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