Matthew 21:24-27..Ready

Matthew 21:24-27..Ready

21:24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question.  If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?” (Talk about being between a rock and hard place.) They discussed it among themselves  and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven’, he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’  26  But if we say, ‘From men’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. (For Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Warns against allowing popularity or what other people think keep us from obeying God and doing what we know is right.” ⇒ Are you more worried about the rejection of people that it paralyzes you in standing up for God and what is right. Are you more concerned with scoring points with others and what they think then you are about what God thinks? If not careful we can relinquish our Christian principals at the altar of public pressure and popular opinion and shipwreck our faith. Do you fear your identification with Jesus and His values will cause you to lose friends or lock you out of certain social groups. Or will you continue to do what God wants whether you have the approval of people or not. If someone today put you on the spot by asking “Do you love Jesus”? Will you answer yes, or will you say “I don’t know” or something else in order not to appear weak and needy. Many Christians will manage their answers so as not to offend. They will tiptoe around issues like transgenderism or homosexuality because they’re afraid of losing friends and followers on social media. Or they fear it might make them look like an intolerant person, or at worst a bigot. For some the cost in identifying with Christ and His values is way too much, its a price they’re not willing to pay. What excuses have you used for not sharing your faith? “I’m afraid of rejection.” “I don’t like the hard questions.” “My life doesn’t’ match my message.” “Christianity s a stigma.” “I don’t want to be made fun of.” “I’ll might get pushback.”

“Calls for receiving God’s revelation and truth no matter how it comes or how it shows up.” → You can’t pick and choose which parts of the bible you will follow and which ones you won’t. This means accepting God’s Word in its entirety, even when it challenges our comfort zones or confronts our preconceived notions. True faith requires a willingness to let Scripture shape us rather than reshaping Scripture to fit our preferences. When we approach God’s revelation with humility, we are open to correction, growth, and the transformation God desires for us, rather than resisting the parts that make us uncomfortable. It is in this surrender to the fullness of God’s truth that we experience the depth of His grace and the freedom that comes from genuine obedience. As we are reminded, we must respond with wisdom to questions and challenges, avoiding unnecessary arguments, and recognizing that a heart unwilling to submit to God’s authority ultimately stands in the way of truth.

“Teaches truth that is dealt with rightly and honestly gets answered by God, those who don’t won’t” ⇒ We cannot learn new truth if we are unwilling to obey what God has already told us. If you want answers, deal rightly with the truth that the Lord has already revealed! Truth rightly handled becomes useful when treated correctly. If we refuse to be honest and acknowledge what is right in front of us, we close ourselves off to further insight and understanding. This principle still holds true today: our willingness to believe and act on the truth we’ve already received often determines our capacity to receive more. This challenges us to be faithful with what God has already shown us. Are we living out the truths we know? Are we applying the lessons we’ve learned? Our growth in faith and understanding is often tied to our obedience and trust in what God has already revealed.

“Even today, when we prioritize comfort over truth, popularity over integrity, and status over service, we close the door to the transformative work that God desires to accomplish within us. When we choose the path of least resistance we forfeit the profound fulfillment that comes from living authentically and in genuine relationship with God.” → When we allow fear of disapproval or the desire for acceptance to dictate our choices, we become trapped in cycles of compromise and spiritual stagnation, unable to experience the freedom and transformation that come from embracing God’s truth. It is only by surrendering our pride and letting go of the need for human approval that we can genuinely follow God and bear the fruit of real obedience. When individuals prioritize appearances over authenticity, they risk becoming trapped by their own fears and traditions, missing out on the freedom and grace that come from honest self-reflection and submission to God’s authority. What kind of person are you in this story? Are you a person pleaser, or are you someone who is unmovable and uncompromising. One who stands firm on your convictions, even when it costs you popularity or acceptance? The temptation to compromise for the approval of others is strong, but true courage is found in remaining faithful to what is right, regardless of public opinion. Instead of chasing fleeting validation or adapting your beliefs to fit in, consider whether your actions reflect integrity before God, who sees beyond appearances and motivations. In a world where it is common to prioritize acceptance over authenticity, the challenge is to remain steadfast in your faith and values, trusting that God’s grace outweighs any earthly approval. Such resolve not only shapes your character but also points others to the deeper truth and hope found in following Christ.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches rather than be concerned about outward appearances and other peoples opinion, have the courage in staying true to your convictions.

Teaches rather than harden your heart have the courage to face  the difficult truths about yourself and change.

Warns against thinking it’s O.K. to make no choice and straddle the fence. We think that if we don’t make a choice we won’t be affected by the things that happen around us.

Teaches we can either stay true to God and His ways, or allow the fear of offending others silence us.

Teaches no matter how much we try to squirm away from the Lord’s piercing gaze and powerful Word, He will always call us to account sooner or later for our rebellion against Him.

Teaches how the Lord often exposes our folly and catches in the web of our own deceitfulness, not for the purpose of shaming us. But that we may repent and come to a Saving acknowledge of Christ.

Warns against finding acceptance in the good graces of others if it comes at the expense of missing the grace of God all together.

Displays how often times we can say more by saying less.

Teaches how some people, rather than operate on the principle of honesty and integrity, they’ll  do what is safe and politically correct.

Warns against thinking we can escape our accountability by claiming ignorance.

Demonstrates those who are unwilling to commit themselves, Jesus is unwilling to commit Himself. Those who are cannot be honest with themselves, cannot be honest with Jesus.

Jesus refused to answer their question, not because they knew the answer already, but because they were completely prejudiced against the truth. It would have been casting pearls before swine if He had answered them. Yet even when confronted by their hatred and falsehood, the Lord uttered a beautiful parable setting their conduct in such a frame of reference as to show, even at that late hour, his hope of recovering some of them from their blindness and sins.