INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. This Man: "Spake with authority."
2. This Man: "Done nothing amiss."
3. This Man: "Offered one sacrifice."
Introductory Remarks.
1. Today's lesson will be on "This Man." Who spake and taught with authority and not as the scribes and Pharisees. This man lived a life perfect from his birth to his death, from the cradle to the grave, from poverty to prosperity. This man offered one sacrifice for Sin, for all, forever. This will be one of our "Topical Sermons." This lesson enables me to "go everywhere preaching the word," Acts 8:4.
2. First, we will discuss the people's perception of "this man" when He preached and taught them the word of God. After Jesus finished His sermon on the Mount, Matthew wrote: "And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes," Matthew 7:27-28. Let's consider our first point regarding "this man."
BODY OF LESSON
I THIS MAN: "SPAKE WITH AUTHORITY"
A. During His teaching in the Temple, the guards were sent out to catch Him in His words. They return to the Leaders, and when asked, "Why have you not brought him?" They replied: "Never a man spake like this man," John 7:46.
1. Others said: "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" John 7:15.
2. What we see in Jesus is the "Living word of God embodied in human flesh, being seen, heard, read, and known by all men." The "Word of God" dwelling now in the form of a man!
3. Paul wrote: "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily," Colossians 2:9.
4. Truly, this is the Son of God! The image of the Father in heaven, for when we see Jesus, we see the Father. John 14:9. Not as the same person, but in all the splendor of glory, honor, power, deity, and divinity, with the Father: "sharing the divine nature of God." Beloved of the Lord,
B. It was this man…who captured the hearts and imaginations of His audience during His preaching and works of healing among the people. To the paralytic, Jesus said, "Take up your bed, and go to your house… he arose, and took up his bed…so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, we never saw anything like this (in this fashion)," Mark 2:11-12. Text shortened for brevity (TSFB).
ILLUSTRATION: Point out the makeup of the onlookers in the house, —no room in the house to receive any more people, —the faith of the four bearers of the man of palsy, —the reasoning in the hearts of the scribes, —their charge of blasphemies, —and the questions and miracle of Jesus. Christ, — the Son of Man, — had the authority to: "forgive sin while on earth," Mark 2:10.
NOTE: Anytime good is done, evil is around. "We must learn how to overcome evil with good," Romans 12:20-21. And we should never tire, "In doing good to all men, especially unto the household of faith," Galatians 6:9-10.
C. The religious leaders asked: "How does this man know letters?" John 7:15. The familiar people found his teaching and wisdom remarkable. While,
1. Teaching in the synagogue. Matthew noted: "And when He was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?" Matthew 12:5; Matthew 13:56. These are the words regarding Jesus as He taught in the temple during the middle of one of the Feast Days in Jerusalem, John 7:37-39. When He spake in Nazareth,
2. Luke penned: "So He came to Nazareth…into the synagogue and stood up to read…He found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord…And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him…So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?" Luke 4:16-22. TSFB.
3. The Sermon on the Mount. After Jesus had concluded His sermon on the Mount, "The people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes," Matthew 7:28-29.
4. This man doeth miracles. John wrote:
a. "And many of the people believed in Him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?" John 7:31.
b. "And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracles: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed in Him there," John 10:41-42.
NOTE: Why did John not perform miracles? He had the Holy Spirit, but was not given power! But this man, [Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and Power. See Acts 10:36-43.]
ILLUSTRATION: The resurrection of Lazarus of Bethany, John 11. Some who witnessed this great miracle went back and told the Pharisees what Jesus had done. Because of "this man's miracles." The apostle John wrote:
c. First, "Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? For this man doeth many miracles. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation," John 11:47-48. John continued,
d. Next, "And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, 'You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish,'" John 11:49-50. He concluded,
e. Finally, "Now this he did not say on his own authority, but being the high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that he would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad," John 11:51-52; Ephesians 1:10. That there will be: "One-Fold and One-Shephard," John 10:16.
D. E. Omitted. Let's consider point two of this lesson.
II THIS MAN: "DONE NOTHING AMISS"
A. Introductory Remarks. Let’s consider how the people viewed the life of "this man." Rulers admitted: "I find no fault in this man, before the rulers and people of Israel," John 18:38. One thief hanging on his cross dying said to the other: "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong (amiss)," Luke 23:39-41. TSFB. Observe,
1. People found no fault in Him. From Jesus’ humble birth unto His horrifying death, there was no fault found in Him in heaven and on earth! While Jesus was speaking to the people in the Temple, he revealed this truth. They could find no fault in Him. Jesus said unto the rulers.
a. First, He asked the people, "Which of you convicts me of sins? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? He who is of God hears God's words; therefore, you do not hear, because you are not of God," John 8:46-47. When one refuses to hear from the Lord, this is proof positive that they are not of God! See John 5:24; John 18:37. Jesus said,
b. Further, "When you lift (up) the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself, but as the Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him," John 8:28-29. Please remember these words: "The Father has not left Me alone!" How did,
ILLUSTRATION: Jesus pleased the Father? In His baptism, Matthew 3:13-17. Then, regarding His death, Jesus, Moses, and Elijah had a conference on the Mount with His disciples to discuss what awaited Him in Jerusalem (Luke 9:28-31). The Father spoke again from heaven, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, hear you Him," Matthew 17:1-9.
c. Finally, "And I, if I am lifted (up) from the earth, I will draw all men (people and nations) to Myself. This He said, signifying by what death He would die," John 12:32-33; John 6:44-45.
