“Has the Jury Reached a Verdict?” (Matthew 12:15–37)

Please note there were technical difficulties with the audio during the recording of this sermon. Matthew 12 reads like the transcript of the final scenes of a long courtroom drama—The People v. Jesus of Nazareth. It’s a trial that as arrested the attention of the entire nation of Israel. This otherwise nondescript Rabbi burst onto the scene claiming to be the long-awaited messianic king and boldly offering to establish the divinely-promised, eternal kingdom characterized by unending peace, unfathomable prosperity, unfettered godliness, and unabating rest. For months he taught and healed, travelled and modelled, fulfilled prophecy and challenged orthodoxy, all of which sparked a growing polarization among the people. Many believed, followed, and trusted him. Others, particularly Israel’s religious leaders, were scandalized by his claims. The trial now, however, is coming to an end. The evidence is about to be summarized so that it is fresh in the minds of the jury who will then, after quick deliberation, hand down a final, irrevocable verdict that will define the entire case as well as the fate of a generation. Key Passage: Matthew 12:15–37 Series: Matthew: Of King and Kingdom Speaker: Josiah Boyd