consequently, when I pray, I pray in that manner.

 

Let me explain.  Matthew 6:10 says for us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

 

10 Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

 

How is God’s will done in heaven?  It is done perfectly without sin.  That means there is not sickness.  See Revelation 21:4.

 

4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

 

Therefore, I believe God’s will is always to heal unless the person who is sick knows otherwise.  See 1 Corinthians 11:29-32.

 

29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

 

These Corinthians Christians were sick and died because of their sin specifically related to the Lord’s Supper.  Therefore, it was not God’s will to heal them.  It was God’s will to discipline them.

 

Therefore, if you are sick and need healing, I invite you to confess your sins to the Lord and believe that His will is for your healing.  And I would be more than happy to anoint you with oil and pray over you.

 

14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Jesus' Earthly Ministry

We return to Luke 4 this morning and consider Jesus’ earthly ministry.  Last Sunday, Bro. Ronnie showed Jesus’ temptation from the devil in the wilderness. 

 

In one sense, you could say that Jesus’ baptism started His earthly ministry.  His temptation then prepared Him for His earthly ministry.  Today’s text then shows us the beginning.

 

 

1. Jesus’ earthly ministry was furthered by the Holy Spirit, Luke 4:14-15.

14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 

 

Verse 14 says that Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.  This was the Holy Spirit furthering or empowering His earthly ministry that included a strong teaching/preaching component. 

 

Dr. Luke often highlights the presence and work of the Holy Spirit more so than the other gospels.  So far, we have seen that to be true specifically in Jesus’ life.

 

Luke 1:35, 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

 

Luke 3:22, 22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

 

Luke 4:1, 1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

 

Also, in these first two verses, we see that Jesus had returned home to minister.  That home was Galilee.

 

And, He gave His initial attention to the Jews.  We know that because He taught in their synagogues.  His ministry first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles is very important for today, and we will come back to that in just a minute. 

 

BTW…If my ministry and our ministry at Emory Baptist Church is not furthered and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are wasting our time.  Consequently, you will hear me pray for the Holy Spirit to be at work in our worship service.  We need to ask the Lord to fill us with His Spirit when we evangelize our coworkers and classmates.  We need to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our community ministries.

 

 

2. Jesus’ earthly ministry favored the outcast, Luke 4:16-19, 23-27.

16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

 

In verse 16, Jesus came home, and He went to the local synagogue on Saturday to preach.  In verse 17, He took the scroll of Isaiah and read from Isaiah 61. 

 

In verse 18, Luke again highlights the Holy Spirit furthering and empowering Jesus’ ministry.  He then spoke of 5 different groups of people that His ministry would include, and they all could be considered to be outcasts of society.

 

First, Jesus would preach the gospel to the poor.  Second, He would heal the brokenhearted.  Third, He would proclaim freedom to the captives or prisoners free.  Fourth, He would help the blind see, and fifth, He would set free those who were oppressed. 

 

In conservative Baptist circles, we like to think Jesus was talking spiritually about these groups: the spiritually poor and the spiritually broken and the spiritually addicted and the spiritually blind and the spiritually oppressed.  And He was.

 

However, brothers and sisters, Jesus’ earthly ministry favored the literal poor and literal broken and the literal prisoner and the literal blind and the literal oppressed.  Why?  Because they knew they needed a Savior. 

 

Consequently, if Jesus’ ministry favored these outcasts, our must too.  We can’t be like Jesus and shy away from these messy, different, groups that are in desperate need.

 

Yes, it will take time.  Yes, it will be messy, and yes, it will require patience.  And that is exactly what Jesus did and wants from us. 

Jesus’ earthly ministry favored the socially outcast and also the ethnically outcast.  That is the reason for verses 25-27.

 

25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 

 

In verse 25-26, Jesus reminded His hometown folks that God sent Elijah to one widow in Israel.  Do you know what was unique about her?  She was a Gentile.

 

In verse 27, what was unique about Naaman the Syrian who was a leper being cleansed and healed?  He also was a Gentile. 

 

Brothers and sisters, if we are going to ministry to this community, we have got embrace who our community is.  If you want to minister to those in Allen or Frisco or Lewisville, then you should go to church there.

 

Now I want to make a very specific application, and that is to immigrants.  Our country has an immigration problem.  Our immigration system is woefully broken, and the greatest nation in the world, in my opinion, needs comprehensive immigration reform. 

 

First, we need to secure our borders.  Second, all of those who are here illegally need to go to the end of the line for naturalization.  Third, they need to undergo a criminal background check.  Fourth, they need to pay some type of monetary fine for coming or staying illegally.  Fifth, they need to learn our primary language of English. 

