Scripture Reading: John 11:45-53

Jesus is Dangerous!

Intro.

1. Illus: Suppose a man is accused of overthrowing America, forbidding to pay taxes and claiming power to rule? Suppose large crowds gathered

wherever he went and he had a loyal band of followers being trained and ready to die for him and for ‘the cause”. How would you react? Would he get a fair hearing? Jno. 7:50-51

2. These were the formal charges made against Jesus to Pilate! Lk. 23:1-5

3. Jesus was viewed as dangerous to the Jewish nation, and so he had to be eliminated! Jno. 11:45-53

4. In truth, Jesus is “dangerous” to those who refuse to honor and serve Him. (cf. Psa. 2:8-12)

I. JESUS IS DANGEROUS TO SATAN, 1 Jno. 3:8; 4:4.

A. Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil, 1 Jno. 3:8.

1. Satan tried to destroy Jesus with death:

a. As an infant (Herod), Matt. 2:16.

b. As His ministry began in Nazareth, Lk. 4:28-30.

c. At the cross, Jno. 11:50; 13:2, 27.

2. Protected and victorious, Rev. 12:5.

B. Jesus is more Powerful than Satan, Sin and Death, 1 Jno. 4:4.

1. Miracles displayed His superior power, Lk. 10:17-18; Matt. 12:22-29.

2. Crucifixion “cast out” the devil, Jno. 12:31-33; Heb. 2:14-15.

3. Resurrection displays His power over death, Rev. 1:18.

C. Dangerous to Sin and Sinners, Jude 14-15.

1. The danger of judgment for the sinner – terrifying! (Acts 24:25)

2. All evil will be cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:10, 14-15.

II. JESUS IS DANGEROUS TO THOSE WHO DO NOT RESPECT AND OBEY THE WORD OF GOD, 1 Pet. 2:7-8; Matt. 21:44-45.

A. Those who Bind Human Traditions on Others, Jno. 11:48.

1. Jesus and His truth threaten the “place” and power of the binder, Matt. 23:13; Gal. 5:1, 13; 6:12-13.

2. Binding where the Lord has not bound is sinful and will be judged by Jesus, Mk. 7:5-9, 13.

B. False Teachers who Deceive Souls, 2 Pet. 2:1-3, 9.

1. Truth overwhelms error, 2 Cor. 10:2-6.

2. Example: Stephen, Acts 6:8-10.

3. The punishment is sure, Rev. 2:20-23.

C. Hypocrites who Pretend to Follow God, Jno. 11:47; 18:14, 28.

1. For these, faith is a pretense to gain an advantage for themselves and/or over others, cf. 3 Jno. 9-10.

2. The hypocrite is fundamentally a liar – doomed, Rev. 21:8.

D. Evil People who Refuse to have Faith, Jno. 11:45-47.

1. Eternal death for all unbelievers, cf. Jno. 8:23-24.

2. Rejecting the words of Christ is foolish and dangerous! Jno. 12:48

E. Those who try to Prevent Others from Believing in Jesus, Jno. 11:48.

1. Through intimidation, Jno. 9:22.

2. Through false teaching, Acts 13:6-12.

Conclusion

1. Oh yes, our God is love, 1 Jno. 4:8.

2. Our God is also a consuming fire who punishes all who do not bow to and serve His Son, Jesus Christ, Heb. 12:29; cf. Psa. 2:8-12.

3. Are you doing that? Or, is Jesus “dangerous” to you?

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: April 12, 2013