God Wants Us to Make a Difference in Our Generation!

The Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 12:38-50

Sermon by Rick Crandall

(Prepared April 16, 2022)

BACKGROUND:

*Today we will finish our study of Matthew 12. By this time, Jesus had fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, worked thousands of miracles, and spoken many times with the authority of God. But most of the Pharisees had rejected their promised Messiah. They had also become obsessed with a bitter, murderous hatred for Jesus. And some of those Pharisees were so consumed by their hatred that they committed the only unpardonable sin: They blasphemed the Holy Spirit.

*This happened in vs. 22-24 where Jesus healed a blind and mute man who had been possessed by demons. All the multitudes began to wonder if Jesus was the promised Messiah. But in vs. 24, "When the Pharisees heard it they said, 'This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.'" By saying those words, those Pharisees were blaspheming the Holy Spirit with no hope of forgiveness.

*Jesus made this truth clear in vs. 31-32 and said:

31. "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

32. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come."

*Today's Scripture in vs. 38-50 marks a shift. Jesus was still speaking to scribes and Pharisees, but this group used another approach to attack Jesus. In vs. 38 they said, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.'' Luke 11:16 tells us that they were testing Jesus and "sought from Him a sign from heaven." As if the countless other miracles weren't enough! (1)

*Jesus saw right through their scheme and in vs. 39 He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." The same original word for generation here is used 4 times in this chapter, and every time Jesus used it to call them out as an evil generation. Well, what about our generation? Do you think we are any better today? The truth is that we might be worse.

*But God wants us to make a positive difference in our generation. And by His grace, we can! Please think about this as we read Matthew 12:38-50.

MESSAGE:

*Acts 13:36 tells us that King David "served his own generation by the will of God." That's what Jesus wants us to do today. And by God's grace, we can make an amazing difference in our generation!

*Think about D. James Kennedy. He was one of the most fruitful pastors of the late 20th century. As the long-time Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, author of "Evangelism Explosion" witness training, and leader of the "Truths that Transform" radio and TV ministries, Dr. Kennedy helped lead millions of people to Jesus Christ.

*But how did it all begin? Back in the 1950s, James Kennedy was an instructor at an Arthur Murray dance studio. He also led a drunken, immoral lifestyle. Then James started dating a Christian girl, and she asked him, "Where do you go to church?"

*He replied, "Nowhere. You don't have to go to church to be a good person." Then, with an air of arrogance, he said, "You can be a good Christian without going to church!" But the girl firmly replied, "No you can't!"

*Years later, Dr. Kennedy said, "That was the first time anyone had ever challenged my little pet saying. I was taken aback, and it made me re-think everything I believed."

*A week later, Kennedy was asleep in a drunken haze. When he woke up, he heard a preacher on the radio. He got up to turn it off. But before he got to the radio, he heard the preacher ask this question: "Suppose that you were to die today and stand before God, and he asked you: 'What right do you have to enter my heaven?' What would you say?"

*That question stopped Kennedy in his tracks. He sat back down on the bed and listened as Dr. Donald Barnhouse shared the gospel message. Right then and there, James Kennedy completely surrendered his life to Christ.

*The next day, as he was shaving, he looked at himself in the mirror and kept saying, "I'm forgiven! I'm completely forgiven! I'm going to spend eternity in Paradise with Jesus!" He was so happy, so grateful. Right then and there James said to himself, "I want what happened to me to happen to as many people as possible." James started going to church with his new Christian girlfriend. And for over 50 years Dr. Kennedy showed his appreciation for Jesus by loving service to the Lord. (2)

*But don't miss this! It all started with just three words from a young Christian whose name I have never heard. Just three words helped make all the difference for millions of people in her generation! And there is no telling what God can do through us!

1. TODAY'S SCRIPTURE GIVES US FOUR KEYS TO A LIFE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND THE FIRST KEY IS THE FAITH WE MUST EMBRACE.

*Verses 38-40 point us to the heart of our faith:

38. Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.''

