Who's the Boss?: The King's Authority

Hopson Boutot

Poquoson Baptist Church

Matthew: The King and His Kingdom • Sermon • Submitted 2 years ago

Matthew 8:23–9:8

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This Is Amazing Grace

Welcome & Announcements (Sterling)

We Are Family—talk about GroupMe

No TableTalk tonight (VBS begins at 6PM!!!)

Scripture Reading (Matthew 8:23-9:8)

Prayer of Praise (God is perfect), Trish Figgers

The Lord My God My Salvation

The Lord is My Salvation

Prayer of Confession (immorality), Josh Winchell

Great is Thy Faithfulness

PBC Catechism #28

What is justification?

We believe salvation is applied to the believer by the grace of God. In justification, God declares believers righteous in His sight because He has fully forgiven them of their sin and imputed Christ’s righteousness to them.

Pastoral Prayer (Bubba Jones)

SERMON

Once there was a pastor in a very progressive city, where it was not uncommon for people from all walks of life to attend his church.

Including people from the LGBTQ+ community.

Once a lesbian couple attended the church and eventually met with the pastor to talk about church membership.

"Pastor, we love this church and want to join. But, as you know, we are in this relationship. Is this going to be a problem?”

The pastor replied, “You’re asking the wrong question. The right question is ‘who is Jesus?’

“If Jesus is who He said He was, then He demands absolute allegiance. You must submit everything to Him: your relationships, your sexual identity, your finances, your children, your job, your aspirations, your desires, your dreams, your fears, ... your everything.

“If you agree that Jesus really is the sinless Son of God who demands absolute allegiance from the world, that includes your relationship to each other.

“No matter how much you love each other, you must turn away from what Jesus calls sin if you want to follow Him.

“If you disagree with me about Jesus, then this church isn’t the place for you anyways. You’re welcome to attend whenever you want, but to truly be one of us you have to submit entirely to who He is.” [1]

If you were with us last week, you listened as Jesus demanded absolute allegiance from His would-be disciples.

This morning Matthew tells us why Jesus can demand absolute allegiance:

Jesus can demand absolute allegiance from the world because He has absolute authority in the world.

Turn to Matthew 8:23

Second set of three miracle stories in chapters 8-9

Three popular stories to teach us about Jesus’ authority

In all three stories Jesus performs a miracle by speaking

Each story ends with the witnesses of the miracle stunned by Jesus’ awesome power

My desire is that we will not merely be stunned by Jesus’ authority, but submit to it.

Three Dimensions Where Jesus has Absolute Authority:

First, Jesus has absolute authority...

1) Over the NATURAL World (8:23-27)

8:23-24a—And when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves

Severe storms are common on the Sea of Galilee

Word for storm is seismos, usually means earthquake (highlighting the severity of the storm)

Mark 4 and Luke 8 say that the boat was filling up with water

But it’s all okay, because Jesus is there... right?

8:24b—... but He was asleep.

Jesus is truly human! He’s so exhausted (and so at peace) that He’s able to sleep during the storm

Perhaps the disciples try for awhile to deal with the storm without bothering Jesus

After all, at least four disciples were professional fishermen

But eventually, they’ve had all they can take...

8:25-26a—And they went and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And He said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”

Jesus literally calls them “little-faiths”

They’re not “zero-faiths.” If they were, they wouldn’t come to Jesus for help.

But they’re not “strong-faiths” either. If they were, they wouldn’t be afraid.

Unbeliever: you don’t need great faith to follow Jesus. Your little faith just needs to be in the right place.

Christian: Jesus won’t disown you for your weak faith, but He does want your faith to grow!

8:26b—Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Literally there was a “mega-calm”

Imagine the stark contrast from a mega-storm to a mega-calm

8:27—And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of Man is this, that even winds and sea obey Him?”

Even though the disciples believed Jesus could do something, seeing it with their own eyes was astounding!

Perhaps eventually their minds went to...

Psalm 107:28-29—…they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.

This Psalm captures the point of this story. It’s not about our storms, it’s about the Storm-Silencer. It’s not about you and me, it’s about Jesus.

Matthew’s main point is not to teach us about life’s storms, but to show us Jesus’ absolute authority over the natural world.