 

However, what about those who are here?  Do we give them amnesty?  We do not.  Do we deport them?  We do not. 

 

As a church, we must welcome them, love them, and minister to them.  Jesus’ earthly ministry favors them, and ours should too.

 

 

3. Jesus’ earthly ministry fulfilled prophecy, Luke 4:20-22.

20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”

 

After Jesus read from Isaiah, notice what He said in verse 21.  He said that He was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 61.  In other words, He was the promised Messiah, and He was the central figure or character in God’s plan. 

 

We have seen these in recent Sundays, but it is so paramount that we must proclaim it again and again.  Jesus is promised Messiah.  He is the Savior of the Jews and the Gentiles.  Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world.

 

Consequently, that is the message that God planned for Jesus to share with hometown first.  And that is the message that we are to share with our families first. 

 

However, family ministry is hard.  It was hard for Jesus, and it will be hard for us. 

 

23 He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’” 24 Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country.

 

In verse 23, the Nazarenes wanted to see some miracle to validate Jesus’ message.  Jesus then rebuked them with verse 24.  No prophet is accepted in his own country. 

 

Family and community ministry is hard.  However, family and community ministry is worth it.

 

Some will be amazed like those in verse 15 and verse 22.  Others will be angry like those in verses 28-30.

 

15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

 

22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.

 

28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

Conclusion

Our ministry should follow Jesus’ ministry: furthered by the Holy Spirit, favoring to the outcasts who recognize their need, and fulfilling the plan of God specifically to our families and community.

 

Also, if you don’t receive the message God has shared with you, eventually, His mercy will move.  That is what we see in these Nazarenes being so upset with Jesus that they wanted to kill Him.  My invitation is to receive Him today.

 

 

 

 

 

The World is Not Enough!

Can We Learn Anything from Jesus' Genealogy?

Genealogy is the study of family history.  Different people embrace this activity or hobby for different reasons. 

 

Some are simply looking to have fun, and for entertainment purposes, they research their family history and family tree.  For others, they are in search of significance or importance for what they otherwise see as an uneventful or meaningless life. 

 

Many spend countless hours and countless dollars and a lot energy on their genealogy, and our Mormon friends are also interested in such so that their dead family members can be baptized by proxy in what is known in the Mormon Church as baptism for the dead. 

 

In Matthew’s gospel and Luke’s gospel, you will find the genealogy of Jesus.  Before I direct your attention to the differences between the two records, consider these five reasons why genealogies were important in Bible times according to Pastor John MacArthur:

 

1. your family tree determined land divisions.
2. your family tree determined your inheritance rights.
3. your family tree was vital to the idea of kinsmen redeemer as in Ruth.
4. your family tree determined the amount of taxes you paid.
5. your family tree determined one’s eligibility to serve as a priest.

 

As for Jesus’ genealogy, you can find it in Matthew 1:1-17 and in our text for this morning, Luke 3:23-38. However, it may surprise you that the two accounts are very different from one another. 

 

First, Matthew’s account works from the past to the present.  Luke’s account works backward from the present to the past.

 

Second, Matthew’s account includes 42 names.  Luke’s account includes 77 names. 

 

Third, Matthew’s account traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham.  Luke’s account traces Jesus’ lineage back to Adam.

 

Why the discrepancies?  The honest answer is that we simply don’t have enough information as to why the two accounts are vastly different. 

 

Are they discrepancies irreconcilable?  No, we just don’t have all the necessary information to answer dogmatically. 

 

My answer to you this morning is that Matthew is tracing Jesus’ lineage through Joseph.  Luke is tracing Jesus’ lineage through Mary, and consequently, you will see in Luke’s gospel a greater emphasis on Mary as Matthew puts more emphasis on Joseph.  These two genealogies even come together as both Joseph and Mary were descendents of Adam, Abraham, and David.

 

In our remaining time, let me answer for you the question that serves as my sermon title, “Can we learn anything from the genealogy of Jesus?”  Absolutely, we can.

 

 

1. Jesus’ Genealogy Acknowledges His Ministry, 3:23.

23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age,

 

Luke tells us that Jesus was 30 years old when He was baptized and began His public ministry.  I think you will find it interesting to know that other biblical characters also began certain ministries at 30 years of age. 

 

In Genesis 41:46, Joseph became the prime minister of Egypt. 

 

46 Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

 

In 2 Samuel 5:4, David was 30 years old when he became king of Israel. 

 

4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

 

In Ezekiel 1:1, Ezekiel began his prophetic ministry when he was 30 years old.

