Matthew 21:14-15….Working

Matthew 21:14-15….Working

21:14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna  to the Son of David,” (Probably did not fully understand the implications of what they were shouting, but were only imitating the adults around them.-(New) they were indignant. (For Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Teaches how when we clean out the corruptions from our hearts, things begin to happen and open up.” → When we remove the corruptions and impurities from our lives, remarkable changes begin to unfold. True worship and healing begins to takes place. Similarly, when we allow God to cleanse our hearts, removing the sin and distractions that hinder us, we open ourselves up to His transformative power. This cleansing process may be challenging and may face resistance, but it ultimately leads to a life of greater purpose, peace, and alignment with God’s will. Let us strive to rid ourselves of anything that stands in the way of our relationship with God, trusting that in doing so, we will witness His blessings and miracles in our lives.

“Demonstrates how true worship is inclusive, accepting, and welcoming of all people.”⇒ True worship welcomes and embraces all people, especially those marginalized by society. Jesus’ compassion calls us to create spaces where everyone can encounter God’s love and experience His healing touch.

“Displays how people get upset when their power is being threatened and livelihoods are threatened” ⇒When Jesus cleansed the Temple, he not only challenged the religious authorities but also disrupted a lucrative business, leading to the outrage of those whose interests were compromised. This same pattern holds true in the history of the Church, where reforms and shifts in focus often encounter resistance from those who benefit from the status quo. This holds true not only in religious contexts, but also in political, economic, and social realms. The resistance to change and the clinging to power can lead to significant conflict and upheaval, as those who benefit from the status quo fight to maintain their control.

“Warns against a heart that can’t accept God moving in someone’s else’s life, because it’s not happening in our life.” ⇒ Sometimes our hearts are hardened, and we find it difficult to celebrate a move of God in someone else’s life simply because it’s not happening in ours. Just as seasons change, so does our spiritual journey. Embracing the divine timing in our lives means trusting that our season of blessing, growth, or healing will come in due course. Meanwhile, let us rejoice in the victories and transformations of those around us, for they are testimonies of God’s unending grace and power. Remember, every move of God in another’s life is a beacon of hope, a reminder that we too are under His watchful care. Let their breakthroughs inspire us to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that our time will come. As we open our hearts to the joy of others, we cultivate a spirit of gratitude and humility, aligning ourselves more closely with God’s will. As we witness the blessings of others, let it be a source of encouragement, strengthening our faith and renewing our commitment to living a life centered on God’s mercy and grace.

“Teaches when you do what God wants in showing grace and compassion to sinners it will infuriate religious people.” → When you decide to follow Jesus closely and do what He wants you to do.  Whether it’s leading people to Jesus, demonstrated grace to the sinner, forgiving one another, living by biblical principals, showing devotion to scripture, etc.  You will encounter opposition from religious people. In the realm of faith that is resting in God’s grace often stirs discomfort among those entrenched in religious formalities. Religious people don’t like it when your following God’s word and not their own rules, rituals, and practices. They hate it when you break with their traditions or  interpretation of scripture. As we strive to align ourselves with God’s will, we may encounter opposition from those who cling to religious formalities. Yet, it is in this righteous defiance that our strength lies.

“Even today, Church’s are to be places where all people; foreigners, aliens, outcasts, non-essentials, etc. can feel welcomed and at home. A place where the drug addict, the alcoholic, the transgender, the mentally challenged, the socially awkward, etc. can come without the fear of shame, criticism, or judgment.” ⇒ Church is not just for those who have it all together, because none of us do. We all struggle with sin, insecurity, past hurts, regret, or some other area. One of the wonderful things about church is you don’t have to fix up your life first before you come. We sometimes think we have to get our lives all in order and get rid of all our sin before we can come to church. But that’s not what Jesus says. Jesus says, “Come as you are.” Church is not a place for holy people who have it all together. It is a place for sinners like you and me who need Jesus’ mercy and grace. What if their homeless, you welcome them in. What if they disobey their parents, you welcome them in. What if they’re not dressed for church, you welcome them in. What if they’re addicted to drugs, you welcome them in. What if they’re on welfare, you welcome them in, What if they identify as gay or a different gender, you welcome them in. What it they’re Democrat or Republican, you welcome them. (Note: Welcoming someone in doesn’t mean we affirm or put our stamp of approval upon every single lifestyle and life choice. Many believe that were to be totally affirming, after all that’s what Jesus was, but that’s wrong. We can still be welcoming without affirming. Nor does it mean we don’t hold others accountable, but our first mindset shouldn’t be fix yourself up first before you come in. But rather welcome them in and trust Jesus and His spirit to do the work in their life.)

Additional Notes & Applications

Warns against having the witness of Christ before you and then scorn and mock it.

Demonstrates how our children learn to worship God by the faith and devotion they see in us.

Notice the contrast and discontinuity. Jesus is angry at the misuse of the Temple and the religious leaders are angry at the proper use of the Temple.

Notice the religious leaders weren’t upset at all about the greed and corruption in the Temple. But when the children start singing praises to the One who owns it and deserve it, then they have a problem.