Matthew 12:38-45 – 38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”
39 But He answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.
 - The sign of resurrection

1. Lazarus
2. Jesus
3. Two witnesses in Jerusalem (Rev. 11:1-13)

• What if Jonah actually died and was resurrected?
• Which would be the greater miracle?
• Jonah 2 - 1 Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish:
• I called to the Lord in my distress, and He answered me. I cried out for help in the belly of Sheol; You heard my voice.
• You threw me into the depths, into the heart of the seas, and the current overcame me. All Your breakers and Your billows swept over me.
  4 But I said: I have been banished from Your sight, yet I will look once more toward Your holy temple.
• The waters engulfed me up to the neck; the watery depths overcame me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.
• I sank to the foundations of the mountains; the earth with its prison bars closed behind me forever! But You raised my life from the Pit, Lord my God!
• As my life was fading away, I remembered Yahweh. My prayer came to You, to Your holy temple. 8 Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love, 9 but as for me, I will sacrifice to You with a voice of thanksgiving. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the Lord!
• Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. [1]
• More importantly… Jesus’ whole ministry changed at this point.
• Previously it was to validate Jesus’ ministry as the Messiah… now:
• 1) Jesus began teaching in parables
• 2) Jesus did miracles in private
• All for the purpose of training the Twelve

 
41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at Jonah’s proclamation; and look—something greater than Jonah is here! 42 The queen of the south will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and look—something greater than Solomon is here!
 
43 “When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it roams through waterless places looking for rest but doesn’t find any. 44 Then it says, ‘I’ll go back to my house that I came from.’ And returning, it finds the house vacant, swept, and put in order. 45 Then off it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle down there. As a result, that man’s last condition is worse than the first. That’s how it will also be with this evil generation.”[2]

• The multitudes of Jews (under the leadership of the Pharisees) will be judged by the Gentiles at the Great White Throne Judgment.
• John the Baptist came to get things in order but the multitudes rejected him and the Messiah… only making things worse for them and this generation.
• 1.1 million Jews perished in 70 AD as the Temple was also destroyed.
• The Romans sent the Jews into exile and they have been scattered over the earth ever since.

 
Matthew 13:1-23 1 On that day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. 2 Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd stood on the shore.
3 Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn’t much soil, and they sprang up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered. 7 Others fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them. 8 Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop: some 100, some 60, and some 30 times what was sown. 9 Anyone who has ears should listen!”
 
10 Then the disciples came up and asked Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”

• Parable – A means of communication where spiritual principles are taught by using analogies based on everyday occurrences.

11 He answered them, “Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given for you to know, but it has not been given to them.

• Kingdom of Heaven/God
• Matthew was writing to the Jews and Gods name was to holy to speak so he refers to “heaven”
• The kingdoms in Scripture:
• 1) Eternal Kingdom – Eternity past (creation) through eternity future – all inclusive
  2) Spiritual Kingdom – All believers of all time
• 3) Mediators & Monarchies Kingdom – Judges, & Kings – Ended in 586 BC
• 4) Millenial Kingdom – Jesus reigns on earth for 1,000 years.
• 5) Mystery Kingdom – The Church – Acts 2 through the 2nd Coming.
• The mystery being that the Gentiles and the Jews have been made one through Christ.

12 For whoever has, more will be given to him, and he will have more than enough. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 For this reason I speak to them in parables, because looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand. 14 Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:
You will listen and listen,
yet never understand;
and you will look and look,
yet never perceive.
15 For this people’s heart has grown callous;
their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have shut their eyes;
otherwise they might see with their eyes
and hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn back--
and I would cure them. x
16 “But your eyes are blessed because they do see, and your ears because they do hear! 17 For I assure you: Many prophets and righteous people longed to see the things you see yet didn’t see them; to hear the things you hear yet didn’t hear them.
 
18 “You, then, listen to the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path. 20 And the one sown on rocky ground—this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. 21 Yet he has no root in himself, but is short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now the one sown among the thorns—this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the seduction of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 But the one sown on the good ground—this is one who hears and understands the word, who does bear fruit and yields: some 100, some 60, some 30 times what was sown.”
 - This is the Church today.
 
