Introduction A. Compared to the other gospels, none places greater emphasis on the Old Testament Scriptures than does Matthew. B. When Jesus taught ideas that seemed radical to the Jews, some accused Him of trying to destroy what was sacred (Matthew 26:61). C. Matthew helps us to see that, far from trying to abolish God’s Word, Jesus fulfilled it in every aspect of His life. Discussion I. Jesus fulfilled Scripture in His...
Learning from the Master
Introduction A. Learning is a complex process, and sometimes we need to be taught the same lesson repeatedly before we really learn it. B. The most important lessons and skills that we will ever learn are those that we will learn from Jesus (Matthew 11:29). Discussion I. Jesus provides all the tools we need for these important lessons. A. He provides the authority that all true learning requires (Matthew 7:29; 28:18-20). B. He...
His Yoke Is Easy
Introduction A. When Jesus says that His yoke is easy, this means that it is manageable and pleasant to carry. B. Jesus also teaches that the Christian life is difficult at times (Matthew 7:13-14; 10:22-28). Discussion I. Looks can be deceiving. A. Satan’s way looks easy, but it isn’t really (Matthew 7:13; 8:32; 2 Peter 2:19; Romans 6:20-23). B. The Lord’s way might not look easy (Matthew 19:16-22), but the truth is that...
“Do You Love Me?”
Introduction A. When the Lord confronted Peter beside the Galilee after His resurrection (John 21:15-19), the scene was reminiscent of an earlier encounter they had there. B. Each time Jesus asks, “Do you love Me?,” He is challenging a different level of Peter’s professed devotion for Him. C. Jesus demands that we love Him more than anyone or anything else. Discussion I. Is there anyone or anything that you love more than Jesus?...
The Greatest News Ever Told
Introduction A. The message that angels delivered one night to shepherds in Bethlehem was just too good to keep to oneself (Luke 2:8-18). B. Lest we become discouraged when people turn a deaf ear to the Gospel, we need to remind ourselves of what good news it is! Discussion I. It is good news because it offers a remedy for our problem. A. The real problem with the world today is sin (Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6). B. It is a terrible thing...
Heaven and Hell
Introduction A. There are probably a lot of things about eternity that we lack the experience to understand, but God has given us some brief glimpses into the life that awaits us beyond this mortal existence. B. There are several people who claim to have seen heaven and have told of its wonder, but wouldn’t you rather hear about it from some-one you know has been there? Let’s listen to His words about it. Discussion I. Jesus says that...
The Victorious Loser
Introduction A. Too many people achieve success in a small thing only to fail in the things that really matter most. B. If salvation is the ultimate goal for all of us, and if Jesus is the only way to salvation, we need to listen to what He says on the subject and learn to ignore every voice besides His. Discussion I. Many winners are losers. A. The rich may seem to have it all, but they really don’t (Luke 12:20-21; 16:19-23; 18:22-25). B. The...
When Jesus Prayed
Introduction A. We may often feel that we don’t have time to pray as we should when the truth is that we don’t have time not to pray. B. When we come to realize what a great privilege prayer is, perhaps we will dedicate more time and energy to the practice of it. Discussion I. Jesus made time to pray when most others wouldn’t. A. Jesus often prayed while others were slept (Mark 1:32-39; Luke 6:12). B. Jesus prayed when His soul was...
The Greatest in the Kingdom
Introduction A. When Jesus told the disciples that He would soon be killed in Jerusalem, the thought on their minds was which of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. B. As much as He had tried to teach them about the nature of this kingdom, they were still struggling to understand. Discussion I. The greatest in Christ’s kingdom would be like a little child. A. The greatest would be the one who is weak and easy to overlook...
“Love Your Enemies”
Introduction A. Of all the teachings of Jesus, it may be that there is none more difficult than this one: “Love you enemies.” B. Jesus defines my enemy as one who hates me, curses me, spitefully uses me, and persecutes me. C. This teaching of Jesus challenges our level of commitment to Him as much as any other. Are you willing to follow Him this far? Discussion I. Why should I love my enemies? A. I should love my...