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Focus Text: Matthew 26.52-56

There is something to be said for the WWJD [What Would Jesus Do?] mentality; however here is an indisputable fact: No one can know what Jesus would do without knowing what Jesus did! In other words, it is fruitless to discuss what Jesus would do in any given circumstance if we do not know with certainty what Jesus did while here upon this earth. Those who brandish the WWJD acronym must either trust the written record of Jesus’ life (i.e. the Bible), or they ought to admit they simply do not know what Jesus would do and are hopelessly left without objective guidance in today’s world!

The path that God expects believers to follow is to honor the written word and in so doing, honor its author (i.e. God)! Jesus was a teacher who actually believed that the Scriptures were written by a Divine guiding hand and, as such, they had purpose that could be fulfilled. Unlike many today who give the scriptures lip service, but who profane them by their actions, Jesus honored the Father and the Holy Spirit by honoring the Scriptures. In fact, Jesus believed and exemplified the principle that one could not honor God while dishonoring His word! We will see that to be the case in today’s message. This principle is fundament to anyone who would do what Jesus would do; if that essential is missed, all else miserably fails!

What circumstance could prove more decisively one’s core values than a life and death situation? Jesus was in such circumstances on numerous occasions. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, servant of the high priest. It is highly unlikely that Peter was aiming for the ear; it is more likely that Malchus dodged causing the sword to miss its intended mark! Why didn’t Jesus allow Peter to wield his sword in His defense? Why had He limited His followers to only two swords rather than arm them to battle to the death? Why indeed? Because He believed the Scriptures were absolutely a product of God’s hand and that only by honoring them, could He honor Him!

“But Jesus said to him [Peter], ‘Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?’ In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, ‘Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” (Matthew 26.52-56). Question: How convinced was Jesus that the Scriptures were of God and had purpose which must needs be fulfilled? Answer: Convinced enough to go to His death without a fight and thereby alienate His closest followers!

If we would be like Jesus, if we would teach as He did, we must have the same regard for the Scriptures as He did; lip service is cheap and can be purchased with pocket change! Convictions that are from the heart are much rarer. So you want to be a unique teacher? In our culture, the unique teacher is one who believes the Bible for just what it claims to be and honors its Author by humbly subjecting oneself to His will!

Questions:

1. If, as many religious leaders think, the Bible is inaccurate, can anyone know what Jesus would do?

2. What can we know about Jesus’ view of the scripture from His words in the focus text?

3. Is it possible to glorify God while speaking disparagingly of the Bible? Why or why not?

4. Discussion question: In our culture, what percentage of religious leaders truly believes the Bible to be the infallible and inerrant word of God? Should this be a concern?

"Point of Reference" from Fred Price

A Broken Spirit And Contrite Heart