But what about our great enemy, Satan, who’s been wreaking havoc on the natural world since the Garden of Eden? Doesn’t he have authority in the natural world? And if he does, can we really take comfort in the authority of Jesus?

Yes, because Jesus has absolute authority...

2) Over the SUPERNATURAL World (8:28-34)

8:28—And when He came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met Him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way.

SHOW GALILEE MAP

Many scholars think this miracle occurred in a small village called “Gergesa,” although no Gospel writer mentions this town

Notice the map says “Gerasenes,” which is the place Mark 5 and Luke 8 mention. But Matthew calls it “Gadarenes.”

CONTRADICTIONS! Did this miracle take place in the Gerasenes or the Gadarenes? Yes.

If somebody asks you where you live, what do you say? If I’m talking to someone completely unfamiliar with this area, I usually say near “Virginia Beach.” If I’m talking to a Virginian, I’ll say “Hampton Roads.” And if I’m talking to someone on the Peninsula, I’ll say “Poquoson.” Those aren’t contradictions. They’re different ways of referring to the same place.

That’s exactly what the Gospel writers do with this story. Mark and Luke refer to the region, and Matthew refers to Gadara, the largest city in the region

There’s another alleged contradiction in this story. Both Mark and Luke only mention one demon-possessed man and Matthew mentions two.

If you ran into Tom Hanks and his assistant at an airport, who would you tell people about? You’d likely say “I met Tom Hanks today!” Is that dishonest? No! Not unless you said something like “Tom Hanks was traveling alone.”

It’s quite common when we tell stories to simplify the details and only talk about the more dominant personality, even if multiple people were present. That’s likely what Mark and Luke are doing when they only mention one man. They’re not saying there wasn’t another man, they just refer to the one whose response to Jesus left a more lasting impact.

But Matthew’s point in telling this story is different. He wants to highlight the authority of Jesus over the supernatural world.

Let’s get back to the story...

Demon-possessed literally means “demonized,” meaning these men were under demonic influence, so heavy that nobody wanted to get near them

You may not believe in demons, but the Bible is full of them. There is a supernatural world that we cannot see.

8:29—And behold, they cried out, “What have You to do with us, O Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

It’s interesting that the first story ended with the disciples wondering “who is this Man?” Now a group of demons gives us the answer.

Two truths these demons profess:

1) Jesus is the Son of God

2) There’s a time coming when Jesus will cast Satan and demons into eternal torment

The demons believe the truth! But they don’t love the truth!

James 2:19—You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

Believing facts about Jesus isn’t the same as saving faith in Jesus

Don’t be a tadpole Christian! Yes, know the truth, now live it out!!!

8:30-32—Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged Him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” And He said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.

This weird twist to the story teaches us two important lessons:

1) Satan and demons are filled with murderous rage against everything God loves

2) Jesus values people more than animals or property

If you saw firsthand Satan’s murderous hate and Jesus’ mighty love, would it be easier for you to believe? Not so fast...

8:33-34—The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.

One commentator: “All down the ages the world has been refusing Jesus because it prefers its pigs.” [2]

But for the Christian, Jesus’ absolute authority over the supernatural world is a comfort.

But what if our enemy has already gained the upper hand? What if our lives have already been devastated by the ravages of sin?

We can have hope because Jesus has authority...

3) Over the SPIRITUAL World (9:1-7)

9:1-2a—And getting into a boat He crossed over and came to His own city. And behold, some people brought to Him a paralytic, lying on a bed.

Capernaum was the home base for Jesus’ earthly ministry

Once again, Mark 2 and Luke 5 record this story with more details

Crowded house, climbing roof, digging hole, lowering him down...

Although these details are important, Matthew eliminates them to highlight Jesus’ authority over the spiritual world.

9:2b—And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”

This is strange! Can’t Jesus offer this man anything better than forgiveness?

Jesus illustrates a key Christian truth: Every problem humans face is only a symptom of our greatest problem, SIN.

Even if everything in your life is going right, you’re not okay. You have a spiritual problem.

If everything in your life is going wrong, you have a spiritual problem that is far worse than any of your other problems.

Isaiah 59:2—“...your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.”

“I’m not that bad!” The standard isn’t your neighbor, it’s God’s law

Ten Commandments (dishonor parents, lie, steal)

You’re guilty, which means you have a problem

Jesus addresses this problem by forgiving the sins of this paralyzed man. But notice what happens next...

