SERMON OUTLINE:
(1). A Profession (vs 14a):
(2), A Challenge (vs 14b)
(3). A Response (vs 14c)
(4). A Gathering (vs 15):
SERMON BODY:
Ill:
• This photo has been doing the rounds on social network sites.
• It shows an EasyJet plane on a runway;
• Nothing to unusual about that until you look a bit closer.
• EasyJet passenger Adam Wood posted a photo last week on Twitter;
• When he spotted a technician sticking something to his plane’s giant engine.
• The technician is repairing a wing with what appears to be Duct-tape.
• Now Duct-tape is a marvellous product,
• But do you want to look out of your aeroplane window;
• Only to find the wing of the plane has been repaired;
• With a roll of the silvery grey sticky stuff!
Now EasyJet have commented and said;
• The tape that the EasyJet technician used was not, in fact, Duct-tape,
• But a far more powerful form of adhesive known as speed tape.
• It is often used in aviation fixes and was named as such due to its ability;
• To stick to the aircraft at high speeds in extreme wind conditions.
An EasyJet spokesperson said:
“The high speed metallic tape is in place as a result of some cosmetic work that is required to the aircraft paintwork,” the airline replied to him on Twitter. “It is nothing structural and in no way compromises the safety of the aircraft.”
Ill:
• In 2011 a similar photo of a RyanAir jet wrapped in tape drew attention worldwide.
• But once again it was pointed out that this was special tape that was being used;
• And that such repairs are always temporary.
Ill:
• A number of years ago I did a couple of parachute jumps for charity;
• We flew up to 3.000ft in a small plane.
• And we were not very reassured;
• When we saw mechanics trying to start the engine using WD40!
• TRANSITION: Those illustrations ask the important question:
• When it comes to flying – make sure your aircraft and pilot are reputable.
• Because if anything goes wrong you might not get a second chance!
• This morning we are starting a new series of talks called; ‘The Gospel Truth’.
• This series of talks will look at some key verses in the New Testament;
• That will help us understand and be confident;
• That when it comes to knowing God, living for God, talking about God;
• And one day standing before God;
• We will be confident and prepared.
Note:
• The word ‘Gospel’ is a term used over 75 times in the New Testament.
• While it has various nuances of meaning,
• Its most fundamental meaning from the Greek is “good news.”
• Question: But good news of what?
• Answer: According to the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology,
“the gospel is the joyous proclamation of God’s redemptive activity in Christ Jesus on behalf of man enslaved by sin.”
In plain English I would suggest that the gospel is:
“Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sin so that we might become the children of God through faith alone in Christ alone!”
Ill:
• Some people define the gospel to a simple formula:
• i.e. The Four Spiritual Laws.
• The first spiritual law: God loves you.
• Bible reference: John chapter 3 verse 16.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life,"
• The second spiritual law: Man is sinful and separated from God.
• Bible reference: Romans chapter 3 verse 23
• "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Rom. 3:23);
• The second spiritual law: Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin.
• Bible reference: Romans chapter 5 verse 8.
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us,"
• The fourth spiritual law: We must individually receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
• Bible reference: John chapter 1 verse 12.
."But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God,
even to those who believe in His name,"
• TRANSITION: The Four Spiritual Laws is a useful outline to have;
• And it is a good outline to grasp.
• But it certainly does not comprehensively summarise the gospel.
• i.e. No mention of repentence.
• i.e. No mention of discipleship
• So over the next few weeks each of us should have a fuller understanding of the gospel;
• That will help us to know God, to live for God, to talk about God;
• And equip us with confidence on that day when we will stand before God;
Key Verse: Mark chapter 2 verse 17.
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
• It is a great verse and it is a verse given in response to a wrong attitude:
• The first six words of verse 17 read: “On hearing this, Jesus said to them”
Question: What did Jesus hear?
Answer: The criticism of the religious leaders (vs 16).
“When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
• You realise the very reason they criticised Jesus;
• Is the very reason we praise him!
Ill:
• William Booth was a British Methodist preacher;
• Who founded The Salvation Army and became its first General.
• One Sunday evening, William Booth was walking in London with his son, Bramwell,
• Who was then 12 or 13 years old.
• William Booth then surprised his son by taking him to a pub!
• The place was crowded with men and women.
• Some of them were drunk. Some of them were loud.