Mark 4:26-29 - 26 “The kingdom of God is like this,” He said. “A man scatters seed on the ground; 27 he sleeps and rises —night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows—he doesn’t know how. 28 The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the ripe grain on the head. 29 But as soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

• The Gospel has enough power on its own to grow.
• Amazing adventure
• Picture of Sophie Millard w/ veggies

 
Mark 4 1-34 1 Again He began to teach by the sea, and a very large crowd gathered around Him. So He got into a boat on the sea and sat down, while the whole crowd was on the shore facing the sea. 2 He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said to them: 3 “Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, this occurred: Some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it sprang up right away, since it didn’t have deep soil. 6 When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it didn’t have a root, it withered. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn’t produce a crop. 8 Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.” 9 Then He said, “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!”
 
10 When He was alone with the Twelve, those who were around Him asked Him about the parables. 11 He answered them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those outside, everything comes in parables 12 so that
they may look and look,
yet not perceive;
they may listen and listen,
yet not understand;
otherwise, they might turn back--
and be forgiven.”
 
13 Then He said to them: “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any of the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones along the path where the word is sown: when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. 17 But they have no root in themselves; they are short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately stumble. 18 Others are sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, 19 but the worries of this age, the seduction of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 But the ones sown on good ground are those who hear the word, welcome it, and produce a crop: 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.”[3]
 
Luke 8:4-15 4 As a large crowd was gathering, and people were flocking to Him from every town, He said in a parable: 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. As he was sowing, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the sky ate it up. 6 Other seed fell on the rock; when it sprang up, it withered, since it lacked moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns; the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 Still other seed fell on good ground; when it sprang up, it produced a crop: 100 times what was sown.” As He said this, He called out, “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!”
 
9 Then His disciples asked Him, “What does this parable mean?” 10 So He said, “The secrets of the kingdom of God have been given for you to know, but to the rest it is in parables, so that
Looking they may not see,
and hearing they may not understand.
 
11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 The seed along the path are those who have heard and then the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the seed on the rock are those who, when they hear, welcome the word with joy. Having no root, these believe for a while and depart in a time of testing. 14 As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and produce no mature fruit. 15 But the seed in the good ground—these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring, bear fruit.[4]

[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jon 2:1–10). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 12:38–45). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 4:1–20). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 8:4–15). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

Matthew 11:20-30 – 20 Then He proceeded to denounce the towns where most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes long ago! 22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven?
 - Five of the ten miracles recorded in Matthew 8–9 were performed in Capernaum.[1]
You will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until today. 24 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
 
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants. 26 Yes, Father, because this was Your good pleasure. 27 All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal Him.
28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [2]
 - Take & learn - The first two commands represent a crisis as we come and yield to Christ; but this step is into a process. As we learn more about Him, we find a deeper peace, because we trust Him more. Life is simplified and unified around the person of Christ.[3]
 
Luke 7:36-50 – 36 Then one of the Pharisees invited Him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil 38 and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil.

• Mark and John both record its cost as 300 denarii (roughly a year’s wages for a laborer)[4]

39 When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him—she’s a sinner!”
40 Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

• In Matthew’s account, this refers to Simon the Leper, a Pharisee who might have been cured of leprosy by Jesus[5]

“Teacher,” he said, “say it.”
41 “A creditor had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii, and the other 50. 42 Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.”
“You have judged correctly,” He told him. 44 Turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she, with her tears, has washed My feet and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet since I came in. 46 You didn’t anoint My head with olive oil, but she has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 Those who were at the table with Him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”
50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”[6]
 
Luke 8:1-3 – 1 Soon afterward He was traveling from one town and village to another, preaching and telling the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary, called Magdalene (seven demons had come out of her); 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others who were supporting them from their possessions. [7]
 
Matthew 12:22-37 - 22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and unable to speak was brought to Him. He healed him, so that the man could both speak and see. 23 And all the crowds were astounded and said, “Perhaps this is the Son of David!”
24 When the Pharisees heard this, they said, “The man drives out demons only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.”
25 Knowing their thoughts, He told them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, who is it your sons drive them out by? For this reason they will be your judges. 28 If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 How can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house. 30 Anyone who is not with Me is against Me, and anyone who does not gather with Me scatters. 31 Because of this, I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the one to come.
 
