I remember sitting at a conference many years ago and
attended a a meeting where new passes were ordained in the
network of Ministries that were meeting together, and they were
interviewing these new pastors. And one of them said something
along the lines of the question was about, how do we reach this
generation and the topic of worship came up and this person
said, we can't be scaring. Our visitors.
When they come, we talk about things and sing about things
like the blood of Jesus. And that person went on to
argue, why? That was the case.
And I thought to myself one, we don't gather to entertain the
world and to I'm not ashamed of the blood.
I'm not ashamed of the blood, I'm not ashamed of that Crimson
flow. That is the source of our
healing our Salvation. Our sanctification, our
stabilisation, we sing about the blood because that is where the
power of God lies, and it still has power today.
And I hope if you have not been cleansed by that blood, the
blood of Jesus Christ, that you would come to him and ask for
him to do just that his wounds are open and he's still willing
to extend that healing and I hope that you would receive it.
If you don't know, Jesus Christ, this afternoon Meet Me In The
Gospel According to Mark in chapter three, Mark chapter 3.
And we come not together to verse 7.
And read down to verse 12. Jesus withdrew with his
disciples to the sea and a great crowd, followed From Galilee and
Judea and Jerusalem. And I do Mia and from Beyond the
Jordan and from around tyre and sidon when the great crowd heard
all that he was doing, they came to him and he told his disciples
to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd less, they
crush him. Free at healed many so that all
who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.
And whenever the unclean Spirit saw him, they fell down before
him and cried out. You are the Son of God and he
strictly ordered them not to make him known the text before
us today is essentially a summary of the growing influence
of the ministry of Jesus Christ and it may seem like a
repetition of the themes that Have covered in depth already up
to this point in the gospel of Mark, but this section of
scripture has more to offer us than just a revision.
If you pay attention, you will see that.
This overview helps us zoom out from the on ground interactions
that Jesus had with many that we have already looked into and
gives us an aerial view of how the impact of Jesus is now,
reaching new ground touching new regions and drawing more people.
But what makes what we just read here, even more special is when
you and I consider the backdrop, which this text is set on,
remember, how we ended last week and if you don't look at verse
6, the Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with
the herodians against them, how to destroy him.
You see, Jesus healed the man with a withered hand in the
sanctuary of the synagogue and the Pharisees upon that realized
and come to a place where they were convinced of what they were
going to do with Jesus. It wasn't to inquire more of
him. It wasn't to say, we will
believe in him, it wasn't even close to we will follow him.
Instead we just heard that they will now try to destroy him. and
with this diabolical Mission, you have to understand that they
would not keep it to themselves, but instead they would go to
others and recruit them to join them on this campaign, to try to
maliciously attack, the son of God, So you when you see that
and you have that in mind and you come and you read something
like verse 7 and verse 12, that seems to be like an overview
that has no strong theme to work with.
We actually do have something to work with think about it.
The Pharisees and the herodians are now planning to put a stop
to this new movement, from this Rabbi from Nazareth.
They're trying to stop it, but the Crowds Are flocking to him.
And we see here, that these religious leaders are now
planning to go public with their rejection, and their accusation
against Jesus. And yet you have the demons,
that could not help, but submit to him.
And now we are beginning to see the hardening of the Jewish
people's heart against Jesus and we are also getting early hints
that the Gentiles are opening their arms to him.
You see if you were reading this text by yourself and you didn't
know what to take out of it, may I suggest this simple thought
when you put all the pieces together it's very clear nothing
and no one can stop the Lord Jesus Christ from advancing his
purposes on the earth, nothing and no one ever.
And that's a glorious Truth for you.
And I to Baskin here in 22, especially in America, every
mind America in this world. Because we are witnessing every
institution shaking. And losing confidence and losing
the people's confidence and all the.
While you and I are part of this entity, the church, that is
immovable and Unstoppable. You and I have something that
cannot be taken from us and ever since the early days of Jesus
ministry, there have been those evil men who have attempted to
try to put our faith to Extinction.
And they do that through physical intimidation and they
also use philosophical Weaponry. But every single generation,
testifies that when men even Nations and governments have
tried to bury the gospel, God finds a way to bury them.
Because no mind on this planet and no force from hell can
thwarts or extinguish any True Body of Jesus Christ, who
preaches the true gospel ever and you and I praise God, are
numbered among that Holy Embassy that Holy Embassy of people who
have received a seal from above, that protects us, and preserves
us and empowers us when everything comes against us.
Just in case you have forgotten ever.
