Rejected On Earth. Accepted In Heaven

SERMON OUTLINE:

(1). They Are Offended By Jesus (vs 57a).

(2). They Dishonoured Jesus (vs 57b).

(3). They Refuse To Believe In Jesus (vs 58).

SERMON BODY:

Ill:

• George Campbell Morgan (9 December 1863 – 16 May 1945);

• Was a British evangelist, preacher and a leading Bible scholar.

• He was also twice the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London.

• If you read his books, even today they are acknowledged as quality works;

• They will if you take time to read them - bless ‘your socks off’.

• Although today we recognise him as a top Bible scholar;

• It wasn’t always that way.

• He was ordained to the Congregational ministry in 1890.

• Not only did he have to pass doctrinal examinations,

• But he also had to preach trial sermons.

• These trail sermons were not done in small chapels hidden away in the countryside;

• But in cavernous auditorium that could seat more than 1,000 people,

• Sat three ministers and 75 others who came to listen.

• When Morgan stepped into the pulpit,

• The vast room and the searching, critical eyes caused him to preach poorly.

• Two weeks later a list was published;

• Among the 105 REJECTED for the ministry that year was Campbell Morgan.

• Jill Morgan, his daughter-in-law, wrote in her book, A MAN OF THE WORD,

• “He wired to his father the one word, ‘Rejected,’

• And sat down to write in his diary: ‘Very dark everything seems. Still, He knoweth best.’ Quickly came the reply: ‘Rejected on earth. Accepted in heaven. Dad.’”

• TRANSITION: “Rejected on earth. Accepted in heaven”

• That is the title for my sermon this morning;

• And summaries this little section of verses in Matthew’s gospel.

Note:

• You may have noticed in your studies of Matthew’s gospel;

• The way he changes his style from section to section.

• So you have several chapters of narrative (or, story) about Jesus.

• Then, you have several chapters of didactic teaching by Jesus.

• Then, you have some more chapters of narrative about Jesus.

• Then, you are back again to Jesus teaching again.

• This narrative, teaching, narrative, teaching pattern;

• Seems to be the style of writing Matthew uses throughout the entire book.

• i.e. For instance, in chapters 1-4, we have a section of narrative,

• Which begins with the birth of Jesus;

• And continues on through the beginning of the ministry of Jesus.

• i.e. Then, in chapters 5-7, we have the Sermon on the Mount,

• In which Jesus teaches about perfect righteousness.

• i.e. In chapters 8 and 9, we are back to narrative again.

• We find Jesus roaming around the villages, healing many people.

• i.e. In chapter 10;

• We return to read of Jesus instructing His disciples.

• i.e. In chapters 11 and 12, we are back in a more narrative section.

• Jesus was performing miracles, but being rejected by many.

• i.e. In chapter 13, we have been in a teaching environment again,

• As He teaches the parables.

But please notice that these sections haven't been disjointed:

• They have all focused their attention upon Jesus Christ.

• And in particular, they have focused their attention upon Jesus Christ as the King.

• i.e. In chapter 1, Jesus was born as a king.

• i.e. In chapter 2, Jesus was worshiped as a king.

• i.e. In chapter 3, John the Baptist prepared the way for the king.

• i.e. In chapter 4, Jesus defeated Satan's temptations.

• i.e. In chapters 5-7, Jesus taught about His kingdom.

• i.e. In chapter 8-9, Jesus demonstrated His authority as a king.

• i.e. In chapter 10, Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the nearness of His kingdom.

• i.e. In chapters 11-12, we see the kingdom of Jesus face opposition.

• i.e. In chapter 13, Jesus again taught about the nature of the kingdom.

• The king was among them;

• But sadly many people they failed to recognise him!

• At the start of the gospel (chapter 2 verse 2) we read:

• “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”

• And at the end of his gospel we read the words ailed to the cross (chapter 27 verse 37);

• “…this is Jesus, the king of the Jews.”

• Note: And although he was “King of the Jews”

• Remember they wrote that inscription in three languages - Greek, Latin and Hebrew.

• Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire.

• Hebrew was the religious language of the Jews.

• Greek was the international language of the then known world

• Jesus may be a Jewish king but he is relevant for all people;