2. Rulers admitted they could find no fault in Him. During his trial and questioning of Jesus, "Pilate went out unto them (rulers and the people) and said, What accusation bring you against this man?" John 18:29. Or, "What are the charges for which you bring Him to me?" Observe,
a. After his interrogation, Pilate went out and replied, "I find no fault in this man, before the rulers and people of Israel," John 18:38. Pilate repeatedly questioned Jesus. And,
b. "Said unto them, You have brought this man unto me, as one that perverted the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, (and) have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof you accuse Him," Luke 23:14.
c. "But they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas," Luke 23:18. The hearts of evil and beguiled men never cry out for mercy, but "away with this man." These religious leaders were unaware of the consequences of their actions. This was the will of God. Peter said so on Pentecost, Acts 2:22-28. See also Acts 2:29-36.
ILLUSTRATION: Jesus' fervent prayer about this cup passing from Him, Matthew 26:36-46. Ending it with: "Not my will, but thy will be done." The Lord's cup was one of suffering and death before He could receive His crown of glory.
d. Jesus told Peter during His arrest, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which my Father has given to me?" John 18:11; Matthew 16:20-21
3. Pilate concedes and condemns Jesus to death. [Weak men will concede, not succeed.] John wrote: "Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So, they took Jesus and led Him away. And He bearing His cross, went out to a place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center," John 19:16-18. They crucified Jesus as being the worst of the (lot) between two thieves. The story does not end yet! Listen to,
B. The rebellious thief, while hanging on his cross dying, chided Jesus, railing on Him.
1. Saying, “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” The rulers of the people,
a. "Derided (mocked and scorned) Him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be (the), the chosen of God."
b. "And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, and saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself." Luke 23:35-37.
c. The repented thief rebuked him (the other), saying: "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly rewarded for our deeds, but this man has done nothing amiss (wrong)," Luke 23:39-41. I ask you now,
2. Do you fear God? Will you defy Him even unto your death? Some have resisted the truth even unto death! Just like this rebellious thief on the cross! Rejecting Jesus, John 12:48.
C. The repentant thief asked: "Then he said to Jesus: 'Lord, remember me when you come into thy kingdom.' And Jesus said to him, assuredly, 'I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise,'" Luke 23:43. Wherever Jesus went after His death, so did the thief! But this doesn't mean we can be saved like the thief. Or that Christ will save believers in the same manner. Consider,
NOTE: Some religious leaders use the "thief's request" as proof that he was saved without baptism. I cannot say “yea” or ”nay” to this. He was familiar with the Lord and His kingdom.
1. From whom did he learn about these things? John the Baptist "had many disciples, and so did Jesus," John 4:1-3. There is more evidence that he could have been baptized than that he was not.
2. Can we honestly say: "That the thief was never baptized?" Denomination’s view on baptism!
ILLUSTRATION: "Baptism is an outward sign of the inward work of the Holy Spirit as he has washed and cleansed sinners from their sins.” Consider,
a. They view baptism as necessary after the Holy Spirit’s inner work (of salvation) on the believer, who has washed and cleansed the sinner from their sins.
b. This practice affirms: “the saved are baptized, not for forgiveness, but for a sign to their covenant community." [Where is this taught in the Bible? Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16.]
c. We’re under the New Testament, not the Old. We cannot: "Put new wine into old wine bottles (skins)," Matthew 9:17.
d. Believers in the 21st Century must do what they did in the 1st Century, to be saved!
3. Jesus' Blood was shed to establish His own covenant with believers, Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:13-17. After His death, "A soldier with a spear pierced His side: And forthwith came there out blood and water," John 19:34. Blood for forgiveness, and water for cleansing!
D. The environment could not stand what it saw. The Lord of glory was being crucified.
1. "Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour," Matthew 27:45. The sun refused to shine. Birds could no longer chirp!
2. When skies are overcast and darkness looms, birds retreat to their nests.
NOTE: Remember Jesus’ words: "The Father has not left Me alone?" Listen to HIM NOW,
3. Matthew notes: "And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama Sabathani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46. Observe,
a. The crowds forsook Him, early in His ministry! John 6:66-68.
b. At His arrest, "the disciples forsook him and fled," Matthew 26:56.
c. Now, His Father has also forsaken Him. [These were the cries of a forsaken man!]
d. Jesus was forsaken for a moment, that we for a moment should never be forsaken!
