In the previous sermon we looked at Jesus’ conversation with his opponents and disciples about divorce. His teaching shocked and challenged them. This sermon goes out from Jesus’ words to look at the topic more broadly. Although each area can
What God has joined
Travelling to Jerusalem, Jesus is pushed by enemies into a debate on divorce. The wrong answer could be disastrous for his campaign. But Jesus won’t be controlled by these hypocrites who claim to keep God’s laws but actually manipulate them
Putting down others; falling down ourselves
Jesus lists examples of the wickedness we can generate inside. What’s included? Slander is there, where we use the amazing power of words to dishonour other people unfairly to benefit ourselves. Arrogance is there, where we proudly think too highly
Thoughts which lie, shame and resent
Jesus lists examples of the wickedness we can generate inside. What’s included? Deceit is there, where we use our cunning to manipulate others to our benefit, without a concern for truth. Lewdness is there, where our thoughts become indecent even
A mind which takes and hates
Jesus pulls no punches as he speaks of the wickedness of the human heart and its evil thoughts. His list of examples started with sexual immorality. Next he speaks of theft and murder. The temptation to satisfy ourselves and not
What’s inside?
Jesus is speaking plainly about the sinful human heart, to counteract his opponents’ self-righteousness. We aren’t made bad by our environment but by what’s wrong inside all of us. Thoughts rise up from within, often occupying our minds, which are
You aren’t what you eat
Jesus’ kingdom is formed from the rebirth of Israel. But some cling to the wreckage of broken, ancient Israel and so rage against him. But these men are seriously misled by their own minds. They consider themselves careful law-keepers but
Rules for life
The appearance of Jesus like the Old Testament Lord walking upon the sea was an important new stage in his work. But as the kingdom goes forward, its opponents rise up to resist it. Ancient Israel should be the seed
Christmas Sermon 2020
Sin is the virus which has gone throughout the world. It has created fear in human hearts, especially the fear of death. As a result of our bad behaviour, God has had to put the the world into a form
Son of Man
Jesus can do nothing for his opponents until they are willing to open their minds, because they are trapped by their traditions and rules. This is now demonstrated by a clash over the keeping of the Sabbath day of rest.