[] 3/23/1997 #52
HIGH COST OF INDIFFERENCE
Matthew 11:20-24
INTRODUCTION: In a Louisville, Kentucky paper there was an article describing how dozens of tourists watched impassively as a woman drowned while trying to save her child. One person even videotaped the drowning, saying "I got the whole thing on tape." No one watching made any attempt to help. They were indifferent to the need of the woman and child.
The cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum were indifferent to the light of Jesus. They had heard Jesus preach and had witness His miracles. Jesus healed the Nobleman’s son, the man sick of palsy, and the feeding of the 5,000. The prophet wrote: "The people who sat in darkness saw great light, and to them who sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up.
Jesus said of Himself: "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)
Paul wrote of the "light of the glorious gospel of Christ." (2 Cor. 4:4)
I. LIGHT REVEALING
A. REVEALED THE CONDITION OF THEIR HEARTS.
For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (John 3:20)
B. REVEALED THEIR ATTITUDE OF INDIFFERENCE.
1. Chorazin and Bethsaida compared with Tyre and Sidon .
2. Capernaum with Sodom.
II. LIGHT REJECTED
A. THE CAUSE OF REJECTION.
1. Undaunted with His claims.
2. Unaffected by His teaching, preaching and miracles.
3. Unconcerned about their souls.
4. Unbelief.
B. THE COST OF REJECTION.
1. Greater responsibility.
And that servant, who knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
2. Greater judgment.
a. Days of Noah.
b. Days of Lot.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (2 Peter 2:21)
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. (Hebrews 10:26)
III. LIGHT RECEIVED
A. CALL OF MATTHEW. (9:9)
B. CRITICISM OF THE JESUS. (9:10-11)
C. COMPASSION OF THE PHYSICIAN. (9:12-13)
They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are
sick. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow
me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never
perish. (John 10:27)