4. Isaiah prophesied that Jehovah would forsake Israel. Could this prophecy also apply to the Lord as well? Observe Isaiah’s message. Turn your Bibles to Isaiah 54:7-8. Have this read,
NOTE: [Have a reader prepared]. He inscribed,
a. First: "For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath, I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer," Isaiah 54:7-8. He speaks of Israel, but also prophetic implications regarding Jesus and Calvary. He wrote elsewhere,
b. Further: When, "He (God) shall see the travail of His (Jesus) soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; He shall bear their iniquities," Isaiah 53:11.
c. Finally: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed," Isaiah 53:5. Observe,
5. Onlookers around the cross. "Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, they said, This man calleth for Elias," Matthew 27:47. What prompted this witness? What had they heard?
a. Matthew inscribed: "The rest said, Let (him) be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him," Matthew 27:49. These were doubters standing around the cross! But he also wrote,
b. "JESUS, when he had cried again with a loud voice, (He) yielded up the ghost," Matthew 27:50.
c. Luke wrote: “Jesus said, Father into thy hands I commit my spirit,” Luke 23:46.
d. David completes this cry of Jesus in the Psalms. He wrote: “Into your hands I commit my spirit: You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth,” Psalms 31:5; Deuteronomy 32:4-5.
e. John penned: "So, when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said it is finished! And bowing His head (reverently), He gave up His spirit (the ghost)," John 19:30. What was finished, Lord?
1) The Scriptures regarding the Son of man are all fulfilled,
2) The Sacrifice for the world's Sin has been furnished (offered), and
3) The Salvation for Sinners has been finalized (procured).
4) Christ has offered the final payment for sin on Calvary’s Tree.
D. E. Omitted. With this picture, let’s consider our last point in this lesson.
III THIS MAN: "OFFERED ONE SACRIFICE"
A. Introductory Remarks. Let’s investigate how "this man, after He purged our sins by offering one sacrifice, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on High," Hebrews 1:1-3. This man, God made Him to be "the propitiation for the sins of the whole world," as stated in Romans 3:24-26; 1 John 2:1-2. God permitted this man to be: "Heaven's intervention that would enable human intercession." We are talking about the Lord of Glory!
B. C. D. Omitted. Now, we are at the conclusion of this lesson. Paul discusses Christ’s,
E. One sacrifice for sin forever. "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God," Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 1:2. His work having been completed. We will return to this later. Observe,
1. This man became not only the offering for Sin, but the High Priest over, and Savior of those who obeyed Him, Hebrews 5:7-9. Jesus said:
a. "As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep," John 10:15. And, "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, THAT I MIGHT TAKE IT UP AGAIN," John 10:17-18. Observe,
b. No one takes His life, but rather, He lays it down to take it up again!
c. Matthew wrote: "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many," Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45. This He did voluntarily, and not by compulsion!
2. Paul penned: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth, for there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time," 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Galatians 1:3-4.
a. What is the meaning of "a ransom"? It means "a redemption-price," or to give one in exchange for another as the price for Redemption, a ransom paid to "redeem another."
b. Christ's life and Blood were His payment to God for our Salvation and Redemption.
c. Christ became God's acceptable and pleasing offering for all humanity's sins. He became,
3. The propitiation for Sin. God made this man to be "the propitiation for the sins of the whole world," 1 John 2:1-2. God set forth Christ Jesus to be the propitiation, our mercy seat, as Hebrews 9:5 states. Calvary was the place and means by which Christ appeased and satisfied God by offering His body and Blood to atone for the Sins of the whole world, thereby making peace.
a. First, "The propitiation, which means 'a place or thing, i.e., an atoning victim, or a place behind the veil: —the mercy-seat.’” Isaiah wrote: "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied…for he shall bear their iniquities," Isaiah 53:11. You may remember this verse, which spoke earlier about Christ’s sacrifice for sin! Continuing, for:
b. Further, "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14. Redemption and forgiveness were made possible through His Blood.
c. Next, "To declare, [I say,] at this time His righteousness." To show forth His righteousness for these acts of grace towards those whom he had called under the Old Covenant and before. Therefore, we,
d. Lastly, "Being justified freely by His grace through the faith that is in Christ Jesus," Romans 3:24. Justification is not just by faith, but through the faith in Christ Jesus. It is not salvation by faith only, but through faith and obedience to the gospel! Finally, He has become,
4. Our Mercy Seat. It lay behind the veil once in the tabernacle, and then in the temple. This was the meeting place with God. The High Priest entered after divers washing first for himself and then for the people's sins. Ceremonially, he would sprinkle the approach to the mercy seat, and then, the seat itself, 7 times with his finger with the Blood of the sacrificed offering. Here is the "long and short of it." In the previous dispensation (the Old Testament), just as:
a. The "mercy seat" was set behind the veil, in the Holies of Holies, Hebrews 9:5; Luke 23:45; Matthew 27:51. It was a place of atonement and forgiveness of sins under the Law. These things were a "pattern of things to come," Hebrews 9:23-26. Therefore, Christ was also Israel's "mercy seat" under the Old Testament, just as He is now ours under the New Testament.
