Embracing Jesus: The Cure for Human Hostility

 

Summary

In the wake of the tragic events in Connecticut, we find ourselves grappling with the darkness that pervades our world. As we approach Christmas, a time traditionally filled with light and hope, we are reminded of the profound mystery of evil and the hidden hatred that resides in the human heart. This reflection is rooted in the story of Jesus' visit to Nazareth, where His message of grace was met with anger and rejection. Despite the gracious words He spoke, offering freedom and restoration, the people of Nazareth responded with wrath, a pattern that is consistent throughout the Bible and continues to manifest in our world today.

The story of Jesus' rejection in Nazareth is not an isolated incident. It echoes the hostility He faced from the moment of His birth, through His ministry, and ultimately to His crucifixion. This pattern of anger towards Jesus is a reflection of the sinful nature of the human heart, which is inherently hostile towards God. The rejection of Jesus' message of grace leads to painful consequences, as seen in Nazareth, where no mighty works were done, and the people remained in their hostility and distance from God.

This anger towards Jesus is ultimately futile. Despite the attempts to rid themselves of Him, Jesus continues His mission, undeterred and victorious. The Bible reminds us that no one can defeat Him, and those who oppose Him are engaged in a battle they cannot win. Instead of resisting, we are called to embrace Jesus, making Him the cornerstone of our lives rather than a stumbling block.

The only cure for this anger and hostility is to turn to Jesus, to repent and make Him the foundation of our lives. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's redeeming purpose and find peace with Him. This transformation requires a complete change in our attitude towards Jesus, recognizing His unique glory, our desperate need for salvation, and God's sovereign freedom. In doing so, we are promised that we will not be put to shame, and we will be called children of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The darkness and evil in the world remind us of the hidden hatred in the human heart, a theme that resonates with the story of Jesus' rejection in Nazareth. This pattern of hostility towards Jesus is consistent throughout the Bible and reflects the sinful nature of humanity. [01:22]

- Anger towards Jesus leads to painful consequences, as seen in Nazareth, where the rejection of His message resulted in a lack of peace and blessing. This serves as a warning that our response to Jesus has significant implications for our lives and eternity. [23:28]

- Despite the hostility and rejection, Jesus' mission continues, and His victory is assured. The futility of opposing Him is evident, as no one can defeat Him. Instead, we are called to embrace Him and make Him the cornerstone of our lives. [32:15]

- The cure for anger towards Jesus is repentance and a complete transformation of our attitude towards Him. By recognizing His unique glory, our need for salvation, and God's sovereign freedom, we align ourselves with His redeeming purpose. [38:34]

- Embracing Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives brings the promise of not being put to shame and being called children of God. This transformation is essential for finding peace with God and living in alignment with His will. [42:36]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:19] - Tragedy and Darkness
- [01:22] - Hidden Hatred in the Heart
- [02:08] - Jesus' Visit to Nazareth
- [03:08] - The Message of Grace
- [05:02] - Response of Wrath
- [06:44] - Consistent Pattern of Anger
- [08:46] - Biblical Examples of Hostility
- [12:45] - The Sinful Nature of Humanity
- [18:23] - Stumbling Over Jesus
- [23:28] - Painful Consequences of Rejection
- [31:22] - The Futility of Anger
- [38:34] - The Only Cure
- [42:36] - Embracing the Cornerstone
- [43:49] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 4:28-30 - Jesus' rejection in Nazareth.
2. Romans 8:7 - The sinful mind is hostile to God.
3. Isaiah 8:14 - Jesus as a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling.

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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the people in the synagogue when Jesus spoke gracious words in Nazareth? ([05:23])
2. How does the sermon describe the pattern of anger towards Jesus throughout the Bible? ([07:34])
3. What were the consequences for Nazareth after rejecting Jesus? ([23:28])
4. How did Jesus respond to the hostility and attempts to harm Him in Nazareth? ([32:15])

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon suggest that anger towards Jesus is a consistent pattern throughout the Bible? What does this reveal about human nature? ([07:34])
2. How does the sermon explain the futility of opposing Jesus? What does this imply about the power and mission of Jesus? ([32:15])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the rejection of Jesus leads to painful consequences, both in Nazareth and in our lives today? ([23:28])
4. How does the sermon describe the transformation required to make Jesus the cornerstone of our lives? What does this transformation entail? ([38:34])

