A REAL SUPER HERO!

SuperHero

By Glen M. Copple

Hebrews 1:1-13

Do you watch Saturday morning cartoons? Have you seen the current movie – Captain America?
People are constantly looking for a “Superhero” as an example, influence, ideal or idol to rescue them from their troubles and solve all of their problems.

Who are some of our supposed superheroes?
Superman, Transformers, Spiderman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
Do you follow a sports figure, entertainer, actor, politician, celebrity and consider them a hero? - Mickey Mantle, Mickey Mouse, Mickey Rooney, or Mitt Romney
Remember that people followed Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, Castro, Chavez, Hussein, Bin Laden and considered them heroes at one time.

No person can provide what we are seeking and need in a superhero.

Jesus is our SUPERHERO and we should worship Him.

1. He’s my SUPERHERO because He’s REAL – not artificial. Hebrews 1:1-3

Jesus is not like the Greek or Roman gods who were figments of man’s imagination and limited in their imagined power. They are more likely to hurt those who don’t appease them than to love and care for those they “rule” over.

Jesus is not like modern cartoon characters that are also figments of man's imagination and wishful thinking. Most of them engage in fighting some enemy over and over again. But their power is limited to the imaginations of the writers.

Jesus exists. His friends and enemies testify that He exists – John 7:32; Acts 2. He is a real person who was able to do far more than any other "hero". Our calendars acknowledge His birth over 2,000 years ago. John 20:30-31; 21:24-25. His actions were beyond His audiences imaginations.

2. He’s my SUPERHERO because He’s SUPER – not fictional - Hebrews 1:3-4

Jesus needs no belts, rings, ropes or minerals or chemicals for His power. His power is not limited to man’s imagination. He has power over every kind of sickness or disease, seas, weather, water, fish, trees, hunger, even over death and Satan.

By His words, He can control crowds – Luke 14:1-6; Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5-7; John 7:32-46.

He even orchestrated and controlled His own crucifixion in order to pay for our sins.

3. He’s my SUPERHERO because He’s a HERO – none greater - Hebrews 1:8-12

Jesus saves us from our sins – I John 2:1-2. That is far greater than just saving my life.

Other supposed superheroes can only conquer a physical enemy for a moment. (Most of those enemies return in sequels to harrass some more.)
Jesus conquered Satan and sin once and for all – Romans 6:10; Hebrews 9:26; I Peter 3:18
He died in my place – Romans 5:8
He arose from death – Luke 24:1-7; John 20:26-29
His resurrection guarantees eternal life to all who believe, repent of their sin, follow and are immersed into Him – Romans 6:3-5

“I heard my name as the trophy was hoisted in my direction in the midst of this surreal scene of crazed underdog fans mixed with those disappointed at the fall of their champion, I reached for the trophy feeling both like a hero and a villain.

“I was being anointed by a world obsessed with putting people on a pedestal. And when a man receives it, he receives, unbeknownst to him, the public exposition that comes from the inevitable great fall.

“We live and perform on a stage before a sick voyeuristic media, of hidden faces hiding in the shadow of each tragic demise.

“…no man was made for a pedestal. That spot had been reserved before the beginning of time for one. No man can carry the glory, nor is he supposed to. All champions fall when talent fails to hold up under the pressure or when age or death prevails in this mortal state. But when it happens, early or late, another is anointed and the cycle proceeds.

“When you walk in your purpose, a trophy pales in comparison to the fruit of your wake.” – David Cook – Seven Days in Utopia

Jesus is far more than just a SUPERHERO.

One Solitary Life –
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman.
He grew up in still another village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty…
Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn’t go to college.
He never visited a big city, He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness.
He had no credentials but Himself. He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His clothing, the only property He had on earth.
When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race and the leader of mankind’s progress.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that ONE SOLITARY LIFE. - author unknown

Jesus is God who became man, lived and died to pay for our sins, that we might live through Him.
He is Lord, Savior, King, role model and so much more.

He wants to be your SUPERHERO, save you from the eternal consequences of your sins and give you eternal life in a perfect world free of sin and suffering!

Believe – Repent – Confess – Be immersed – Live for Jesus.

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Bigotry is Blind

Bigotry is Blind
This week’s thought is taken from part of lesson 056 which is found in “Getting To Know Jesus” – Volume 05. To follow along in your Bible, our Scripture text is found in: Matthew 9:32-34.

