Matthew (Page 5)
Matthew 24:26-35
Stage Four: Delivery Introduction: If you were not here last Sunday you could be excused for wondering, “What in the world is this sermon all about?” Well, it’s a continuation of last Sunday’s sermon on Matthew 24, one of the key prophetic passages in the whole Bible. “Stage Four: Delivery” is what I call the final stage of the Tribulation period, culminating in the Second Coming of Christ. But before we jump back into this fascinating chapter, I want to make sure we all…
Matthew 25:1-30
Oil Shortage Introduction: We continue this morning with our study of the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24-25, delivered by Jesus just a couple of days prior to His crucifixion. Last words spoken by a loved one are often considered especially significant, and since this is Jesus’ last major discourse with His disciples, I would assume it contains truth He wants to leave uppermost in the minds of His disciples, and ours. In our last chapter, Matthew 24, Jesus answered two questions the…
Matthew 25:31-46
The Least, the Last, and the Lost Introduction: The Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24-25 concludes with the Judgment of the Sheep and the Goats. Prophecy experts love to debate this passage. In fact, there are almost as many interpretations as there are interpreters. They argue over whether the sheep and goats are individuals or nations, over when this judgment takes place, over the basis for the judgment, and over every other conceivable issue one could imagine. But it seems obvious to me that what…
Matthew 26:1-13
Broken and Spilled Out Introduction: One of America’s finest short stories, written by the great master of the art, O. Henry, is a moving story called, “The Gift of the Magi.” A young couple, Della and Jim, were very poor, but very much in love. Each had one unique possession. For Della it was her hair, which served almost as a robe when she let it down. Jim, on the other hand, had a pocket watch, given to him by his father, which was his…
Matthew 26:31-75
The Steps to Peter’s Defection Introduction: Our journey through Passion Week from the book of Matthew brings us this morning to what was surely one of the most painful moments in Jesus’ life–the defection and denial of one of His dearest friends, Peter. Some of you have heard parts of this message before, as three years ago I used this passage and outline as a brief meditation for a Good Friday service. But I trust you will indulge me the privilege of repeating…
Matthew 26:57-68
The Abuse of Religious Power Vs. Servant Leadership Introduction: The capacity for evil on the part of deeply religious people is absolutely stunning. Fifteen years ago this week an American immigrant to Israel opened fire on a group of Palestinians at prayer in a mosque in the town of Hebron, murdering 29 of them and wounding about 125. It was done by a Jew in the name of religion. A month later hundreds of Bosnian Muslims were slaughtered by Serb Christians. It was done by…
Matt 27:1-10
SERIES: The Good News, as Reported by Matthew Deadly Remorse Introduction: Centuries ago in Italy, an artist set out to paint a mural of the life of Christ in one of the great cathedrals. When he got to the scene of Jesus at age twelve debating the teachers of the Law in the Temple, he searched for just right person to serve as his model, choosing a handsome young man with a wholesome and intelligent appearance. Years later as the artist approached the final…
Matthew 27:11–26
SERIES: The Good News, as Reported by Matthew Basin Theology SCRIPTURE: Matt 27:11–26 SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: We are literally just hours from the crucifixion as we open Matthew 27 this morning. Three weeks ago we examined the religious trial of Jesus at the palaces of Annas and then Caiaphas. Two weeks ago we considered the betrayal of Judas and that man’s tragic suicide. This morning we focus our attention on Pilate. His remarkable witness about the character of Jesus is especially valuable since it…
Matthew 27:27-44
SERIES: The Good News, as Reported by Matthew The Crucifixion of Jesus SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:27-44 Introduction: It is my intention to preach over the next four Sundays on the last four events of Passion Week–the crucifixion of Jesus, His death, His burial, and His resurrection. The Apostle Paul regarded these truths as “first in importance” (1 Cor. 15:3), and they remain every bit as important today. They form the very foundation of the Christian message. No loftier theme can occupy a believer’s time than the life and…
Matthew 27:45-56
The Death of Jesus SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:45-56 SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: We come this morning to the pivotal point in all of human history. Our calendars are set to the birth of Christ–B.C. and A.D.–but God’s calendar is set to the death of Christ. It was at Jesus’ death the Old Covenant ended and the New Covenant began. It was at Jesus’ death the detailed demands of the Mosaic Law were canceled and God began to deal with us as adults. Prior to the death…
Matthew 27:57-66
The Burial of Jesus SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:57-66 SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: Over the past six weeks we have considered Peter’s denial, Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ arrest and religious trial, His political trial, His crucifixion, and His death. Today we come to the burial of Jesus. A question that may cross your mind this morning might be, “Is the burial of Jesus really worth a sermon all by itself?” Many apparently think not, for His burial is frequently passed over quickly in commentaries and sermons as…
Matthew 28:1-15
Gone! SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:1-15 SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: A sharp, creative realtor came up with the idea. I refer to the practice after the sale of a house of placing one word, four large letters, across the “for sale” sign. The old word was “SOLD.” The emerging new, more picturesque word in vogue in some areas today is “GONE.” It is direct, succinct, and conveys the idea of quick and efficient success. It’s the kind of sign that makes other potential sellers say, “I want to…