Since truth has been made known, ever since Jesus, laid the
foundation of his gospel on this Earth, there has been a hellish
mission to try to rid the Earth of our faith.
And I want to read to just a few quotes of thinkers from the past
for you. To get an idea that there are
not just people in this world who have a different opinion
about who God is and what it means to be saved.
And what it means to live this life, there are those who have
the ambition to see Jesus Christ, his name, his gospel,
his work destroyed, Destroyed because their ambition has been
motivated by satanic influence and it bleeds into poetry it
bleeds into music at bleeds into philosophy and it bleeds even
into our laws when I read these things to you realize that these
men hate Jesus Christ. And realized that these writings
and these men are influencing schools and politicians and even
God, help us pastors. In our time.
Have you heard of Frederick Nietzsche the German poet and
philosopher? Who was a prominent voice during
the 1800s? Who is known for coining?
The phrase God is dead, God is dead, God remains dead, and we
have killed him. And what did he mean by that?
He meant that the enlightenment era, the the explosion of Reason
replaced, this silly childish idea of Faith so he says God is
dead. It's over.
And what's amazing about Nietzsche is that he was a
staunch evolutionist. And he greatly inspired someone
that you may know Hitler. Hitler was so stimulated by
Nietzsche and it fueled his wrath and fury against those who
are created in the image of God. Can I reach you a quote from
him? Quote, I called Christianity.
The one great curse. the one great intrinsic depravity and
the one great Instinct of Revenge for which no means are
venomous enough or secret, and small enough, I call it the one
Immortal blemish on the human race and quote, You want to know
how Nietzsche? Died.
He died at the age of 44? He collapsed because of a
psychotic breakdown. This man was sent to a mental
institution, in Switzerland, and a year later would die with his
mental condition in total ruin. How about Vault are Vault are
the French philosopher during the alignment are in the 1700s.
You can feel the absolute hate this man had.
If you just read, just a couple of his quotes.
Here's one, quote, Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most
absurd and bloody religion that has ever infected the world.
And Vault are prophesied or at least try to, he predicted what
was going to happen, just a few short years after his own death.
And this is what he said quote 100 years from my day.
There will be no Bible, not one on the earth except one that is
looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity Seeker.
In other words, the only place you're going to find a Bible is
in a museum 100 years from my day.
You know what's so funny? God's Providence has a touch of
humor in it from time to time. Vault are his house not many
years. After his death was purchased by
Christians and they turned his house into a printing, press for
the Gospels. And this was so offensive to
atheists even to this day they try to deem that as a myth and
it's something that Christians have constructed.
If you really do the research it actually happened.
His house was purchased and it was storing gospel tracts and
bibles. Antonio gramsci, the Italian
politician who founded the Italian Communist Party in the
early 1900's, quote said, socialism is precisely the
religion that must overwhelm Christianity in the New Order
socialism. Socialism will Triumph by first
capturing the culture via infiltration of schools.
Universities churches. And the media by transforming
the consciousness of society. I must admit that g skis plan of
action is being implemented today.
Even today, we're seeing it happen here in our nation.
There is an infiltration in our schools, in our universities,
and there is an attempt, even to pollute the Church of Jesus
Christ. But here's what I want to say.
This man clearly hasn't learned what God has done throughout
history. God's word promises and history
has already proven that the Living Word cannot be stopped.
It cannot be stopped. What a bold statement?
Socialism socialism socialism. I can't even say that's much.
I don't like it. Will Triumph will Triumph.
But here's what we have to understand and what we're going
to see in this text the Pharisees or philosophers or
politicians have tried to obliterate the gospel, God's
Providence always prevails and his truth will live on
effectually for the glory of his name.
Paul told Timothy during a time when he was arrested in second,
Timothy 2:8, and 9, you don't have to turn there.
He says, remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, The
Offspring of David, as preached and my gospel, for which I am
suffering bound with chains as a criminal.
But the word of God is not bound.
And what is he trying to say? I am God's spokesman and I am
chained as I am writing these things to you, but God's voice
cannot be apprehended. The world can try to silence
preachers, but God's word can never be muted.
It will always Captivate Hearts, it will find a way churches
might be shut down and burned by tyrannical government, but
understand that. The gospel will find a way to
gain new territory and rescue new souls.
And for anyone to ever think that they can try to bury burn.
Bring this world to ashes is just as foolish as to believe
that you can tie God's hands behind. and his back and tell
him to stay put the word of God is not bound.
