Christ's holiness isn't just about his behavior. It is a characteristic of His, and it is absolutely transformative in people's lives! Pastor Scott took us to Jesus healing the leper, and the paralytic man in this message, and oh, the application we can take from their healings!
These guys had likely followed him on a part-time basis, before. But his calling at this point was for their whole life, and Jesus performed a miracle to get their attention.
When Jesus preached, people were mesmerized. He "spoke as one who had authority," they said. Of course He had authority--He is God! Christ brought liberty, and He brought healing. And really, so much more.
When Jesus said the words "Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled", His listeners had to be shaking in their boots! The fulfillment of Scripture was happening right in front of them. How do we approach Christ's teaching? With familiarity or hard hearts? If so, we are missing the power of His words.
Three more testimonies are in this section of the Book of Luke, to the Deity/Authenticity of Jesus Christ. One appeared at Christ's baptism, one appears in the geneologies of Jesus, and one appears at the temptation of Christ in the wilderness.
Matthew is helping people who have placed their faith in Christ, to be sure of what they have been taught. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness. Without forgiveness, there is no fruit. This can be a lot to swallow, but it's truth, right from the Word!
Young boy Jesus (12 years old) gave us the first glimpse of what it was like for Him to have a singular purpose, which was to do the will of His Father. He also found a way to be submissive to his earthly parents, as well. Mary and Joseph were devoted to doing God's will, too--but there was that moment when they forgot Him at the temple...
None of us can really understand how Jesus could "grow in wisdom" - but Pastor Scott shared everything that the Bible says about child Jesus. There are lessons for every age in the Word, and even some in this passage in Luke.
Pastor Eric taught us about the shepherds, and their response to Christ's birth. There is so much challenging content here, give it a listen!
Christ's birth did not occur in a clean home, a neat birthing center, or hospital. It was in the most humble place that you can imagine. Are there any lessons that we can learn from even that?