A Chip Off The Old Block Series

A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

MATTHEW 3:16-17

INTRODUCTION… 3:16s Thus Far (p)

We have been on a journey since July as we have been looking at various 3:16s in the Bible:

Exodus 3:13-17 shared with us the Name of God and that we can trust Him.

Joshua 3:1-17 shows us that God makes a way in our lives in all circumstances.

Judges 3:12-30 talks to us about the deliverance of God and how He can use each of us.

1 Samuel 3:1-21 teaches us how to hear God’s voice.

Daniel 3:1-30 encourages us to trust God when we have faith in the fire.

Zephaniah 3:14-20 shared that God is mighty to save.

Malachi 3:16-17 reminds us that we are God’s treasured possession.

All of those were in the Old Testament which I hope have been very encouraging to you as you walk in faith. Today we jump into the New Testament and continue to look at 3:16s as we look at the Gospel of Matthew.

THE INCREDIBLES (wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Incredibles)

The Incredibles is a 2004 American computer-animated comedy superhero film written and directed by Brad Bird and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It was the sixth film produced by Pixar Animation Studios.

Mr Incredible has strength.

Elastigirl can stretch.

"Supers" – humans with superpowers – are forced into civilian relocation programs after facing several lawsuits from peripheral damage caused by their crime fighting activities. Fifteen years after relocation, Bob and Helen Parr, formerly Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl respectively, and their children Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack live as a normal suburban family on the outside. Bob is dissatisfied with suburban life and his white-collar job and longs for the glory days of using his super powers to help others.

Through a series of events, Bob is able to use his powers freely on a side job which improves his attitude and relationship with his family and he begins rigorous training while waiting for more work. Once committed to this side job, Bob discovers that he is actually working for a super-villain named Syndrome. Of course this leads to trouble and he is captured. Helen borrows a plane to head to save her super hero husband, but finds Violet and Dash have stowed away wearing their own suits, leaving Jack-Jack in the care of a teenage babysitter. Syndrome, the evil mastermind, shoots down the plane, but Helen along with the kids survive and make it to the island. Helen proceeds to the base to find Bob, discovering Syndrome's intentions to wreak havoc in the world. In the end, this family of super heroes bands together, works together, and overcomes obstacles to defeat this super villain menace to society.

Why mention this movie? I mention this movie as we begin because even though it is a movie, in several ways it illustrates the old adage “A chip off the old block.” First, Mr Incredible has strength and Elastigirl can stretch… both super heroes… and they have children that also have super powers. Violet can make force fields. Dash can run super fast. By the end of the movie, the baby also has powers. The children of two super powered people end up having super powers themselves probably because they are family and related and that is how such things work. The children are made of the “same stuff” as their parents. Second, Mr Incredible and Elastigirl are ready and willing to put their life on the line to save the world from the evil villain Syndrome. So are Violet and Dash. As children of super heroes, Violet and Dash have been taught to value life and to have the willingness to step out and help others. Violet and Dash are most definitely “chips off the old block” and just like their parents.

Today as we look at Matthew 3:16-17, we will find that these verses describe Jesus Christ as a “chip off the old block” and these two small verses have much to say to us about Jesus Christ.

READ MATTHEW 3:16-17

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased."

I. THE MANIFEST TRINITY

The verses that we read this morning first share with us about the nature of God which is quite complicated. We serve a God who is Eternal, Uncompromisingly Holy, All Powerful, All Knowing, Awesomely Gracious, Unconditionally Loving, and Creator of All that Exists. To think that our created finite minds could even begin to comprehend Him is a little presumptuous. We are fortunate on this point. God has seen fit to reveal some of Himself to us that we might know Him. All that we know about God He has revealed to us.