Matthew 21:14-15….Ready

Matthew 21:14-15….Ready

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

“Demonstrates how true worship is accepting and welcoming of all people who have nothing to offer.”⇒ 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 those accustomed to holding power often view the popularity of others as a direct threat to their status and control.” ⇒ When Jesus cleansed the Temple, He not only challenged the religious authorities, but also disrupted a lucrative business. The same pattern is seen in the the Church, where reforms are made there’s often 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.

“Illustrates how a critical & legalistic heart always acts negatively when grace and compassion is shown to others.” → When you decide to follow the Lord and do what He wants you to do.  Whether it’s showing compassion to the hurting, grace to the sinner, forgiving others, living by biblical principles, and devotion to scripture. You will encounter opposition from religious people. 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 ex-con, the Transgender, 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

Teaches how unbelievers will always attack whatever Jesus does, and Satan always hates the works of Jesus and His children.

Displays how people get upset when their own power and livelihoods are being threatened

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.