 

1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.

 

For me personally, 30 will always be significant as I was 30 years old when I pastored a church for the very first time.  Jesus’ genealogy acknowledges His ministry.

 

 

2. Jesus’ Genealogy Affirms His Deity, Luke 3:23.

23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli…

 

Notice in verse 23 what Luke writes regarding Jesus’ relationship with Joseph.  He wrote, “…being, as supposed, the son of Joseph.” 

 

Did Luke not know that Jesus was born of a virgin?  Of course he did.  He described the miraculous conception in chapter 1.  See Luke 1:35.

 

35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

 

Why did he write this?  Even though Luke knew that Jesus was born of a virgin and was the Son of God, to the general population, Jesus was the son of Joseph. 

 

That is what the public supposed because Joseph was married to Mary and had adopted Jesus.  In a very unique fashion, in Jesus’ genealogy, Luke affirmed His deity or being God.

 

 

3. Jesus’ Genealogy Announced His Humanity, Luke 3:24-38.

 

I want to point out four names in this genealogy that are certainly more recognizable than others. 

 

First, notice that Jesus was the son of David in verse 31 meaning Jesus was of the royal line and a fulfillment of prophecy.  Second, notice that Jesus was the son of Abraham in verse 34 meaning that Jesus was the Savior for the Jews.  He was the promised Messiah. 

 

Third, notice that Jesus was the son of Adam in verse 38 meaning that Jesus was the Savior not only for the Jews but for all of humanity.  God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son that anyone who believes in Him would not die by have eternal life. 

 

Fourth, Jesus had to be like man to be the Savior of man, but to be the Savior of anyone and everyone, He had to be like God, and that is where this text ends in verse 38.  Jesus was the only begotten Son of God.

 

 

Conclusion

Let me show you two more Scriptures, and we’ll be done.  See Romans 5:17-19 and 1 Corinthians 15:45-49. 

 

17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)  18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

 

45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.  46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

 

If you don’t hear anything else this morning, hear this.  Jesus is not just the Savior for the Jews.  He is the Savior of the world: red, yellow, black and white, male and female, young and old, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, good and bad, and everyone else that somehow got left out. 

 

Will you confess Him as your Savior today for the very first time?

 

 

Jesus is Superior!

with you this morning entitled, “Jesus is Superior!”  Most dictionaries list these words as synonyms: better, greater, higher, excellent. 

 

Our text this morning will demonstrate that Jesus is superior in all things and over all things.  However, before we get there, I want to answer five (5) questions that this text raises.

 

 

1. Was John the Baptist the Messiah?

15 Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not…

 

After hearing the powerful preaching of John the Baptist and seeing all those who were coming to be baptized, the people began to wonder if John the Baptist was the Messiah.  John himself answered that question in 3:16 by saying that he was definitely different and inferior to the One who was coming.  John was not even worthy to untie the thong of His sandal. 

 

However, we knew the answer to this question from chapter one.  See 1:16 and 1:76. 

 

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

 

76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.

 

 

2. What is baptism with the Holy Spirit or by the Holy Spirit or in the Holy Spirit?

16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.”

 

In all four gospels, the Biblical writers say that Jesus will baptize with or in the Holy Spirit.  This is true for Matthew, Mark, John, and we’re seeing Luke’s words here.

 

In the book of Acts 1:5, Jesus said that these first century followers of Christ would be baptized with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. 

 

5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

 

The only other reference in the NT to a baptism with or in or by the Spirit is 1 Corinthians 12:13. Paul said we are all baptized by the Spirit into one body.

 

13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

 

Therefore, my contention from these texts and their context is that baptism with the Holy Spirit or by the Holy Spirit or in the Holy Spirit takes place at conversion and not after salvation.  In other words, to be saved means you are baptized with, by, and in the Holy Spirit.

 

Also, when you are baptized by the Holy Spirit, that means you are regenerated or born-again.  That also means you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit for eternity.  Finally, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, your salvation is no longer up for debate.

 

 

3. Does baptism save?

 

This question can only be answered if the type of baptism in question is identified.  If you are talking about physical, water baptism, the answer is obviously no. 

 

For those that believe water baptism saves, the thief on the cross is the proverbial fly in the ointment.  Jesus said he would be with Him in Paradise, and yet, he wasn’t baptized.  See Luke 23:40-43.

 

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”  43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

 

Another text to consider is 1 Peter 3:21-22.  The baptism that saves here is not a physical, water baptism, but a spiritual and internal baptism. 

 

21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

 

Therefore, water baptism never saves, but spiritual baptism with or by or in the Holy Spirit always saves.

