Jesus’ Use of Apologetics: A Precedent for us Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:24-39

WHY USE APOLOGETICS? Command, Necessity, Privilege Weakness of Christian Zeal in Current Era Mark 12:30: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The Three Components of Apologetics: Positive Evidence for Our View Defense against Objections to Our View Offensive against Opposition’s Position

Jesus & Positive Evidence John 5 – Five Witnesses (cf. Deut. 19:15) Luke 7:20-23 – “What do you hear and see?” Mark 2:1-12 – “so that you may know…” (cf. Jn. 3:1f) 1John 5:5-10 – Threefold testimony + 2 Jesus’ Parables 20 of the 52 recorded parables use the same terminology for Christ as was used in the OT for God The Purpose for the Evidence? (Jn. 20:28-31)

Jesus on the Defense John 5 Matt. 21:23-27 – Question About His Authority Matt. 22 – The Day of Controversy In Silence – Jesus still defended His identity Matt. 26:59-63 Matt. 27:12-14 1Pet. 2:23 This is all in fulfillment of Isa. 53:7.

Jesus on the Offensive Matt. 12:22-28 – Casting out Demons by the Devil Matt. 22:23-28 – Marriage in the Resurrection Matt. 22:41-46 – The Wrong Position Exposed Matt. 23 – Exposing the Hypocrisy of the Pharisees Luke 13:10-17 – Bound Woman Healed on Sabbath Is it fair to call people out? Must be done in love and with care for their soul Must be done according to reason and not anger It should never be to win an argument.

Following Jesus’ Precedent Jesus set an example for us to follow. We must be able to defend His cause The three components of apologetics that Jesus used. Providing Positive Evidence for the Resurrection Anticipating and Defending Attacks Made against the Resurrection Exposing the Folly of Views Contrary to Jesus’ Resurrection In so doing, we will conform ourselves more to Christ’s image, prove fruitful in His vineyard, and present ourselves before God as unashamed servants.