b. Christ's death on the cross became "the place of propitiation," for all generations' sin "by His blood," Romans 3:25.
c. Christ's throne continues to be the "mercy seat" (a meeting place) of God and our Great High Priest, on behalf of our sins and transgressions, as it was in the Holy of Holies, for God and the high priest, under the Old Testament (once a year).
5. But this man, our great High Priest. Entered once into Heaven: "After He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God: From henceforth EXPECTING TILL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE HIS FOOTSTOOL," Hebrews 10:12-13. When did all this occur?
a. It began at His resurrection, Acts 2:30-36, and it will end at His return, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26.
ILLUSTRATION: The word Gr., that summarizes these things is “Eschatology.” Which means “the study of last things,” or “the study of the End!” Please stay with me as I repeat what is read!
NOTE: [Have a reader ready]. Explain these points. The "Certainty of Christ’s resurrection, the kingdom of God, Christ's return, and finally the End!"
b. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth a summary of “The Last Things.” They are,
1) He is risen from the dead! And now sits at the "right hand of God!"
2) He is reigning over His kingdom. NOW! See Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14; Luke 1:31-33.
3) He is returning to raise all His saints from the dead.
c. This will then be “THE END!” Did you hear me clearly? The End!
d. When? When Christ returns to RAISE THE SAINTS, to DELIVER UP the kingdom to God, to PUT DOWN ALL rule, authority, and power. For He must reign TILL He has put…under His feet!
NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO RAPTURE, 7 years of tribulation, nor 1000-year reign on earth. When Jesus returns, that will be THE END!
e. Why? That "God may be all in all," 1 Corinthians 15:27-28.
6. THIS MAN became "Heaven's intervention to enable human intercession." The beloved Apostle Paul wrote the Hebrews,
a. Let us, "Draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water," Hebrews 10:22.
ILLUSTRATION: There is a "generation or two that has not been washed."
b. Solomon penned: "There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness," Proverbs 30:12. I will soon tell you how to wash away your sins, Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11. The washing mentioned here occurs in baptism. We are almost ready to conclude! Paul continued,
c. Let us "Hold fast (firmly) the profession of our faith without (doubt) wavering; (for he [God] is faithful that promised)," Hebrews 10:23.
d. Let us "Consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching," Hebrews 10:24-25.
e. Conclusion: Jehovah said: "For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word," Isaiah 66:2. David asked of Jehovah: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee," Psalms 51:10-13; Psalms 51:17. With all this said, let me now begin to conclude this lesson. You have been patient! Recall I said…
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. This Man: "Spake with authority."
2. This Man: "Done nothing amiss."
3. This Man: "Offered one sacrifice."
B. Summarize main points.
1. Today's lesson addressed "This Man." Who spake and taught with authority and not as the scribes and Pharisees. This man lived a life perfect from his birth to his death, from the cradle to the grave, from poverty to prosperity. This man offered one sacrifice for Sin, for all, forever. This was one of our "Topical Sermons." We "went everywhere preaching the word," as described in Acts 8:4.
2. First, we discussed the people's perception of "this man" when He preached and taught them the word of God. After Jesus finished His sermon on the Mount, Matthew wrote: "And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes," Matthew 7:27-28.
3. Next, we described how people viewed the life of "this man." Rulers admitted: "I find no fault in this man, before the rulers and people of Israel," John 18:38. One thief hanging on his cross to die said to the other: "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong (done nothing amiss),” Luke 23:39-41. TSFB.
4. Finally, we investigated how "this man," after He purged our sins by offering one sacrifice, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High, Hebrews 1:1-3. This man became not only the offering for Sin, but the High Priest over His people, and the Savior of those who obeyed Him, Hebrews 5:7-9. This man, God made him to be "the propitiation for the sins of the whole world," as stated in Romans 3:24-26 and 1 John 2:1-2. God allowed Jesus to be His acceptable offering, which permitted "Heaven's intervention to enable human intercession."
C. Invitation. Present God's pattern of conversion. Jesus said: "Come unto me, all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins, Luke 24:44-47; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33; and then, by obeying the gospel, Romans 10:16-18; Romans 6:17-18; that is to: "repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:13-14].
D. Exhortation. "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved," Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: "Save thyself," Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
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