32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

It has been said that you should never talk about religion and politics. A large part of the reason for that is that most people are unwilling to be open-minded. Instead, they attack the other person’s viewpoint – actually, they often attack the other person with words of hatred, blind bigotry and fierce opposition. Occasionally, those words lead to physical conflict and someone gets physically hurt.

Even Jesus was subject to such bigotry. Here, the Pharisees, who are so opposed to Him that they will not say anything good about Him, try to deny His goodness and make a false accusation in hopes of getting others to hate Him instead of follow the Son of God. In their fear that Jesus is disturbing their status quo, they go on the attack. In their sin and selfishness, they say things about Jesus that are untrue and that they cannot prove. They don’t care whether it is true or not, but only that they discredit the miracle worker.

What kind of person are you? Do you say hateful things about others without considering whether your words are true of fair? Or do you consider what you are about to say and modify your comments to be respectful, truthful and reflective of Christ in your life?

We can disagree with another person’s views and express our differences in love. We don’t have to attack, say false and hateful things. To do so is not what Jesus would do.

Don’t be like the Pharisees. Don’t allow bigotry blind you from being loving, respectful and truthful in what you say about others with whom you disagree.

If you must speak against a person’s viewpoint, be honest, Christ-like, loving and fair in expressing your differences.

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Being God’s Man – Faith in the Tuff Times

The Childless Will Have a Child! - 004
Being God’s Man – Faith in the Tuff Times

Most people look forward to having a baby. If my wife is expecting, I’m calling Abraham to try to find out what to do next! She’ll be calling Sarah or Elizabeth! Actually, we’re content to be grandparents! Are you childless and wanting to have one? Being childless can be a source of great longing. Do you know a married couple that wants to have a child of their own and has not been able to? Do you have faith that God can do the impossible, even in your life? We are in Luke 1:5-25.

1. Live a Righteous Life – Luke 1:5-6
Herod “the Great,” is another man with a big ego. Just because you call yourself some sort of title doesn’t mean you measure up! He is a powerful, ruthless, ungodly and murdering ruler! It is a sad day when a leader is not humble, but flaunts his power!

Zechariah & Elizabeth are righteous followers of God who have no children. Good people. Sometimes bad things happen to good people! Zechariah is a priest (one who is still serious about serving God). Not all priests are hypocrites! This is a statement of the importance of maintaining your integrity.
To be truly pleasing to God, we must do what is right by God’s standards, not by our own. We can’t make up our own rules as we go along without reaping painful consequences for our choices. Having faith in tough time’s means trusting that by doing what is right, we will reap God’s rewards, not the world’s consequences for wrong behavior.

2. Continue Your Daily Responsibilities – Luke 1:8-10
Zechariah is praying in the temple for all of the people, which is a rare opportunity. Since each priest took turns doing this, once per year, it is possible that this was the only time he ever did this. He enters the Holy of Holies to make intercession for the people, and while performing his duties, an angel comes to tell him that he is going to be a father. (Interlude) Jews are expecting the Messiah. Signs of the times tell them it is near! Don’t stop living because some “sign” of the future is evident.

We don’t have to break routine or do something special to get God’s attention. God is not manipulated by religious behavior or actions. If we are walking in faith, we can proceed with our daily duties and know that God will accomplish His plans for our life. Just make sure what you are doing is in agreement with what the Bible teaches and you will have God’s blessing.

3. Pray Concerning Your Situation – Luke 1:11-17
We gather by the nature of the conversation that Zechariah and Elizabeth are still praying for a child. Because of their prayers and faith, they are told that they going to have a baby boy! He will be healthy, grow to be a man who will be faithful in serving God! Don’t stop praying until God answers your prayer! Many babies die, but Zechariah is assured that his baby is going to live to adult hood and do something great for God. People are proud to claim a son, daughter, brother, sister or relative who is in ministry!

How would you feel if you and your spouse were childless and had almost given up on having a child and you got news like that? The angel gives Zechariah some strong instructions about the upbringing of this child! All parents should have some serious instructions (possible restrictions) in the upbringing of their children! It is no secret what God can do for those who are truly seeking to follow Him and trusting in His guidance and provision.

4. Don’t Doubt God – Luke 1:18-23
Zechariah doesn’t disbelieve the angel’s message, but he does seek a “sign” as proof that this is from God. He is introduced to the meaning of speechless! Gabriel Calling! Gabriel means “God’s Power.” This is only the start of God manifesting His power among men. We will see another example of that power in the next lesson! Don’t challenge God’s authority. HE WILL WIN!

