A Special Kind of Freedom
July 7, 2020
Matthew 11:16-30 New International Version (NIV)
16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 “‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
Woe on Unrepentant Towns
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.[a] For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
The Father Revealed in the Son
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Footnotes:
- Matthew 11:23 That is, the realm of the dead
Hello Podrishioners,
Today’s message for Sunday, July 5, 2020, is titled “A Special Kind of Freedom.” In our message today, Pastor Harold unpacks Matthew 11:16-19; 25-30 and helps us understand the difference between the “world system” versus “The Kingdom of God.” The principalities and powers of this world influence our lives to the point of delusion, where we believe we are in full control of our lives. Human beings tend to reject God because they wish to play God themselves and rule their own lives. This lust and quest to do what we want, how we want, and when we want, has been in existence since “the fall of humankind” in the Garden of Eden. If we are honest with ourselves, when we look back at our lives as individuals, as America and the world, we see where we made decisions based on self, which later put us in a position to be hurt. To become genuinely free can only happen when we put our will in line with God.
If you would like to support Hillsboro UMC or Transformation UMC, please go to our website to www.hilltran.org and click on the “giving” button. Any amount of financial support is much appreciated and goes toward helping advance the Kingdom of God right here in Jefferson County, Missouri.
Thank you for supporting Hill-Tran United Ministries.
Shalom,
Team Hill-Tran
Leave a Reply