• And the air was filled with the smell of alcohol and tobacco.
• Bramwell said to his dad, "Can we go now? Why did you even bring me in here?"
• And General Booth said,
• "Son, these are our people; these are the ones I want you to love.
• These are the people I want you to live for.
• These are the people I want you to bring to Christ."
• Years later, Bramwell wrote,
• "That was a lesson I never forgot."
• It’s a lesson still worth learning today.
• And it’s the lesson we learn from Jesus here in Mark chapter two.
• That all people – but especially those that society looks down on;
• Are to be accepted, valued and loved by the followers of Jesus;
• Because “they are his/our people!”
• Let’s enjoy the fuller context of this gospel verse;
• It involves the conversion of a shunned and detested man called Levi (vs 14)
Note: Levi is better known by his alternative name of Matthew.
• Mark & Luke in their gospel accounts call this man Levi;
• When Matthew records this incident in his gospel (chapter 9 verses 9-13);
• He replaces the name "Levi" with the name "Matthew"
Ill:
• The difference in name is not to important;
• Because many people in New Testament times had two names;
• e.g. Lebbæus, who was called Thaddæus;
• (Mark chapter 3 verses 14-19 & Matthew chapter 10 verses 1-4 KJB);
• e.g. Silas, who was called Sylvanus;
• (2 Corinthians chapter 1 verse 19 & 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 12 KJB)
• e.g. John, who was called Mark; etc.
• (Acts chapter 12 verse 12)
• Furthermore, it was then common for converts to change their name;
• e.g. As is shown by the cases of Simon, who became Peter;
• (Matthew chapter 16 verse 18)
• e.g. Joseph, who became Barnabas;
• (Acts chapter 4 verse 36)
• e.g. Saul, who became Paul, etc.
• (Acts chapter 13 verse 9)
• TRANSITION: So Levi is the same person as Matthew;
• I will probably use both names so I hope I do not confuse you.
(1). A Profession (vs 14a):
• Levi’s (Matthew’s) occupation was that of a tax-collector.
• In first century Palestine people did not like paying taxes – same is true today!
Ill:
Taxman jokes.
• People who complain about paying their income tax can be divided into two types:
• Men and women.
• What's the difference between an overzealous tax auditor and a rottweiler?
• A rottweiler eventually lets go!
• If a lawyer & an tax inspector were both drowning, and you could only save one of them,
• Would you carry on watching TV or read the paper?
• What is the difference between a terrorist and a tax inspector?
• You can negotiate with a terrorist.
• TRANSITION:
• In first century Palestine people did not like paying taxes was not a joke!
Ill:
• The main trade route from Syria to Egypt went through Galilee,
• And Capernaum acted as a tax station;
• It was a good station to be at, besides regular taxes paid by residents;
• Travellers had to stop and present their imported products to the tax official,
• And pay their taxes,
• Levi (Matthew) was apparently one of the tax officials working at this tax station.
• And each day he went to 'the office' or in his case the 'tax-booth '.
THESE TAX OFFICIALS WERE VERY UNPOPULAR WITH THE JEWISH PEOPLE FOR AT LEAST 3 REASONS:
(A). THEY WERE DISHONEST.
• Often they were extortionists,
• Making themselves rich by taking too much money from their fellow Jews.
• The Roman government devised a system;
• To collect taxes as efficiently and as cheaply as possible.
• They did this by auctioning the right to collect taxes in a certain area.
• The man who bought that right was responsible to the Roman government for an agreed sum;
• Anything he could raise over and above that;
• He was allowed to keep as commission.
• Not only did they fleece their own countrymen,
• But they also did their best to swindle the government,
• And they made a flourishing income by taking bribes from rich people;
• Who wished to avoid taxes which they should have paid.
Ill:
• On one occasion when tax-collectors asked John the baptiser, how they should live;
• His reply was basic and straight to the point; "be honest!"
Application:
• Question: How is your honesty Christian?
• Honesty should be a character trait found in every follower of Jesus!
• Quote: Michael Josephson,
• "Honesty doesn't always pay, but dishonesty always costs."
(B). THEY WERE TRIATORS.
• They were also hated because they were working for the Romans,
• Although they worked for them indirectly.
• The Romans contracted out to people like the Herod's.
• Who then ran the region on behalf of the Romans.
