Zac Poonen - Recognizing Jesus and what He appreciated
09/21/2014 - Zac Poonen speaks at an NCCF Sunday Service.
Summary
Jesus' ministry demonstrated that true understanding of God comes from personal knowledge, not just from studying scripture or adhering to tradition. The speaker uses the example of the Pharisees, who, despite reading the Bible, fundamentally misunderstood God's nature and rejected Jesus. He warns that spiritual pride leads to ignorance, causing Christians today to believe they are more enlightened than they actually are.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why the religious rulers failed to recognize JesusPaul preached in the synagogues to people who read the Scriptures every Sabbath, yet the religious leaders failed to recognize that Jesus was the fulfillment of those very prophecies.Acts 13:15
Why God hides spiritual truths from the cleverJesus praised God for hiding these things from the wise and intelligent and revealing them to babes because pride blinds clever and wealthy people to spiritual reality.Matthew 11:25
Why Jesus spoke in parablesWhen the disciples asked why He spoke in parables, Jesus explained that spiritual mysteries are hidden from the proud so that seeing they may not perceive.Matthew 13:2–3
Avoiding academic religion and theological schoolsHuman biblical education often fills people with intellectual chaff that must be stripped away in the desert, whereas true spiritual knowledge comes through humility rather than academic study.
First example: Nathanael's zero hypocrisyJesus commended Nathanael as an Israelite in whom there was no deceit, showing that complete honesty and freedom from hypocrisy is the necessary starting point for true Christianity.
Second example: The Canaanite woman's great humilityThe Canaanite woman humbled herself when Jesus tested her by taking the low place of a dog, demonstrating the great faith that moves the heart of God.Mark 7:24
Third example: The Centurion's understanding of authorityThe Roman centurion recognized spiritual authority because he himself was a man under authority, eliciting amazement from Jesus for his great faith.
