All That Jesus Taught (Bible Study – 72 of 80) - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker discusses Jesus' final teachings, emphasizing that true service to God is measured by motive and inner life, not just visible acts of ministry. He contrasts those who boast of healing the sick with those who genuinely visit the needy, citing scripture to show God judges differently than man. Furthermore, he assures the listeners that any schemes or plots made against a true servant of God will ultimately fail because God controls all outcomes according to His perfect, predetermined plan.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Approaching the Final Days of JesusAs Jesus approaches Jerusalem and the cross, his final messages to His disciples focus on faithfulness and readiness for His coming.
Comparing Motives in Kingdom ServiceJesus contrasts those who performed miracles yet are rejected with those who simply visited the sick out of genuine love, showing that God evaluates service by inner life and motive rather than outward power.Matthew 25:36Matthew 7:22–23
Reorienting Our Thinking to God's WaysMost Christians evaluate their lives and service just like worldly people do, making it necessary to study Scripture to gain God's perspective and avoid wasting our lives.
Religious Leaders Scheme Against JesusChief priests and elders plot in secret to seize and kill Jesus, demonstrating how religious people often oppose God's true servants.
God's Predetermined Plan in ActsPeter explains that the miracles of Jesus attested to Him as the Messiah and that His crucifixion was part of God's predetermined plan and foreknowledge established before the foundation of the world.Acts 2:22–23
Living Without AnxietyKnowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances and that enemies can only act within His predetermined plan gives believers great comfort and freedom from anxiety during persecution.
The Perfect Timing of the PassoversEven though leaders wanted to avoid killing Jesus during the festival, He had to die precisely on the Passover day, fulfilling a timeline planned long before the Exodus.
The Woman with the Alabaster VialA woman pours costly perfume worth a year's wages on Jesus, prompting indignation from Judas Iscariot, who masks his greed under concern for the poor.
Preparing for BurialJesus defends the woman, stating that she anointed His body in advance for burial, as the other women would miss the opportunity after His crucifixion.
Do Not Postpone Serving GodWe must take immediate opportunities to do good to the members of Christ's body rather than postponing service until a later time when the opportunity may be gone.
Worship Involves SacrificeTrue worship is costly and sacrificial, requiring us to give something valuable to the Lord rather than offering that which costs us nothing.2 Samuel 24:24
Judas Goes to the Chief PriestsOffended by Jesus's public correction regarding the perfume, Judas immediately goes to the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
Comparing Peter and JudasWhile Peter humbly accepted a much harsher public rebuke by declaring Jesus has the words of eternal life, Judas took offense at a mild correction and betrayed the Lord.
Our Attitude Toward CorrectionGetting offended by godly correction can lead us down Judas's destructive path, whereas receiving it brings spiritual healing and blessing.
