Matthias

This is the conclusion of 'Who Do You Say I AM' Series which we have been doing over the Easter season.

How does this relate to you and me? I believe it does.

This is the conclusion of 'Who Do You Say I AM' Series which we have been doing over the Easter season.

We started by considering the question Jesus posed to His disciples.

Matthew 16:15–16 NIV

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

“Who Do You Say I AM?” We saw Peter’s answer, and the importance of recognizing that Jesus is God!

“Who Do You Say I AM?” We saw Peter’s answer, and the importance of recognizing that Jesus is God!

We took time to see that both the Old Testament Prophecies about the coming Savior showed He would be none other than The Almighty God, Jehovah, or Yahweh.

We saw how when Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of God, He was distinguishing Himself from God the Father, but the Jews knew that He was also making Himself completely equal to God the Father, making Himself out to be God.

The term we use to speak of God being ONE God, Yet at the same time Three Persons that are that One God is ‘Trinity’. This is a mystery to us, because we cannot comprehend three persons being One God. However, Jesus expressed it, and we can trust that He truly is the Almighty God. (Along with the Father and the Holy Spirit.)

So, the first week was just to remember that Jesus is God. If He is God, If you and I say He is God, what difference does that make? What difference does it make in our lives?

Matthew 20:30

Matthew 20:30 NIV

Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Next, we saw with Bartimaeus, that Jesus is the promised Son of David, the King who shows mercy. He knew the promises of God that the Messiah would be merciful. He knew the promises of God that the Messiah would make the blind to see. So, He cried out to Jesus, the fulfillment of the promises, “Have mercy on me!”

Next, we saw with Bartimaeus, that Jesus is the promised Son of David, the King who shows mercy.

He knew his Need for Mercy.

He knew the promises of God that the Messiah would be merciful. He knew the promises of God that the Messiah would make the blind to see.

He knew Jesus is the Messiah--The fulfillment, and fulfiller of the promises! So, He cried out to Jesus, the fulfillment of the promises, “Have mercy on me!”

The challenge was, do we know the promises of God?

Do we see Jesus as the fulfillment, and fulfiller of those promises? What promises are relevant to where you are in life? Who do you say Jesus is?

Jesus is the One who shows mercy, in fact that is what He often chastised the Pharisees and Sadducees for not having, or knowing.

John 18:38 NIV

“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.

The encouragement was to know God’s promises for life and godliness that we need in our lives, our situations, and to cry out for His Mercy.

Good Friday, we we saw that Jesus is the Righteous One who died on the cross, for our sins.

Good Friday, we we saw that Jesus is the Righteous One who died on the cross, for our sins

Pilate knew Jesus as righteous. He thought that truth was useless because He was being put to death anyway.

But that truth, That Jesus is the Righteous One IS important. He is the only One who as the completely Righteous man could die in our place. He is the only One as the God of the World, who could take on the sins of the whole World.

As Peter puts it,

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Paul put it similarly,

He was the Righteous One who took our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might become righteous in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

He was the Righteous One who took our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might become righteous in Him.

Who Do You Say He Is? Is He Your Savior? Do you believe He took your sins, so you could be righteous in Him? If you believe He took your sins and gave you His righteousness, how does that impact you today?

Finally, last Sunday we looked at Who Jesus was from Mary’s perspective.

John 20:18 NIV

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Mary knew Jesus was the risen Savior! She told the disciples, and the disciples then saw Him themselves.

They knew He was risen. They turned the world upside down because they knew He was risen.

His body has not been found. His disciples did not steal the body. Rather, they ate with, spoke with, and spent time with Jesus who had risen from the dead!

It changed their lives! Think of the change in Peter who denied the Lord… He did not go on to live a life of regret and depression. He learned to live a victorious life. He wrote to encourage others! We will be going back to a study of Peter’s first letter next week.

The disciples knew Jesus was risen. Do you? What difference does it make that He is risen? What hope does that bring you today?

Who do I say Jesus is?

Like Peter - He is God!

Like Bartimaeous - He is Merciful when I need mercy.

Like Pilate - He is the righteous One who died for me.

Like Mary - He is Risen, and my hope!

Who do you say Jesus is?

Today, we are going to look at another who was convinced of Who Jesus is. Matthias.

Who was Matthias. We read earlier in the service, but let’s read it again.

Acts 1:15–21 NIV

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us,

Acts 1:15–26 NIV

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Matthias. Who was he? What was significant about Him? What did he do? And, how in the world does this relate to us today? Let’s dig into this a little bit.

Matthias was a witness

We see here, that when it came to filling Judas’ spot among the twelve, it had to be someone who was qualified.

What were the qualifications?

With them the whole time from the beginning when John baptized, to the end when Jesus was taken from them. .

Why? Well, what was the role he was filling?

He was taking Judas’ spot. Judas was one of the twelve disciples Jesus chose. Now, Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him, but He still chose him. This fulfilled the scriptures. But Jesus chose twelve disciples out of the many who followed Him. Why? Likely because the Jews always sought after signs. The number 12 was significant. There were 12 tribes of Israel, and we see that number repeated throughout the scriptures, right up to the new Jerusalem at the end of the Bible. The number of disciples who would became Jesus’ main sent ones, or Apostles (apostles is the fancy word which means ‘sent ones’), was twelve as a sign to their first audience… the Jews.

