~ LISTENING CENTER ~

Date: November 11, 2018 Title: The Authority of the Messiah (Pt 3 - Over Sin) Passage: Matthew 9:1-13 Speaker: Bob Corbin Sermon Note Sheet (PDF) Download Audio

* Focusing on the Messiah in the book of Matthew. Matthew was a Jewish man writing to a Jewish audience and giving testimony regarding the life and ministry of the Messiah who had been foretold by many of the Jewish prophets. * When Jesus had concluded His teaching, the people were astonished because 'He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.' * All authority intrinsically is backed by some power. Behind the 'exousia' (authority) there has to be some 'dunamos' (power). * In the previous two messages, we began considering the proof of the messianic authority of Jesus as it was revealed in His power over the physical and spiritual realms. First, we considered His authority over Disease and Nature. Last week we considered His authority over demons. * When Jesus returned to Capernaum, people began flooding to Him for teaching and healing. Today's message considers Jesus' authority over sin. First, we see His interaction with the young paralytic man who was carried to Jesus by his four friends. Earlier, in Capernaum, Jesus had healed the Centurion's servant who was paralyzed. This time Jesus doesn't heal, He forgives! This young man was suffering from what would be referred today as 'Conversion Disorder.' Jesus knew that it wasn't a physical or psychological issue - it was a spiritual issue. Second, we see Jesus' interaction both with Matthew the tax collector and, subsequently, with Matthew's friends. * Jesus stated, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick... I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.' Have you responded to His call?