What Are You Seeking?

 N.T. #142 "What Are You Seeking?" 

Sept. 5, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 16

LET IT GLOW

The Pharisees, religious leaders of the Jews, had a lot of problems. They deliberately rejected Christ and His salvation, blasphemed against the Holy Spirit, had evil in their hearts, and accused Jesus of being empowered by Satan. That is quite a long list that Jesus gave. 

Then in verse 38, they wanted Jesus to give them a sign. What kind of sign-that Jesus was their Messiah, sent from heaven, the Son of God? He had already performed miracles, yet those leaders did not believe nor want to believe Jesus is the Chosen One who's coming the Old Testament spoke about. They failed to see what God was after-faith and love, not signs and works. 

What did Jesus call those Pharisees? An evil and adulterous generation that sought after a sign. (verse 38) It was spiritual adultery they had committed. The Pharisees were being unfaithful to God. they had their own religion, their own rules, their own rituals that seems to make them holy. they did not follow God with their hearts.

Jesus compared Himself to Jonah. Jonah was in the belly of the whale 3 days and 3 nights. so would and did the Son of Man be 3 days and 3 nights in the heart of the earth. Whenever Jonah finally preached repentance to the Ninevites, those heathens/wicked ones repented of their sins. Yet, the Jews would not.

Christ was God's sign to the Jews. His example of love exceeded any that had lived. His miracles no one could perform but God Himself. Jesus Christ was/is God in the flesh.

The resurrection of Christ from the dead would be the crowning demonstration that He is the Son of God. (Tony Evans)

A greater than Jonah is here. (verse 41) 

Will you believe in Jesus as the Savior, the only way to heaven for eternity?  

LET IT GROW

The queen of the south (Queen of Sheba) came to Solomon seeking his wisdom. (1 Kings 10) Jesus called Himself a greater than Solomon is here. (verse 42) He is deity. 

Wasn't the queen seeking to find the secret of life and eternity? Apparently she found it. Even queens must surrender to Jesus Christ in order to go to heaven.

Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. (verse 9)

The heavenly King had come, was in their presence, working miraculous signs, so the Pharisees were without excuse for not repenting and believing in Him. 

Have you repented of your sins, dear one? Do you believe Jesus is the Savior, they only way to the holy heavenly Father God? 

LET IT GO

Change my heart today, Lord Jesus.

Please forgive my sins.

Use me for Your glory and honor and praise.