Jesus – The Prophetic Pragmatist
Intro: Jesus’ words and actions are radical
The Christian’s lifestyle should make heads turn because though we are in
the world, we are radically different in our values (John 17:14, 1 John 2:15,
James 1: 27, 4:4)
1. Jesus, the great conversationalist, begins with where the lawyer is and
moves him in dialogue to where Jesus confronts his heart issues
a) Allows the lawyer to test him (vs 25, 29)
b) Asks him back questions (vs 26, 36)
c) Affirms his answers (vs 28, 37b)
d) Illustrates the truth, and directs him (vs 30-35, 37b)
2. Without getting argumentative, Jesus discerns the problem (vs 27-29)
a) Why didn’t Jesus say “You can’t do anything?” (vs 28)
b) The lawyer ‘read it’ correctly, but was (probably) not open to the
cost of being a true follower of God (Luke 14:25-35)
o “love the Lord …”: How are we saved? Faith (cf. vs 20, Eph 2:8)
o “love your neighbor …”: What are we saved for? Works (Phil 2:13, Eph 2:10)
3. An evasive question results in a provoking answer (vs 29-37)
a) Question: ‘what are the things I don’t have to do’ (vs 29)
b) Answer: ‘be a person of mercy’ (vs 37, Ps. 85:10, Prov. 21:21, Col. 4:5-6, Psalm 33:5,6; 106:3)
Conclusion:
Faith without works is – “dead” spirituality (James 2:14-16)
Works without faith is – compassionate person
Works after Faith is – “true religion” (James 1:27)
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Dec_18_2011
