Creation Vs. Creator

Introduction:

Chapter 11) Creation Questions

The passage this morning is very important as it begins a series of six combative situations for Jesus. Both the religionists and civil leaders confront Jesus head-on, doing all they can to try and trap and discredit Jesus before the people. Their goal again is be able to arrest Him and have Him killed. All the events of this section as well as the Olivet discourse of Matthew 24–25 seem to take place on Tuesday.

A quick reading of these passages is rather eye-opening, because what is exposed is the great tragedy and ultimate problem with self-righteousness and unbelief. Jesus was very forceful in attacking self-righteousness and unbelief. He delivers a devastating blow—leaving no doubt for your average person, the religionist (the scribes and Pharisees), or the civil leaders (Sadducees and Hellenist)— that those who seek to continue in self-righteousness was unworthy of God’s kingdom. The same truth rings true today. As well as obstinate unbelief will doom any person to hell.

vv. 27–28) The improper question

[27] Jesus was in the temple, apparently walking through, perhaps meditating or praying. The temple had two arcades—no not galaga or pac-man—its a covered passageway with arches along one side or both sides. As you probably can picture these arcades were created after the Greek and Roman ones, meaning it looked stately, magnificent, and awe-inspiriting.

There was an east arcade and a south arcade. The east location was know as Solomon’s porch. Several Biblical events took place in here (John 10:23; Acts 3:11; 5:12). Solomon’s porch was for teaching, and Rabbis often strolled among the colonnades while teaching their followers.

These arcades were also large enough to allow large crowds to gather for classroom style teaching. Again their magnificence can be imagined by picturing the stately columns which towered 35 feel above the ground.

Jesus wasn’t going out looking to have debates with these religious leaders. He wanted to teach the people and tell them about God’s good news. However, this group, was upset, infuriated, an enraged by Jesus’ ministry teaching and his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Remember Jesus accepted the people’s homage and the title of Messiah, cleansing the temple and the disruption of the priest’s profits, and probably healed people along the way. It aroused them to question: “Who does this Jesus of Nazareth think He is?”

Matthew 21:10–11 NKJV

10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

[28] Family, pay attention to the question they asked, it was one of contempt and not of genuine seeking. The question was an attempt to discredit, not learn the truth. Their minds were already made up and closed and shut to Jesus’ claims. They had many claims and many proofs of who He was, but were willfully ignoring and denying the proofs.

These men had plenty of opportunities to learn the truth, yet they would allow nothing to change them. Being gripped by obstinate unbelief.

The questioned asked was a basic one which should have been asked, however, not in contempt. This is a question each one of us needs to ask ourselves too. Because this question probes the very nature of Jesus:

What was His authority?

Who sent Him?

Who empowered Him?

Who gave Him the right to do as He was doing?

Where did He come from?

These leaders wanted to know what right He had to interfere with their lives. They were the authorized guardians and rulers of Israel’s spirituality.

Each of you needs to ask, “What is the authority, the explanation, for the works of Christ?” Here is what Scripture states of the work of Christ: Works of…

ministry

raising the dead

healing

preaching

teaching

foretelling the future

control over nature

ultimately dying on the cross to fulfill Scripture.

Family, I wonder how many of us in this room are deluded with obstinate unbelief, ignoring the truth of God’s Word and are living outside of the perfect will of God?

If you are in that place this morning why would you look down upon these religionist with distain but completely ignore what God is trying to do through you?

vv. 29–33) Answering a question with a question:

Jesus knew what the authorities were plotting. First, He met them on their own ground.

He said He would answer them, but they must first answer a question, the nHe would answer them.

Second, He formulated and asked a question which was astounding in its effect.

It actually answered their question.

It silenced them, for if they answered they would indict themselves.

It ended the discussion and the questioning.

It revealed their unbelief and made them even more inexcusable before God.

The question simply was “the baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?” And this question posed two choices.

The first choice: Was John from God? If so, then Jesus was God. Why? Because being from God, John would not lie, and John testified:

John 1:29 NKJV

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:34 NKJV

34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

The second choice: was John a mere man? If so, then Jesus could be a mere man. But taking into consideration all of John’s and Jesus’ ministry, how could that be?

How could so many changed lives and marvelous works be accounted for?

Note the words, “they reasoned among themselves.” This is rather important because what this means is they discussed their answer among themselves.