39. But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

40. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

*God surely gives us signs about the things He wants us to believe. He still speaks through the still small voice of His Holy Spirit, urging us to do the right thing at the right time. Sometimes He speaks to us through our circumstances. Sometimes He speaks to people through dreams, and sometimes He has to hit us over the head with a "2-by-4." But most of all, God speaks to us through His Word.

*God definitely gives signs, even miraculous signs. But here Jesus said, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah."

*Why did the Lord say that? The reason why is because there were never enough signs for those hard-hearted, unbelieving people. No generation has ever seen as many signs as that generation had seen. Those scribes and Pharisees had heard the reports. Many of them had seen the miracles firsthand.

*In Matthew 8 alone, Jesus healed a leper. Then with just a word He healed a Roman soldier's servant who had some kind of paralyzing disease. Jesus also healed Peter's mother-in-law of a fever by touching her hand. He cast out demons with His word. He calmed the wind and the raging sea. Then He cast out a whole legion of demons from two men. And in Matthew 9, Jesus raised Jairus' daughter from the dead!

*This is just a small sample of the miracles Jesus worked here on earth. And in John 21:25, the very last thing John wrote was this: "There are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen."

*But all of that was not enough for these stubborn unbelievers. Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 1:21-24, where he said:

21. For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

22. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;

23. but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,

24. but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

*The cross of Jesus Christ is the greatest sign of all! And this was the Lord's message when He talked about the sign of the prophet Jonah. In vs. 40 Jesus said, "As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

*The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest sign the world will ever see! And if you will not receive this sign, you will never be saved. We must believe in the Risen Savior and what He did on the cross for us. This is the faith we must embrace, and it's one of the keys to making a difference in our generation.

2. BUT JESUS ALSO SHOWS US THE FUTURE WE MUST FACE.

*It's the coming Day of Judgment, and in vs. 41-42 Jesus said:

41. "The men of Nineveh will rise in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.

42. The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here."

*In these verses Jesus spoke of the Day of Judgment for those who have not trusted in the Lord. But every believer will also face the Lord for the judgment of our works. Yes, if we have trusted in the cross of Jesus Christ, we are saved by the grace of our merciful God, and all of our sins are forgiven, but we will give an account of our lives.

*One of the most mixed-up churches in the New Testament was the Corinthian church. They had all kinds of problems and faults. But when Paul wrote his first letter to this church, one of the first things he said was, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:3). Then in 1 Corinthians 1:8 Paul told them that God "will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."

*Christians: We will be blameless when we stand before the Lord, because Jesus took all of the punishment for our sins when He died on the cross for us. But in this same letter Paul also talked about how we must build on the foundation of our salvation. In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Paul said:

10. I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

11. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

13. each one's work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.

14. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

15. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

*Samuel Hoyt gave a good explanation when he said, "It is not a question of sin to be punished, but rather a question of service. The believer's life will be examined and evaluated in regard to his faithfulness as a steward of the abilities and opportunities which God had entrusted to him.

*Faithfulness will be graciously rewarded. Unfaithfulness will go unrewarded. Thus, the primary purpose of the Judgment Seat of Christ is to reveal and review the Christian's life and service, and then to reward him for what God says is worthy of reward.

*The Judgment Seat of Christ might be compared to a graduation ceremony. At graduation there is some measure of disappointment and remorse that one did not do better and work harder. However, at such an event the overwhelming emotion is not remorse, but joy! The graduates do not leave the auditorium weeping because they didn't earn better grades. Rather, they are thankful that they have graduated, and they are grateful for what they did achieve.

*To overdo the sorrow aspect of the Judgment seat of Christ is to make heaven hell. To under-do the sorrow aspect is to make faithfulness inconsequential."