• The Herod’s contracted out to people like Matthew;
• Or anyone who was willing to buy the position from them at great cost.
(C). THEY WERE SINNERS.
• They were disliked because they ignored the Jewish laws.
• This explains why the Pharisees called them 'sinners' (vs 16).
• ill: A sinner was someone who chose to live outside of God's laws.
• e.g. If you chose to work on the Sabbath,
• e.g. If you did not follow dietary laws (ate pork).
Ill:
• According to Jewish law a tax-gatherer was excluded from the synagogue;
• They were was included with things and beasts that were unclean,
• They were forbidden to be a witness in any case of law.
• In fact robbers, murderers and tax-gatherers were all classed together.
• On the social scale, tax collectors were on the bottom.
• (Even prostitutes had a higher social status).
(2), A CHALLENGE (vs 14b) "Follow me".
• We have recorded in the gospels the calling of six of the twelve disciples;
• Philip, Andrew, Peter, James and Matthew.
• Notice: That to each of them,
• Jesus uses two key words to challenge them into action; "Follow me".
• At the time of Jesus Rabbi’s had disciples.
• Discipleship was not a 9 to 5 job – you lived with your teacher 24/7.
• To become a disciple took great commitment.
Those words of Jesus ''follow me" might sound to us an incomplete invitation:
• ill: If someone were to give you the same invitation to you and me;
• We would probably respond by asking; "Why? Where are you going?"
• It is interesting these men did not ask that question:
• The issue in discipleship is never “WHERE we are going”,
• But “WHO” are we going with!
• Never “WHERE we are going”, but ‘WHO’ are we following?
To be a disciple of Jesus Christ;
• Meant from now on you were caught up in the masters programme;
• And from now on you lived by the Masters agenda and not your own.
• Discipleship is not about the fulfilment of the follower,
• It is all about the fulfilment of the Master's purposes.
Ill:
• Henry Drummond, preacher and author,
• Was once asked to address a meeting of a select West-End Club in London.
• On his arrival he found his audience assembled;
• And everything arranged for him to give his message.
• He commenced his address with these words:
• 'Ladies and Gentlemen, the entrance fee into the Kingdom of Heaven is nothing:
• The annual subscription is everything.'
• TRANSITION:
• Discipleship is not about the fulfilment of the follower,
• It is all about the fulfilment of the Master's purposes.
• It meant from now on you were caught up in the masters programme;
• And from now on you lived by the Masters agenda and not your own.
When Jesus called Matthew to ‘Follow him’:
• He called a man whom all other men hated.
• Here is one of the greatest instances in the New Testament;
• Where Jesus has the ability and power to see in a man,
• Not only what he was, but also what he could be.
• ill: Gideon ("Mighty warrior") – he would become a man of courage.
• ill: Simon (“Rock'') – he would become a dependable and reliable man.
(3). A RESPONSE (vs 14c)
"Levi got up and followed him".
Ill:
• John Henry Jowett was born in Halifax, England in 1864,
• He became Congregational pastor.
• He said on one occasion;
• He saw seventy Salvation Army officers receive their commission for foreign service.
• That is seventy men being sent out to a foreign country to serve God.
• John Henry Jowett said:
• Not one of them had any idea where the command would send him;
• Whether to Africa, or India, or Brazil, or to a crowded city in Japan.
• When each man received his commission,
• He welcomed it with a salute!
• That is obedience and submission!
• TRANSITION: in similar fashion:
• Levi got up and followed Jesus;
• He did not know where he was going – but he did know who he was following!
Note:
• I do not think that this was Levi’s first encounter with Jesus.
• Because Jesus was a Galilean (a northerner).
• (Matthew chapter 4 verse 12 & Luke chapter 4 verse 23);
• Jesus had made his home here in Capernaum.
• This town became his headquarters during what is called his 'Galilean ministry'.
• As a resident of Capernaum;
• Jesus would have been required to pay tax,
• And may well have visited this tax-booth on a regular basis.
Ill:
• Levi may well have seen some of the miracles that Jesus had performed;
• Or listened to some of the teaching that Jesus taught;
• As he blended into and became part of the large crowds (vs 13).
• Levi would have noticed and seen that numbered amongst his friends of Jesus;
• Were men and women from whom the orthodox good people of the day loathed.
• This Rabbi was willing to associate with ‘men & women of bad reputations’.
