Sermon Cloud

Intro: “I’ve moved on.  The world doesn’t need a savior.  I don’t need a savior.”  Lois Lane 

Big Idea: Jesus saves people from a world gone wrong.

Context: Matthew wants to show Jesus as the Messiah thru whom God will keep the promises given to Abraham & David.  Jesus was born miraculously, anointed for ministry and tried in the wilderness.  He now begins His ministry.

I. Jesus saves all kinds of people thru His Kingdom.

-         Jesus leaves Judea after John’s arrest; avoiding confrontation until it was time.

-         Jesus withdrew to the lands inherited by the tribes of Zebulon & Naphtali- like David.

-         These lands were filled with Gentiles; many were forced to convert to Judaism.

-         They were nominal Jews, much like the nominal Christians in our churches.

-         Promise to Abraham: a blessing to the nations (Romans). Ill. Superman- other countries

-         Non-Jews like you & me can be full citizens of the kingdom.  Kingdom, 126 times in NT.

-         Jesus’ choice was not accidental, but the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah.

-         Jesus brought the message of the kingdom to common people, like us.  So should we.

-         It’s not an earthly, geographic kingdom.  It crosses borders/cultures blessing all nations!

-         The kingdom is the presence, authority and control of King Jesus.

-         Salvation is understood as entering a new kingdom, ruled by the Great King.

-         The kingdom is where Jesus reigns in individuals, families and churches.

Transition: Jesus came to call both Jews and Gentiles to blessing & salvation in His kingdom.

II. Jesus saves sinners from the kingdom of darkness.

-         Isaiah describes the spiritual condition of the people in that region (people everywhere).

-         These people lived in darkness.  The darkness was spiritual, having 2 aspects.

-         They lived in intellectual darkness: ignorance of the true God & His ways.

-         They may have been religious, but they did not have true, biblical faith.

-         They lived in moral darkness: deeds contrary to God’s will!

-         The Father sent His Son to be a light to the nations.  Ill. Jor-El

-         Jesus preached repentance because we live upside-down!

-         Like us, they were sinners under the power & influence of the Evil One (Eph. 2).

-         People need to be rescued or saved.  You can’t fix the kingdom of men!  Ill. Iran/US

-         Jesus rescues people from an evil empire thru the preaching of the Gospel (Col. 1).

Transition: Born into the kingdom of darkness & living in rebellion, we need a Savior.

III. Jesus saves us to live in His kingdom.

-         The two kingdoms have very different customs & manners; morals & motives.

-         Jesus saves us from ignorance => truth.  We still have much to learn.

-         Jesus saves us from disobedience => right living.  We learn God’s ways (Ps. 25)

-         Jesus saves us from self-reliance = Himself as a Savior King.

-         The repentant, in a new kingdom, learn a new manner of life.  Ill.  Dad’s grandparents

-         We learn to live in His presence, under His power & authority.

-         Jesus offers you more than forgiveness- a whole new life.  You start over.

Conclusion: Do we need a Savior?  Most people don’t think so.  Oh, they might need saving, but you are doing okay. We were born in the kingdom of darkness, under the powerful influence of the Evil One.  We lived upside-down, thinking good was evil and evil was good.  But Jesus came to save us by bringing us into His kingdom so we can start over.  He saves us from God’s wrath, and the empty way of life in Satan’s kingdom.  Whose kingdom do you live in?  If you live in God’s kingdom, could anyone tell?