Let’s look back at Jesus’ final words:

Acts 1:8 NIV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus wanted these men to be witnesses. Their first audience was to the Jews. So, having 12 of them would speak to the Jewish hearts, so hopefully they would listen to the words of truth concerning Jesus. He is the Messiah! God, the Savior!

So, if Matthias was to be one of the 12 Apostles, one of the 12 sent ones… and they were to be witnessses, it only makes sense that he should be capable of being a witness.

Example (Car accident when I was in Junior High). I did not see. So, I was not a good witness.

Matthias saw it all. He was a reliable witness.

But, there were others as well. Joseph, called Barsabbas also met the qualification of being with Jesus from the Baptism, to the Ascension.

What to do?

Since Jesus chose the twelve original, they wanted Jesus to choose the replacement. They followed the Jewish traditional method for knowing God’s choice in a matter. They cast lots.

Proverbs 16:33 NIV

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

Matthias was chosen

Matthias was chosen

They truly committed this decision to the Lord in prayer. Then, they went with the one that the lot fell to.

Often in our lives, it will come down to two good choices. I believe that if you commit it to the Lord in prayer, you can step out in faith and follow one of those paths in full confidence. God will guide our steps. If you trust Him, you cannot be wrong in your choice when it is a good option to begin with.

Another topic, for another time… The point is, He was chosen!!

So, Matthias knew who Jesus was! He was a reliable witness, who even saw Jesus raised from the dead.

Matthias was chosen!

So, what did Matthias do?

Nothing else has his name on it in the Bible.

However, we can be sure that,

Matthias had purpose!

We know from on, that the apostles were active. Now the only ones named as doing anything are Peter and John, Oh, and James was the first Apostle to be martyred.

But we know all the apostles were active because continues the story and says that when ‘they’ were all together… The ‘they’ in context is referring to the twelve. The eleven, plus Matthias who was added to their number.

Matthias was active, though unnamed in Acts.

He is named elsewhere. Eusebius and others of the early church in the first few centuries mentioned Matthias.

It is believed, that like the other apostles, he shared the good news of Jesus our Resurrected Savior until he was martyred for his teaching.

He was a witness who served his Lord Jesus as a faithful witness until he died for his testimony.

The fact that all of the Apostles, and many others died claiming to have seen Jesus resurrected. People rarely die for something that they know they are lying about. The fact that 11 of the 12 died bearing witness, and that John, the 12th bore witness to the resurrected Jesus is another proof that Jesus really did rise from the dead!

Matthias believed. He knew that Jesus was the resurrected Savior of the world.

What did that mean for Him?

Purpose. He had a new purpose in life. To make sure everyone knew about the salvation Jesus alone offers. He knew that purpose all the way to his death.

When you have purpose, it gives you what you need to get through whatever comes your way.

That is how I believe this account of Matthias relates to you and me.

What about me?

What about me?

Am I a witness?

Am I chosen?

Am I living on purpose?

We started by considering the question Jesus posed to His disciples. This is the conclusion of 'Who Do You Say I AM' Series which we have been doing over the Easter season.

We started by considering the question Jesus posed to His disciples. This is the conclusion of 'Who Do You Say I AM' Series which we have been doing over the Easter season.

We started by considering the question Jesus posed to His disciples. serving Jesus?

Am I a witness?

Have I heard of Jesus? Have I spent time with Jesus? What has Jesus done in me? What has Jesus done for me?

Am I chosen?

Consider the following passages.

1 Peter 1:1–2 NIV

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

1 Peter 1:1-2

Ephesians 1:3–4 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

Ephesians 1:4

1 Corinthians 1:27–31 NIV

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

You were chosen!! God did choose you! Jesus chose you! You are wanted! You are special to Him!

Am I living on purpose?

Who will I talk to this week? What will those conversations be about? Will I be looking at Who Jesus is, and what He has done? Will I praise Him? Will I tell others about Him, serving Him by fulfilling His command...

Acts 1:8 NIV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Pass out the business cards. and Gospels of John.

Matthias was a witness. He saw. He knew.

You are a witness. You know what Jesus has done for you. You know who Jesus is to you.

Matthias was chosen. You are chosen.

Matthias lived on purpose. Will you live on purpose?

Who do you say Jesus is? Will you choose to find in Him not only hope, but purpose? Will you live on purpose for Him, being a faithful witness?

Let’s pray this together...

Colossians 4:2–6 NIV

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Close in prayer using colossians

Homework

Read . How would you describe yourself? Are you wise, or foolish in your own estimation? Are you powerful, or the underling? Are you rich? Are you the one the world would choose to serve the most important person in the world? Think about it. God is the most important person in the world. He chose you! How does His choosing you make you feel? How does His choosing you impact you today? How can you use this fact that God chose you to combat wrong thinking about yourself?

Read . This was obviously spoken to Jesus’ disciples. But the fact that Matthias was a witness to the Ascension means that he was also there. So was Joseph Barsabbas. This means that when Jesus spoke about them being witnesses, he meant it for more than just the eleven. He meant it for all His followers. If this is meant for you, what does that mean for you today? What have you witnessed about Jesus? How can you share that with others?

Read . Write out your own prayer using this passage as a guideline. Pray it for yourself. Pray it for someone else. Contact someone, and ask them to pray this prayer for you, and you pray it for them.

Learn the Romans Road: , ; ; .

Write out your testimony: What were some of your struggles with sin? How did you hear about Jesus? Explain how Jesus died for your sins, and rose again. How has your faith in His death, and resurrection impacted your life?