Response: Feared by the Government

Response: Feared by the Government

  • Response: Fear by Government
  • •A Sermon by Dr Bob Griffin, Pastor/Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church

      Response in Nazareth
      Entire City
      Common people opposed to Messiah
      Treatment of Messiah
      Rejection by jealous resentment
      Centered in selfish pride and unbelief
      Response by Herod
      One Individual
      Earthly king opposing the King of kings
      Treatment of Messiah’s forerunner
      Rejection based on fear
      Centered in selfish pride and unbelief

    I. EXPECTATION OF JUDGMENT
    A. EXAMINATION OF JESUS’ FAME
    Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus

    B. EXCLAMATION OF DREAD
    Matthew 14:2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He’s been raised from the dead; that’s why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.”

    II. EXPLANATION OF ATTITUDE
    A. EXPOSURE OF SIN
    Matthew 14:3-4 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her”.

    B. EXTENT OF HATRED
    Matthew 14:5 And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.

    C. EXTRAVAGANCE OF HEROD
    Matthew 14:6-7 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced among the men and pleased Herod. He promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.

    D. EXPERTISE OF HERODIAS
    Matthew 14:8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.”

    E. EXPRESSION OF REMORSE
    Matthew 14:9 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given.

    F. EXECUTION OF THE PROPHET
    Matthew 14:10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison,

    G. EXHIBITION OF JOHN’S HEAD
    Matthew 14:11 and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.

    III. EXPEDIENCE OF ACTION
    A. EXTRACTION OF JOHN’S BODY
    Matthew 14:12 Some of John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it, and then went and told Jesus.

    B. EXODUS OF JESUS
    Matthew 14:13 Now when Jesus heard this, He withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by Himself.