Sermons

The Appearances: “MATURATION”

Following Jesus involves a maturing process.

(1 Corinthians 15:3-7) For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time, most of whom remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

1. “Familiarity Breeds Contempt”

(Mark 6:1-4) He went away from there and came to His hometown, and His disciples followed Him. When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom given to Him, and how are these miracles performed by His hands? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t His sisters here with us?” So they were offended by Him. Then Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and his household.”

   A. James was Jesus’ younger brother
   B. James would not have honored Jesus
   C. In the very immature, familiarity with Jesus breeds contempt toward Jesus.

2. “Blood is Thicker Than Water”

   A. Blood bonds are thicker than family bonds.

(Luke 22:20) He also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant established by My blood; it is shed for you.”
(Matthew 12:47-49) Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” But He replied to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers!”

   B. Only a blood bond with Jesus can save us.

3. “Leaders Are Made, Not Born”

   A. “My Lord and my God.”
   B. “You weren’t born to lead.”
   C. “But you are NOW ready to lead.”