*David Holwick added: "Our lives count for something now. -- Every action, deed, sin, reveals your character. Our sins have consequences. In this life, current unconfessed sin results in loss of desire for service, loss of spiritual power, loss of opportunity. And these things all lead to loss of rewards in Heaven." This is the future we must face if we are going to make a difference in our generation. (3)

3. BUT IN TODAY'S SCRIPTURE, JESUS ALSO SHOWS US A FIGHT WE MUST WIN.

*The Lord reminds us of this fight in vs. 43-45. And here Jesus said:

43. "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.

44. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.

45. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation."

*Jesus gave this lesson on evil spirits in the context of discussing that wicked generation of Jews. Tragically, most of them rejected their true Messiah. No sign was enough for them to turn to the Lord, so the Lord's lesson on the evil spirits was in part a parable of the awful fate that faced the Jewish nation for rejecting their true King.

*This destruction came a few decades later when the Jews rebelled against Rome. The Great Jewish Revolt against Rome began in 66 AD and led to the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Unable to break through the city's defenses, the Roman army set-up camp just outside the city. They dug a trench around the city and built a wall as high as the city wall. Anyone caught in the trench trying to escape would be crucified, and placed on top of the Roman wall facing Jerusalem. By the end of the siege, tens of thousands of crucified bodies circled Jerusalem. The Roman General Titus led the final assault that destroyed the city and its Temple. Over a million people were killed during the siege. (4)

*The Lord knew this horrific tragedy was coming, and Jesus used the spiritual illustration of demon possession to explain that terrible situation. But it is also important to notice that Jesus spoke about demon possession in a matter-of-fact way. It is a very real thing. Thankfully, it is also a rare thing in places where the occult is not popular, and idols are not worshiped.

*Hopefully, most of us will probably never have to deal with someone who is demon possessed. But about 15 years ago Sarah and the other counselors at a youth camp did. It was a first for Sarah, and here's part of her testimony:

"You never know what you are going to get when you work at a youth camp. The majority of the 65 eleventh and twelfth graders I had at that youth camp were believers. And I never expected to hear what one youth minister told me the first night of camp: 'Anna comes from a very rough family,' he began. 'There is even a history of abuse.'

*I have worked many camps over the years, so although it was something I hated to hear, I honestly was not shocked. However, what followed next made me take a deep breath. 'She has gotten involved with an occult group, and we think there may be some demon possession.'

*Anna began attending the youth group the previous October, partly because she was interested, but probably because it provided a safe place for her. The youth minister knew her background, – a background filled with rape, death of family members and dysfunction. And he chose to invest in her, even when it was not the easiest thing to do. Even more interesting was the fact that there was another church member who had gotten saved out of a satanic background, -- so this lady had also been able to invest in Anna.

*God had His hand on this child's life, but it seemed initially that Anna was oblivious to the loving Father who was drawing her to Himself. 'I'm not a Christian, and honestly I don't think God is as great as y'all think he is,' she boldly stated the first night of camp in her small group.

*On the second afternoon of camp, one of my co-leaders was able to talk extensively with Anna. And it was clear that our classroom turned into a spiritual battlefield that day. Granted, this girl's problems were a combination of a rough home life and a need for legitimate attention. But there was no questioning the demonic influence in the room. It was a presence so strong that my friend even had to command the demon in the name of Jesus to leave multiple times. It was that strong.

*My friend was able to give godly counsel to the girl, but most importantly, she shared the Gospel with her. And through the testimony of her own tragic childhood story, she was able to testify of a loving God who is about hope and restoration. Sadly, Anna rejected Christ that day. And as my friend and I talked, it seemed as if that was her final decision.

*Fast forward to the next night at Bible Study. We decided to take a different route with our lesson that night and included a time where students would stand and share things that they were thankful for.

*Anna was one of the last students to stand, and as tears ran down her cheeks, she simply stated, 'I'm thankful that I was able to come this week and see that people really do care.' My friend leaned over to me and whispered, 'Anna told me she doesn't cry.' And I thought, 'I'm just shocked she actually came to Bible study today.'

