This is an exposition of Luke 20:1-19. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 15, 2017.
Intro:
You can’t argue with it. We all know that it is true. We have more information available to us today than ever before.
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Information about every subject under the sun. Newspapers, books, magazines, newsletters, special reports, television, radio, the Internet all bringing us “vital information” that we must have. You name it – we probably have a cable channel specifically dedicated to that very subject! This explosion of information has opened a whole new industry – “expert analysts.” Suddenly we are inundated with these so called “leading authorities” on every subject telling us what we ought to be thinking and how we ought to be responding to what’s happening around us. You can’t turn around without running into one of these authorities and their expert analysis. Of course the experts don’t always agree – if fact most of the time they contradict each other. One group produces conclusive scientific evidence that we are the victims of global warming. Another group emerges from a 15-year study in the Antarctic and informs us we are well into another Ice Age! “Well, my authority says this.” “Well, my authority says that.” Back and forth we go with this voice shouting at that voice and that voice contradicting this voice and to borrow a line from William Shakespeare, “They are full of sound and fury signifying nothing!” For all the increase in our knowledge we are, sadly, none the wiser.
In the midst of all the noise and confusion don’t you wish there was a clear and distinct voice? An authority that could really be trusted? One who’s words have the unmistakable ring of authenticity? There is such an authority and he speaks to the deepest needs of life. He deals in truth that relates to meaning and purpose. To life and death issues. Not everyone agrees with him. In fact some violently disagree. But he is endorsed by the Leading Authority.
I want you to see him in action. So come with me to Luke chapter 20 and verse 1.
Text: Luke 20:1-19
It was the week that changed the world, “The Passion Week.” During the Passover season – the time for celebrating God’s deliverance of the nation of Israel from Egyptian bondage – the Lamb of God came to secure the ultimate deliverance. Attitudes toward the Lord Jesus were mixed. He was loved by the multitudes and yet despised by the establishment. One thing was certain, you could not remain neutral about Jesus of Nazareth.
For years the religious establishment sought his death. Hostility mounted with each passing day. Even in the joy and celebration of the Passover the tension was obvious.
The crowd who shouted, “Hosanna,” as he entered the city on Sunday never dreamed of what would happen on Friday. But he knew.
His time had come, the time determined by his Father in eternity past. The time had come for the fulfillment of the promise made to Adam & Eve in the garden, portrayed in the events of the Passover, rehearsed in every sacrifice ever made, sung about by the psalmist and boldly proclaimed by the prophets.
And so he came to the holy city to reveal himself as the Messiah. There was no mistaking the meaning of his entrance on that Sunday. It was no subtle message he declared the next day upon his entrance to the Temple. “I am here. I am the Messiah, the Great King – the Lord of the Temple.”
His actions raised the question of his authority – a question dealt with in our text.
Thesis: The events of Luke 20 unquestionably demonstrate the sovereign authority of the Lord Jesus, an authority that demands a response.
The authority of the Lord Jesus is demonstrated three ways in our text.
- The authority of Jesus is reflected in the fact that he cannot be intimidated. (20:1-8)
- The authority of Jesus is made manifest in his stern rebuke of the religious establishment. (20:9-16)
- The authority of the Lord Jesus is solidly based on his role in redemption. (20:17-20)
Conclusion:
Where does he get his authority?
On the basis of who he is and what he has accomplished.
And that authority is reflected by the fact he cannot be intimidated and his rebuke of those who are supposedly in authority.
So, what is your response to this Jesus?
Will you fall on him in brokenness and humility and experience peace and blessing?
Or will he fall on you in crushing judgment?
Eternity hangs in the balance.
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