Jesus is Greater
Matthew 12:41-42
Introduction
Last night one of the hymn we sang was Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all our sins. Though I have learned this long time back and enjoyed singing it, suddenly I have an idea on what to write and preach to you this morning. Matthew 12:41-42 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
Jesus has drawn from the special events in Israelite history to illustrate the greatness of God. Jesus is saying:
1. Jonah was a disobedient servant who preached a great message and a whole city repented.
2. Solomon is considered the wisest king in his time, great also but there is one greater than him.
3. Jesus is referring to Himself, the Son of God. As we think of this today, I am reminded of several areas in which Jesus is greater. I realize that the greatness of God or His Son is so vast and so great that no amount of words will be able to describe it. So today in a small and humble way I want to tell you how great is our Lord
I. Jesus is greater than any Organization or Institution.
Matthew 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
A. The temple was a great and important place for the Jews, but there was One greater than the temple.
B. the ark of the covenant, the cross, and the empty tomb are important things, but there is One who is more important than all of them
C. I believe that the local church is important to the life of every believer and to the mission of saving lost around the world, but there is One who is greater than the church.
II. Jesus is Greater than our sins.
A. Jonah represents sin and failure.
1. God wants him to witness and prophecy in Nineveh.
2. Jonah refused to obey and be that witness.
3. Jonah wilfully disobeyed and failed to do his mission.
4. There were four chapters in the Book of Jonah and three of them tell about his sins and failures.
B. There is no sin nor failure too big for Jesus.
1. Read Ps.103:10-12
Psalms 103:10-12 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
2. Jesus forgives all sins.
Acts 13:39, “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
3. You may say Pastor, I have so much sin. Jesus is greater
4. Are you telling me Jesus will forgive me no matter what I have done? Yes
5. Jesus is greater than all your sin, iniquities, and failures.
C. David stands as an example of God’s grace.
1 Kin 14:7-8, “Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes;
Acts 13:22, “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”
D. Paul the Apostle serves as another example of God’s forgiveness and mercy. Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
III. Jesus is Greater than all the things that the world has to offer.
A. Solomon is remembered for two things: wisdom and wealth.
1. Note: 1 Kings 10:14
“Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,” (800,000 oz. of Gold)
2. Note: 1 Chron. 29:25
“And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.”
3. Note: 2 Chron. 1:11-12
“And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.”
B. Let’s take a look at Lazarus.
1. What did the world offer him? Crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table.
2. Some have sold their soul for fame, sex, and material possessions.
3. The rich man was wealthy.
a. Clothed in purple.
b. Fine linen.
c. Fared sumptuously, he can eat what he wants and wear what he wants.
4. He had enough capability to get rich, but to the poor believer just crumbs
a. Lazarus went to heaven and the rich man went down in hell!
b. Mt. 16:26
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
c. Note: 1 John 2:15-17
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
C. What did the prodigal son got from the world?
D. What did the the rich young ruler have from the world?
E. The world has nothing to offer the child of God.
1. Jesus said of His disciples: “…they are not of the world.” John 17:14.
2. Jesus overcame the world.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” cf John 16:33
3. The song says: “I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today”
IV. Jesus is greater than the power of Satan.
A. He is greater than Satan in the past.
1. Satan tried to destroy the godly line of the Messiah from the beginning of time.
2. He tried to destroy Christ at Calvary, and thought he had won…but up from the grave He arose!
3. Jesus is greater than Satan!:
1 John 4:4.”Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Rev. 17:14 “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”
Rev. 19:19-20 “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
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4. We must face him daily and be victorious also
. Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
a. Jesus did battle with the devil and won.
b. We can claim the blood of Christ and be victorious as well.
Perhaps there are some here today who need to come to Jesus.
- You need His forgiveness in your life.
- You need His peace that passeth all understanding.
- You need His promise: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.
Because Jesus is God, He has the power to give mercy and grace. He is greater than all our sins and all our enemies. You need to come to Him today before its too late.
Preached: 08 September 2013
