The Final Lesson to Learn

And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala (Matthew 15:39).

Continuing on from the lessons learned on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, we conclude:

Lesson 14: the goal of ministry is worship. It always has been, it always will be. It is a stark contrast between the spiritual attitude of the Jews toward the ministry of Jesus, and that of the Gentiles. Most, if not all of the Gentiles that came to Jesus were pagans, idol worshipers, some God-fearers but not God-followers. When they witnessed the grace and mercy of God through Jesus’ ministry they were awe-struck, beside themselves with amazement and wonder, and they worshiped Him. (Matthew 15:31) So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

Wasn’t this the attitude of the Jews? No. Those individuals who received the ministry of Jesus worshiped Him, most of the time, but the vast majority who witnessed the ministry of Jesus were skeptical, and the religious leaders of Israel were down-right haters of Jesus.

Jesus came to the house-hold of Abraham to save His people from sin. Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-21). Instead of receiving His salvation, the nation received His condemnation and judgment. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate (Matthew 23:37-38).

True worship of the Lord God was not on the agenda of the Jews. They worshiped the Mosaic Law. They worshiped their religion. They worshiped their traditions and ceremonies and heritage. They worshiped worship! Had they been true worshipers of God they would have recognized His Son, the Messiah, and would have bowed down and worshiped Him. But they did not. They still do not, as a nation, recognize Jesus for who He truly is. But one day they will. In the throes of the Great Tribulation the children of Abraham will come to Christ for salvation. For I say to you, you shall see Me no more ‘till you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! (Matthew 23:39).

“Father in heaven, my soul grieves over the lostness of the nation of Israel and all nations of the earth, and especially over my nation. I grieve over those whose worship of Jesus Christ is misplaced, those who, like the Jews, worship everything else but the One You have sent to save us. Forgive us Lord. Stir up the spirit of conviction and repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ so that we will be renewed and revived in our worship of Him alone. To Your praise and glory I ask, Amen.”

Pastor