Meanwhile, the crowd is waiting for a “final blessing” and wonders why Zechariah is taking so long. Don’t leave without your blessing or you won’t be blessed! Sometimes God may be slow according to our wishes and we may think we have been waiting forever, but Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we never want to doubt God or give up on what we sincerely and Scripturally believe that He is going to do. God is constantly looking for and testing His servants to see who is faithful, trusting and ready to serve Him.

5. Praise God for the Results – Luke 1:24-25
When Zechariah finally exits the Temple, the people perceive that something extraordinary has happened to him while he was in there. Now, for them to hear what has happened is more important than leaving! What’s Elizabeth going to think when Zechariah gets home? She can talk all she wants and he can’t interrupt! It’s going to get very interesting as her pregnancy starts to show.

God has given you special talents and abilities. He also has a job tailored just for you and will bless you as you do it. There may be testing or disciplining to prepare you for the job, but as you truly believe in and trust God, you are going to have more opportunity to praise Him for His faithfulness and blessings than you will have time to do it. God likes to reward those who are sincerely faithful to Him.

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Being God’s Man – Know Your Style

Introducing the Bible Text – 003
Being God’s Man – Know Your Style
Have you ever told a story that you had to introduce before you could actually tell it? Did you need to set the stage? Good News always brings excitement. What is the most recent good news that you have heard? What is the best news that you have ever heard?
If you were to write a title for your life, what would you like for it to be? How would you like to be remembered after you are gone? Have you studied your family tree to learn about where your ancestors came from?

In this lesson, we are going to observe how each writer begins his Gospel. Each has his own style of writing and unique audience. Knowing your style will be helpful to you as you seek to tell others about Jesus.

Mark’s Title – name given to a literary work. – Mark 1:1
It is the title to the story about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ! Mark’s Gospel is addressed TO THE ROMANS! Even though Jesus was with God the Father in the act of creation, His life on this earth has a beginning. Gospel comes from the Greek word, “Euanggellion.” It means “Good News”. Jesus is the good news about God reaching down to establish an eternal relationship with man! Is there any greater news than being set free from our sins? Mark is the only writer to use the word “Gospel” in his book.

“Jesus” is Greek for “Joshua” which means, “God is salvation.” Christ is Greek for “anointed one” (the Hebrew word is Messiah)! Romans understand “gods” as beings of power so Mark focuses on the power of Jesus as God the man. JESUS IS THE POWER! Mark takes the Roman’s quest for power and presents Jesus as the ultimate solution. We can likewise take the power of the Gospel to change the lives of others so they can find that power in their lives as well.

We can use Mark’s style to reach those around us who are seeking real power in their life. You can also develop that power in your life as you go through “GETTING TO KNOW JESUS.” You will become better equipped to handle the trials and challenges that we all face and you exercise the strength God has given you to deal with those situations.

Luke’s Preface – An introductory statement to start the story. – Luke 1:1-4
Luke employs the style of contemporary historical and technical writers. Luke acknowledges that he is not the first or only person to write about Jesus. He simply sets out to tell the accurate and true story. Luke seeks to inform THE GENTILES! Luke writes to “most excellent Theophilus” which means, “God lover.” This could be a person or anyone who loves God! “Most excellent” recognizes the person as one worthy of honor! Are you a “Theophilus?”

Luke seeks to give his readers a researched and thorough accounting of what Jesus did and taught. By “GETTING TO KNOW JESUS” you are developing an accurate understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus so that you can tell others. Those who love god will love Jesus and are honored!

John’s Prologue – preliminary action foreshadowing a greater event. The Prologue sets the stage so that he can tell you the real story! – John 1:1-18
John’s prologue is more of a theological statement than an introduction. A prologue is an introduction foreshadowing a greater event! John’s Prologue is comprised of three parts which are divided by statements about John the Baptist. John seeks to reach THE LOST! Before time existed, Jesus is! He is the Logos means WORD of God. JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD! He is present before creation. He is cause, not effect. Jesus is the SON means He is the light who has come to change men’s lives! He changes men’s lives for the better!

John the Baptist is mentioned as an immediate forerunner to proclaim the coming of the Messiah! Jesus gives us the REAL POWER to become sons of God!

