Looking To Jesus Matthew 2:1-12

Introduction Encouraged to look to Jesus –Other’s faith (Hebrews 11) –Look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1, 2) –Help us to endure

Introduction What does it mean? –No look at all –An improper and incomplete view

Baby Jesus in a manger –Visit by the shepherds (Luke 2:7-16) –Visit by the wise men (Matthew 2:1-11)

Baby Good to remember –Fulfillment of a promise (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23) –No room for Him (Luke 2:7) –Angels praised His birth (Luke 2:9-14)

Baby The problem –May not remember Him at other times –Their view is partial (Matthew 21:12-17; John 2:14-16)

Savior His suffering and death –Betrayed by Judas and suffered (Luke 23:33-47) –Emotional to recall

Savior Good to look to the cross –See His humility (Philippians 2:5-8) –See Him as an obedient man (Hebrews 2:9-14; 5:8, 9) –Tempted but didn’t yield (Hebrews 4:15) –See the love of God (John 3:16)

Savior The problem –Base salvation on God’s love alone (John 3:16) –Believe no works are necessary –This view is also incomplete

Lord More than a baby or a Savior –Seeing Him this way requires little –Salvation left up to God

Lord Must see Him as Lord and Master –What Peter preached (Acts 2:29-36) –He has all power (Matthew 28:19, 20; Luke 6:46) –Some see His commandments as difficult (John 6:66, 67) –Some refuse baptism (Mark 16:16) –Others refuse to change (Colossians 3:5-14)

Lord The problem –Easier to look at Him as a baby born into hardship –Looking to Him as a Savior doesn’t require much –Real test is obedience

Judge A day is coming –Jesus will be the judge (Acts 17:30, 31) –Judged by His words (John 12:48)

Judge All will appear before Him –Judged by our deeds (2 Corinthians 5:10) –Today we have a choice –No choice then (Philippians 2:10, 11)

Conclusion Are you looking to Jesus? What do you see? He is Savior and Lord