A Journey with Jesus

Introduction

ATTN: In the Beginning...

Humans had a perfect relationship with God. No sin, no suffering, and no death!

But sin entered the world when Adam & Eve decided to know evil, to love their sin, and to obey themselves instead of God.

But God, in his merciful and gracious love for us, made a promise… From the seed of the woman would come a Savior who would crush the head of Satan!

That promise was later passed on to Abraham’s family, when God said that through his Son, all the people of the world would be blessed!

That promise was then passed on to King David, when God said that he would have a Son to rule eternally!

That Son is Jesus Christ!

He came so that our sins may be forgiven, that our broken relationship with God would be restored, and that we could spend eternity worshiping him together with our brothers & sisters!

We all need a restored relationship with Jesus.

We will see how true discipleship with Jesus is the only way of salvation.

How does your life reflect your relationship with Jesus?

Sermon Idea: Discipleship with Jesus is the Only Way of Salvation!

[Interrogative]?

This passage reveals three requirements to discipleship:

Discipleship with Jesus Requires Knowing Him (13:22-27)

Context

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover and initiate the New Covenant.

English Standard Version Chapter 13

22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem.

23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them,

24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’

26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’

27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’

Explain

Jesus never answers the question.

Jesus is the “master of the house.”

When he comes again, the door of salvation will be shut.

Discipleship is an urgent matter.

Those who thought they knew Jesus protest

Discipleship with Jesus Requires Loving Him (13:28-30)

English Standard Version Chapter 13

28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out.

29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.

30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Explain

Love has consequences

Negatively, those who do not genuinely love Jesus get what they want: eternal separation from him.

Positively, those who do love Jesus also get what they want: eternal fellowship with him.

People from every tribe, nation, and tongue will worship Jesus

Both Israelites and Gentiles who love Jesus.

“Recline at table” expresses an intimate relationship.

The Great Reversal

“I was raised in the church.”

On fire for Jesus.

Discipleship with Jesus Requires Obeying Him (13:31-35)

English Standard Version Chapter 13

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”

32 And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.

33 Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’

34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

35 Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

Explain

Jesus was not afraid to die.

Herod killed John the Baptist.

Jerusalem was out of his jurisdiction (Pilate).

Fearing death would have revealed illegitimacy of Jesus’ prophetic office.

He stayed the course of the cross, defeating Satan, sin, and death!

“The city that kills the prophets”

God’s people frequently reject his message.

They do not know, love, or obey him!

Jesus knows he is in the Father’s will.

He will not die outside of Jerusalem.

“Would I have gathered...”

Jesus equates himself the Yahweh, offering salvation.

Notice that the brood was “not willing” to be saved.

This breaks Jesus’ heart.

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Jesus is HE.

Ye-shua.

Palm Sunday.

Conclusion

Reiteration

Does your walk with Jesus demonstrate your:

Knowledge of Him? (13:22-27)

Love for Him? (13:28-30)

Obedience to Him? (13:31-35)

Application

Because Jesus died and rose for us, we can spend our lives knowing, loving, and obeying him!

Write down something you would like to:

Know about Jesus:

Love more about Jesus:

Obey Jesus by:

Gospel Invitation.

Closing Prayer.

Stand for Worship.

God Bless You