Introduction

Good morning, family. We're about to dive into a rich passage of scripture today from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 21, verses 23-32. It's a passage loaded with profound lessons about the authority of our Lord Jesus, the challenge of hypocrisy, and the unmatched power of Jesus.

Thomas Adams once said, "The hypocrite, certainly, is a secret atheist; for if he did believe there was a God, he durst not be so bold as to deceive Him to His face." This might sound harsh, but when you really think about it, it rings true. Jesus often had to contend with the hypocrisy of those around Him.

Let me read the full Scripture passage to you:

[Read passage]

Let's bow our heads for an opening prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, as we prepare to dive into Your Word today, we ask for understanding and clarity. Help us to grasp the fullness of Your divine authority and power as shown through Your son, Jesus Christ. Unmask any hypocrisy within us, so we can grow in truth and in spirit. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let's get started.

The Authority of Jesus

The authority of Jesus is a concept that is both profound and deeply significant in our understanding of who Jesus is and the role He plays in our lives. The chief priests and elders, the religious leaders of the day, question Jesus about the source of His authority. They were not genuinely seeking to understand; rather, they were attempting to trap Jesus in His words, to discredit Him. But Jesus, in His divine wisdom, turned the tables on them with a question of His own.

Not of this world: It is not derived from human institutions or traditions. His authority comes directly from God the Father. This is a critical point to understand. Jesus is not just another prophet or teacher. He is the Son of God, the Word made flesh, the visible image of the invisible God. His authority is absolute and supreme over all creation.

Evident in His teachings: It’s evident in His miracles and His control over nature. It is seen in His power to forgive sins, to cast out demons, and to heal the sick. It is demonstrated in His ability to lay down His life and to take it up again. His authority is not just theoretical or philosophical; it is practical and experiential. It is authority that transforms lives, that brings hope to the hopeless, healing to the broken, and salvation to the lost.

The religious leaders of Jesus' day: They failed to recognize His authority. They were blinded by their own pride, their own preconceived notions, and their own desire for power. They could not see that the very authority they questioned was the authority that could save them. They missed the opportunity to submit to His authority and to experience the life-changing power it brings.

A present reality for us today: As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize and submit to His authority in our lives. This means acknowledging Him as our Lord and Savior, obeying His teachings, and surrendering our will to His. It means trusting in His power and His promises, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise.

Liberating and life-giving: It frees us from the power of sin and death, it gives us peace in the midst of storms, and it provides us with guidance and wisdom for our journey. It is an authority that brings order out of chaos, light out of darkness, and life out of death.

For the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom: As we submit to His authority, we become instruments in His hands, channels of His grace, and ambassadors of His love. We become part of His mission to bring the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth.

A matter of faith and surrender: It is not something we can fully comprehend with our finite minds; it is something we can only grasp with our hearts. It is not something we can earn or achieve; it is something we can only receive and embrace.

The Challenge of Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy, in essence, is the act of pretending to have beliefs, virtues, feelings, qualities, or standards that one does not actually possess ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO