Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Text: Matthew 23

9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:9-12

THE DESIRE TO EXALT SELF

1. This is almost innate human nature

2. The scribes and Pharisees

a) They love praise from people

b) They think they deserve adulation

c) They taught people to give the respect they believe was due to them

TERMS THEY WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM PEOPLE

1. To be called “Father”

a) Reverence is what they desire if not demand

b) It is much more than polite respect

2. To be called “Teacher”

a) This is not the usual honorific given to those who are teachers

b) The scribes and Pharisees expect to be very highly regarded

c) They are to be held in awe and high esteem

BIBLICAL TEACHING CONCERNING GOD AS FATHER

1. God as Father

a) God alone deserves great reverence

b) He is the only Worthy One

c) He is to be feared

2. The mighty deeds of God the Father

a) As Creator

b) As Redeemer

c) As Provider

d) As Protector

3. Great regard (reverence) for God

a) It is taught by the Holy Spirit Romans 8

b) It is to be carefully learned and practiced

c) Only God deserves such reverence

d) Never a human being

BIBLICAL TEACHING CONCERNING THE MESSIAH

1. The Lord Jesus is the Messiah

a) Anointed by God

b) Appointed by the Lord

c) All authority given to Him

2. The Lord Jesus as The Teacher

a) His knowledge is vast

b) His skill in teaching cannot be surpassed

c) Only He deserves great acclaim as “The Teacher”

THE MESSIAH AS A SERVANT

1. He is the King-Servant

a) Isaiah 9

b) He is the Messiah-Servant Isaiah 42

2. Anyone who desires true greatness

a) He must be a servant

b) This is not easy to practice

VITAL LESSONS

1. He who exalts himself risks being humbled

2. He who humbles himself may see exaltation from God

3. Follow the example of the apostles

a) They saw themselves as “bondslaves” (servants)

b) They practised servanthood faithfully