Answers to some of life's difficult questions

Intro: Little Johnny came home from school saying “I’m never going to school again!” His mother asked “Why not?” He answered, “The teacher doesn't know a thing, all she does is asks us a bunch questions!”

Context:

CPS: In our text Jesus gives us answers to some of life’s most difficult questions. Today I pray His answers lead us to salvation and the Kingdom of God.

I. The Question About Loyalty 13-17

A. The Pharisees and Herodians Question.

Is it legal to pay the poll-tax

B. The Lord Jesus’ Answer

Render to Caesar what is his but give to God what is His.

I read a joke the other day… “People that cheat on their taxes truly disgusts me.... this is not the world I want to raise my 27 dependents in!”

All authority is from God! Romans 13:1-8, and by using Roman currency they had submitted to it emperor.

What is Caesar’s (THE COIN)

Render (Verb) apodidomai “Pay back” They received benefits from the Government so pay for those benefits.

2. What is God’s (You and your worship) Gen. 1:27 (Image) (ṣě·lěm) likeness, made after a pattern] He is Spirit and like Him we have an eternal spirit. Give to God what is His… ourselves!

APP: Have you given your life to God? He wants to redeem us, change us, and make our lives what they ought to be. John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” The only was to give yourself to God is through receiving Jesus Christ through faith as Lord and Savior!

II. The Question About Life After Death 18-27

A. The Sadducees Question

A question about the afterlife in regards to Levirite Marriage (Deut. 25:5) in the after life.

Acts 23:8 tells us that they didn't believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirits (How did then they believe in God?). They did not believe in an after life, physical life on earth was all they thought was to exist.

No after life means no hope… they really were Sad U See!

B. The Lord Jesus’ Answer

They were mistaken and led astray by their views and religion. They did not have understanding of God’s Word or His Supernatural Power!

The Power of God

He has power to create and He has power to resurrect. Jesus will demonstrate this in a few days! Rom. 1:3-4

We will be like angels and enjoy an eternal life which is on a higher plane than we experience now, we will know our loved ones but not in the same way but more meaningful, we will be spirits that don’t procreate, fixated on Worship in the presence of almighty God! It will be like nothing we have experienced on earth! 1 Cor. 2:9.

2. The Word of God

Jesus pulls from the Pentateuch because this is the only Scriptures they deem authoritative. Ex. 3:6, Even though they have been dead for centuries when God spoke to Moses God says they are still alive. HE IS THE GOD OF THE LIVING and they are alive in heaven!

Jesus has told us that He is preparing us place John 14:2 what a place that is!

Describe Heaven to the best of you ability

Many people don’t believe in an after life. Some here may not believe there is a heaven or hell because they can’t see it or experience it now. But, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist!

Prior to 1492 there was a marker at the narrowest section of the Straight of Gibraltar. On that marker was 3 Latin words “NE PLUS ULTRA” which translates “No More Beyond” to warn sailors to go no further they had reached the end of the world. But, after Columbus’ discovery of the New World a revised outlook was reflected and pressed into Spanish coins. The Latin slogan “Plus Ultra” was stamped into there coins which translates “More Beyond!”

Jesus told us that there is more to life beyond the grave, you may not be able to see it now but you will!

One of these days they are going to put this body of mine in a casket and bury in the ground. Someone will say, “poor John is dead” but that will be a lie from hell because Ill be more alive then than I ever have been!

APP: By grace through faith in Jesus experience the Power of God and trust the Word of God because God is faithful to keep His promises. Trust Him, He loves you, and would not lead you astray!

III. The Question About The Law 28-34

A. The Scribes Question

The Scribes are the legal experts, he wanted to know which command is the greatest. They had isolated 613 laws from the Pentateuch. 65 were negatives (thou shall not) and 248 were positive (you shall). They divided them further into “Heavy” and “Light” laws

B. The Lord Jesus’ Answer

The Vertical Law (Deut. 6:4-5)

1st 4 commandments. Love God with all that you are and worship Him alone because He is the only God. Upon the fuller Revelation of the N.T. Father, Son, Holy Spirit!

2. The Horizontal Law (Lev. 19:18)

2nd 6 commandment, love those who you come in contact with

Rom. 5:5

C. The Lord Jesus’ Statement

You are close... but Close doesn't count except for in horseshoe and hand grenades

Jesus is urging Him to take the next step, receive Him as Lord and Savior and He will become a citizen in the Kingdom of God.

Con: Some of us are so close but there is one thing we lack..... You pay your taxes that is swell! You believe in an after life, that is swell! You are trying to be good and keep God’s commands, that is swell! But have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and been born again truly experiencing the power of God.

John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

INV: BE INTENTIONAL, CALL PEOPLE TO BE SAVED!