A Prophet is not Without Honor Comunicación y Gerencia A Prophet is not Without Honor Matthew 13:53-58

Jesus Came toHis Own Country Matt13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6 Bitter reactions Unreasonable rejection Give honor to whom honor is due Avoid all bias and prejudice, as these hinder us from believing and obeying the truth of God

Reactions to Gospel Teaching Matt13:54-57 Offended, 13:57; cf. 1 Pet 2:7-8 Biases, 13:54-56 Education and training, 13:54 “We know who you are!”13:55-56 “Who does he think he is?!” 13:56

Reactions to Gospel Teaching Matt13:54-57 Offended, 13:57; cf. 1 Pet 2:7-8 Unbelief, 13:58 Astonished, but hardened against the truth, 13:54 (Mk 6:2) “I know it is true, but…” (Lk 6:46) Jesus did not cast His pearls before swine, 13:58 (7:6); Mk 6:5-6

Reactions to Gospel Teaching Matt13:54-57 Offended, 13:57; cf. 1 Pet 2:7-8 Wrath, cf. Luke 4:22-29 Jesus exposed their faithlessness Evidence was true … they did not want to hear the truth! How do we react to the truth?

Rationalizing the Rejection of God’s Word, Matt13:54-57 Kill the messenger, Luke 4:29 (blame, discredit, vilify) Where is he from? 13:54 Where has he been? 13:56 Who taught him? 13:56 (Mk 6:2) Who is he related to? 13:55-56

Rationalizing the Rejection of God’s Word, Matt13:54-57 Familiarity often breeds contempt Mark 6:4 Many reject the truth because of who is speaking it to them! Irony: We often reject the truth from those we love and who love us! Gal 4:15-16

Rationalizing the Rejection of God’s Word, Matt13:54-57 Familiarity often breeds contempt Mark 6:4 Reject because a neighbor tells you Reject because a family member tells you the truth Reject because a familiar preacher tells you the truth (Titus 2:15)

How to Avoid Rejecting Truth Focus on the message, not the messenger, 1 Cor 3:5; 2:1-5 Eliminates both preacheritis and biased rejection Gospel is valid and its message is true regardless of the messenger, Phil 1:15-18

How to Avoid Rejecting Truth Test what you are taught by the Scriptures, Acts 17:11; 1John 4:1, 6 Jesus taught them the Scriptures, Luke 4:17-19 He applied Scriptures to Himself and to them, Luke 4:21, 24-27

How to Avoid Rejecting Truth Test ourselves, 2 Cor 13:5 Faith: Unbelief prevents an honest examination of oneself Humility: Pride prevents an honest examination of oneself Do I really want the truth? Do I argue with the Bible? Do I surrender all? Matt 10:34-39

Honor to Whom Honor is Due Romans 13:7 Jesus , John 5:23 Honor Him by believing and obeying, Matt 15:8-9; Jno 12:26 Give Him worship, service and sacrifice, 1 Tim 1:17; 6:16; Rev 5:12-13 (19:1)

Honor to Whom Honor is Due Romans 13:7 Parents, Eph 6:1-2 Wife/Husband, 1 Pet 3:7; Eph 5:33 Rulers, 1 Pet 2:17, 13-16 Employer, 1 Tim 6:1

Honor to Whom Honor is Due Romans 13:7 Elders, 1 Ths 5:12-13 (1 Tim 5:17) Brethren, Rom 12:10 Widows (indeed), 1 Tim 5:3, 16 All people, 1 Pet 2:17

Honor Jesus! Believe and obey Him by receiving the word of His apostles, Matt 10:40-41 All will bow in honor to Him on Judgment Day, Rom 14:10-12 Do not be offended at Jesus! (Matt 11:6)