Which represents the character of Jesus: the powerful lion or the gentle lamb? Both! As we continue studying Jesus the King by Timothy Keller, we learn more about the richness of God’s character. Recorded 3/4/18.
Listen to the rest of the Jesus the King series.
Want to learn more about what the Bible says about God? Check out our resources.
The Lion and the Lamb: Sermon Notes
We are continuing our study of the book “Jesus the King.”
Be stirred by God’s character
Mark 11:1-10 Jesus is humble (approachable)
How did the King of all Kings arrive in this world? Not like an earthly king! Jesus arrived in humility and approachability. He wanted to be with people abd wanted to be accessible. He wanted people to come to him. This is pretty amazing!
Jesus is mighty
Mark 11:11-12, 15-18
The next day he is clearing the temple! He was speaking with authority. This was a different facet of his character! They must have thought he had lost his mind!
God’s character is complicated. Opposite traits that make up God’s character that stir moving and energize us. He is humble and mighty yet just and merciful. We want justice until it is us that needs correction then we want mercy. Two sides and we are happy for both. If we can embrace both sides, it will amplify our relationship.
Rev. 5:5-6 Jesus is described as both lion and lamb. When we are in the middle of a trial we want a lion to come scare off the enemy. A defender! I am glad he is a lion until I need to be comforted because I am hurt or have failed. Then I want the lamb. There are no lions in a petting zoo but we will see a soft, cuddly lamb. Jesus is both and we are glad for it! One day a protector, defender and the next day a lamb that is approachable. God has many facets to meet all our needs. Be encouraged by this thought. Thank you, God, for being this way!
Do you remember the video (in Spanish) about the family trying to decide between having hard or soft tacos? At the end the little girl says, “Why not have both?”
Why not both?
What does God desire of me? Godly actions or a heart connection (having my heart in the right place)?
Mark 11:15 Why was Jesus so riled?
There were money changers in the temple (or church) doing religious actions (serving, encouraging) but they had lost a heart connection with God.
God’s desire—for His church to be a place of prayer for all nations. Should we stop all religious activities if our heart is not in the right place? Should we just wait for the heart to be right or do the activities & trust the heart will come along? Is there a right answer? Can we come to church and still miss God? Can we read and pray or serve and give money and still miss Him? Can we have godly actions and lose a heart connection? Feelings without actions; actions without the feelings? Neither is on target.
Matt. 23:23 Have godly actions and a heart connection. God wants this for us. Not just choose one or the other. Do both!
James 2:14-18 Faith and deeds, both, not one or the other. Why not both? God is not one dimensional!
The target today is:
- come to church
- give every week
- share the good news
- because we love God with all our heart & love our neighbor as ourselves. LEGO is the way.
Practically:
- “ASK” yourself why (where is your heart?)
- “ACT” live like Jesus
- Ask why you do these things. It will engage our heart and mind.
- Ask and act! It is not complicated; not just claim to be like Jesus.
God is lion and lamb; not one dimensional. Engage and be stirred by this! He is ferocious in His protection of us but so approachable.
Video of song: “The Lion & the Lamb” by Big Daddy Weave (Bethel Music Publishing)
