Coming to Christ

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 11

Matthew 11: 20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into the narrative from Matthew 11, focusing on the interaction between Jesus, John the Baptist’s disciples, and the cities where Jesus performed mighty works. It explores the themes of repentance, rejection, and the revelation of truth to those who are humble and childlike in their faith. Jesus denounces cities for their lack of repentance despite witnessing miracles, emphasizing the importance of coming to Him for rest and salvation. The sermon urges listeners to respond with faith and embrace the yoke of Christ for true freedom and peace.

Key Points:

• John the Baptist’s disciples inquire if Jesus is the Christ.
• Jesus denounces cities for not repenting despite witnessing miracles.
• The importance of coming to Jesus for rest and salvation.
• The revelation of truth to the humble and childlike in faith.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Matthew 11:20-30

Humor and Anecdotes:

• No specific humor or anecdotes were shared in the sermon.

Key Quotes:

• “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
• “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Themes:

• Repentance and the consequences of rejecting Christ.
• The revelation of truth to the humble and childlike.
• Finding rest and freedom in Jesus’ yoke.
• Gratitude for God’s grace in revealing the gospel.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the sermon’s emphasis on repentance challenge your understanding of salvation and faith?
2. In what ways do you see pride and self-sufficiency hindering people from coming to Christ in today’s society?
3. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened or heavy laden. How did coming to Jesus bring you rest and peace in that situation?

Metaphors and Stories:

• The metaphor of taking Jesus’ yoke symbolizes accepting His teachings and guidance for a life of freedom and peace.
• The story of cities witnessing miracles but failing to repent serves as a cautionary tale about dismissing Christ’s work despite clear evidence.

This sermon intricately weaves together themes of repentance, humility, and finding rest in Christ, urging listeners to embrace the gospel with childlike faith and gratitude for God’s grace.