Don Carson's morning addresses continued:
3) Matthew 11:2-19 Are you greater than King David?
1 Portrait of a discouraged baptist
John is in prison and doubts because Jesus is not the Messiah he anticipated (Matthew 3:9-13)
2 Portrait of a defended baptist
Jesus tells the crowd not to condemn John the Baptist because of his questions. John was greater than all before because he pointed out Jesus in person.
3 Portrait of an eclipsed baptist
John is eclipsed by ordinary people. The least in the kingdom can confess Jesus mor comprehensively than John with the benefit of post resurrection insight.
The title to the sermon comes from v11, and a link to a verse relating to David which I failed to note down, maybe in the Psalms - any answers welcome.
What makes you great? Proclamation and witness of who Jesus is and the kingdom to come.
4) Matthew 24 & 25 How to wait for Jesus
1 Wait as those who do not want to be surprised by the Master's return
We don't know when He is coming. It will be like they days of Noah - they were living ordinary lives. The flood was unexpected except to those who were waiting as will be the coming of the Son of Man.
2 Wait as stewards who must give account of their service
There are many who appear to be following the Master but forget they will have to give an account.
3 Wait as those who hone the Master's coming may be long delayed
This should engender perseverance and a sense of strategy - training the next generation, passing on our heritage. Live, give, plan, pray and serve in light of a possible long wait.
4 Wait as those who understand they must enhance their Master's assets
The equivalent of half a million pounds to take care of is considered small things compared to the great responsibilities we will be given in heaven. We should live lives of obedience, witnessing and using our gifts, graces and money to enhance the assets He has bestowed on us.
5 Wait as people transformed by the gospel so they are unselfconsciously serving brothers and sisters in Christ
Transformed by grace they take care of one another because they are part of the redeemed family of God.
5) Matthew 27: 27-51 The Ironies of the Cross
The Man mocked as King is the King
The Man who is utterly powerless is all powerful - powerless to carry His cross, but destroys the temple
The Man who cannot save Himself saves others - cannot is moral, because He came to do His Father's will
The Man who cries out in despair trusts God - The cry went up so no child of God will have to use this cry
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