The Talk of the Town

John 7:1-13,    Matthew 10:32-38

Jesus still is one of the liveliest subject discusses by man! More has been said about him in the past 2,000 yrs. than any other person that has lived on this Earth. Men are still busy trying to degrade Him or even declare Him dead. Why do others rest in peace in graves long forgotten?

I: The Feast of Tabernacles – Recall the Past Poverty and Bondage.
1. In memory of a time when all they had was God.
2. When they were delivered from a life of bondage.
3. The time when they had no fixed place to live.
4. In the midst of abundance they were to remember Gods goodness.
5. For one week they all lived in booths.
6. All wealth and distinction of rank were laid aside for one week.

II: The Talk of the Town: Jesus the Divider.
1. “His brethren therefore said unto him.”
a. They didn’t feel that he was divine.
b. They knew he was different.
c. They wanted him to show his powers to the powers that he had.
2. He was the name most discussed by the worshipers.
a. Murmuring (undercurrent of discontent).
b. Some believed but were fearful to say so.
c. Some thought they knew his family and no Messiah would come like this.
d. Some were just plain perplexed because they thought they could trace him to his Origin.
3. Simple minded true hearted Israelites were independent and they said “He is a good man.”
4. The Carnal Jews took their cues from the Pharisees and said “He deceives the people.”
5. To some he was the Savior of Life, and to others of Death.
a. Tension Division: Christian Principles cuts across the Worlds Pattern.
b. He draws out the true character of men.
6. The Gospel brings strife and conflict!
7. Those who thought him the Christ kept their peace. Those who hated him expressed themselves freely.
8. To speak up for Jesus was a dangerous thing.

III: “Whom do You Say that I am?” Matthew 10:32, 16:15
1. Every man must make sides on he has heard about Jesus. Ways to say who you think he is.
2. Naturally is not possible once he confronts men.
3. Even silence can condemn. Read: “He that believeth on him is not condemned.” John 3:18

The World didn’t hate the brothers of Jesus, for they brought no Condemnation of its Methods and ways. Jesus brought tension for he refused to accept their standards. He knew the World would not be changed by Wordily Methods. “When a person makes a commitment to Jesus Christ, a new type of tension is created. It is a tension of a life which turns against the Current.”