"King of Conformity (Breaking the Mold)

August 11, 2024

FBC Baxley

am service

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Welcome radio and online guests…

*It’s ok if you’re broken, unfaithful, lost, we are too and we are here seeking God’s will and way and plan.

We are all prodigals here…

Some rescued….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Title: The King of Conformity: Breaking the Mold

Text: Matthew 11:2-6 (ESV)

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples

3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:

5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.

6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

-PRAY

Introduction:

The passage we are looking into today is rich with meaning and speaks directly to the expectations and perceptions we hold, even about our faith.

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, found himself imprisoned and full of questions.

His question to Jesus—“Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”—is loaded with doubt and anticipation.

Today, we will explore how Jesus, the King of kings, challenges the conformity of expectations, societal norms, and religious traditions.

We will look at how He answers John’s question, not just with words but with actions, and how this response invites us to break free from the molds of conformity that can hinder our faith.

Three Points:

Confronting Expectations (Breaking the Mold)

Challenging Norms (Challenging the Societal Mold)

Correcting Traditions (Correcting the Religious Mold)

I. Confronting Expectations (Confronting the Cultural Mold)

When John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come?” he was expressing a common expectation of the Messiah at that time.

The Jewish people anticipated a conquering king who would deliver them from Roman oppression, not a humble servant who healed the sick and preached to the poor.

Original Language Reference:

The Greek word for "offended" in verse 6 is σκανδαλίζω (skandalizó), meaning “to cause to stumble” or “to trip up.”

Jesus knew His actions were not what people expected, and He acknowledged that this could cause them to stumble in their faith.

Historical Context:

The Jewish expectation of the Messiah was shaped by their understanding of the prophecies and their current oppression under Rome.

Many expected a political leader, not a suffering servant as prophesied in Isaiah 53.

Jesus didn’t conform to these expectations, but instead, He fulfilled the deeper needs of humanity by healing and restoring. He confronted the cultural mold and broke it wide open.

Life Application:

We, too, must confront the cultural molds that shape our understanding of success, happiness, and even faith.

Are we looking for a Jesus who fits our expectations, or are we willing to follow the Jesus who challenges them?

II. Challenging Norms (Challenging the Societal Mold)

Jesus’ response to John’s question was not a direct affirmation but a description of His deeds: “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.”

These were not just miracles; they were acts that defied the societal norms of who deserved healing and attention.

Original Language Reference:

The word euangelizomai (εὐαγγελίζομαι), used for "preached the good news," comes from the root word for "gospel" and carries the idea of bringing a message of victory or joy, particularly to those who were marginalized.

Historical Context:

Lepers, the blind, and the poor were often seen as cursed or punished by God in Jewish society.

Jesus challenged these societal norms by ministering to them first.

Jesus was not just performing miracles;

He was turning the societal mold upside down by prioritizing those who were considered least in society.

He was showing that the kingdom of God is for everyone, especially the marginalized.

Life Application:

How often do we conform to societal norms, even in our faith?

Jesus calls us to challenge these norms and prioritize those whom society overlooks.

Who are the marginalized in our community, and how can we bring them the good news of the kingdom?

III. Correcting Traditions (Correcting the Religious Mold)

Finally, Jesus’ message and method also confronted the religious traditions of His day.

The religious leaders had constructed a framework of righteousness that was heavily based on adherence to the law and rituals. (works based…)

Jesus, however, emphasized mercy, justice, and faithfulness, fulfilling the law in ways that the religious establishment had not anticipated.

Original Language Reference:

The phrase “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me” implies a deeper understanding of blessing.

The Greek word makarios (μακάριος), translated as “blessed,” carries the idea of a deep, abiding joy that transcends circumstances.

Historical Context:

The religious leaders of the time had become gatekeepers of the faith, often excluding those who did not meet their standards.

Jesus’ ministry was inclusive and broke down these barriers, fulfilling the true intent of the law.

Jesus corrected the religious mold by showing that true righteousness is not about strict adherence to tradition but about a heart transformed by love and grace.

Life Application:

We must examine our own religious traditions and practices.

Are they drawing us closer to Jesus, or are they creating barriers for ourselves and others?

Let us be willing to correct anything that does not align with the heart of Christ.

Conclusion:

-Winston Churchill… prime min. of the UK...one of the greatest leaders of our time who did not conform...

57 consecutuive bombings Great Britain

-many others did in Germany and other places....

“This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.” Churchill

Jesus, the King of kings, did not conform to the expectations, norms, or traditions of His time.

Instead, He confronted, challenged, and corrected them to reveal the true nature of God’s kingdom.

Confronting Expectations: Are we willing to let Jesus reshape our expectations?

Challenging Norms: How can we prioritize the marginalized in our lives and ministries?

Correcting Traditions: Do our religious practices reflect the heart of Christ?

Let us follow the King who breaks the mold, who challenges us to see beyond our conformity, and who calls us into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.

-PRAY

-Invitation