 

 

4. Why was Jesus baptized?

21 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.

 

He wasn’t baptized to be saved.  He wasn’t baptized to wash away original sin.  I would suggest at least three reasons for Jesus being baptized and by John the Baptist. 

 

First, Jesus’ baptism validated the ministry of John the Baptist.  In many ways, John was seen as an outcast type of character clothed in animal skins and eating grasshoppers and honey.  Baptizing Jesus legitimized John’s ministry. 

 

Second, Jesus was baptized to signify the beginning of His public ministry.  In His baptism, we see the Holy Spirit descending upon Him as the power and temperament for His ministry.  Next, the Father approved of His only Son and all that He would do.

 

Third, Jesus was baptized because it was simply the right thing to do.  See Matthew 3:13-15. 

 

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”  15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

 

Consequently, if it was the right thing for Jesus to do, it is the right thing for you to do if you are a follower of Jesus.  Furthermore, if it is right to be baptized, it is then wrong not be baptized. 

 

Also, John’s baptism looked forward.  Jesus’ baptism set the example for us.  Christian baptism looks back to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the death of Christ and identifies with Him in death, burial, and resurrection.

 

 

5. Is the Trinity a biblical doctrine?

22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

 

Even though the actual word never appears on the pages of Scripture, the idea is certainly here as seen in the baptism of Jesus.  The Son was baptized, the Spirit descended, and the Father approved.

 

 

One Main Point

At the end of the day, we always want to identify the one main point of any preaching text.  For today, it is that Jesus is superior in all things and over all things.

 

First, He is superior to John.  John himself made that clear in verses 15 and 16 in his humility and their two different baptisms.  John would baptize with water.  Jesus would baptize with Holy Spirit.

 

Second, He is also superior to judge.  Look at the end of verse 16 and 17.  To be baptized with fire is a reference to judgment.  For those that receive Jesus, He will baptize you with the Spirit and with fire and it will cleanse you of all sin.

 

If you reject Jesus, like chaff that is separated from the wheat, you will be gathered and thrown into the unquenchable fire at the end of the age.  Certainly, that is a reference to hell.

 

Third, He is a superior Savior.  If Jesus hasn’t baptized you with Spirit, you haven’t been saved. 

 

In fact, there is no other way to be saved.  Baptism won’t do it.  Morality won’t do it.  Genealogy won’t do it.  Ingenuity won’t do it. 

 

The only way to be saved is to be baptized by Jesus with the Spirit.  He is superior to save.

 

This morning, He wants to superior in your life.  What about it?  Will you let Him save you?  Will you let Him lead you?  Will you let Him mold you and shape you?  You can’t make a better decision.

 

He is superior!

What Shall We Do?

The title of my message this morning is a question that is asked on three different occasions and by three different groups of people in our text for this morning.  It is a question that all of us should ask after we hear a sermon or a Bible study.  The question is, “What shall we do” or “What shall we do in response to what we have heard?”

 

Today, we continue in Luke’s gospel, and we are fast forwarding 18 years.  Last week, Jesus was 12. This week, we briefly turn out attention to John the Baptist, and the next time we see Jesus in Luke 3, He will be 30 years old.

 

As we begin, I want to share a truth with you and then spend the rest of our time defending or supporting this truth.  Here it is, “If you are not willing for your life to change, you are not ready to follow Jesus.” 

 

 

1. The Preparation by the Messenger, Luke 3: 1-6

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.  5 Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” 

 

In Luke 3, John the Baptist is now 30 years old.  That is six months older than his cousin, Jesus. 

 

It has often been said that John the Baptist was the forerunner or the announcer or the messenger of Christ.  First of all, notice the moment.

 

In verses 1-2, Dr. Luke gave the historical setting.  It was AD 29.  While not meaning much to us, we are reminded once again of the Bible’s trustworthiness demonstrated by Luke’s attention to detail. 

 

At the end of verse 2, we see the man.  This messenger was a man sent from God with the word of God, and is none other than John the Baptist, son of Zacharias and Elizabeth that we met in Luke 1. 

 

Next, in verses 3 and following, notice his method.  John the Baptist was to make ready the way for Jesus.  He was to prepare the people for the coming Messiah, and he did that through preaching a very bold and convicting message like OT prophets.

 

In describing how John would prepare the way as the messenger, Luke quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5.  He was to make the paths straight and as free from obstacles as possible.  The ravines were to be filled, and the mountains were to be flattened.  The curves were to be made straight, and the rough roads were to be made smooth.  The image here is of a monarch who would send a crew of workman ahead of him in order for them to literally prepare the roadway for the king to travel safely and efficiently. 

