Follow Jesus and signs will follow you
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | April 23, 2023 | Matthew 12:38-40
KEY VERSE:
He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Matthew 12:39
MESSAGE:
The scribes and Pharisees had seen sign after sign, yet demanded another sign from Jesus in Matthew 12. They had seen everything they needed to know that Jesus is Lord, but were not satisfied, and in this passage we find them asking Jesus for a sign to prove that He is the Messiah. Jesus’ response to their request for a sign is associated with evil and adulterous generations. They were evil because they wanted Jesus to dance to their music, and they were adulterous because being given everything they needed in a God-ordained sense, they were seeking more that is outside of God’s will.
Jesus Himself is a sign to them and the whole world - His life on earth (incarnation), and His ministry, characterized by many miracles and acts of love and compassion, were all clear proof of His Messianic identity. Their hard-heartedness condemned them, and Jesus said the only sign left for them to see would be Jesus acting out the sign of Jonah. This sign refers to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and even that, they would not believe. God has given us everything we need to believe in Jesus and to follow Him in faith and total commitment. When we seek Jesus and follow Him in faith and in truth, signs and wonders will follow us.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
God wants us to exercise our faith in Jesus as the Saviour of the world and of our souls rather than seeking further signs to prove His Messiahship. People who would demand proof from God in exchange for their belief in Him do not understand the nature of faith, may never be satisfied, and may resort to calling good “evil” but anyone who believes in Jesus has the proof in himself - the fact of forgiven sins, the evidence of a changed life and the joy of salvation are signs of Jesus’ power as the Saviour of the world. The signs of His power as the Saviour will be seen in you and then follow you in your life and ministry as a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER:
Father God, thank you for sending Jesus as the Messiah to save us from our sins. I am grateful for the sacrifice He made on the cross and the love He showed us through His life. I ask that your power will work in me and through me as I go about my life and ministry. Please guide me in my daily decisions and help me to always follow your will. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING
SHOWERS! BLESSING!!
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