Matthew 26:31
Introduction: We are probably all familiar with Psalm 23. The calming effect and comfort that it brings is unmatched by possibly, any other passage of scripture.
The image of a shepherd is of an individual who is loving, caring, tender and mindful. Maybe for someone like me, it’s a vision of calmness, tranquility and assurance.
Question: But what happens if the shepherd is gone? This is exactly what happened to the disciples when Jesus was betrayed, crucified and buried!
Matthew 26 – The Plot to Kill Jesus; The woman who anoints Jesus with precious oil; Judas agrees to betray; Jesus celebrates Passover.
Matthew 26:26-35
Transition
:
‘When we pledge allegiance to Jesus, we pretty much mean it….if we mean it!
’
Question
: What wants to set in? Take Root?
Luke 24:13-35 – Where have you been? Have you not heard?
‘But we were hoping…’
Transition
: So, what do we do when we feel our hopes / dreams are shattered so we scatter?
John 21
John 21:1
‘After these things
Jesus showed himself again
to the disciples
at the Sea of Tiberias
, and in this way He showed Himself
:
Deuteronomy 31:1-6
Hebrews 13:5-6 –
‘
Let your
conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you
1
.”
6
So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me
1
?”
(NKJ)
John 21:5-6
John 21:7, ‘
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it) and plunged into the sea.’
(NKJ)
John 21:15-17
Revelation 2:1-4 – Church of Ephesus –
‘To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,`These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
2
“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;
3
“and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
4
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
’ (NKJ)
John 21:18-19
Conclusion
: Scattering is natural when the Shepherd seems absent but remember, ‘He’s as close as the mention of His name’ and that He is in control and cares
Hold On Tight
Isaiah 35:3; Hebrews 12:12 NKJ Isaiah 35:3 ‘Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees’. NLT Isaiah 35:3 ‘With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees’. NKJ Hebrews 12:12 ‘Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees’, NLT Hebrews 12:12 ‘So take…
Called and Appointed
John 15:12 John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 “Greater love has no one than this, than1 to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 “No longer do I call you servants,…
Onesimus – The NT Hobo
Book of Philemon Introduction: For some, especially the young, the word or term ‘hobo’ might not be familiar. Growing up there was an understanding in my mind that there were actually hobos who would jump onto trains to get them to and from wherever they were going. What is the history of the hobo? They…
Me and My Church
Introduction: There is the Church Universal And then there is the Local Church. Question: What is the Local Church. Place of gathering; The Location (could be at the beach), the structure or the building or the facility where one gathers for: • Worship and teaching: A place to regularly gather for worship, prayer, and hearing…
But The Greatest of These
1 Corinthians 13 Introduction: Valentines Weekend. There is nothing wrong with dinners, chocolates, cards or flowers. When it come to Love, there are all kinds of things uses and pointed to as objects or illustrations: • Books – Romeo & Juliet; Gone with the Wind, etc. • Music / Songs – ‘Endless Love’, Diana…
Champions
1 Corinthians 1:25-26 Introduction: Superbowl Sunday. Champion – noun– a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place: the heavyweight boxing champion. Anything that takes first place in competition. One definition that I found that I like about what it means to be a…
Flood or The Blood
Psalm 32:1-7 Psalm 32:6, ‘Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment’. (Psa. 32:6 NLT) Introduction: Let’s look at a ‘communion text’ as we are contemplating the beauty of celebrating around the Lords Table. NKJ Psalm 32:1 <A Psalm of…
God In The House
NKJ – Psalm 127:1 <A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.> Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of psalms in the Bible, Psalms 120–134, that were sung by Jewish pilgrims…
But Others – When All Else Seems to Fail
Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it gives us assurance…