Hope in Jesus

Hope In Jesus

Matthew 12:9-21 ESV

  1.  A LESSON ABOUT THE  .

 Ultimately, God’s law is all about love!

Gal. 5:6  In Christ Jesus…the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Gal. 5:14  The whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 12:7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.

  2.  JESUS’ DIVINE WORK   WAS ON DISPLAY.

Matthew 12:17-18 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.”

3.  JESUS NEVER NEEDS TO  .

Matthew 12:19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;

God works in our hearts in advance.

John 6:37 All those the Father gives me will come to me,
and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

 God penetrates our Spirit-softened hearts through the Gospel.

Rom. 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 

4.  BROKEN REEDS AND SMOLDERING WICKS HAVE  .

Matthew 12:20-21 …a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” 

            Bruised reeds are much more willing to follow Jesus. 

James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

             Legalism quenches smoldering wicks, but grace reignites them.

“Legalism requires personal, perpetual and perfect obedience from the heart, but gives no strength. It is a severe task master.” -Richard Sibbes, 17^th century.

             Jesus is the “lifeguard” Savior for all who follow after Him.

Titus 3:4–6 When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

5.  IT’S TIME TO ADMIT IT:  . 

Are you a smoldering wick? …a hungry disciple?
Are you a bruised or broken reed? …a sheep fallen into a pit?
Are you at least aware that you cannot save yourself?