25-0921p - Detailed Summary

Mike emphasizes that these Scriptures testify about Him. Mike explains that this is part two of a lesson he started earlier that morning on "finding things," shifting the focus from accidental discoveries to intentionally searching for misplaced items.

Mike discusses how the effort and time invested in searching for lost objects reveal the value placed on them, noting that people can spend significant time looking for something important. He prompts self-reflection by asking what individuals search for, referencing Romans 2:5-10 to highlight seeking glory, honor, and immortality as positive pursuits. However, he contrasts this with selfish, self-gratifying searches. Mike then shifts to God’s perspective, explaining that God searches for the lost, citing Luke 19:10 where Jesus states the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. He stresses that when people turn away from God through sin, they become lost and must seek reconciliation by searching for God themselves. In the context of John 5, Mike describes Jesus speaking to the Jews who reject His message, underscoring their failure to accept Him despite His truths.

Mike delves into John 5:37-47, where Jesus tells the Jews that the Father who sent Him has testified about Him, yet they have neither heard God’s voice nor seen His form, and His word does not abide in them because they do not believe in the One sent by God. He points out their refusal to come to Jesus for life, despite searching the Scriptures for eternal life, as those Scriptures testify of Him. Jesus notes He does not seek honor from men but knows they lack the love of God, rejecting Him who came in the Father’s name while accepting others who come in their own name. Mike recites how Jesus questions their belief, as they seek honor from one another rather than from God, and warns that Moses, in whom they trust, will accuse them. Jesus asserts that if they truly believed Moses, they would believe Him, since Moses wrote about Him, and their disbelief in Moses' writings prevents belief in His words. Mike observes that some people claim to read the Bible but struggle to connect Old Testament Scriptures, especially Moses', to Jesus, and when confronted with scriptural truths, they do not accept them fully. He highlights the Jews' failure to grasp essential teachings despite having Moses' words read to them.

Mike notes that the Jews appear unable to comprehend key scriptural truths, even when Scriptures are presented to them. He transitions to John 7:52, setting the stage for further discussion on their misunderstandings. This lack of connection reflects a broader issue where people engage with portions of Scripture but fail to link them to Christ, leading to incomplete acceptance of biblical teachings.

Providing context for John 7:52, Mike summarizes preceding events without reading the verses fully, explaining that Jesus speaks to the Jews, answering their questions. In verse 31, many believe in Him, questioning if the coming Christ would perform more signs than Jesus has. The Pharisees, hearing the crowd’s murmurs, send officers with the chief priests to arrest Him. When the officers return empty-handed in verse 45, they explain that no one has ever spoken like this man. The Pharisees accuse them of being deceived, noting that no rulers or Pharisees believe in Him and cursing the ignorant crowd for accepting His words. Nicodemus, who visited Jesus at night, intervenes, asking if the law judges a man without hearing him first. The others retort by asking if he is from Galilee and instruct him to search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee. Mike emphasizes the irony in the leaders' statement, as they claim superior knowledge of Scripture yet fail to apply it correctly.

Mike criticizes the Jewish leaders for their ignorance, as they are supposed to know the Scriptures well but assert falsely that no prophet comes from Galilee. He points out that it would have been beneficial if they had followed their own advice to search diligently. This highlights their hypocrisy and superficial understanding of the prophecies they claim to uphold.

Mike references Isaiah 9:1-2 to counter the leaders' claim, reciting the prophecy about the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, by the way of the sea in Galilee of the Gentiles, where people in darkness will see a great light, and light will shine on those in the shadow of death. He connects this to Matthew 4:12-16, where Jesus, upon hearing John the Baptist’s imprisonment, departs to Galilee, dwelling in Capernaum in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, fulfilling Isaiah’s words. Matthew describes the people sitting in darkness seeing a great light, directly linking it to Jesus. Mike further ties this to Isaiah 9:6-7, proclaiming a child born, a son given, whose government will be on His shoulder, named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, with endless government and peace on David’s throne, established forever. He explains this speaks of Jesus entering Galilee, fulfilling the prophecy. Additionally, Mike recalls the angel’s message to Mary about conceiving Jesus, whose kingdom will have no end, paraphrasing that His government and kingdom shall endure forever.

Mike discusses Deuteronomy 18:15-18, where Moses tells the people that God will raise a prophet like him from among their brethren, whom they must heed, as God will put His words in the prophet’s mouth. He notes that Peter in Acts 3 applies this directly to Jesus, urging the people to repent and be converted so their sins may be blotted out and times of refreshing come, with Jesus sent after being received in heaven until the restoration of all things spoken by prophets. Peter quotes Moses, emphasizing that every soul not hearing this prophet will be destroyed, and all prophets from Samuel foretold these days. As sons of the prophets and the covenant with Abraham, through whose seed all families are blessed, God raised Jesus to bless them by turning them from iniquities. Mike stresses that Peter identifies Jesus as the prophet Moses foretold, the one to be obeyed. He reiterates Jesus' words to the unbelieving Jews that the Scriptures they search testify of Him, yet they fail to believe.

Mike recalls how Jesus expounded from the Law, Psalms, and Prophets about Scriptures speaking of Him, asserting they testify concerning Him. However, the Jews' minds could not align Jesus with these prophecies because He did not fit their image of an earthly king who would establish an earthly kingdom and free them from Roman rule. Their expectations distorted their understanding, leading to rejection despite the clear testimonies in Scripture. This failure to believe stemmed from preconceived notions that Jesus challenged.

Mike contrasts the Jews' access to Old Testament Scriptures with modern availability of the full Bible, including Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, and apostolic letters from Paul, Peter, and John. He laments that some do not search these diligently, missing essential truths. Scriptures serve for correction, though some resist it when their thinking conflicts with biblical teachings, similar to the Jews. After Jesus, the apostles preached through the Holy Spirit, and their writings provide guidance. People do not know everything, but searching Scriptures can reveal surprising truths if allowed to speak for themselves. Mike encourages finding these things through diligent search, noting that those present are likely Christians and members, but urges making needs known for prayer.

In closing, Mike invites anyone with something on their mind to make it known, assuring that the church will pray for them. He urges action in whatever matter it may be. The sermon ends with a call to stand and sing.