33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. 35 A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. 36 I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” [8]
 
Mark 3:2-20 - 20 Then He went home, and the crowd gathered again so that they were not even able to eat. 21 When His family heard this, they set out to restrain Him, because they said, “He’s out of His mind.”
22 The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul in Him!” and, “He drives out demons by the ruler of the demons!”
23 So He summoned them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan rebels against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is finished!
27 “On the other hand, no one can enter a strong man’s house and rob his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he will rob his house. 28 I assure you: People will be forgiven for all sins and whatever blasphemies they may blaspheme. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” — 30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”[9]

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 41). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 11:20–30). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 41). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Lk 7:37). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[5] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Lk 7:40). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[6] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 7:36–50). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 8:1–3). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 12:22–37). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 3:20–30). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

Matthew 8:5-13 – 5 When He entered Capernaum,
 - Jesus’ headquarters in Galilee (north of the sea)
a centurion
 - A Roman officer who was in command of over 100 men.
 - Every centurion mentioned in the Gospels and Acts was a gentleman of high character and sense of duty, and this man was no exception.[1]
came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony!”
 - Matthew and Luke tell the same story (Luke 7:1-10)
 - Luke is more precise, Matthew is more dramatic.
 - Luke, the doctor, describes the slave as sick and near death.
 - He also describes the slave as “highly valued”.
 - Luke says the soldier sent Jewish elders to Jesus (twice)… To request his presence… then to tell Jesus not to bother.
 - This Roman soldier was a friend to the Jews.
 - Luke mentions that this soldier loves the Jewish nation (the people) and has built them a synagogue.

1. “I will come and heal him,” He told him.

8 “Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But only say the word, and my servant will be cured. 9 For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
 - It would seem that everything about this man would prevent him from coming to Jesus.
 - He was a professional soldier, and Jesus was a Man of peace.
 - He was a Gentile, and Jesus was a Jew.
 - But this soldier had one thing working for him: he was a man of great faith.
 - This centurion understood that Jesus, like himself, was under authority.
 - All Christ had to do was speak the word and the disease would obey Him the way a soldier obeyed his officer.

• It is worth noting that only those who are under authority have the right to exercise authority[2]
  
  

10 Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following Him, “I assure you: I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith!
 - Jesus was amazed (marveled) three times… by the faith of this centurion and in Mark 6:6 by the unbelief of the Jews.
 - Matthew recorded two “Gentile” miracles: this one, and the healing of the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman (Matt. 15:21–28).
 - In both cases, the Lord was impressed with their great faith.
 - This is an early indication that the Jews would not believe, but the Gentiles would.
- Also, in both of these miracles, our Lord healed from a distance.
 - This was a reminder of the spiritual position of the Gentiles “afar off”[3]
11 I tell you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
 - In reference to the many Gentiles that will come to faith in Jesus as the Jews forefathers believed in the Messiah to come.
12 But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
 - In reference to the Great White Throne judgment for all non-believers.
13 Then Jesus told the centurion, “Go. As you have believed, let it be done for you.” And his servant was cured that very moment.[4]
 
Luke 7:1-10 – 1 When He had concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 A centurion’s slave, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and save the life of his slave. 4 When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with Him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” 6 Jesus went with them, and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell Him, “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself, since I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. 7 That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be cured. c8 For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
9 Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel!” 10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. [5]
 
Luke 7:11-17 - 11 Soon afterward He was on His way to a town called Nain.
 - Map
 - 20-25 miles SW of Capernaum
 - 8.6 miles SE of Nazareth
His disciples and a large crowd were traveling with Him. 12 Just as He neared the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out.
 - They buried the dead outside the city walls for the sake of ritual cleanliness.
He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow.
 - No means to provide for her.
A large crowd from the city was also with her.
 - 2 different crowds – Those pursuing Jesus and those carrying a dead man.
 - 2 only sons meet.
13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Don’t cry.” 14 Then He came up and touched the open coffin, and the pallbearers stopped. And He said, “Young man, I tell you, get up!”
15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Then fear came over everyone, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited His people.”
 - Prophet… not Messiah.
17 This report about Him went throughout Judea and all the vicinity. [6]
 
Matthew 11:2-19 – 2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent a message by his disciples 3 and asked Him, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news. 6 And if anyone is not offended because of Me, he is blessed.”
7 As these men went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? Look, those who wear soft clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. 10 This is the one it is written about:
Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You;
he will prepare Your way before You. w
11 “I assure you: Among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John; 14 if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come. 15 Anyone who has ears should listen!
 
16 “To what should I compare this generation? It’s like children sitting in the marketplaces who call out to each other:
17 We played the flute for you,
but you didn’t dance;
we sang a lament,
but you didn’t mourn!
18 For John did not come eating or drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”[7]
 
Luke 7:18-35 - 18 Then John’s disciples told him about all these things.
 - John was in prison for speaking out against King Herod.
So John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?”
20 When the men reached Him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask You, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?’ ”
 - Is this John’s doubt or John’s spurring or John’s moaning because he came to set the captives free and John is still sitting in prison?
21 At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and He granted sight to many blind people. 22 He replied to them, “Go and report to John the things you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news. 23 And anyone who is not offended because of Me is blessed.”