The oppression of the church will fail, but Christ’s Church shall prevail! We are born as children of God when we accept Jesus as God’s Son and our Lord and Savior! God, God’s WORD – Jesus has come and lived among us! We are recipients of God’s grace, first by Moses, but far more so by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Matthew’s Genealogy – chart or recorded history of descendents. – Matthew 1:1-17
Jesus has a very important genealogy! Matthew writes to prove Jesus as Messiah TO THE JEWS! Matthew and Luke give the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew follows the legal lineage via Joseph. This will show that Jesus is a true descendant from David. Luke follows the physical lineage of Jesus through Mary. He traces it all the way back to Abraham and Adam. (We are all connected to Jesus.) Matthew mentions Tamar (who prostituted herself with her father-in-law), Rahab (a prostitute and foreigner), Ruth (a foreigner) and Bathsheba (with whom David had an adulterous affair). God can accomplish His divine will even out of man’s fallen state! Matthew shows 3 sets of 14 generations. Jesus’ lineage is an important step in proving that He is the Messiah! It proves He is a descendant of David and Abraham as prophesied.

In similar manner, your genealogy is an important part of your identity. The most important part of your genealogy is whether or not you are a part of the family of God. “GETTING TO KNOW JESUS” will help you grow as a member of God’s family.

CONCLUSION
We are only getting started in our adventure of “Getting To Know Jesus”!

This is only a commentary on the one of the lessons from the Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study Series. To get the full lesson, including the Bible text, commentary and discussion questions, go to http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/ and order Getting To Know Jesus - Volume 01

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Being God’s Man – Finding Your Audience

Four Writers – One Story 002
Being God’s Man – Finding Your Audience
Everybody has a different way of telling the same story. Because of our different personalities, we approach the same event from a different viewpoint. Police question many witnesses to try to piece together the truth from their combined stories. Likewise, God chose to have four different authors write about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In so doing, He gave us four views who Christian leaders have considered to be authentic and reliable. (There are other writers, but their stories do not carry the divine signature. Indeed, some of them are heretics in their writings!)

By learning about each author and his background, we can better understand what he writes, why he writes and make better application of it to our lives. We can also understand how God can use us even though we aren’t like someone else that we look up to. So let’s look at the authors of the four Gospels and see how we can learn more about Jesus’ life from what they wrote. Why did they write the way they did?

None of the four Gospels identify their authors. John doesn’t even mention his name in his Gospel. However, tradition and history have accepted that these words were penned by the men we currently attribute them to and there is insufficient, if any, evidence to say otherwise.

Matthew reminds me that GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES!
Matthew was a tax collector prior to becoming a disciple and later being chosen by Jesus to be an Apostle. He was a Jew who wrote to persuade the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah that had been prophesied in the Old Testament. He will understand the Jewish people and how they think. He will use that knowledge to persuade them that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

Matthew’s gospel approaches the life and teachings of Jesus Christ topically, more than chronologically. It is like a topical study with seven divisions that was written to the Jews proclaiming Jesus is Messiah! He specializes in showing how Jesus fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Matthew likes to focus on what Jesus said and taught and is the most quoted of the writers. We find many of the parables.

Matthew is proclaiming that Jesus is the one promised by God who redeems Israel (and all mankind) from their sins! GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

Mark Tells Us That JESUS IS A GOD WHO BECAME MAN!
Mark is believed to be John Mark who had accompanied Paul for a season. His gospel reflects the style and personality of Peter and most scholars believe that he got his information and inspiration from Peter.

Romans like power and Mark shows Jesus as a powerful force! Mark’s Gospel was written to the Romans and shows rapidity of action, vividness of detail and picturesque description – Action and Power! Mark’s gospel reads like an action adventure. He rapidly goes from one event to another with no transitions. Jesus is the Son of God!

Mark is less concerned with chronological order and focuses more on what Jesus did! He establishes the power of Jesus as the Son of God. A little extra attention is given to Jesus’ miracles. He also explains many of the Jewish customs that his Roman audience does not understand.

Jesus is a God who became a man! GOD HAS LIVED AMONG US!

