Jesus & Controversy …

Infighting Among Believers Lk 22:24  “Carnal posturing” has long been a concern among the Lord’s disciples  Such a focus is temporal…not eternal  Jesus wants us to dwell on eternal glory  Those who had “earthly glory” ruled… were called benefactors v. 25  We shouldn’t yearn for such v. 26

Jesus & Controversy Infighting Among Believers Lk 22:24  Jesus wants us to dwell on eternal glory  The world says the one “seated at the table” is greater…Jesus says otherwise v. 27  His disciples are to serve others, not demand to be served  As a result, there’s honor in God’s eternal kingdom v. 30 Eph 2:6 2 Tim 2:10-12a

Jesus & Controversy Infighting Among Believers Lk 22:24  He handled the “controversy” by directing the disciples to least imaginable position… that of a servant  True greatness only comes when we get our minds off ourselves and onto others  Controversy reigns in selfishness Jas 3:16  God exalts service Phil 2:3-9 1 Pet 5:5-6

Jesus & Controversy Doctrinal Problems Mt 19:3-9  The one area where controversy may be most intensified…doctrinal differences  Simple truth of the Lord’s word has been, always will be pitted against man’s wisdom  True in Jesus’ day…likewise in ours  Even on this same issue…M/D/R

Jesus & Controversy Doctrinal Problems Mt 19:3-9  The Pharisees “test” Jesus v. 3 Mk 10:2  It appears these Jews were more concerned with question #2 than with question #1  Jesus exposes this truth vv. 4, 8 (1)Would He agree with their view of Moses’ teaching? (2)Which rabbinic school would He endorse?

Jesus & Controversy Doctrinal Problems Mt 19:3-9  It is evident Deut 24 is their concern v. 7  Jerusalem rabbinical schools differed  They taught differently for at least a century before Jesus came (Shammai, Hillel)  They both taught divorce was lawful…the reasons were many and diverse Divorce was lawful for some sexual sin

Jesus & Controversy Doctrinal Problems Mt 19:3-9  It is evident Deut 24 is their concern v. 7  Jerusalem rabbinical schools differed  They taught differently for at least a century before Jesus came (Shammai, Hillel)  They both taught divorce was lawful…the reasons were many and diverse Divorce was lawful for any reason The prevailing thought

Jesus & Controversy Doctrinal Problems Mt 19:3-9  He handled the “controversy” not by falling in line with what prevalent men said, but by standing on the only solid ground…TRUTH  He referenced His Father’s will expressed “…from the beginning” vv. 8-9

Jesus & Controversy Doctrinal Problems Mt 19:3-9  Jesus’ points of emphasis…  The Pharisees misunderstood Moses v. 8  A re-statement of the original decree v. 8  Jesus shows the only way to solve a “controversy” is to find out what God’s original intentions are and reject what any man says that is contrary to it

Jesus & Controversy Conclusion  Notice in both these instances, Jesus didn’t go looking for controversy…it found Him  Jesus shows if controversy is unavoidable, it can still be handled in a godly way  We’ll have to conclude how to best handle carnal attitudes among brethren  What did Jesus do in such an instance?

Jesus & Controversy Conclusion  Notice in both these instances, Jesus didn’t go looking for controversy…it found Him  Jesus shows if controversy is unavoidable, it can still be handled in a godly way  We’ll have to learn how to cope with others who espouse a different doctrine  What did Jesus do in such an instance?

Jesus & Controversy …