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Today, we see that Jesus had human problems — relationship problems. Things are not well — all in the family. There is a family feud back in Nazareth. This strife has been brewing for probably about a year now. As you look at your own family — and the dysfunction in it — I pray that this passage will bring some relief to the problems you’re having. Because if Jesus had problems, you can guarantee we will too. What are these problems? How do they impact you today? Let’s find out as we learn how Jesus focuses on His family.

Today, Jesus points us back to the miracle He performed in —verses 22-32. That’s where Jesus healed a blind and deaf man who was possessed by a demon. So this is His conclusion to that miraculous healing. Ultimately, today’s passage shows us the consequences of trying to be a good person.

Today, unfortunately, the religious people are at it again. Their language continues to reveal the wickedness in their hearts. The way Matthew puts his Gospel together, is like today is an interruption to what Jesus is trying to teach the Scribes and Pharisees. Next week, we’ll see Jesus conclude thoughts good fruit and good deeds. Today, however, Matthew really shows us the audacity and nerve of these religious people. They demand a supernatural sign from Jesus to prove that He is the Messiah. Remember the comedian who had his whole bit, “Here’s your sign!” That’s where we are today — talking about signs. Question: Are we supposed to ask for signs and miracles? Let’s find out.

Today, Jesus addresses the heart of the matter regarding blasphemy and sin. Because it’s always a matter of the heart. The Scribes and Pharisees were dangerously close to committing the unforgivable sin — because their hearts were not right. And if our hearts are not right — our mouths won’t be either. Jesus has much to say about our hearts and our tongues today. What does that mean for us?

Yes, God is infinite — but his offer of salvation is not. There is a divine timeline that we’re all on! Now, please know that these two verses that we’re studying this morning are not easy to understand at first glance. These verses have been severely misinterpreted and misunderstood. Because of their eternal consequences attached to them, it is critical to understand them correctly — and that’s what we will do today.

Have you ever been lied to? How’d it feel? What if the lie has eternal consequences? There are many lies about Jesus that people believe today — the biggest one today is that Jesus wants you to be happy, healthy, and wealthy. (Prosperity Gospel). That’s not true — Jesus wants us to be holy. And Jesus also wanted the Pharisees to be holy — but they refused to listen to the truth. Because the Scribes and Pharisees didn’t listen to the truth, they listened to lies. The question before us is this — are we doing the same thing today — but in a different context? Let’s find out!

Today, Matt takes a break from all the drama of the Scribes and Pharisees and reveals how different Jesus truly is. He does this by taking us back to the OT prophet Isaiah. Matthew digs deep here because he wants us to know how different Jesus is from Israel’s spiritual leaders. While the Scribes and Pharisees were rude, demanding and harsh — The prophet Isaiah foretells with perfect accuracy the demeanor in which The Lord Jesus has and treats people. What are those characteristics, and how does it impact your life today? Let’s find out!

So we celebrate the birth of God’s son and the temporary death of God’s son. Both Christmas and Easter. In a world that, at best, puts up with this notion about Jesus being God and Savior of the world — And, at worst, the world openly mocks Jesus and denies His existence — except to take His holy name in vain. Let me ask you — what does it all mean for you today? What does it mean for the New Year? Eternity? Well, we’re going to address those questions by studying Luke’s Gospel. I’d like to read it to you, explain it, and then we’ll apply it to our lives.

Last week, we saw Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath. Today, we see Him as the Lord of Mercy on the Sabbath Day. In other words, Matthew, our Gospel writer, proves Jesus’ claim from last week when he told the Pharisees — Matthew 12:6 — "I tell you that something greater than the temple is here." Matthew 12:8 — "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” How does Jesus prove that He is indeed Lord/Ruler/Master/Creator? What does this mean for you today? Let’s find out!

One of the primary causes of opposition towards Jesus centers on observing the Sabbath Day. The Sabbath Day (Shabbat) is a day of rest. For the next two weeks, we’ll watch two events unfold—both happening on the prescribed day of rest. We’ll take each event one at a time. The first event occurred spontaneously, but the second was no accident. Three questions to consider as we begin: 1. How do these events impact your life today? 2. How important is rest to God? 3. How important is rest to you?

The mystery of salvation. We know that salvation is a gift of grace from God — by faith alone, by grace alone, through Christ alone — But we also know that we as sinners, have a responsibility to accept and believe the Gospel message. How are those two mysteries reconciled? Is it one more than the other? Lastly, we’ll see Jesus present the Gospel message and invite people unto salvation. Today’s passage is God’s Gospel presentation through Jesus. These are the most important words we’ll ever hear.

Jesus ended with this last Sunday — Matthew 11:14/15 — And if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come. Let anyone who has ears listen. “Can you hear me now?” For those who had ears — they understood that since Jesus said John was the Elijah — that meant that Jesus Himself is God. And today, it is God Himself who explains with crystal clarity what it means to reject Him as Lord and Savior when the Gospel is presented. What’s that mean for you? Everything! Eternal life or eternal death.