Austin CFC Josh McGuire - Which Jesus? - 2020-04-19
Austin CFC sermon
Summary
The speaker explores the significance of names in scripture, noting how lineage is often emphasized (e.g., Simon Peter being 'son of Jonah'). He draws a parallel to the crucifixion narrative where Pilate offered two men: Jesus and Barabbas, pointing out that both figures were originally named Jesus. This leads him to question identity and divine calling, suggesting that understanding these naming conventions reveals deeper layers in scripture.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is in a name?The speaker explores how names in various cultures, including biblical names like Simon bar-Jona, identify a person by their lineage and father.
Which Jesus do you want?Pilate offers the crowd a choice between two men named Jesus: Jesus Barabbas and Jesus called the Messiah.
Would we choose the wrong Jesus?The speaker admits that if he were in the crowd, prone to wandering like a sheep, he would likely make the mistake of choosing the wrong Jesus.
The first crowd and entering the templeCrowd one welcomes Jesus with cries of 'Hosanna,' and Jesus enters Jerusalem, goes into the temple to look around, and then leaves.
Waiting on the Father before actionJust as Jesus waited a day before clearing the temple and only acted on his Father's initiative, we need to depend on the Spirit in our daily situations.
Being offended by Jesus's disruptionWhen Jesus cleanses the temple and disrupts comfortable religious lives, many disciples and religious leaders become offended and resist His authority.
Our bodies as the temple of the Holy SpiritJust as Jesus declared the temple should be a house of prayer rather than a robbers' den, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit meant for an inward life in touch with the Father.
Comparing the two Jesuses in crowd number threeThe crowd chose Barabbas—a warrior willing to fight external oppression—over the true Jesus, who tells us that the real problem is our own sin.
A continual daily decisionServing the real Jesus is not a one-time decision but a daily choice to let Him examine our hearts and deal honestly with our sin.
Choosing the narrow way and the real JesusThe speaker concludes that while the false Jesus appeals to our flesh and comfort, the true Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and let Him cleanse our hearts.