9:3—And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.”

Imagine you stole something valuable, like Cameron’s guitar. What if I said, “I forgive you!”

You (and Cameron!) would be rightly surprised! I have no authority to forgive your sins against someone else!

That’s what the scribes are thinking as they listen to Jesus. Mark and Luke tell us they ask themselves “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

They’re partly right. Only God can forgive sins against God. But Matthew has presented these stories to show us that Jesus is more than a man. He is God!

9:4-6—But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

Jesus’ question isn’t about which phrase is easier to verbalize, but which claim is easier to prove.

It’s easy to say someone’s sins are forgiven, because there’s no proof required. It’s not like forgiven people get a shiny gold “F” on their forehead or something. You can say “your sins are forgiven” all day long, but because forgiveness is a spiritual need we can’t see it with our physical eyes.

But if you tell a paralyzed man he can get up and walk home, you better be able to back it up.

So Jesus does the harder thing (humanly speaking) to prove He can do both things.

Jesus can heal broken bodies and forgive sinful souls because He has absolute authority over the spiritual world.

9:7-8—And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Once again, Jesus’ words accomplish exactly what He desires

And once again, the response to Jesus’ wonder-working authority is fear.

First the disciples wondered, “who is this guy?!?”

Then the Gentiles trembled and asked Jesus to leave.

Now the Jews fear and give God glory, but most of them still see Jesus as a mere man.

How are WE supposed to respond to Jesus’ absolute authority?

1) Recognize Jesus’ authority

Unlike those who saw Jesus heal the paralytic

Not enough to believe some higher power has authority

Unbeliever: read the Gospels

2) Submit to Jesus’ authority

Unlike the Gentiles in the Gadarenes

Don’t push Jesus away, follow Him. With everything!

3) Rest in Jesus’ authority

Unlike the disciples in the boat

You may be a “little-faith” now, but learn to grow your faith

Learn to be at peace amidst the storm, to trust that Jesus is in control

Struggling? What did Jesus do with His authority? He died!!!

“… He emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:7-8)

In just a moment we’re going to remember His death by taking the Lord’s Supper together.

First we’re going to sing, so our parents with children in PBC Kids can gather them so our volunteers can join us for communion.

If you’d like to talk with or pray with someone before we take communion, you’re welcome to head to the white flag.

PRAY

Christ Our Hope in Life and Death

LORD’S SUPPER

On the night Jesus was betrayed…

…as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28)

2000 years later, Christians all over the world continue to observe this meal to remind ourselves and one another that we are forgiven, not by our own works but by the work of Jesus on the cross in our place.

The bread we eat represents Jesus’ body, given to ransom His people.

The cup we drink represents Jesus’ blood, poured out to forgive our sins.

If you haven’t been forgiven, if you’re not a Christian, we respectfully ask you not to take the Lord’s Supper with us.

We invite you to receive Jesus, not the symbol that reminds us of Jesus.

You can ask any one of our pastors about that at one of the tables and we’ll stop what we’re doing to talk and pray with you about what it means to follow Jesus.

If you believe you’re a Christian but you haven’t followed Jesus in believer’s baptism or in membership at a gospel-preaching local church, please talk to one of our pastors before you leave here today.

We want something bigger and better for you than a symbolic meal.

We want you to enjoy a life of obedience as a follower of Jesus. And that journey begins with believer’s baptism and membership in a local church.

We invite all baptized believers to come to the table to receive communion.

Here’s how we do it at PBC…

JESUS AND YOU MOMENT as you pray silently, preparing your heart

Sit and pray as long as you need.

Confess sin to God and (if necessary) to others

PRAISE HIM FOR HIS GRACE!!!

JESUS AND OTHERS MOMENT as you come to the table

When you’re ready, walk towards the front and gather around a table

One of our pastors will pray over you and others with you

Eat the bread at the table, then bring your cup back to your seat

JESUS AND EVERYBODY MOMENT as we take the cup

Once everyone has taken the bread, we’ll take the cup together

Please pray with me, then when you’re ready come to any of the tables

After everyone has had the bread...

Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you and be thankful.

Let’s sing together

Christ Our Hope in Life and Death

Benediction (1 Timothy 1:17)

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