These men didn’t reason in themselves, with each left to his own thoughts. How sad, to have a group mentality which plans to attack Jesus Christ, deliberately rejecting Him.

They recognized rather quickly of their predicament. If John’s ministry was of God, then Jesus would ask them why they did not believe John’s testimony of the Messiah.

If they replied John’s ministry was of men, they would arouse the people against themselves, for the people believed John was a prophet of God.

I can up with at least 3 ways these men committed sin against God:

Deliberately denying Jesus. They were not willing to confess Him. They feared the loss of their position, power, wealth, esteem, image, security, prestige.

They feared men; they were cowards. They feared the people which lead them to worship something other than God.

They were unwilling to humble themselves. God’s Word states, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” They were afraid of being embarrassed, ridiculed, shamed, but probably more importantly to say they were sorry for being wrong all along. This is the sin of pride.

Family this morning you cannot sleep on who Jesus is. He is either a liar, lunatic, or Lord. Each and everyone of you has to make a decision on who Jesus Christ is.

John 14:6 NKJV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:10 NKJV

10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.

[Are we committing these same 3 sins?]

[33] Again it is such a shame the questioners gave a tragic answer—no decision. I believe they knew perfectly well John’s ministry was of God. But they were not willing to run the risk of losing their positions, prosperity, and security.

At the end of the day, they loved the world more than they loved God and the hope He extended toward them. Therefore, they denied Christ, acted cowardly, and were filled with pride.

I want to make something perfectly clear family. Unbelievers like these men, who make no decision, made a one. No decision is a decision against. Such obstinate unbelief, such a disregard of the truth of Christ should hurt us family.

[example 14 year old boy]

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 NKJV

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

This simple fact, should drive us to our knees in prayer for the unsaved and lost in our lives.

Chapter 12) Creation Vs. Creator

This is one of the most important parables Jesus gives.Because it is both historical and predictive. Jesus covered the history of Israel from God’s perspective, just as God sees it. And then He predicted or revealed exactly what was going to happen to Israel: They were going to reject God’s own Son (v.6), and because of their rejection and cruelty, God was going to reject them by giving the responsibility to another people (v.9); in case you didn’t know who, it’s been given to those who are called Christians.

What Jesus is saying throughout this passage is applicable to all people as well as the original audience (Israel). God has entrusted the vineyard—which could mean: the fruit of the Spirit, the responsibility of evangelism, discipleship of the world, and so much more—to the Christian, us!

v. 1) God is generous:

Note these three marvelously generous things God did for HIs vineyard. He provided every conceivable thing to take care of His vineyard and those who would cultivate the vineyard. Everything was provided to assure growth and fruitfulness. This means there is really no excuse for not producing.

God “set a hedge around it.” This was a wall built around the vineyard to keep the animals away. The hedge assured growth and fruitfulness.

God dug a winepress. This was a trough or vat into which the wine was pressed. The trough stands for the equipment which God provides to get His work done.

God built a tower. It was a watchtower to guard and protect the vineyard from thieves.

The application is crucial for us to understand:

God “set a hedge around” us. Boundaries are so important. In the work which God has give us, family, there are parameters in which we are to operate. How do we know there are parameters? They are found in the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Galatians 5:16 NKJV

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

God has done the real hard work providing salvation. Also Jesus didn’t leave us high and dry to figure salvation, but gave us the Gospel message.

Accountability

Bad News

Good News

Response

I believe Pastor are to be the not only be shepherds but also watchtowers, alerting the congregation of dangers and attacks coming from the enemy.

v.1 ) God entrusts:

God gives responsibility and freedom to mankind to govern life. God entrusted His vineyard to cultivators. They were the nation and the people of Israel, particularly the leaders. Everyone was to care for the nation, contributing to the welfare and the protection of of all.

This type of responsibility has been given to the church as well. Us, the body of Christ, is to care for the members of our congregation. Each taking responsibility to labor in the vineyard doing their part.

Two important things to note:

God trusts people. Think what a glorious privilege it is to be trusted by God. Imagine how dear God’s vineyard is to Him, and then think about how He entrusts its care to us, not angels or some other higher form of being. What a wonderful and marvelous thing that God would trust us with His previous vineyard!

[Hype]

God gives man freedom. God left the cultivators to care for His vineyard as they wished. Able to exercise their will, choice, drive for the vineyard.

