Old Treasures Made New

Matthew 22:23-33

1. Let us observe that absurd skeptical objections to Bible truths are ancient things.
2. Let us observe what a remarkable text our Lord brings forward, in proof of the reality of a life to come.
3. Let us observe the account which our Lord gives of the state of men and women after the resurrection.

"Let us settle it in our minds, that the dead are in one sense still alive. From our eyes they have passed away, and their place knows them no more. But in the eyes of God they live, and will one day come forth from their graves to receive an everlasting sentence...Happy is he who can say from his heart the words of the Nicene Creed, "I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come."

Matthew 22:15-22

1. The first thing which demands our attention in these verses is the flattering language with which our Lord was accosted by His enemies.
2. The second thing that demands our attention in these verses is the marvelous wisdom of the reply which our Lord made to His enemies.

"Peace often ruins nations more than war. Sweet things occasion far more sicknesses than bitter. The sun makes the traveler cast off his protective garments far sooner than the north wind. Let us beware of the flatterer. Satan is never so dangerous as when he appears as an angel of light. The world is never so dangerous to the Christian as when it smiles."

Matthew 22:1-14

1. Let us observe that the salvation of the Gospel is compared to a marriage feast.
2. Let us observe that the invitations of the Gospel are wide, full, broad, and unlimited.
3. Let us observe that the salvation of the Gospel is rejected by many to whom it is offered.
4. Let us observe that all false professors of religion will be detected, exposed, and eternally condemned at the last day.

"The Gospel, in short, is an offer of food to the hungry--joy to the mourner--a home to the outcast--a loving friend to the lost. It is glad tidings. God offers, through His dear Son, to be at peace with sinful man."

Matthew 21:33-46

1. We see what distinguishing privileges God is pleased to bestow on some nations.
2. We see what a bad use nations sometimes make of their privileges.
3. We see what a dreadful reckoning God sometimes has with nations and churches, which make a bad use of their privileges.
4. We see the power of conscience even in wicked men.

"Nothing offends God so much as neglect of privileges. Much has been given to us, and much will be required."

Matthew 21:23-32

1. Let us observe how ready the enemies of truth are to question the authority of all who do more good than themselves.
2. Let us observe the consummate wisdom with which our Lord replied to the question put to Him.
3. Let us observe what immense encouragement our Lord holds out to those who repent.

"It matters nothing how high and self-confident a man's profession of religion may be. Does he really give up his sins? If not, his profession is abominable in God's sight, and he himself is still under the curse. Let us take courage ourselves, if we have been great sinners in the past. Only let us repent and believe in Christ, and there is hope."

Matthew 21:12-22

1. The first event that demands our attention, is our Lord's visit to the temple.
2. The second event that demands our attention in these verses, is our Lord's curse upon the fruitless fig-tree.
3. Finally, is not every fruitless professor of Christianity in dreadful danger of becoming a withered fig-tree?

"Fruit, fruit--the fruit of the Spirit, is the only sure proof that we are savingly united to Christ, and in the way to heaven. May this sink down into our hearts, and never be forgotten!"

Matthew 21:1-11

1. Let us notice in these verses an example of our Lord Jesus Christ's perfect knowledge.
2. Let us notice in these verses an example of the manner in which prophecies concerning our Lord's first coming were fulfilled.
3. Let us notice in these verses a striking example of the worthlessness of man's favor.

"The sense of our Lord Jesus Christ's perfect knowledge of all our ways, ought to have the same effect upon our hearts. Let us do nothing we would not like Christ to see, and say nothing we would not like Christ to hear. Let us seek to live and move and have our being under a continual recollection of Christ's presence. Let us behave as we would have done had we walked beside Him, in the company of James and John, by the sea of Galilee. This is the way to be trained for heaven. In heaven, "we shall ever be with the Lord." (1 Thess. 4:17.)"

Matthew 20:29-34

1. Let us mark what strong faith may sometimes be found, where it might least have been expected.
2. Let us mark what wisdom there is in using every opportunity for getting good for our souls.
3. Let us mark the value of pains and perseverance in seeking Christ.
4. Let us mark how gracious the Lord Jesus is to those who seek Him.

"It is those who "sit by the wayside" who are likely to be healed. Do we know the diseases of our souls? Do we feel any desire to see the great Physician? If we do we must not wait in idleness, saying, "If I am to be saved, I shall be saved." We must arise and go to the road where Jesus walks. Who can tell but He will soon pass by for the last time? Let us sit daily by the way-side."

Matthew 20:24-28

1. We learn that there may be pride, jealousy, and love of preeminence even among true disciples of Christ.
2. We learn that a life of self-denying kindness to others is the true secret of greatness in the kingdom of Christ.
3. We learn that the Lord Jesus Christ is intended to be the example of all true Christians.
4. We learn from these verses that Christ's death was an atonement for sin.

"Happy is that man who is truly humble, strives to do good in his day, walks in the steps of Jesus, and rests all his hopes on the ransom paid for him by Christ's blood. Such a man is a true Christian!"

Matthew 20:17-23

1. We should notice in these verses the clear announcement which the Lord Jesus Christ makes of His own approaching death.
2. We should notice in these verses the mixture of ignorance and faith that may be found, even in true-hearted Christians.
3. We should notice in these verses the solemn reproof which our Lord gives to the ignorant request of the mother of Zebedee's children and her two sons.

"Jesus was well aware that all hinged on His own death, and that, without that death, His miracles and preaching would have done comparatively nothing for the world. No wonder that He thrice pressed on the attention of His disciples that He "must" die. Blessed and happy are they who know the real meaning and importance of the sufferings of Christ!"