But the central theme of this of this section of scripture has
sub points to it, there are things that are told here that
deserve our careful consideration and these thoughts
are somewhat connected to that dominating idea that you just
heard. Because as much as you and I
should believe that God's word, the gospel has been and will
continue to forge ahead. There are sometimes even in our
own day where it doesn't seem so obvious.
The building of God's kingdom has known.
Its challenges has known obstacles and disappointments.
And if we're going to be honest, we have to confess that moving
forward, there will be periods of Darkness, that will make us
doubt. If we're not careful of, whether
or not what we have, and what we believe is effective.
And my point of this message is as you hear what we have to say
from this text, you will be encouraged.
You will not lose, hope you will trust and understand that this
this word God's Mission. His purpose on the earth will
prevail and that Jesus himself, even as he was Faithfully,
fulfilling the ministry and eternal purposes of God in his
time. New some restrictions and new
some resistances. That we can take comfort in
because we know that we are not alone and we have an example for
us in Jesus to know how to move forward.
And the way I want you to understand this together is to
see that there are three parties three parties in this text.
That we are going to experience in our lifetime.
And these things have we're not careful can cause us to be
grieved or to doubt or to question what we stand for what
we hold to and the power behind it.
The first group I want to mention are the herodians, you
heard it in verse 6, the Pharisees went out and
immediately held counsel with the herodians against them, how
to destroy him. Now, we know who the Pharisees
are, we've heard enough about them, but who are the herodians?
We don't have much to work with the data and scripture is not
vast. But we have Clues and enough
Clues to gather together to get a general idea of what this
party was all about. And when you put the pieces
together, though, they're only mentioned in Mark and Matthew,
you will understand that the herodians were secular Jews.
These men were secular Jews who sympathize with Herod and were
there for supporters strong supporters of Rome.
They were a religious there are politically minded, they were
influential but they were not concerned.
And about the prophesied Messiah in the scriptures, like the
Pharisees were no. In fact, if there is any Messiah
figure in their life, in their reason, in their belief system,
it was actually Herod and his dynasty.
They look to Rome as their hope for stability prosperity and
peace. And so, they were Defenders of
Herod. There are promoters of Herod.
And they were even known as the herodians.
They could not be more opposite than the Pharisees and to the
Pharisees completely different ideas.
And yet, we read here that they find Common Ground, they find
common ground and on what basis the basis of seeing Jesus as a
threat to their separate, agendas to the Pharisees, they
have learned very quickly that Jesus is capable of exposing and
dismantling their oppressive legalistic system.
And the hair and the herodians understood.
That this man has enough power to sway the population and to
persuade them to pledge, their allegiance to him instead of the
standing government. And so they come into
partnership together, and they say, we got to stop this man.
Let's just forget our differences, and let's just work
in this common goal. He's a threat to both of us.
And if you, if you read the famous scene, where Jesus was
put in a dilemma with that question about paying taxes to
Caesar, it was actually the herodians and the Pharisees who
combined forces to try to Corner Jesus and they failed as we
know. But what's amazing is that Jesus
did not just see the herodians. We're not just told in the
scriptures that they were in opposition, only in his day and
of his time. Oh no Jesus saw the herodians as
a threat to his disciples and not just his disciples then but
his disciples today you and I turn with me to mark 8:15.
Mark 8:15, Jesus. Cautions them saying, watch out.
Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of
Herod Levin. Little bit of yeast in bread
that makes it rise. It's an influential force and we
know what the leaven of the Pharisees we don't have to guess
because in Luke 12:1 Jesus tells us that the leaven of the
Pharisees is hypocrisy and it's more.
It's more than just a symbol of the subtle effect.
A false teaching we know that Levin.
Also speaks of the shaping effect of a, of a practice, a
particular practice that Christians can adopt even though
it contradicts what we stand for and our testimony.
And so it's not just the wrong teaching, it's a wrong way of
thinking that leads to wrong, way of Behaving.
And Jesus says, don't just beware of hypocrisy.
Don't just beware of a legalistic mindset, Beware of
the leaven of Herod. Now, what can that be?
And I believe it includes what you and I just heard it would
not be a stretch to say that the leaven of Herod touches on the
possibility of believers who like the herodians have their
interests and their convictions and spired by politics.
More than the word of God, more than the things of God.
That's a very real problem. Today is a knot.
Churchgoers who are consumed with the political sphere, more
than the Great Commission. Christians who have their
security and their hope in the temporal policies promised by
candidate That clouds their thinking from setting their
minds on things above. Christians who are greater
evangelist for their preferred party.
Then the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is the true solution for
all the chaos that we are seeing around us. if I am a believer,
who is more excited to discuss or defend politics laws, Then
the hope. Then the promise.
And the grace found in Jesus, then I may very well have a
little bit of this Levin living inside of me, that is not to say
that Christians should not speak about politics or get involved
in politics. I'm not talking about that.
I'm talking about where your hope lies.
I'm talking about what your joy is determined by.
Talking about what you think the solution to the depravity of
mankind? Is that's what I'm talking
about. The herodians had no interest,
no care? No, no hope, no idea about what
the Messiah could do. They saw it in Herod.
They saw that a man and the strength of the Flesh in the
wisdom of this world. And that is a dangerous Levin to
entertain. But that is not even the central
idea of the leaven of Herod because you and I if we want
understand what Jesus was concerned about, all we have to
do is study who Herod was in the in the gospel and and look at
what he was all about, to get a closer look, and come to a
closer conclusion of what this Levin was all about.
And I believe one of the most striking observations about the
man Herod is found in the very same gospel that we are warned
about his Levin. It's a Mark chapter 6 and turn
there with me and verse 19. we will go there very quickly, will
not very quickly, but We're coming to this chapter soon and
this chapter really discusses the death of John, the Baptist
and here's what we read in verse 19.
To Mark chapter 6 and herodias had a grudge against him, being
John the Baptist and wanted to put him to death, but she could
not for Herod feared John, meaning he revered him.
He respected him knowing that he was a righteous and holy man and
he kept him safe. When he Herod heard him John, he
was greatly perplexed and yet. He heard him.
Gladly, if you read these two verses in isolation without
honoring, the context you would you might make the conclusion at
Harrods, a great guy. I mean, look, he respected,
John, even protected, John to a certain extent, and even enjoyed
listening to what John had to say, but it's not until you read
the following text to understand.
Just how twisted this man was Because immediately after this,
we read of Herod celebration for his birthday with his
distinguished guests and nobleman, there's nothing wrong
with birthdays. But at this birthday, there's
something extremely concerning. Because at some point of the
night, you had herod's stepdaughter, come into the
room. And we are told that she danced
before him and his fellow men and the word, therefore dance is
not speaking about some cultural display, or exhibition.
We're talking about something erotic Inappropriate
provocative. And here she is putting on a
show for her stepdad and for these other men and Herod was so
consumed with his lust and so drunk with his pride, that his
response to being aroused in this way, was to say whatever
you want. I will give it to you.
And this young girl looks over her shoulder and sees her
mother. And so she runs to her and says,
what should I ask him for and herodias?
Adjustable like woman, Wicked saw this as an opportunity to
satisfy her Grudge and said, ask for John's head.
So that young lady ran back to her stepfather and asked for
John to be beheaded and he did it.
Well, makes this especially disturbing is that Herod was
able to do this after we were told that he would frequently
come to John, the Baptist meetings and listen to his
sermons. That is the Herod and that is
the leaven that Jesus is warning about.
It's a type of worldliness that is extremely dangerous because
it encourages people not just to tolerate the truth but even
entertain and enjoy it. And yet at the same time, even
if the preacher is preaching against the very sin that you
are indulging. In just like Herod.
The reason why John was decapitated was because he would
frequently tell Herod, you can't have your brother's wife.
So this is very confrontational preaching.
This is very in your face and yet Herod heard it and he heard
it. Gladly And yet he can leave the
meeting go home and indulge in the very same sin.
That was preached against just a few hours before.
It's a very deceiving type of lovin.
It's a numbing type of Levin. And I have to tell you, there
are some people who are infected with this Levin and think that
they are followers of Jesus Christ, because they Revere
ministers and they even, they even go about and share how
their messages are filled with sound, Doctrine and
uncompromising delivery. but all the while, They are infected
with this Levin and I have to tell you.
There are many people who think they are Christian.
When really, they're herodian the herodians.
Now don't don't lift your hand, don't make any reaction.
But isn't it interesting? That the leaven of Herod is not
talked about much in churches today?
I wonder why? I wonder why?
According To Jesus words, if you and I can comfortably be in the
world on Saturday night, And then come into the house of God.
The next day and then leave that same place, only to plan to
expose my heart, my eyes, my hands to that, which Grieves the
spirit of God, then I may very well be a herodian.
And not a Christian. By God's grace as its Ministry,
moves forward and proclaim the truth and living the truth.
I have to tell you in advance that you and I might come into
contact with some herodians. They might even be sitting in
our midst. and that can be discouraging especially if it
causes us to doubt whether or not we and what we do and what
we Proclaim and what we teach is really effective because
preacher Nobody's getting convicted like they should be
and I've had people over the years, thank God.
Some who have been approached me with loving concern knowing
herodians in their own life. That might have come here and
there and says, I just don't get it.
How is it that you can preach? So clearly and so strongly and
so precisely and it doesn't even seem to move their hearts an
inch there seems to be no conviction.
They could just walk right on out and do the very thing that
you said To do and that Grieves, the heart of God.
And I have to be honest at times.
That would discourage me. What is it that I need to do?
What is it that I'm missing? But then I come to the word and
I look at the example found in my Lord and more specifically
the servant of the Lord in John the Baptist, you know what, John
the Baptist did when he knew that there was someone in
attendance who can hear him gladly and then go to the strip
club the next week and go to the club the next week and come back
and hear him again and go get drunk that same week and go
sleep around with their girlfriend or their boyfriend
that same week. You know what, John did.
He kept preaching? He kept preaching, he kept
Faithfully serving the lord, he kept declaring the word of God.
And there are other people who would be touch other people who
would be saved other people who would repent and he was
immovable. And he was steadfast, and he was
committed because his Joy was knowing that he was doing the
bridegroom's will as the friend of the bridegroom.
If there's going to be a Herod, let there be a hair that's
between them and God, but this word is powerful and this word,
cancer. Save and this word can convict.
And so we see here that the herodians who oppose Jesus of
his time. Pose somewhat of a threat even
today. A threat to the encouragement of
the people of God, a threat to the testimony of the people of
God because you have some who like Herod.
And one instance can be in a holy atmosphere in the very next
be in a place that indulges the flesh.
Don't lose hope. Don't question your calling.
Continue to serve and believe that God can and will have a
Remnant in his name. The herodians, the leaven of
Herod. Be careful of it, be careful of
it if you want to know, you have it.
Nothing is touching you right now.
And not just that but you are planning to send this very
afternoon, just giving you a heads up. but then we come back
to this scripture, we noticed that there is another Another
obstacle and disguise. Another way of discouragement as
the kingdom of God is moving. Jesus withdrew verse 7, with his
disciples, to the sea and a great crowd, followed From
Galilee and Judea, and we read the other regions and which
they're coming from. And as mentioned, from the
beginning of this message, these verses highlight the widest
scope of Jesus influence. And the mention of these regions
want to tell us how the news of Jesus ministry is now, even
going Beyond Gentile borders and Gentile occupied cities.
And despite the antagonism of the Pharisees and the Herodians
what you see here is that there are fresh waves of people who
are making their way toward Jesus, some walking many many
Wiles energized by the hope that they will see what their ears
only have heard and maybe get a touch from him, maybe received
something from him. And so you have these crowds
coming and surrounding and not just surrounding, but so
desperate that they are crushing Jesus or at least they try to To
such a degree that he had to move into the water standing on
a boat so that nobody would overwhelm him.
Isn't it? Exciting site isn't it?
Something that is riveting. Swarming.
Sea of people who are demonstrating a desperation for
the truth and there is no denying that Jesus took
advantage of this moment to preach the truth, right?
Because as we just heard, he got on the boat and he separate
himself, that seemed to be a strategy of Jesus when he wanted
to declare the gospel. Because when you go to mark for
one, you'll see that he does the same thing.
He steps into a boat, he pushes himself out and he's there,
preaching the truth. This is glorious, this is great.
This is inspiring. But when you and I really take
the time to investigate what is happening in examining this
moment. Verse 10, suggest that what
these people were chiefly concerned about was receiving
healing for their bodies. Look at verse 10 for.
He had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around
him to touch him. The gospels are honest enough to
tell us that many instances when crowds came to Jesus, there is a
mixture of motive in the masses. and I believe that this is for
instruction, Many of these people who came initially
interested about Jesus or excited about Jesus.
When he was doing quickly disappeared some sooner than
others. Never to be seen again.
Never coming to True Discipleship.
Once they heard what it meant to actually follow Jesus, they
distance themselves from Jesus. They got what they wanted.
And they're happy. You.
And I have to understand that one of the Apostles of Jesus who
witnessed this during those three years on many occasions
and who wrote about in his own Gospel account sought to
minister to a church post-resurrection post, Jesus
Ascension to try to clarify, why?
