Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12
Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living.
Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister
Notes:
Biblical wisdom is doing the smartest, most strategic thing possible—which means building our lives on the teachings of Jesus Christ. John 14:6, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 7:24-28
God blesses those who know they need Him and others; mourn; crave righteousness; show mercy; completely commit to Him; and make peace. He expects us to do all of this at all costs. Matthew 5:3-12, John 17:20-24
God blesses us so we can bless others. Matthew 5:13-16
SALT flavors, preserves, and creates a craving. Our job is to make people want more of Jesus.
LIGHT reveals, illuminates, guides, and directs attention. Our job is to keep the spotlight on Jesus.
“Hosanna!” means both “Save us!” and “You are the Only One Who Can!” Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12
Lazarus thought Jesus had abandoned him, but Jesus brought him back to life.
Zacchaeus couldn't get to Jesus because His other followers and Zacchaeus's own guilt was in the way, but Jesus saved his life.
Mary was feeling called to worship Jesus in a more sacrificial, trusting, and intimate way than those around her. Jesus loved it—and loved her for it.
Jerusalem broke Jesus's heart, but He crafted the perfect scene to create a craving for salvation and a focus on Him—the only true Savior.
The Temple was a place to connect with God and make others crave Him. Jesus leveraged His moment in the spotlight to make both happen again—and THEN the curtain was torn from top to bottom.
How do you need Jesus to save you today?
No sickness, doubt, fear, questions, guilt, anger—nothing can keep Jesus from saving us except us. We must be the SALT and LIGHT that draws others to Him and surrender whatever we are holding back so He can save us from that!