Yet, on this occasion Levi and Jesus came face to face, eye to eye:
• And when Levi heard Jesus issue his challenge;
• Levi accepted that challenge and rose up and left all and followed him.
• He did what many of his own more respectable people from the town would not do;
• He followed Jesus;
• When many in Capernaum would reject him (Matthew chapter 11 verse 23).
NOTE:
• Verse 14 simply says: “Levi got up and followed Jesus".
• Luke in his gospel informs us that it was costly for Levi to follow Jesus
• Luke chapter 5 verse 28:
• "He left everything" (K.J.B. "Forsook all".)
Quote:
• He lost a comfortable job, but found a destiny.
• He lost a good income, but found honour.
• He lost a comfortable security,
• But found an adventure of the like of which he had never dreamed.
• In Jesus Christ a man finds a wealth surpassing anything;
• He may have to abandon for the sake of Christ.
• NOTE:
• He left his tax-collector's table;
• But he did take one thing from it!
Quote: Alexander White of Edinburgh once said:
"When Matthew left his job to follow Christ, Matthew brought his pen with him!
Little did this ex-tax-collector realise
that one day God would use him to write the first of the four gospels."
This is a great example of how Jesus can use whatever gift a person may bring to him.
• It is not likely that the others of the Twelve were handy with a pen.
• Galilean fishermen would not have much skill in writing or in putting words together.
• But Levi had;
• And this man, whose trade had taught him to use a pen, went on to use it!
Ill:
• Nowhere in the four gospels do we find a single recorded word that Levi spoke,
• Yet in his gospel (called Matthew);
• He records for us more of the words of Jesus Christ than anyone else.
• ill: Sermon on the mount.
• He used that skill to compose the first handbook of the teaching of Jesus,
• And what a gospel that is!
QUOTE: Warren Wiersbe:
"The gospel according to Matthew" has been called by many Bible scholars
'the most important single document of the Christian faith’
Historians tell us that this book was the most widely read, and the most quoted in the early Church.
While all four gospels are important to us,
it is not without reason that Matthew stands first. "
(4). A Gathering (vs 15):
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house,
many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. “
• Note: once again we see Mark’s sparing use of language;
• Verse 15 reads like it's a little dinner party.
• Dr Luke in his account who gives us the full story;
• He calls it "A great banquet" (Luke chapter 5 verse 29).
Jesus not only called Levi/Matthew to be his follower:
• But he actually sat at table with other men and women like Levi/Matthew,
• With other tax-gatherers and sinners.
• Jesus deliberately broke social and religious prejudices of his day,
• And these verses are a perfect illustration of that.
ill:
• Broadly speaking, in Palestine people were divided into two sections.
• There were the orthodox who rigidly kept the Law in every petty detail;
• And there were those who did not keep its regulations.
• The second were classed as the people of the land;
Quote William Barcley:
"…it was forbidden to the orthodox to go on a journey with them, to do any business with them, to give anything to them or to receive anything from them, to entertain them as guests or to be guests in their houses".
By spending time in the company with people like this;
• Jesus was doing something;
• Which the pious people of his day would never have done.
• His heart went out to the people of Levi’s world,
• And in return the peoples of Levi’s world gave their affection back to him!
Application:
• Levi met with Jesus and straight away invited his friends to also meet Jesus.
• Some of those friends were probably Gentiles.
• All his former friends and acquaintances were there – the despised and shunned.
• They came because they were invited!
• Quote: John Wesley:
• “No man ever went to heaven alone; he must either find friends or make them”.
• For Levi the evangelism of his friends was a priority;
• And not an optional extra!
Quote:
“For God so loved the world, not just a few,
The wise and great, the noble and the true,
Or those of favoured class or rank or hue.
God loved the world. Do you?”
Ill:
• The New Testament records tell of forty people, each suffering from some disease,
• Who had been healed by Jesus.
• Of this number, thirty-four were either brought to Jesus by friends;
• Or Jesus was taken to them.
• In only six cases out of forty;
• Did sufferers find their way to Christ without assistance."
Question:
• Who are you bringing to Jesus this week?
• Who are you inviting to diner?
• Like Levi/Matthew are you following?
• Like Levi/Matthew have you responded to the call of Jesus?
Sermon Audio:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=qCLkRb2fAxUiXoepzMe82KzU2HMxDfAi&forceSave