 

John the Baptist was to make ready the way for Jesus.  He was to prepare the people for the coming Messiah, and John’s announcement was not just to Jews, but to Gentiles as well.  Notice verse 6.  All flesh, both Jew and Gentile, will see the salvation of God. 

 

Before we leave this first six verses, let’s talk about John’s baptism.  The word baptism means to submerge all the way in water and coming all of the way out of the water. 

 

We’ll talk more about baptism next week as we look at Jesus’ baptism, but the word is very specific in spite of what our Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian friends believe.  It literally means to immerse or dip.  It does not mean to sprinkle. 

 

Also, John’s baptism was one that symbolized repentance.  Repentance means to change your mind and turn around.  It has an internal component and an external component. 

 

For example, to repent of taking illegal drugs would include the belief that illegal drugs are wrong to take.  That is the changing of the mind. 

 

However, it would also include the action of abstaining from using any illegal drugs.  It is a change of mind that leads to a change of action. 

 

Finally, notice one more component.  John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance that led to a forgiveness of sins. 

 

This phrase implies that someone has been offended, and that someone is God.  Our sins have offended Him because He is holy, and that which is unholy or sinful is offensive to God. 

 

When we sin, we sin against Him and are in need of His forgiveness.  Therefore, John is preaching repentance.  Again, that means changing your mind and changing your actions or changing your belief that leads to changing your behavior.

 

However, please know this.  It is not baptism that leads to forgiveness of sins.  It is the repentance or the willingness for your life to change or repent that results in forgiveness of sins. 

 

 

2. The Explanation of His Message, Luke 3:7-9

7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

 

Gathering around to hear John’s preaching was a multitude of folks including many orthodox Jews. He called them a “brood of vipers.”  Today, that would be like calling someone a “snake in the grass.”  They probably also took it personally remembering Genesis 3 very well.  John was calling them children of the devil. 

 

Notice what John said next.  He told them that their repentance not only needed to be demonstrated in baptism but also in fruits or proof or actions. 

 

By their words, they obviously thought being Jewish was enough to earn God’s favor and ultimately His forgiveness of sins.  John reminded them that wasn’t true.  They couldn’t ride anyone else’s coattails then, and we can’t today. 

 

Let me know say a strong word to my brothers and sisters of Emory Baptist Church.  If you are hanging your salvation on the phrase “once saved, always saved,” you might very well will spend an eternity in hell separated from Christ. 

 

When God Almighty asks why He should let you into the Kingdom of Heaven, if your answer is you were a member of Emory Baptist Church or baptized as a kid, you are going to be eternally disappointed. 

 

John said in verse 9 that the axe was already laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Repentance must bear fruit or it isn’t repentance and without repentance you will not see heaven.

 

 

3. The Application for the Multitudes, Luke 3:10-14

10 So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?”  11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”  12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”  13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.”  14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?”  So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”

 

Within the multitudes that came to hear John preach, three groups asked, “What shall we do?”  In other words, how should John’s message be applied to their lives. 

 

The first group is in verses 10-11.  John said demonstrate generosity and kindness.  The man who has two tunics or coats is to share with the man who has none.  You can’t wear more than one tunic at a time.  The same is true for food.  Be generous.  Be generous and kind and share with those in need. 

 

The second group was tax collectors and found in verses 12-13.  These were Jews working for the Roman government and collecting taxes for them and a little for themselves from their own countrymen. 

 

They were hated for working for the Romans.  They then taxed more for people hating them.  They were then hated more for taxing more.  It was a vicious cycle. 

 

When they asked what to do, John said collect only what you are ordered to collect.  Be honest and just and don’t collect more than is owed.  Brothers and sisters, live your life with honesty and integrity, and treat others how you want to be treated.

 

The third group were soldiers, and they asked what they were to do.  John said don’t take money from anyone by force and learn to be content with your pay.  We Christians so need to hear this and live out contentment in a consumer-driven, materialistic world. 

 

 

 

Conclusion

So let’s go back to our original summary statement or main truth that I shared in the beginning.  If you aren’t willing for your life to change, you are not ready to follow Jesus.  That was John’s message. 

 

Therefore, what about you?  Are you willing for your language to change?  Are you willing for your marriage to change?  Are you willing for your attitude to change?  Are you willing for your spending to change?  Are you willing for your schedule to change? 

 

Here is what I mean.  Instead of trusting your morality or your heritage or your intelligence to save you, are you willing to change and trust Jesus to save you?