The Three Chairs
Matthew 10-11
Senior Pastor David Rose closes our series on the Sermon on the Mount with a look at three contrasting responses to Christ:
- committed and resting in the work and Person of Jesus
- compromised and doubting
- condemned and denying Him
Key Takeaways
- Jesus expects His disciples to do hard things. (v. 10:1-31)
- Jesus deserves acknowledgement as the only Lord. (v. 10:32-42)
- Jesus sees various responses to His call.
- Some will doubt. (v. 11:1-15)
- Some will deny. (v. 11:16-24)
- Some will rest in devotion. (v. 11:25-30)
Further Study
- In Matthew 10:38-39, Jesus talks about taking up one’s cross and losing one’s life for His sake. How does this relate to Paul’s teaching in Galatians 2:20 about being crucified with Christ? How does (or should)this Gospel truth shape our daily lives and decisions?
- In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus tells us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. How does this promise align with the freedom we have in Christ, as described in Galatians 5:1? How can we practically experience this rest in our daily walk with Jesus?
- In Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus talks about acknowledging Him before others. How does this connect with Romans 10:9-10 regarding confession and salvation? In what ways can we boldly proclaim Christ in our current cultural context?
- Matthew 11:25-27 talks about God revealing truth to “little children” rather than the wise. How does this reflect the Gospel message of grace over works (cf Ephesians 2:8-9)? How should this shape our approach to spiritual growth and understanding?
- In Matthew 11:2-6, John the Baptist expresses doubt about Jesus’ identity. What is Christ’s response? How does Jesus’ response demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? How can this strengthen our faith when we face doubts? Take a minute to read through Hebrews 11. How many of the people listed there saw the promises of God in their lifetimes? What was the basis of their hope that God would, nevertheless, do what He said He would do?
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outThe Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth to save sinners. The gospel is that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scripture, that He was buried, and that He was raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Our world is broken and separated from God because of sin. We are all condemned, sitting in that chair of denial and self-sufficiency Bro. David talked about. But Christ, in His great love and mercy, took upon Himself the punishment we deserve. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t live and died the death we should have died. We can’t earn His favor through good works or religious practices. It’s by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said,
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This is the Gospel call – to come to Christ, to trust in His finished work on the cross, and to find your true worth and rest in Him.
When we respond to this call, we move from the chair of condemnation to the chair of devotion. We are transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light.
The Gospel transforms us, giving us a new identity and purpose in Christ. It empowers us to live for Him, to do the hard things He calls us to do, and to, as Bro. David said, “set the world on fire.” This is the hope we have in Jesus—not just for eternity, but for our lives right now.