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
It Shall Come to Pass
Introduction: Christmas is here! Wow! Isiah 9:6-7 Application: Depending…there are between 300 and 400 OT prophesies about a coming Messiah. Examples of Prophesied Events & Locations Origin: Born of a woman (Genesis 3:15), Virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), Descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3), From the line of Judah (Genesis 49:10). Life & Ministry: Born in Bethlehem…
The Increase
Introduction: Last week’s recognition (maybe read the letter). MH – From the bottom of our hearts, we want thank you for this overwhelming kindness and recognition. To stand here and receive your appreciation and love for what we have accomplished together fills me with crazy gratitude. I hope all of know and understand that: congratulations…
Adding Stones
2 Peter 1:5-7 Intro: Virtue: Moral excellence and integrity. “Virtue at its finest” can refer to different concepts depending on the context, but a strong theme is the application of virtue during times of testing. C.S. Lewis famously described courage as the “form of every virtue at the testing point,” meaning that virtues like honesty…
The Sower, the Seed and the Soil
Mark 4:1-20 Intro: The Parable of the Sower (also known as the Parable of the Four Soils) is found in Matthew 13:3-9; Mark 4:2-9; and Luke 8:4-8. After presenting this parable to the multitude, Jesus interprets it for His disciples in Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20; and Luke 8:11-15. Question: What is a Parable: A parable…
When Things Go Missing
Methods of Evangelism Evangelism can take many forms, adapting to the audience and the individual: Personal Witnessing: Sharing personal experiences of faith and the teachings of Jesus in one-on-one conversations. Public Preaching: Delivering sermons and messages to larger groups, often within churches or religious gatherings. Media and Literature: Using various media and written materials to…
A Whitened Harvest
Methods of Evangelism Evangelism can take many forms, adapting to the audience and the individual: Personal Witnessing: Sharing personal experiences of faith and the teachings of Jesus in one-on-one conversations. Public Preaching: Delivering sermons and messages to larger groups, often within churches or religious gatherings. Media and Literature: Using various media and written materials to…
Just For You
Mark 2:17; Luke 19:10; Matthew 9:38 Introduction: Here’s a list of individuals and groups that Jesus personally took time to minister to, based on the accounts in the Gospels. This includes one-on-one encounters and instances where He intentionally reached out to specific people. The Paralytic (Mark 2:1–12) – Lowered through the roof by friends; Jesus…