Looking To Jesus
Matthew 2:1-12
Introduction
Encouraged to look to Jesus– Other’s faith (Hebrews 11)
– Look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1, 2)
– Help us to endure
Introduction
What does it mean?– No look at all
– An improper and incomplete view
Baby
Jesus in a manger– Visit by the shepherds (Luke 2:7-16)
– Visit by the wise men (Matthew 2:1-11)
Baby
Good to remember– Fulfillment of a promise
(Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23)
– No room for Him (Luke 2:7)
– Angels praised His birth (Luke 2:9-14)
Baby
The problem– May not remember Him at other times
– Their view is partial (Matthew 21:12-17; John 2:14-16)
Savior
His suffering and death– Betrayed by Judas and suffered
(Luke 23:33-47)
– Emotional to recall
Savior
Good to look to the cross– See His humility (Philippians 2:5-8)
– See Him as an obedient man (Hebrews 2:9-14; 5:8, 9)
– Tempted but didn’t yield (Hebrews 4:15)
– See the love of God (John 3:16)
Savior
The problem– Base salvation on God’s love alone
(John 3:16)
– Believe no works are necessary
– This view is also incomplete
Lord
More than a baby or a Savior– Seeing Him this way requires little
– Salvation left up to God
Lord
Must see Him as Lord and Master– What Peter preached (Acts 2:29-36)
– He has all power (Matthew 28:19, 20; Luke 6:46)
– Some see His commandments as difficult (John 6:66, 67)
– Some refuse baptism (Mark 16:16)
– Others refuse to change (Colossians 3:5-14)
Lord
The problem– Easier to look at Him as a baby born
into hardship
– Looking to Him as a Savior doesn’t require much
– Real test is obedience
Judge
A day is coming– Jesus will be the judge (Acts 17:30, 31)
– Judged by His words (John 12:48)
Judge
All will appear before Him– Judged by our deeds (2 Corinthians 5:10)
– Today we have a choice
– No choice then (Philippians 2:10, 11)
Conclusion
Are you looking to Jesus?
What do you see?
He is Savior and Lord