It was that even in their own churches?
They were seeing people do the same, you know, the scripture.
But if you don't come with me to First John 2, And verse 19, the
same beloved John, who wrote the Gospel of John and in a very
powerful chapter in John 6. when Jesus talked about being the
bread from heaven, That offended the crowds and they left him and
stop following him that Saint John writes to this group of
Christians and 2:19. And he says to them first John
2:19 they went out from us but they were not of us for a if
they had been of us, they would have continued with us but they
went out that they might become playing that they are all not.
Of us. Why is John saying this?
Because the people who he was writing to were obviously
disturbed about how summon the fellowship deserted them.
And this is not speaking about people who are part of one
church and then leave to another fellowship.
This is not speaking about those who have been serving in a
certain Ministry and they feel like the Lord is leading them to
another congregation that. That's not what they're all
caught up in. What John is addressing are
those who have left the church altogether and by extension the
faith They've abandoned walking and serving the lord Jesus
Christ and that they here in verse 19, if you read Verse 18,
that they are actually identified as the Antichrist
plural. Other.
In other words, those anti who are opposed to Christ.
That's who they are. And somehow some way they found
themselves to be for a significant period of time in
fellowship with the true followers of Jesus Christ.
And at one point perhaps not being able to tolerate the truth
or understand what obedience really is and seeing genuine
Believers around them packed their bags and walked on out and
this cause confusion for the Believers.
And it's a confusion that some experience today.
How is it that? So and so was able to sit there
and sing and do ministry even and now they're just immersed in
the world. How is it that they got?
Baptized and gave testimony. And now they are adhering to a
false teaching How is it that that I saw when they made that
confession and now they just deny him altogether.
How can that be? And John's answered by the
spirit is very clear but very comforting if we understand it
it's because from the beginning, they were not truly of us From
the start, they were not really of us.
They might have been in the company but they were not really
born from above and that might Shake us a little bit because
like these people, they see so much activity.
They see so much confession. They see so much involvement.
And after maybe even months or years, they can just they can
just stop. And Jesus has an entire parable
about how this can be the case. And what John is saying, is
important for us to understand that one of the most important
tests to know. The genuineness of somebody's
faith is the test of perseverance.
Sometimes the only way you will know if somebody's the real deal
is, when you just give it time, just give it time.
And see what they do through suffering.
See what they do through persecution, see what they do
when the excitement. And when the joy at least in the
emotional sense, Wears off, where will they go?
And then you will know and the reason why I'm bringing this to
our attention this afternoon is because even in the days of
Jesus ministry and even in the early days of a post Pentecost
Church, the body of Christ has known disappointments like this.
And it can dishearten us, it can cause us again to question, but
realize that the Bible predicts, this for us in order for us to
be prepared in order for us to continue to press on and
understand that as you and I press on and God allows people
to come into our lives. Some of those people might at
one point. Stop turn their back and go the
other direction. And that is not for us to doubt
the power of the Gospel or question, how the Holy Spirit
can truly save someone, right? I mean, how is it that?
So many who we see confess and be emotionally even in their
confession, they just walk out. Many of us have seen that and
just they just go back to how, what's not?
Because there is a deficiency in our truth, it's because his the
condition of the soil, their hearts, And you, and I have to
know that what John says, here is so important.
They were never truly saved from the start.
Even if they had a surface layer veneer of spirituality.
So, the crowd, the questionable crowd.
Yes. Crowds came to Jesus, and that
is a sign of success. But even in that crowd, I mean,
who really became true disciple out of this crowd.
You will have people coming in wanting something, from Jesus,
wanting some relief, wanting some superficial hope for their
troubles, and once they get it, they're gone.
Don't let that discourage you. Lastly, we have their last group
of people and they're not really people, they're demons.
Verse 11. And whenever the unclean
spirits, saw him, they fell down before him and cried out.
You are The son of God. And he strictly ordered them not
to make him known. We saw the display of Jesus
healing power and that only continues in a recurrent display
of his dominion over demons, right.
We've studied this already. We've seen all of this already
but if we're not careful, the familiarity of this could cause
us to overlook a detail that Mark mentions and it's an
important detail. It's found in verse 12 and he
strictly ordered them not to make him known.
I have to be honest, when I read this, for the first time coming
to the gospels, I questioned it for years.
Why would Jesus silence free publicity?
Why would he try to push away? The very thing that is declaring
his glory. And His Majesty.
Why would he try to mute that? Why would he try to do something
about that? Wouldn't he invite?