Luke declares that JESUS IS A MAN WHO IS GOD!
Luke gives us a Biography written to the Gentiles and declaring Jesus is a man who was God! Luke is a medical doctor who was Paul’s personal physician. Although he will get much of his information from Paul, his medical background leads him to search diligently to ascertain the history of His Story!
Gentiles like knowledge and intellectualism. Luke shows them that this man, Jesus, is God who is living among us. His humanity and power will satisfy the curiosity and interests of the Greeks, who like to consider themselves as intellectuals. Luke gives more focus on His life and His miracles. He gives more detail on birth and only account of childhood. He and Matthew give the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew goes from Abraham to Mary. Luke traces it from Joseph to Adam.

Jesus is a man who is also God! He works mighty miracles over man and nature! AS SUCH, HE HAS MODELED HOW GOD WOULD LIVE IF HE WERE A MAN (HOW WE SHOULD LIVE TO PLEASE GOD)!

John declares that JESUS IS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!
John, along with his brother, James, were known as “Sons of Thunder.” He was one of the youngest of the Apostles. He didn’t write his Gospel until almost 100 years after Jesus’ birth. John focuses is on who Jesus is and what He did! Mentions “love,” six “I AM’s.” John only covers three weeks of Jesus’ life, but he covers every event on each day of those weeks. He seeks to show Jesus as the only one through which we can be forgiven of our sins.

Jesus is our Lord and Savior! BELIEVE IN JESUS AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR!

The Gospels give us four authors, four audiences and four styles, but one story. In similar manner, God has given you your particular talents and interests and circle of influence. Your job is not to do my job or do what I do the way I do it. Your job is to use your gifts and abilities to witness to those who are in your circle of influence.

Throughout this life, all that matters is Getting To Know Jesus! We are here to walk with you on a journey through His life and teachings. We look forward to being with you next week. Meanwhile, God Bless and have a great week.

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How to Weather the Storms of Life

Getting To Know Jesus - Volume 04
Jesus Teaches by Private Explanation - 052
How to Weather the Storms of Life

When is the last time that you cried out for help? Was it a situation at home, work, or out in the community? Was it a health crisis, accident situation, bad news regarding a job, income or financial crisis? Did you get bad news about a spouse, parent or child, relative or close friend?
What do you do when you find yourself in a crisis? Do you loose strength and cry out as one who is totally helpless? Do you toughen up and look to see what you have to do to fight this crisis? Or did you combine the two responses?

In Matthew 8:18, 23-27; Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25, Jesus and the Apostles take a boat ride. This ride turns into quite a life-threatening event. Let’s see what Jesus has to teach us about it.

Life Will Encounter Severe Storms – Matthew 8:18, 23-24; Mark 4:35-37; Luke 8:22-23
Jesus and the Apostles are crossing the lake to get to the other side. Jesus may be using this to get a break from the crowd, as well as do some ministry on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. On the way across the lake, they get caught in one of the storms that the sea is known for. These storms come out of the north with very strong winds and churn up the waves to the point of threatening their safety.

There are going to be times in each of our lives when we will encounter a crisis. It may be a marriage problem or a health issue. It could be an accident or a conflict at work or outside the home. The crisis may be related to a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or some other weather related event. To some, it may seem small, but to you, it is a major situation. Regardless of what your “storm” is, life is about dealing with the storms that come and learning how to survive them!

Jesus is Our Source of Security – Matthew 8:25-26; Mark 4:38-39; Luke 8:24-25a
When the storm increases, even the fisherman who are very familiar with the Sea of Galilee become alarmed and afraid. The other Apostles are looking to Peter, Andrew, James and John, trusting that they know how to deal with this. When they become alarmed, that is reason for the others to become alarmed more so!

Jesus isn’t bothered by the storm. In fact, He’s asleep in the back of the boat as though there is nothing to worry about. This doesn’t make sense to them so they go and put their dilemma on His shoulders. They look to Him to protect them from the threat of drowning.

When the Apostles wake Him, He first rebukes them for being fearful. He knows that this storm is nothing to worry about because He knows the power and will of God. Jesus knows that God will protect Him and them because they have a greater purpose on earth.

When we encounter a trial, storm, difficulty in our lives, God desires for us to bring it to Him and look to Him for protection, deliverance, healing or what ever is necessary to resolve the situation. Indeed, God allows us to go through trials to cause us to look to Him for help, guidance, safety, security and to help us grow as believers.

Responding To God’s Power – Matthew 8:27; Mark 4:40-41; Luke 8:25b
When the Apostles see how easily and calmly Jesus stills the storm and calms the waves, they are utterly amazed. They have seen Him do many different kinds of miracles, but this is the first time they have seen Him exercise power over nature. This will only cause them to recognize that He has power over nature as well as over the diseases and handicaps of people.