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt resistant to Jesus' message. What was the root of that resistance, and how did you overcome it? ([23:28])
2. The sermon mentions the futility of opposing Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting His guidance? How can you begin to embrace His direction? ([32:15])
3. Consider the consequences of rejecting Jesus' message in your own life. How has embracing or rejecting His message impacted your peace and blessings? ([23:28])
4. The sermon calls for a transformation in our attitude towards Jesus. What specific steps can you take this week to make Jesus the cornerstone of your life? ([38:34])
5. How can you recognize and address any hidden anger or hostility towards God in your heart? What practical steps can you take to cultivate peace with God? ([13:17])
6. Identify a situation where you have stumbled over Jesus' teachings. How can you shift your perspective to see Him as a cornerstone rather than a stumbling block? ([38:34])
7. The sermon highlights the importance of repentance. What does repentance look like in your daily life, and how can it lead to a deeper relationship with God? ([38:34])

Devotional

Day 1: The Hidden Hatred Within
In the wake of tragic events, we are reminded of the darkness and evil that exist in the world, reflecting the hidden hatred in the human heart. This theme resonates with the story of Jesus' rejection in Nazareth, where despite His message of grace, He was met with anger and hostility. This pattern of hostility towards Jesus is consistent throughout the Bible and reflects the sinful nature of humanity. The rejection of Jesus' message of grace leads to painful consequences, as seen in Nazareth, where no mighty works were done, and the people remained in their hostility and distance from God. This serves as a warning that our response to Jesus has significant implications for our lives and eternity. [01:22]

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." (Matthew 15:19, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a moment when you felt anger or hostility towards someone. How can you invite Jesus into that situation to transform your heart?


Day 2: The Consequences of Rejection
Anger towards Jesus leads to painful consequences, as seen in Nazareth, where the rejection of His message resulted in a lack of peace and blessing. This serves as a warning that our response to Jesus has significant implications for our lives and eternity. The people of Nazareth missed out on the blessings and mighty works that Jesus could have performed because of their unbelief and rejection. This story is a powerful reminder that rejecting Jesus' message of grace and love can lead to spiritual barrenness and a life devoid of His peace and presence. [23:28]

"But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear." (Zechariah 7:11, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you might be resisting Jesus' message. What steps can you take today to open your heart to His peace and blessing?


Day 3: The Futility of Opposing Jesus
Despite the hostility and rejection, Jesus' mission continues, and His victory is assured. The futility of opposing Him is evident, as no one can defeat Him. Instead, we are called to embrace Him and make Him the cornerstone of our lives. Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission, despite the opposition He faced, demonstrates His divine authority and power. Those who oppose Him are engaged in a battle they cannot win, and the only path to true peace and fulfillment is through embracing Him as Lord and Savior. [32:15]

"Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed." (Psalm 2:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you resisted God's will. How can you surrender to His authority and make Him the cornerstone of your life today?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of Repentance
The cure for anger towards Jesus is repentance and a complete transformation of our attitude towards Him. By recognizing His unique glory, our need for salvation, and God's sovereign freedom, we align ourselves with His redeeming purpose. This transformation requires a complete change in our attitude towards Jesus, recognizing His unique glory, our desperate need for salvation, and God's sovereign freedom. In doing so, we are promised that we will not be put to shame, and we will be called children of God. [38:34]

"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and seek transformation? How can you invite Jesus into that process today?


Day 5: Embracing Jesus as the Cornerstone
Embracing Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives brings the promise of not being put to shame and being called children of God. This transformation is essential for finding peace with God and living in alignment with His will. By making Jesus the foundation of our lives, we align ourselves with God's redeeming purpose and find peace with Him. This requires a complete change in our attitude towards Jesus, recognizing His unique glory, our desperate need for salvation, and God's sovereign freedom. [42:36]

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make Jesus the cornerstone of your life today? What practical steps can you take to ensure He is the foundation of your decisions and actions?

