TEXT: LUKE 9:51-56
TITLE: EXPECTING GREATER THINGS FOR OTHERS (REJECTERS)
INTRODUCTION
A. The time had come for Jesus to prepare for His ascension
B. However, prior to His ascension would be His passion and death
C. Nevertheless, Jesus was determined and resolute to go to Jerusalem
D. How do we accept those who reject us?
THE SAMARITANS’ REJECTION
A. Jesus entered a Samaritan village
B. The Samaritans did not receive Jesus. Why?
1. Despised by the Jews (Mixed race)?
2. Different place of worship?
C. Jesus’ face was set for the journey to Jerusalem
D. There are those who will reject what we believe…
JAMES AND JOHN’S REJECTION
A. “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven to consume them?”
B. Elijah did it…
1. Why did Elijah do it?
2. How did Elijah do it?
C. If we reject those who reject us, are we any better?
JESUS’ CORRECTION
A. Jesus rebuked them
1. “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of”
2. Out of what spirit do I respond when others reject me?
B. Jesus did not come to destroy lives, but to save them
C. How do we emphasize saving lives over destroying lives?
1. James 5:19-20, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
2. Jude 23, “but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
3. Separate WHO the person is from WHAT the person has done
4. Hate the sin, and love the person
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: THAT I WILL EXPECT GREATER THINGS FOR OTHERS (REJECTERS)