*As we walked into the worship center (later) that night, her youth minister met me at the door. 'Anna prayed to receive Christ a minute ago,' he said. 'She looks completely different.'

*As I saw that child that night and watched her throughout the rest of the week, there was no question in my mind that she had been set free. Her entire countenance had changed, and the hard-hearted girl, who even flipped off one of the other leaders during worship on Monday, was smiling a genuine smile. It was the first time that her youth minister had ever seen her smile."

*Church: I am sure that Anna will face many troubles and temptations in life, as we all do. But she will never again be possessed by a demon, because she belongs to Jesus Christ! And the good news for us is that we can never be possessed by a demon. We are bought with the price Jesus paid on the cross! And we belong to God. We are possessed by God, and His Holy Spirit lives in us.

*Yet we will still face spiritual struggles in the world. Paul made this truth clear in Ephesians 6:10-13, where he said:

10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

*This is a fight we must win, and we surely can win, because we can be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!" We know this because that's how God wants us to live! And Isaiah 40:29-31 tells us that the LORD "gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

*In today's Scripture, Jesus shows us a fight we must win.

4. BUT THE LORD ALSO SHOWS US THE FAMILY WE MUST BELONG TO.

*It's the family of God. And thank the Lord we can all be a part of the family of God! Notice Jesus' spiritual family in vs. 46-50:

46. While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him.

47. Then one said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.''

48. But He answered and said to the one who told Him, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?''

49. And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers!

50. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.''

*When we trust in Jesus Christ, we are born again into the family of God, with spiritual connections that are stronger than any earthly family can give. God puts us in the only family that will last forever.

*Rick Warren explained that "One of the most misunderstood ideas about the Christian life is that it's just a matter of believing. But God says, 'No, -- you are not just believers, you are belongers.' You belong in the family of God." (5)

*Dr. James Dobson told a story from the time when he was about 3 three years old. He said they lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and his little bed was located beside his parents' bed. It was not uncommon during that time for James' dad to wake up at night and hear a little voice whispering, "Daddy? -- Daddy?" His dad would answer quietly, "What, Jimmy?"

*Dr. Dobson said, "Then I would reply, 'Hold my hand!' My dad would reach across the darkness and grope for my little hand, finally engulfing it in his. And the instant he held my hand, my arm would become limp and my breathing deep and regular. I had gone back to sleep. You see, I only wanted to know that he was there." (6)

CONCLUSION:

*Right now, our Heavenly Father wants us to know that by His Holy Spirit, He is here. He wants you to be part of His family. And you will be if you trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Nothing could ever be more important for your life.

*And remember that God used three words from a young Christian to change Pastor James Kennedy's life forever, and millions more. God also knows the impact you can have on your family, friends, community, and our world. Let God use you to make a difference in your generation!

*We can get started right now, as we go back to God in prayer.

(1) Sources:

(2) Sources:

-SermonCentral sermon "A Good Man" by Leland Patrick - Acts 11:22-24 - Source: SermonCentral contribution by Marc Axelrod

-https://www.djameskennedy.org/

-https://www.djameskennedy.com/

(3) "Are Christians Judged?" online sermon by David Holwick - 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 - FBC Ledgewood, NJ - 10122003 - Series: "Questions People Ask"

(4) Sources:

-"Believer's Bible Commentary" by William MacDonald - Edited by Arthur Farstad - Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Copyright 1995 - "An Unclean Spirit Returns" - Matthew 12:43-45 - Downloaded to e-Sword by Rick Meyers - Copyright 2021

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Jewish-Roman_War

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_Kokhba's_revolt

-http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/revolt.html

(5) KERUX ILLUSTRATION COLLECTION - ID Number: 8060 - SOURCE: Baptist Press, http://www.baptistpress.org/ - TITLE: Purpose-driven Life: What Am I Here For? - AUTHOR: Rev. Rick Warren - DATE: 9162002

(6) Source: SermonCentral sermon "The Faithful Father" by Jeff Strite - Luke 15:11-32