Quotes

The Familiar Christmas reading says that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light and Friday we felt again how deep that darkness really is come to the threshold of Christmas and here we are steering into the abyss and the Mystery of evil again why do men do these things why are we living in a world like this what power has possessed the human mind and the human heart that a man can take the lives of 26 people on an advent Friday morning. [00:00:28]

The Amazing Grace of God has been laid before the people in Jesus Christ they have marveled hearing these gracious words from his very mouth and verse 28 look at what follows when they heard these things all in the synagogue were filled with wrath would you have predicted that that was the end of that service that weekend is that what you would have thought would have come at the end of the story when Jesus lays grace before people the response to Jesus was that the people in worship got angry. [00:04:54]

Anger towards Jesus is a consistent pattern the second is that anger towards Jesus always brings painful consequences the third is that it is ultimately futile and then I want to show you indeed pointing us to hope that there is one cure and only one cure for anger towards Jesus Christ I am astonished at how powerfully the word of God planned weeks ago speaks to us where we are and where our country is today. [00:06:49]

The sinful mind is hostile towards God it does not submit to God nor can it do so please understand that according to the Bible if you take it seriously you will believe this that the attitude of the human heart towards God is Not neutral no human being is born with a neutral attitude towards God by Nature we are what we are hostile towards God that's Romans chapter 8 and verse 7 that's what we are by Nature we resent his claims we instinctively doubt his word we evade his call. [00:13:05]

The Hopeless plight of guilty Sinners is at the very center of the Gospel Christ did not come into the world to affirm us he came into the world to save us you shall call his name Jesus why because he will save his people from their sin and in that there's a double offense to human arrogance the first of course is the suggestion that we need saving and the second is that we cannot do it ourselves it's beyond us it cuts at the root of our pride. [00:19:00]

Jesus left Nazareth and he never returned poor Nazareth no Mighty Works done there at all no peace with God found there people who were angry with Jesus and spent the rest of their lives without him do you remember how Jesus said on one occasion as he was thinking of how the people of Jerusalem rejected him Matthew records he says oh Jerusalem oh Jerusalem how often I would have gathered you to myself like a hen gathers chickens but you would not. [00:23:40]

The rejected Christ moves through the crowd in some way God placed a restraint on them we're not told how and Christ walks right through the middle of this mob moves on with his life and moves on with his ministry without anyone laying a finger upon him he loses nothing and they have lost everything you know the Bible tells us about God laughing did you know the Bible speaks about God laughing do you know where the Bible speaks about that. [00:32:49]

The hidden hatred of the human heart is seen in all its vile and loathsome evil on that day as we crucified the Lord Of Glory ah they think now we're done with him now we're done with his unique claims to Unique glory and Son of God and telling us our need and all the rest of it and on the third day when they think they've got him buried he arises from the dead right now he is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven and soon he is coming in power and in glory. [00:35:18]

Nobody who fights against him ever wins no not ever never you may reject Christ you may live your life without him you may fight him you may hate him you may take his name in vain you may loath him you are in a fight that you cannot win which is why Psalm 2 says as God laughs he then reaches out and says here's what you ought to do instead of going on against this uh this futile kind of a battle you're engaged in you ought to be kissing the son you ought to be coming to Jesus Christ and seeking his mercy and his grace. [00:35:51]

You must make the stumbling block your Cornerstone that's what you must do you must make the stumbling block your Cornerstone here are two scriptures and I leave you with them today they're of huge importance Matthew chapter 21 these are the words of Jesus quoted from the Old Testament the stone that the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone and it is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes marvelous in our eyes Jesus is speaking about himself. [00:38:34]

The rejected stone is going to become the Corner Stone the rejected Jesus who was hunted in Bethlehem as an infant hounded out of Nazareth in the first year of his ministry ejected from the gisin threatened with stoning in Jerusalem first by the officials and then by the common Ordinary People ultimately crucified outside the city this Jesus rejected rejected rejected rejected rejected becomes the centerpiece of God's redeeming purpose for all who will come to it and it's marvelous in our eyes. [00:39:29]

Whoever believes in him will not be put to shame you will not Christmas tells us that God has come into the world that Jesus in Jesus Christ he is a stumbling Stone to some but he is the Cornerstone to others and either way your Eternal future hangs on your response to Jesus so he came to his own and his own received him not but to as many as received him to them he gave the right to be called the children of God may that be you. [00:42:36]

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Transcript
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