I. BELIEVE THE TESTIMONY OF THE SON
A. WHY BELIEVE? JESUS KNOWS MAN’S HEART
Matthew 12:14-15a But the Pharisees, having left [the synagogue], conspired against Him, how to destroy Him. Aware of this, Jesus also withdrew from there.
B. WHY BELIEVE? JESUS CARES FOR THE PEOPLE
Matthew 12:15b-16 Yet large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all, though strictly ordering them not to make Him publically known.”
1. Meeting Real Needs of Real People
2. Removed burdens of Law and showed Grace
Mt. 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who labor and are burdened down, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is well-fitting, and My burden is light.”
C. WHY BELIEVE? JESUS FULFILLED PROPHECY
Matthew 12:17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah
II. BELIEVE THE TESTIMONY OF THE FATHER
A. WHY BELIEVE? JESUS CELEBRATED BY THE FATHER
Matthew 12:18a “Behold, My Servant Whom I have chosen, My Beloved with Whom My soul has found delight.”
1. Jesus is the “Servant”
2. Also Characteristics of this “Servant” – He is . .
a. Jesus is “Chosen”
b. Jesus is “Beloved”
c. Jesus is a “Delight”
B. WHY BELIEVE? JESUS WAS EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT
Matthew 12:18b “I will put My Spirit upon him”
1. Commissioned by the God the Spirit
2. How did the Spirit “come on Him”?
a. Assist human nature
b. Attest His Messianic role
C. WHY BELIEVE? JESUS PROCLAIMED THE TRUTH
Matthew 12:18c and He will proclaim justice to the nations.”
1. Law must come FIRST (Bad News)
2. Then the GOSPEL (Good News)
D. WHY BELIEVE? JESUS WAS OUR EXAMPLE
Matthew 12:19-20 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets; a battered reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish.”
1. High Character of Christ
2. High Conduct of Christ
a. Love in Action
Not harming even broken reed (used as pen or a musical instrument)
Not snuffing out smoldering wick in a candle/lamp
b. People who could not make music and whose light was going out – He came to help
E. WHY BELIEVE? JESUS GIVES HOPE
Matthew 12:21 “In His name the nations will hope.”