We need to live honorably, living up the this great calling He has given us. Also this applies to the way we treat others. A good leader will learn to entrust projects and tasks to others, and give them the freedom to accomplish the task at hand.

v. 2) God is exacting:

(Demand and obtain from someone)

God expects payment and holds men accountable. God sent messengers to gather the fruits of His vineyard. The messengers would be the prophets and the good and godly leaders throughout Israel’s history (the judges, kings, and priests).

Note to things here in this verses as well:

Fruit was expected. Every person responsible for the vineyard, was expected to labor and produce.

A day of accountability did come. Everyone was expected to pay their dues, to make their contributions for the wonderful privilege to serve in the beautiful vineyard.

vv. 2–5) God is patient:

God sends His messengers to receive payment. The misconception of the God of the OT being only wrathful is the deduction of someone who has not seriously studied the OT.

All throughout Israel’s history, God loved and showed His lovingkindness by not reacting and rejecting the nation. God gave them chance after chance. He genuinely loves you and I; He also longs for us to pay our dues, to bear fruit by living as we should.

1 Peter 1:13–16 NKJV

13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Tragically, there have been many (us included) who rebel and try to claim rights to the vineyard. Family I want to make something perfectly clear.

If you are a born again Christ, your life now belongs to Christ and not you. Stop trying to claim the rights of your life. Stop trying to rebel, because rebellion only leads to the chastening of the Lord.

I’m not above or better in some way then you all. We want our way sometimes we ridicule, slander, persecute, and even commit murder in our hearts of the true servants of God.

To be a true servant of God you must come to terms with what God has called you to: suffering.

Pay attention to the detailed description of the world’s treatment of God’s messengers:

They beat and gave no fruit to the first messengers.

Threw stones, wounded, and shamefully persecuted the second messengers.

Killed the third messenger

They beat some others.

They killed some others.

Philippians 1:29 NKJV

29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

1 Peter 4:12–13 NKJV

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

vv. 6–8) God is love:

I pray each one of you tries to grasp this eternal truth. God is love. God sent His very Son to the world. He condescended and asked His Son to leave the glory of eternity and to bring His Word to earth, speaking face to face with man.

Perhaps they would listen to His voice and reverence His rights.

Jesus claimed to be God’s Son. Different from all the servants sent before.

The cultivators saw and knew He was the son. There is all sort of evidence in the OT prophecies, of Jesus Christ being the Son of God.

These cultivators plotted His death.

They planned to seize His inheritance.

They then murdered the Son.

What this parable tells us is that Jesus knew He was the Son—the Son of God—and that He knew that He would soon be killed.

Family, The Son was the final messenger for a reason. There would be no other. Either they would accept the message of the Son or face certain judgement.

“If you do not hear the wellbeloved Son of God, you have refused your last hope. He is God ultimatum. Nothing remains when Christ is refused. No one else can be sent; heaven itself contains no further messenger. If Christ be rejected, hope is rejected.”–Spurgeon

v. 9) God is just:

And you better believe justice is coming! God is just—He shall come and destroy evil doers, the unrepentant.

Jesus stated here the Lord is coming and He is coming to revenge the death of His Son.

God is coming sooner than later to destroy the wicked. This destruction is to be miserable and terrible.

For God to be just He must and we must expect injustice to be punished.

God is also going to trust His vineyard to others. The vineyard will be cultivated by someone and God will raise up a new people to care for it.

vv. 10–11) God is trustworthy:

God always fulfills His promises. Christ is the cornerstone. This is a quotation from Ps 118:22–23

Psalm 118:22–23 NKJV

22 The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.

This passage was recognized as a Messianic prophecy. The Messiah was going to be the head cornerstone who was to begin building the Kingdom of God and who was to support all others who would come after.

The real kicker is this stone was to be rejected at first. It was to be considered unsuitable and useless for the building. The builder s going to far as to not allow the stone to be part of the building.

Matthew 21:44 NKJV

44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

v. 12) The great tragedy

The conclusion of Jesus’ parable is sad. A tragic conclusion which has been seen in so many others throughout history.

Instead of reacting in humility and repentance the leaders sought to destroy Him and silence His claims.

This is why we stress you need Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life. It is a spiritually and eternally-fatal holding the wrong view of Jesus.

This teachers and leaders were afraid to arrest Jesus because of the people. The people saw Jesus simply as a great teacher and not the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

The last tragedy: leaving Jesus and going their own way. This was exactly what they did:

2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV

2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Benediction:

Numbers 6:24–26 KJV 1900

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.