That would not help his cause when in that bring a greater
confirmation to his identity. So he silences demons frequently
whenever they begin to speak about who he is and they're not
rebuking him, they're not blaspheme him.
They're saying what is true? And the Lord would not have it.
Silence. Quiet.
And I'm maybe from my advertising background thing.
Lord. This is promotion.
It's free, it's good. I mean what can be more powerful
than than invisible spirits that have been tormenting people to
say you are the Son of God, I would receive it.
I receive it. But I'm not the Lord, and in his
mind, he saw this actually as a Potential Threat to do just the
opposite. If you've ever wondered the same
about this whole scene, the know that the Lord had no desire to
receive any kind of publicity from evil spirits, any attempt
from an unclean source that would try to testify of his
person. Was denied.
Why? Because it would shed a level of
Suspicion on him. Jesus did not want the
affirmation of demons to confuse the people.
Because it would encourage the possibility of people
entertaining the false, Assumption of there, being some
kind of connection between Jesus and his kingdom and the kingdom
of darkness. And if you want to know how this
is not a stretch of interpretation, all we're going
to do is fast forward, a few verses.
We're going to be in this chapter in a few weeks.
And look at verse 22 just to get an idea of what this is possibly
connected to. And the scribes who came down
from Jerusalem were saying, he is possessed by Bells Isabel,
and by the prince of demons, he casts out the demons, you see, I
wonder if the Pharisees got that idea from hearing, the demons
affirming who Jesus was and then coming up with a conspiracy that
this Jesus is in League with the The kingdom of Satan, the Lord
would have none of it. And so he would silence them.
And the enemies of Christ. Took advantage of it.
Trying to convince people that Jesus power is the same demons
look, they know each other they affirm him, they Praise Him.
And the Lord is so wise. I don't think the unclean
spirits were shrieking this out with the strategy of that coming
about. I just believe those who are
twisted Minds. Took advantage of it yet at the
same time. During one Paul was in Philippi.
And there was this woman, this young little girl who was
demon-possessed, who was a fortune-teller and four days.
She was following him and Silas and proclaiming that they were
Servants of the most high God. You remember that?
And after a few days, we were told Paul was annoyed.
It's wonderful to know that you can walk in righteousness and be
annoyed at times. Annoyed with evil turns around
says stop it. Cast The Devil out of her.
And that again, I wonder why would this girl who has these
demon living inside of her Proclaim, Proclaim that these
men were Servants of the most high God?
For the same reason, I just proposed earlier.
To cast suspicion on them and their Ministry.
To try to muddy their testimony by causing people to say.
Well, what's going on here? And I think there's something
here for our instruction, as well.
I wonder if that is a subtle strategy that Satan uses in our
day saying, what are you talking about?
you know, when I hear of a celebrity Or prominent figure.
Give testimony to Jesus. I get nervous.
And the reason why I get nervous
is because if they're not truly born again, then their
affiliation with the truth can actually confuse people more
than confirm the truth. And like these unclean spirits,
that Jesus silenced. It makes you wonder if it is
better for those who have not truly been regenerated by the
Holy Spirit to never mention Jesus at all.
Just don't don't talk about him. Don't claim that you follow him
because there are people out there and that's the majority
who do not exercise reason or discernment, who can easily
understand that this confession is in line with this compromise.
And so you have those who claim to be Christians and you have
Christians believing it and they can they can have a concert in
Jesus name and in the next music video going to talk about how
you can get high and you can sleep with multiple women.
But he's a Christian he said he was Christian.
He has a Bible verse on his Instagram.
He posted this, he did not. He did this and it does the very
same thing that Jesus was concerned about.
It creates confusion. And sometimes I look out into
this world and not just in the world, I look at Christian
television or YouTube channels and I think to myself, man, why
is it the most popular ones are the ones who are giving a bad
name to Our Gospel. Why can't it be the faithful
anointed? Sound God-fearing?
Who take up the prominent place and the leadership role in the
voice of the culture. And you might have thought what
I've thought? Why doesn't God just silence
them? Why doesn't he just do what he
did with these demons. And there are many reasons for
that, many reasons for that, but I want to propose something to
you that perhaps you have not considered of why it is that.
There are people who present a false Jesus or the true Jesus in
Doctrine, but in practice are proven that they don't really
know him at all and all these teachers who claim to believe
the Bible, the preacher, a false teaching all these why are they
everywhere? Why doesn't the Lord just rid
them of the Earth or at least keep him quiet until he returns.
