Behold, the Man!
04/03/2018 13:34
Date: 26 February, 2018
Text: Hebrews 7:24-26
Title: This Man is Able
Introduction:
Mat 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
exp. John was so happy to see this Man in Heaven as He received revelation from Him.
Revelation 5
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
exp. John wept because there was no man (he thought) worthy to open the scroll of the wrath of God to be put upon mankind during the tribulation. BUT THE LAMB WAS WORTHY AND WORSHIPPED BY HEAVEN'S HOST.
Pilate mocked this man - Joh 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
This morning we are going to look at THE MAN WHO WAS WORTHY TO BE THE LAMB. We would weep with John if there was no man worthy - BUT CHRIST IS THE MAN WHO WAS WORTHY.
text: Hebrews 7:24-26
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
exp. To the uttermost - He completely saves.
THOSE "THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM."
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
ill. Honda - 3500 combinations - a woman found out that her two cars (both Hondas) but different models and years had the same key to open the door.
exp. You may be able to open a car with more than one key - BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE KEY TO GET INTO HEAVEN - the key is the man Christ Jesus who is completely unique.
The message this morning is trust "the Man" who is able to save. "But this man is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.
I. Trust the Man who is alive.
...seeing he ever liveth....
v.24 "Because he continueth ever hath and unchangeable priesthood."
exp. The levitical priesthood changed every time the priest died.
Heb 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
ill. There were priests before Aaron but Moses priesthood came after the giving of the law. Aaron died at the age of 123.
Numbers 20:23 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,
24 Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.
25 Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:
26 And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.
27 And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.
28 And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.
29 And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.
exp. The priest would stand as a mediator between God and His people. He would enter into the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle to offer a sacrifice for the sin's of the people. HE ALONE COULD APPEASE THE WRATH OF GOD. How would you feel when your high priest died?
note: But our High Priest is alive and will never die.
Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
ill. The apostles boldly proclaimed that Jesus is alive. (WE SAW THIS LAST WEEK.)
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
ill. Witnessing to a young man from China - Budhist. He prays to his dead ancestors. Budha himself is dead. "After Gautama Buddha died or attained Mahaparinirvana in the 5th century BC, eight ruling families shared the relics from his body." Nobody claims that Buddha is alive.
app. The founder of Christianity is as alive today as he was in the days he walked on this earth. John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. Trust the man who is alive!
II. Trust the Man who is pleading.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
exp. As our high priest he is active in making intercession for us!
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
ill. Buckingham Palace - guards - snow covered - the guards are there to protect Her majesty the queen. If you or I had a very comelling reason why we wanted to meet the queen, would the guards allow us to enter? However, imagine the Duke of Cambridge or Prince Harry were with us - we could pass right into the queen's presence if they said the simple words, "They are with me."
exp. You and I could have no access whatsoever into the presence of God the Father if it were not for our High Priest saying, "They are with me." "They are a part of me." "I have redeemed them." "They are covered in my blood." "They are holy because I am holy."
Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
app. Are you trusting the man who is pleading God the Father on your behalf?
III. Trust the Man who is WHO you need.
26 For such an high priest became us,...
question: Have you ever had a problem and you didn't know what to do or needed help?
Who did you go to?
ill. Scraping a car and needing to tell the owner and getting my dad aside to ask his help.
ill. Talking to my dad on the way golfing about becoming a Bible major even though God had not yet called me into the ministry.
ill. Not having meetings but having started deputation - calling dad to ask him to pray for meetings.
exp. My dad was there for me. He was just what I needed to help me through problems in my life.
exp. Jesus is there for sinners. He is just who we need.
exp. He is exactly the sacrifice and the sacrificer we needed.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us....
Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
app. Is Jesus for you today? He wants to be. If you'll call out to Him he will help you! Trust the Man who is WHO you need!
IV. Trust the Man who is sacred.
...who is holy,
ill. Idolaters venerate their idols and believe them to be sacred.
India - the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the wealthiest place of worship in the world.[48] It is conservatively estimated that the value of the monumental items is close to ₹1.2 lakh crore or ₹1.2 trillion (US$18 billion). If the antique and cultural value were taken into account these assets could be worth ten times the current market price.
18 foot long pure gold chain
gold sheaf weighing 1100 pounds
1800 pounds of gold coins from 200 BC each coin priced at 410,000 USD.
Pure Golden Throne
Hundreds of pure gold chairs
exp. In a country like India which is not known for it's wealth - this temple shows how the people there treat something that is sacred. And all that is for an idol.
ill. And yet our holy Lord Jesus is truly sacred.
One of my favorite place in Israel is Ceasarea Philippi. It is where Peter said, "Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God." Soon after that Jesus takes Peter and John up on Mt. Hermon "An high mountain apart."
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
app. Can we not trust such a special Son of the living God who is truly Sacred?
