Trusting the Father's Plan

Introduction:

Have you ever been working with someone on a project and as they first begin to explain to you the project, you are a little unsure of what the vision is? As you work on it, the plan begins to unfold and you see what was tucked away in their minds begin to unfold before you?

Last summer we were working on a ramp for a disabled person to be able to come back home after having had a stroke and as we worked on the project, they were telling us what the plan was. I’m not always the best at taking verbal descriptions and translating them into a visual illustration. Maybe you are like that too and when you read passages in the Bible like the description of the Temple in the Old Testament or the description of the High Priest’s garments you need a little illustration in a study Bible to illustrate it for you to see more clearly.

Well, as the project began, I just had to trust that Kenny and the others in charge of building this ramp knew what we were supposed to be doing. I dug the hole they said to dig and screwed the screw in where they said to screw. I have to admit to you that we were about half way through framing before I had my eureka moment and the lightbulb came on.

You know our lives can be like that ramp. God has a plan for us and wants to use us. He knows where each step will take us and what valleys we will have to go through. Sometimes we just have to learn to trust the Father’s plan and take the step in front of us.

Jesus knew His Father’s plan for His own life. He knew why He had been sent to this earth and was determined to faithfully follow that plan for His life.

Let’s learn from Him this morning as we turn to Matthew 17.

Matthew 17:22–23 ESV

22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

Pray

This is the second prediction of Jesus death in this section of Matthew and we have a new detail that emerges in the plan.

1. The Betrayal of Christ (v.22a)

Matthew 17:22 ESV

22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men,

This was a shock to the Disciples

This was a plan that would seem contrary to the advancement of the Kingdom, but in reality it was the foundation on which the Kingdom of God would be built. Without it, we would be lost in our sins.

Jesus pronounces this at a moment when everything seemed to be going right in the eyes of the Disciples

Our plans are not God’s plans and our ways are not God’s ways

How would you script your life differently?

Illustration: I never would have planned to have as many kids as we have, and yet I couldn’t ask for a greater blessing.

What things have happened in your life that you know were the plans of God, but you would not have written the script that way?

Jesus could go forward to Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him, because He had complete confidence in God’s plan for His life and knew what His mission was and for what reason He had come to this earth.

God’s plan for your life is not your comfort, but your surrender and service.

2. The Assault on Christ (v.23)

Matthew 17:23 ESV

23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

Christ once again tells them that He will be killed

The people could not connect the promises in the prophecies about the suffering servant with the Messiah dying. They were all throughout the Scriptures, but the Disciples and the people were blind to them.

This aspect of Jesus foretelling of His death left the Disciples greatly distressed. They could not see the end result. Their eyes were blinded.

We cannot see the purpose of the cross and the way of salvation without God unblinding our eyes by giving us spiritual vision.

We should be forewarned that if we walk the path of Christ, we will be treated like He was

God used the suffering and murder of HIs son to save us from our sins. If He can do that, how much more can God use the suffering that you have to go through and the assault on your faith to accomplish His plans for your life?

3. The Victorious Resurrection of Christ (v.23)

Matthew 17:23 ESV

23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

The good news of the story is that three days later, Jesus would rise again

Jesus would conquer death for all who are in Christ

Just like with Jesus, our final victory will come at the resurrection of our bodies

Paul’s words

2 Timothy 4:7–8 ESV

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Conclusion

Jesus fought the good fight and secured our salvation

Paul fought the good fight and kept the faith

How about you? How’s your faith this morning?

In whom have you set your hope?

I Set My Hope of Jesus

When this life of trials test my faith I set my hope on Jesus When the questions come and doubts remain I set my hope on Jesus For the deepest wounds that time won't heal There's a joy that runs still deeper There's a truth that's more than all I feel

I set my hope on Jesus I set my hope on Jesus My rock, my only trust Who set His heart upon me first I set my hope on Jesus