You might have different things running through your head.
Let me give you one. It's in the Old Testament and
Deuteronomy chapter 13. Verse 1 of Deuteronomy 13.
Deuteronomy 13, 1. If a prophet or a dreamer of
Dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder and
the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he
says, let us go after other gods, which you have not known
and let us serve them. You shall not listen to the
words of that Prophet, or that dreamer of Dreams.
Pause, he's warning his people. As they go into the land of
Canaan. Once you get established, I'm
giving you a heads up. There's going to be false
prophets, they're going to arise, they're going to even
perform signs and wonders are going to tell you skew things
about me. My law.
They might even introduce false gods, all together who are
completely unrelated to the truth and my truth.
The only truth beware And instead of saying don't worry, I
will, I will send hailstones from heaven and I will eliminate
them or he he says the following for the Lord your God is testing
you. to know whether you love the Lord, your God with all your
heart and with all your soul, Do you want to know why?
God allows these voices to remain and even have powerful
Authority? And even powerful ability.
Because he wants to test who really loves me.
Will you believe that will you follow them or will you
investigate? Will you come to my word and say
this is the truth and I will follow you.
Do you not want to know why? The culmination of this will be
the Antichrist capital, A coming to this world?
He's going to test the world. I've given my truth.
I'm going to cover the globe with the gospel and then I'm
going to leave you with the choice and see, who do you want?
Do you want the truth? You want me, or do you want the
one who can impress you and the one that you admire and look up
to. So when I hear these people,
speaking on behalf of Jesus Christ and I hear of some
Christians who can easily swallow it up.
And who allow celebrities or politicians, or prominent
figures to be the standard of their faith and not the word.
I realized that the Lord and some measures testing Our
Generation who will love me, who would love my truth, whether
it's popular unpopular who will abide in the shadow of the
Almighty. But let me end on an encouraging
note. Because in verse 13, Even though
there were herodians even though there are what a questionable
crowd with mixed motives and even though they were demons,
and even to this day, unclean vessels, who try to represent,
Jesus Christ, only creating at least in their minds, whether
knowingly, or unknowingly discrediting the gospel.
Oh, he's going to choose 12. And they're going to change the
world. And what I so appreciate is.
Look at the language of verse 12 again and he strictly ordered
them not to make him known. These Wicked vile despicable
things called demons. Had no?
Right to utter the name of Jesus Christ.
And this is what ran through my mind late.
Last night as I Was preparing and meditating for today, I
served at one point and so did you the kingdom of darkness?
I followed in the paths of the prince of the power of the air.
I was one open to the spirit of the Antichrist who stirred
Within Me Disobedience and rebellion and even hatred
towards God. I blasphemed the name of Jesus,
I took his name in vain and yet in his great love.
Instead of silencing, me and silencing you for all of
eternity. He redeems us, then he cleanses
us, then he fills us with the Holy Spirit.
And you know what? He says the exact opposite of
what he says to these demons go and make me known go and declare
my gospel go and be ambassador of Jesus Christ.
Go and share my lighting, go and share my love and you are now a
trophy of my grace and you are display case of my Mercy, go and
speak forth his name It is through Us in perfect often,
stumbling often doubting that God will use to advance his
purposes in this twisted and corrupted age.
And for me, as I look at this, I say O Lord.
You did not die for Angels you did not die for demons.
You died for me and this very thing causes angels and Heaven
to bend down from the balcony of heaven and look and say how is
it that he is willing to forgive and redeem and beyond that even
use to fill. And to send into the world.
You and I have a privilege that Angels.
Do not, you know what it is to proclaim the gospel.
You and I have the honor of representing our King and
listen, let me end it here. There will be Pharisees, there
will be herodians, there will be people coming in and out.
There will be those who might even miss misrepresent what we
believe and we wish that they would just stop.
And there will be false teachers.
But the truth will prevail the gospel will go forth.
Jesus Christ will return. He will reign.
He will rule and knee will have the final say.
Praise God. God.
Louis, thank you that you've given us a glimpse of Hope in
this gospel account. In this portrait of truth that
though. They try to destroy you, you
drew men to you. Thank you for drawing us.
Thank you for saving us. Thank you for redeeming us.
Thank you for using us. Lord with all that we've heard.
We will do what Hebrews says that is to give.
Thanks for. We are a part of a kingdom that
cannot be shaken and slow received this worship.
Receive honor and glory and praise from a sincere heart of
gratitude filled with gladness in Jesus name.
Amen, let's stand and worship.