An Uncomfortable Truth: 2016 Gospel of Luke #44
This is an exposition of Luke 11:29-36. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, January 22, 2017.
Intro:
Have you ever been put on the spot? Singled out? Made the focal point? Been put in that position where you’re asked to respond and all eyes and ears are on you? Do you find that uncomfortable? I hate it! I still break into a cold sweat when I think of those days in elementary school when I was told to go to the chalkboard and work a problem. And spelling bees – they were the worst. I had a tendency to freeze. I couldn’t remember my name let alone spell “amoeba.” And I didn’t grow out of it. That same attitude followed my to college and later to seminary.
I was perfectly content to sit in the back of the room and mind my own business. I listened intently. I read. I studied. I made good grades – just leave me alone. Don’t call on me and put me on the spot. I didn’t think that was asking too much. I tried everything. As the professor sought another victim – I search through my books and my desk as if something very important was missing. I tried “hiding” behind the person in front of me. Which, given my size, was futile. Sure I could get my head lower than theirs, but I stuck out on both sides! When the hiding technique proved ineffective I went the other way. I acted like I wanted to answer every question. My “bluffing” technique proved to be even more disastrous. Most of us will do whatever we have to do to avoid being put in those types of situations. No one really likes being put on the spot – especially when they are wrong. That is part of the dynamic that we must take into account as we explore the life of the Lord Jesus. As we note the growing animosity between the religious establishment and the Lord Jesus we have to recognize that the animosity is due, in no small part, to the fact the establishment is being revealed for what it really is. They are being exposed. Their hypocrisy was showing.
The Lord Jesus because He was the truth – revealed their error. Because He spoke directly God’s words – he revealed their hollow claims. As He came preaching the Kingdom of God – He put them on the spot. His words, His actions, His very presence demand a response. That is the backdrop of our text this morning found in Luke Luke 11 beginning in Luke 11:29.
Text: Luke 11:29-36
Context of Luke’s Gospel.
Its evangelistic purpose.
Its historical accuracy.
The immediate context:
Jesus has performed an exorcism.
There were those who claimed He did so by the power of the devil.
Others, motivated by stubborn unbelief, demanded a “sign from heaven.”
Jesus dealt first with the claim that He was in league with Satan.
Now, in our text, He deals with those who demand a sign.
It is clear from the outset of this text that Jesus was not “seeker sensitive” in His approach to ministry. A crowd was gathering. In fact the word used implies the crowd was multiplying. This great crowd got there just in time to hear Him say, “This is a wicked generation.” The word “wicked” is best understood as evil or hurtful in both its effect and its influence. This was a condemnation of the “spirit of the age.” He is blasting the religious climate of the day. In particular He is addressing the religious establishment. He is attacking the Scribes and Pharisees, who back in Luke 11:16, demanded a “sign.” But these are not the ravings of some wild-eyed street preacher. This is the reasoned verdict of the Lord God. This is the “Word made flesh” declaring His righteous assessment of those who were His people. Uncomfortable? Yes. Unreasonable? No!
This encounter serves to remind us that:
Thesis: Every one of us must answer to God for how we have responded to the revelation of His Son.
You want to talk about uncomfortable? Every person in this room will one day stand before God an account for their response to the Lord Jesus. It is a serious issue. It is life’s ultimate issue. There is no room for neutrality. “I don’t know,” is not an acceptable answer.
In our text we find a righteous warning and a tender admonishment.
- The Lord Jesus righteously warns of the judgement that awaits those who stand in unbelief. (11:29-32)
- The Lord Jesus lovingly reminds those who do believe of their responsibility to continue in that belief. (11:33-36)