series artseries art

Three Things Many People Miss About Jesus

JESUS ILLUSTRATES THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL REPENTANCE

Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God. “What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you. “And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.” MATTHEW 11:20-24 NLT

…do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? ROMANS 2:3-4 NIV

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” LUKE 13:5 ESV

JESUS DEMONSTRATES WHO HE REALLY IS

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” MATTHEW 8:27 NLT

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” MATTHEW 11:25-27 NLT

But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 1 CORINTHIANS 2:8 NLT

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. JOHN 1:1-3 NIV

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God… COLOSSIANS 1:15 NLT

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. PHILIPPIANS 2:5-7 ESV

JESUS REVEALS THE KIND OF PERSON HE IS WILLING TO SAVE

…and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” MATTHEW 11:27 NLT

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” MATTHEW 11:28-30 NLT

For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. PSALM 18:27 ESV

…Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” JAMES 4:6 ESV

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. PSALM 25:9 ESV

TO BEGIN YOUR CHRISTIAN JOURNEY TODAY:

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place to reflect on this sermon. Take a few deep breaths and commit this time to being with Jesus. Pastor Matt said: “Miracles don’t always move people to repentance.” Have you ever experienced or witnessed a miracle? How did that impact or influence your faith? Is there anywhere you’re struggling to see or believe God is at work? Are you currently placing your faith in something other than Him? Tell God the ways you’re relying on things apart from Him and ask Him to help you see and believe He’s greater and more able to move in your life. Think about the ways Jesus has revealed Himself in your life or what you’ve learned about Him through the miracles He performed in Scripture. How have those things shaped who you believe He is? Slowly read Colossians 1:15-23 inviting Jesus to show you the truth about who He is, why He came, and who you are in Him. Close by reflecting on these thoughts from Pastor Matt: “When you’re full of yourself, you’re empty of God” and “You can’t be humble without being willing to be humiliated.” God is gracious to the humble. He saves and teaches us a new way to live with Jesus. Invite God to examine your life and reveal any place you’re lacking humility or wrestling with self-centered pride. How do you want to walk in humility with Jesus from here?

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 11:20-30 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider the points and the other passages referenced in the sermon notes in your discussion.

3. Apply the Lesson. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What from the passage might God be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What was something you misunderstood about Jesus in your early faith journey?
  2. START HERE: Share one thing you found confusing in Scripture the first time you read it.
  3. START HERE: Why do you think some people don’t believe in God even after seeing His miracles?
  4. KEEP GOING: In your own words, describe the purpose of Jesus’ miracles.
  5. KEEP GOING: Matthew 11:20-24 (NLT). What was Jesus emphasizing to the unbelievers of His time?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 11:25-27 (NLT). How has Jesus made Himself real to you, whether by working in your life or through your life?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read Colossians 1:15-20 (NLT). Who does this passage say Jesus is? How does that truth both help you to believe and equip you to share your faith?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: Psalm 25:9 (ESV). Where in your life could you practice more humility so that you can become more like Jesus?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Who in your life is weary and heavily burdened? How could you come alongside them to practically help while also showing them the hope and rest they can find in Jesus?