Saturday, May 22, 2021

Hidden From The Wise


 
Bobservations Column

By Pastor Bob Lawrenz


Jesus asked the people concerning John the Baptist: “What went ye out to see?”  It calls for an examination of their personal motives.  We open this week in verse 16 of Matthew 11 with Jesus giving an analogy of that generation: Crying out to their fellows like children in the marketplace. Neither entertainment, nor lament seemed to move them.  John was accused of having a devil when he would not join their “fun.” And when Jesus came, He ate and drank with them, and He was accused of being a gluttonous drunk! There’s just no winning!

As He called them to examine their own hearts, they remained steadfast in judging a book by its cover. And in spite of the visits He made, and the works He had done in a variety of cities, none repented of their sin. None weighed the evidence of John’s life, nor Jesus’.

Some said that the Son of man (Jesus) is Elias, though Jesus told them earlier that John the Baptist is Elias, if they would receive that word of truth. John was that voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3).

To say the least, confusion was the order of the day in Judaism and among the followers of John the Baptist.  Today though, Jesus’ Church is built, and in spite of that, confusion reigns among believers who all claim to be part of His Church.

As God’s teachings of old had been hijacked by the elite minds of the Priesthood and the Sanhedrin, it’s safe to say that today’s educated and elite Church leaders, have hijacked the pure, simple message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It’s now more complicated, than ever with doctrines shifting in importance from one denomination to the next.

Bible footnotes, and human interpretation of the scriptures are not “the Word of God.” They follow human logic, but we know that God’s logic is far beyond human comprehension, so let’s update Jesus question;  “What did you come out to see at church today?”

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my way, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” ~ Isaiah 55:8-9

Today's Audio Message

Matthew 11:15-30 - "Hidden From The Wise"

Today’s passage focuses on the people’s estimate of John and Jesus, and Jesus’ estimate of this generation.  

Jesus had been preaching the Gospel, and teaching the multitudes about the Kingdom of God expecting them to apprehend who He was and to believe on Him.  Instead they became dissatisfied and critical.  How incredible that these people who had every benefit and every opportunity, literally witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy before their eyes, would be so dull of heart as to not respond to the Lord.

God had sent them the greatest prophet, John the Baptizer, to prepare the way of the Lord.  He preached to everyone that they should repent and prepare themselves for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, the Messiah is in their midst.  He healed them and the blind could see, the lame could walk, the lepers were cleansed, and the deaf could hear.  The dead were raised up and they all heard the gospel preached, yet they were unresponsive, indifferent and unrepentant.  It really makes you wonder why they hung around. 

What were they there for?  What are the looking for? What are you looking for?

We need to grasp what is at stake, they didn't. There are eternal consequences for trifling with the Gospel of Christ.   There comes a point in time that those who reject the Lord will face judgment. 

Finally, Jesus responds to their utter lack of concern about their spiritual condition and  importance of salvation.  Like spoiled children with a limited attention span, they are never satisfied, always moving on to the next thrill, and never finding satisfaction.  Woe unto you! They have seen Jesus' gentleness and compassion 
as He ministered to their needs, now they are seeing His severeness. Many believe that a loving God cannot possibly condemn anyone.  If that were the case, what was the point of Jesus' death on the cross? It is a terrifying truth that those who reject Jesus will find themselves under His judgment.

The Lord is calling out to you, to repent and believe on Him.  He offers salvation to all who come to Him on His terms.  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (vs.28) The Lord will remove the heavy yoke of sin, and place His yoke upon you. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  Jesus says, Come to me...take my yoke and learn of me.  Your weary soul will find rest in Him. 


 





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