Untitled Sermon

We’re studying the final week of Jesus life and ministry that would deliver the greatest gift for the souls of humanity. Last week we looked at a part of the 2nd day of this last week, and we saw Jesus’ power and authority to judge Israel shown by the cursing of the fig tree. This preceded Jesus going into the temple and throwing out all those who were hustling in the temple only to make a profit, and not supporting GOD’s purposes for the temple. They had turned what was supposed to be a place for prayer and ministry to a hideout for robbers and thieves. No doubt the Jewish leaders were receiving their cut. This would appear that Jesus was protecting the temple, but his actions were actually a protest and pronouncement of judgment against it, just like he did fig tree. These things set the stage for a day full of controversy for Jesus. - You ever had a day spent just arguing with folk over stuff that ain’t gone make a difference, because no matter what you say they just ain’t gone listen or change? - That’s what this Tuesday was like for Jesus. What makes it worse is that it’s with folk who ought to know better! But these folk were stubborn unbelievers and opposers and followers of their own way. After witnessing Jesus clean the temple the day before, they start the day off with an argumentative question “By what authority and who gave it to you?” Watch as Jesus handles his opposers with great wisdom, and this is an encouragement to respond to our problems wisely, but also a warning against becoming an enemy of GOD’s will by the slightest rejection of Christ.

Who were these people? The chief priests and elders, better known as the Sanhedrin of Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin was the supreme court of Jerusalem. According to Jewish custom, it was composed of 71 men, a president, vice-chair, and 69 rulers. This was patterned after Moses and the 70 elders he appointed. In Jesus’ day, it primarily consisted of Sadducees. Sadducees were another religious Jewish group like the Pharisees. But they had a number of differences from the Pharisees. The Sadducees were more elite, wealthy, political, cooler with Rome and thus always concerned with their political status as rulers. They interpreted scripture literally, whereas Pharisees liberally and held tradition on the same level as scripture. Although Sadducees also had their traditions.They didn’t believe in resurrection, spirits, angels, or miracles. They were the ones with religious authority (priesthood) and legal authority under Rome. So it’s no surprise at all that they were questioning Jesus about his authority.

Application: This is one of the reasons we must be careful about arguing about authority, because it is highly reflective of those who opposed Christ.

Jesus is wise in his response though. He conditions his answer on them answering him. He then brings up John the Baptist’s ministry, and places them in a valid righteous dilemma - “Where did it come from?” That is to say, what was the source of authority for John’s baptism ministry, from heaven or humans. This was a great dilemma for them because either way they answered it would place them in the most negative light. So they answered “I don’t know”. But that was a lie! Because if they answered heaven, they reasoned it was an issue with their belief. But if humans, it was an issue of their fear of people. Both answers would jeopardize their status as rulers. Heaven, because they would have to change their ways. Human, the people would disregard them.

Application: See it was Jesus’ righteous actions that challenged their authority. Jesus knew that it wouldn’t have made a difference if he answered their questions straight up or not. Be wise in our answers to pointless questions. Know the schemes of satan, he will move through people to cause an arrogant and boastful reaction in our response. Also, let’s not be like enemies of Jesus being stubborn against belief because we want to hold to our way, and driven by fear and regard for the crowd. It would be better to admit that we’re wrong about something than be so concerned about pleasing the crowd.

Jesus knows their hypocrisy so he says I ain’t telling you either. Then he moves to speak a series of 3 parables that implicitly answers their question, and explicitly exposes their rejection of GOD’s will. For the sake of brevity, we will only look at 2 of these parables in detail.

Jesus says tell me what you think about this scenario. A man/father, represents GOD the Father. He had two sons, which signify relationship. He had one and the same request for both sons and that was to do work in my vineyard today. The first one said he wouldn’t, but later felt sorry for how he responded to his father and decided to do as he requested. The second said he would, but slacked off and didn’t do anything. Jesus’ probing question to the rulers was “Which one did the father’s will?” The rulers respond the first one and don’t even realized they’ve just indicted themselves. Jesus explains the meaning and reveals that sinners whom the rulers condemn will precede them into the Kingdom. Why? Because they had the appropriate response to John’s preaching of righteousness and they didn’t. And even after seeing the powerful effect GOD’s word had on them, they felt no remorse or regret about their own lifestyles to believe him.

Application: In the Kingdom, our performance far outweighs what we promise. As I mentioned last week, showing up and looking the part is like saying we’ll do his will. But putting Christ’s words into practice is doing his will. Second, we need to be careful who we condemn, because those same folk in their behavior or status might’ve said no in the past, but could have a heartfelt response to the grace and mercy of GOD’s word. Third, we need to be extremely cautious of not becoming so secure in our status, seeing people year after year respond to the compassion of GOD’s ministry, that we don’t feel any remorse or change of heart about our own ways. Especially those of us who have been baptized quite a while, we need to ask ourselves is there a word that I haven’t allowed to convict my soul.

Jesus continues with another parable, as if to say I’m not finished. A landowner planted a vineyard and did all the work to protect and prepare it for production. Then he leased it to some workers. Time came for him to collect rent or gather some of his fruit. But every time he sent servants, these workers mistreated some and killed others. Finally, thinking his son would be respected higher, he sent him but the workers in their greed killed him because they wanted to inherit the vineyard. Jesus asks another probing question, what will the owner do to the workers? Again, the rulers in their answer indict themselves not realizing it at the time. “He will destroy them and replace them with those who will pay him”. Jesus quotes and proclaims the Kingdom of GOD would be removed from their care and their followers, and given to a new people producing fruit.

Application: First, we must constantly remember that in this kingdom, we’ve been entrusted with something. Everybody has been given a gift and entrusted to use that gift to edify the kingdom in some fashion or another. Second, don’t become careless about the word of GOD. Carelessness about the word of GOD will cause us to move in our own way and be harmful to GOD’s servants. Third, don’t abuse GOD’s patience, because it is meant to lead to salvation. Satisfaction with worldly things and ignoring his message for us will lead to this abuse. Fourth, don’t be greedy for personal gain because it can create a disrespect and rejection of Jesus the son of GOD. Fifth, a stubborn rejection to the Father and Son will lead to destruction and replacement. Lastly, realize that this is a dangerous space to be in. Because even when you know Christ’s words are directed at you, it will elevate your current opposition to worse opposition.

Some of these are necessary repeated themes to warn us against exhibiting enemy-like behavior toward Jesus. Arguing over authority, respond wisely to pointlessness, don’t be condemning, be remorseful for unbelief, be a better steward, don’t develop apathy but be productive, appreciate GOD’s patience, avoid greed, and stop being stubborn/insisting our way.