V. Trust the Man who is gracious.
...who is...harmless,
ill. Seeing a polar bear playing with a sled dog. Cuddling with it. It could have killed it with a swipe of it's paw but it was very gentle.
exp. Jesus had the power to destroy those who put Him on the cross - but he refused to do it BECAUSE THE CROSS HE LOVED THEM TOO MUCH AND WOULD HAVE THEM BE SAVED.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
app. Are you scared to come to Jesus? You needn't be. Our high priest is harmless.
Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
VI. Trust the Man who is pure.
...who is...undefiled,
ill. Have you ever had someone do something incredibly nice and you said, "You shouldn't have done that." Church in GA gave us 1700USD love offering when Katie and I left to go to NYC. I'm sure I said those words - BUT DIDN'T REALLY MEAN IT - because we needed every dollar (literally) to get ourselves to NYC.
exp. JESUS SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE TO THE CROSS FOR OUR SIN - BUT WE NEEDED HIM TO.
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
ill. Pilate - the judge declared his innocence.
Joh 19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
ill. The thief on the cross. Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
ill. The centurion.
Luk 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
app. You can trust the undefiled one who died in our defiled place!
VII. Trust the Man who is Holy - set apart.
...who is...separate from sinners,
exp. Jesus was distinctly different from the rest of the human race. He was man but he was man unblemished by sin.
ill. The offering which the high priest offered was to be "Without blemish" Phrase found 46 times in our Bible and always speaks about the Holy sacrifice to be given.
exp. Jesus kept himself separate from sinners - HE WAS WITHOUT SIN!
Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
exp. The Saviour in Gethsamane resisted Satan's attack so forcefully that the Bible records in
Luk 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
app. Our great need today is Holiness. We can trust the man who succeeded in living a perfectly holy life to help us to live a holy life!
VIII. Trust the Man who is exalted.
...who is... made higher than the heavens;
ill. Jesus high priestly prayer in John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
ill. Peter's Message on the day of Pentecost
Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
ill. Stephen's testimony when being stoned by the Jews.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
app. 2,000 years later - Jesus is still exhalted. We have access to God through the man who is exhalted! Are you trusting Him.
Conclusion:
The Disciples on the Sea of Galilee were only beginning to understand "what manner of man" this was before them. Pilate said, "Behold the Man" but he didn't have a clue who stood before him.
exp. The author of Hebrews lifted up this Man before us as the only man able to save us!
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
HAVE YOU COME UNTO GOD BY HIM? Are you trusting the Man who alone is able to save you?
He is....
The Man who is alive.
The Man who is pleading.
The Man who is Who you need.
The Man who is sacred.
The Man who is gracious.
The Man who is pure.
The Man who is set apart.
The Man who is exhalted.
BEHOLD THE MAN
Date: 26 February, 2018
Text: Hebrews 7:24-26
Title: This Man is Able
Introduction:
Mat 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
exp. John was so happy to see this Man in Heaven as He received revelation from Him.
Revelation 5
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
exp. John wept because there was no man (he thought) worthy to open the scroll of the wrath of God to be put upon mankind during the tribulation. BUT THE LAMB WAS WORTHY AND WORSHIPPED BY HEAVEN'S HOST.
Pilate mocked this man - Joh 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
This morning we are going to look at THE MAN WHO WAS WORTHY TO BE THE LAMB. We would weep with John if there was no man worthy - BUT CHRIST IS THE MAN WHO WAS WORTHY.
text: Hebrews 7:24-26
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
exp. To the uttermost - He completely saves.
THOSE "THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM."
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
ill. Honda - 3500 combinations - a woman found out that her two cars (both Hondas) but different models and years had the same key to open the door.
exp. You may be able to open a car with more than one key - BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE KEY TO GET INTO HEAVEN - the key is the man Christ Jesus who is completely unique.
The message this morning is trust "the Man" who is able to save. "But this man is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.
I. Trust the Man who is alive.
...seeing he ever liveth....
v.24 "Because he continueth ever hath and unchangeable priesthood."
exp. The levitical priesthood changed every time the priest died.
Heb 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
ill. There were priests before Aaron but Moses priesthood came after the giving of the law. Aaron died at the age of 123.
Numbers 20:23 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,
24 Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.
25 Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:
26 And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.
27 And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.
28 And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.
29 And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.
exp. The priest would stand as a mediator between God and His people. He would enter into the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle to offer a sacrifice for the sin's of the people. HE ALONE COULD APPEASE THE WRATH OF GOD. How would you feel when your high priest died?
note: But our High Priest is alive and will never die.
Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
ill. The apostles boldly proclaimed that Jesus is alive. (WE SAW THIS LAST WEEK.)
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
ill. Witnessing to a young man from China - Budhist. He prays to his dead ancestors. Budha himself is dead. "After Gautama Buddha died or attained Mahaparinirvana in the 5th century BC, eight ruling families shared the relics from his body." Nobody claims that Buddha is alive.
app. The founder of Christianity is as alive today as he was in the days he walked on this earth. John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. Trust the man who is alive!
II. Trust the Man who is pleading.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
exp. As our high priest he is active in making intercession for us!
