BINDING THE HANDS OF JESUS

TEXT: Matthew 27:1-2

INTRODUCTION: In Matthew 27:2 , we read of how the enemies of Jesus bound Him in preparation for sending Him to Pilate: As we read this, it is easy for our hearts to be filled with sadness, and even with a touch of "righteous indignation" for that crowd that bound Jesus in such a way And yet, there are few today who are not guilty of binding the hands of Jesus in a "figurative" way!

I. BY REFUSING TO OBEY THE GOSPEL

A. In his great love for us, Jesus stretched out his hands and died for our sins...

1. Even today, through His gospel, He pleads with all to take advantage of His vicarious suffering

2. He does not want us to suffer for the guilt of our own sins

3. His "tender invitation" Matthew 11:28-30 is still offered today

B. When one refuses to obey the gospel...

1. The hands of Jesus are bound!

2. There is no way a person can receive the benefits of Jesus death!

3. 3. For him or her, the death of Jesus was in vain!

C. Is this true of you?

1. It is... if you have not yet accepted the gospel by obeying the commands of Jesus

Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

2. And if it is, then you will one day have to face the righteous indignation of Jesus Himself!

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

II. II. BY REFUSING TO BE TRANSFORMED

A. Christ=s will is that we be transformed...

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

B. But many Christians neglect the instrument by which we can be renewed!

1. We do not "receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" -

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

2. 2. Allowing other things to take precedence in our lives, we so "bind the hands of Jesus" that we do not change!

C. Are we guilty of this?

1. We are, if we neglect to study the Bible on our own!

2. We are, if we fail to take advantage of opportunities to study with others!

3. Neglect the transforming power of the Word of God, and we are just as guilty of "binding the hands of Jesus" as were those who delivered Him to Pilate!

III. BY REFUSING TO PRAY

A. Jesus has become our "high priest" ...

1. He became man for this very purpose - Hebrews 2:17-18

2. He has made it possible for us to boldly approach God's throne of grace in prayer - Hebrews 4:14-16

3. As our high priest...

a) He is able to save those who come to God through Him - Hebrews 7:25

b) b. He "ever lives" to make intercession for us Hebrews 7:25

B. When we don't pray as we should...

1. Jesus cannot be our high priest, our intercessor!

2. Figuratively speaking, we have taken the "praying hands" of Jesus and "bound" them behind His back!

C. Are we doing this?

1. If so, what a travesty this is!

2. For here is Jesus...

a) Who "lives" to intercede for us

b) But Who can't, because we prevent Him from doing so by our failure to pray!

IV. BY REFUSING TO DO OUR PART IN THE CHURCH

A. The church is described as the "body of Christ" -

Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

1. As His body, we are individually members of one another - 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

2. As members of one another, we are to care for one another - Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

3. It is through such "mutual edification", that Christ provides much of His help for the members of His body!

B. But when we fail to do our share, again Jesus is "bound"'.

1. Just as our physical head can do little if our bodily members fail to follow its leading, so it is with Jesus and His church!

2. Jesus could do so much more for His members,, if only more of the members did THEIR part!

C. Have you ever considered it this way?

1. That by failing to do our part, we "handicap" the body of Christ?

2. That because of our neglect, or apathy, or lukewarmness...

a) Either the whole body of Christ suffers...

b) Or others are forced to do "double duty" in order to make up the difference?

V. BY REFUSING TO SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH THE LOST

A. Jesus has made his disciples to be his "hands" in taking the gospel to the lost

1. Consider

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.