Do you remember to thank God for the things He has safely seen you through? Do you ever think to praise Him for protecting you from so much that you never know about? Do you look for and notice the displays of God’s power that are constantly all around us?

CONCLUSION
I find it breathtaking to look at the storm and praise God’s wonderful power. The magnificence of the storms with the peace of His presence in a crisis and the assurance of His salvation, all come together to give me more reason to want to praise Him.

Next week, Jesus is going to meet a man who is possessed with many demons. There is going to be a confrontation and those demons are going to make pigs of themselves! Join us as we learn how to deal with demons and do some more “Getting To Know Jesus”!

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How Not to Make Friends (Stand Your Ground)

Jesus Responds to His Accusers - 048
How Not to Make Friends
(Stand Your Ground)
In 1936, Dale Carnegie wrote a book on “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. It has been a best seller ever since and never surpassed in its truths and wisdom. His insights are universal and it is a book that should be read by everyone.

However, there are times when winning others to your viewpoint is fruitless. There are some people whose hatred for you and what you believe is so severe that the only solution is to confront and expose them with their attitudes. Trying to win them is a waste of energy.

In Matthew 12:34-50; Mark 3:31-35 and Luke 8:19-21, Jesus continues His comments on the Pharisees. He is not going to make any friends in this discourse! But again, it is not His fault that they are so opposed to Him as to be unwilling to consider whether His claims are true. Can you believe that there are actually some people who will reject Jesus, even to His face? How do we handle people like that today?

Expose Their Hypocrisy – Matthew 12:34-37
Jesus realizes that the Pharisees, in general, feel threatened by Him. They like having power over the people, and Jesus is undermining that power. Instead of embracing Him, they have chosen to hate and oppose Him. In less than two years, they will be key figures in crucifying Him.
Since He knows that He will not win them (with the exception of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea) His only alternative is to expose them for the hypocrites that they are. They accused Him of being a demon. Now He tells them that they will be judged by their own words! You cannot always allow your opponents to continue unopposed!

Jesus doesn’t address their attitude towards Him, but instead exposes their double standard, especially in their relationship to God. There will be times when we will have to expose the hypocrisy of those who are opposed to our message. Don’t back down from your faith in God!

Warn Them of the Consequences of Denial – Matthew 12:38-45
The Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign with the suggestion that they will believe Him if they get what they want. Jesus replies that they have already had many signs and still don’t believe. They want to deny rather than accept the truth. Jesus claims that foreigners are more open to the truths of God than they are. When the church is established, gentiles will be as open, if not more so, to the Gospel than the Jews.

When we become opposed to someone or something, it is much harder to listen and consider their views. The Pharisees are unwilling to even consider Jesus’ claims or recognize the signs that He has already given. They are adamant in their opposition to Him and His teachings. If they don’t accept what they have already seen, they will not accept more if they were to see it.

Remember Who Our Real Friends Are – Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21
Again, Jesus’ family comes to speak to Him. Earlier, they were concerned about Him being so busy helping other people that they thought He wasn’t in control of Himself. The suggestion is that they thought He was mentally unstable. This time, they aren’t trying to “take charge of Him”, but they would like to talk. I wonder what they have to say!

Jesus responds that His true family consists of those who follow God’s will. They will want to believe in Him and follow His teachings. That includes you and me and would exclude any “family” members who don’t choose to believe that He is God’s Son, our Lord and Savior.

There may be situations where your family isn’t nearby or they don’t share your values. In that case, your “family” becomes those who do share your values, activities, and proximity. That doesn’t mean you don’t have contact with real family members but that we recognize those closest to us as those who will be there for us if a crisis occurs.

What kind of a friend are you? Do you care about others? Do you do things to help others around you when they have needs? A good way to make friends is to be a friend. Your church is most likely your closest circle of friends. Consider how you can build this circle of friends by inviting others to come to Jesus and join your circle of fellowship.

CONCLUSION
When you are witnessing to others about Jesus, be courteous, respectful and polite. If they reject your witness, then let them go into the hands of God. It is not your job to make them believe, but to try to persuade them to investigate and accept Jesus for themselves.

Next week, Jesus is going to teach us something about gardening. It is a parable that has some very strong lessons for you and me to live by. Join us and we will do some more “Getting To Know Jesus”!

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