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
ill. Buckingham Palace - guards - snow covered - the guards are there to protect Her majesty the queen. If you or I had a very comelling reason why we wanted to meet the queen, would the guards allow us to enter? However, imagine the Duke of Cambridge or Prince Harry were with us - we could pass right into the queen's presence if they said the simple words, "They are with me."
exp. You and I could have no access whatsoever into the presence of God the Father if it were not for our High Priest saying, "They are with me." "They are a part of me." "I have redeemed them." "They are covered in my blood." "They are holy because I am holy."
Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
app. Are you trusting the man who is pleading God the Father on your behalf?
III. Trust the Man who is WHO you need.
26 For such an high priest became us,...
question: Have you ever had a problem and you didn't know what to do or needed help?
Who did you go to?
ill. Scraping a car and needing to tell the owner and getting my dad aside to ask his help.
ill. Talking to my dad on the way golfing about becoming a Bible major even though God had not yet called me into the ministry.
ill. Not having meetings but having started deputation - calling dad to ask him to pray for meetings.
exp. My dad was there for me. He was just what I needed to help me through problems in my life.
exp. Jesus is there for sinners. He is just who we need.
exp. He is exactly the sacrifice and the sacrificer we needed.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us....
Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
app. Is Jesus for you today? He wants to be. If you'll call out to Him he will help you! Trust the Man who is WHO you need!
IV. Trust the Man who is sacred.
...who is holy,
ill. Idolaters venerate their idols and believe them to be sacred.
India - the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the wealthiest place of worship in the world.[48] It is conservatively estimated that the value of the monumental items is close to ₹1.2 lakh crore or ₹1.2 trillion (US$18 billion). If the antique and cultural value were taken into account these assets could be worth ten times the current market price.
18 foot long pure gold chain
gold sheaf weighing 1100 pounds
1800 pounds of gold coins from 200 BC each coin priced at 410,000 USD.
Pure Golden Throne
Hundreds of pure gold chairs
exp. In a country like India which is not known for it's wealth - this temple shows how the people there treat something that is sacred. And all that is for an idol.
ill. And yet our holy Lord Jesus is truly sacred.
One of my favorite place in Israel is Ceasarea Philippi. It is where Peter said, "Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God." Soon after that Jesus takes Peter and John up on Mt. Hermon "An high mountain apart."
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
app. Can we not trust such a special Son of the living God who is truly Sacred?
V. Trust the Man who is gracious.
...who is...harmless,
ill. Seeing a polar bear playing with a sled dog. Cuddling with it. It could have killed it with a swipe of it's paw but it was very gentle.
exp. Jesus had the power to destroy those who put Him on the cross - but he refused to do it BECAUSE THE CROSS HE LOVED THEM TOO MUCH AND WOULD HAVE THEM BE SAVED.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
app. Are you scared to come to Jesus? You needn't be. Our high priest is harmless.
Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
VI. Trust the Man who is pure.
...who is...undefiled,
ill. Have you ever had someone do something incredibly nice and you said, "You shouldn't have done that." Church in GA gave us 1700USD love offering when Katie and I left to go to NYC. I'm sure I said those words - BUT DIDN'T REALLY MEAN IT - because we needed every dollar (literally) to get ourselves to NYC.
exp. JESUS SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE TO THE CROSS FOR OUR SIN - BUT WE NEEDED HIM TO.
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
ill. Pilate - the judge declared his innocence.
Joh 19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
ill. The thief on the cross. Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
ill. The centurion.
Luk 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
app. You can trust the undefiled one who died in our defiled place!
VII. Trust the Man who is Holy - set apart.
...who is...separate from sinners,
exp. Jesus was distinctly different from the rest of the human race. He was man but he was man unblemished by sin.
ill. The offering which the high priest offered was to be "Without blemish" Phrase found 46 times in our Bible and always speaks about the Holy sacrifice to be given.
exp. Jesus kept himself separate from sinners - HE WAS WITHOUT SIN!
Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
exp. The Saviour in Gethsamane resisted Satan's attack so forcefully that the Bible records in
Luk 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
app. Our great need today is Holiness. We can trust the man who succeeded in living a perfectly holy life to help us to live a holy life!
VIII. Trust the Man who is exalted.
...who is... made higher than the heavens;
ill. Jesus high priestly prayer in John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
ill. Peter's Message on the day of Pentecost
Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
ill. Stephen's testimony when being stoned by the Jews.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
app. 2,000 years later - Jesus is still exhalted. We have access to God through the man who is exhalted! Are you trusting Him.
Conclusion:
The Disciples on the Sea of Galilee were only beginning to understand "what manner of man" this was before them. Pilate said, "Behold the Man" but he didn't have a clue who stood before him.
exp. The author of Hebrews lifted up this Man before us as the only man able to save us!
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
HAVE YOU COME UNTO GOD BY HIM? Are you trusting the Man who alone is able to save you?
He is....
The Man who is alive.
The Man who is pleading.
The Man who is Who you need.
The Man who is sacred.
The Man who is gracious.
The Man who is pure.
The Man who is set apart.
The Man who is exhalted.
BEHOLD THE MAN
