Sermon: The Cost of Belonging to God
Scripture Text: Exodus 22:1-15 and Matthew 21:23-46
Quotes for Reflection
Dante, The Divine Comedy, Paradisio
Rather it is inherent in this state
Of blessedness, to keep ourselves within
The divine will, by which our wills with his Are one.
So that as we from step to step
Are plac’d throughout this kingdom, pleases all,
E’en as our King, who in us plants his will;
And in his will is our tranquillity;
It is the mighty ocean, whither tends
Whatever it creates and nature makes.
C.S. Lewis, Talking About Bicylces
I meant this. Whether there is, or whether there is not, in this world or in any other, the kind of happiness which one’s first experiences of cycling seemed to promise, still on any view, it is something to have had the idea of it. The value of the things promised remains even if that particular promise was false-even if all possible promises of it are false.
J.I. Packer, Concise Theology
It is his glory, given him by the Father, to be in this way the all-sufficient Savior. We who believe are called to understand this and to show ourselves his people by obeying him as our king, trusting him as our priest, and learning from him as our prophet and teacher. To center on Jesus Christ in this way is the hallmark of authentic Christianity.
Application Questions
1. How would you describe our culture’s view of authority? What are some strengths of this view, and what are some of its weaknesses? In what ways might this cultural posture make it difficult for us to receive the authority of Christ in our lives and in the church?
2. According to this passage, how does authority become corrupted? What attitudes or fears led the religious leaders to resist Jesus? Can you think of a time in your own leadership—at home, work, church, or elsewhere—when authority in your life became distorted or self-protective? What do you think God was teaching you through that experience?
3. Read again Matthew 21:42–46. The leaders recognized Jesus was speaking about them, yet they still resisted him. Where might the authority of Jesus be challenging or confronting you right now? What would it look like to respond with repentance and trust this week?