24 After John’s messengers left, He began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft robes? Look, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. 27 This is the one it is written about:
Look, I am sending My messenger
ahead of You;
he will prepare Your way before You. b
28 I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
 - Jesus says John is the greatest Old Testament believer.
 -But then says even the least of those in the kingdom of God are greater than John the Baptist.
29 (And when all the people, including the tax collectors, heard this, they acknowledged God’s way of righteousness, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. 30 But since the Pharisees and experts in the law had not been baptized by him, they rejected the plan of God for themselves. )
 
31 “To what then should I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to each other:
We played the flute for you, but you didn’t dance; we sang a lament, but you didn’t weep!
33 For John the Baptist did not come eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” [8]

• a teaching is shown to be wise based on what it produces[9]

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 33). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 33). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 33). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 8:5–13). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 7:1–10). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 7:11–17). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 11:2–19). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 7:18–35). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Lk 7:35). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Matthew 7 – Sermon on the Mount (Part 3)
1 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 6 Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.
 - How many of you were quick to judge Tiger Woods this week? Or Kathy Griffen?
 - So are Christians not to judge?
 - We judge other Christians to help them in their walk.
 - The Pharisees were judging other believers to make themselves look good.

- 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 – 1 It is widely reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and the kind of sexual immorality that is not even tolerated among the Gentiles —a man is living with his father’s wife. 2 And you are inflated with pride, instead of filled with grief so that he who has committed this act might be removed from your congregation. 3 For though I am absent in body but present in spirit, I have already decided about the one who has done this thing as though I were present. 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus with my spirit and with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 turn that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord.
6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast permeates the whole batch of dough? 7 Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch. You are indeed unleavened, for Christ our Passover has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore, let us observe the feast, not with old yeast or with the yeast of malice and evil but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [1]

- You can judge one’s actions or attitudes but you can’t judge their motive (what comes from the heart).
 - It is possible for a person to do a good work with a bad motive.
 - It is also possible to fail in a task and yet be very sincerely motivated.[2] - Should we baptize in the Jordan River?
 - Sometimes we take our own plank out and learn from the process… it is then we can help others with the same issues.
 - Other times we have to discern when to not interfere or get involved.
7 “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
 - What is “it”?
 - This isn’t about “getting stuff” or “opportunities”.
 - This passage is in light of “judgment” and seeking wisdom for each situation.
 - Wisdom comes from the Lord.

9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
 - If the Pharisees know how to give good gifts to their kids (not even questioning their motive of giving), won’t the Lord give even greater gifts (when it comes to wisdom)?
12 Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.
 - We should no more build our theology on the Golden Rule than we should build our astronomy on “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”[3]
 - The Golden Rule – This is for believers!
 - If our judging of others is not governed by this principle, we will become proud and critical, and our own spiritual character will degenerate.[4]
 - No matter what… we will face opposition.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
 - The Pharisees have a whole Mishna of rules and regulations when it comes to passing judgment.
 - Jesus narrows it down to one. Love others.
 - I was told it was difficult road… but it was more difficult to find than it was to live.
15 “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
 - We have no membership here at Leavener.
 - You are free to roam.
 - Figure this thing out… are we teaching Truth or lies?
17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.
 - Most churches measure growth by the 3B’s (Baptisms, Budge and Butts in the seats)
 - “Is your church growing?”
 - How do you measure what happens in the hearts and homes of people? You see it… first hand.
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’
 - The difference between those who naturally walk by the Spirit vs those who naturally walk by the flesh.
 - One (the flesh) living their life by doing things in their own strength.
 - The other (the Spirit) living their life by the strength and power of another.
24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.
- Describing those who naturally walk by the Spirit.

26 But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!”
 - Describing those who naturally walk by the flesh.
28 When Jesus had finished this sermon, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, 29 because He was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes. [5]
- The scribes and Pharisees spoke “from authorities,” always quoting the various rabbis and experts of the Law.
- Jesus needed no human teacher to add authority to His words; for He spoke as the Son of God.[6]

[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Co 5:1–8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 29). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 30). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 30). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[5] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 7:1–29). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 32). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.