Revealing the Father's Heart: Cross, Repentance, and Blessing

Cross, Repentance and Blessing 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Testimony of 13-year old Jewish boy Meaning of Repentance The Case of Three Cities (Matt 11:20-24) Jesus reveals the Father s Heart (Matt 11:25-30) The Three Cities were stuck in their old perception Cross displays the Father s Heart and releases His Blessing As the Father sent Me, I send you (John 20:21)

1. Testimony of a 13-year old Jewish boy Jesus, I know you died for me but I don t give a damn .

2. Meaning of Repentance metanoeo = meta (change) noeo (perception afterwards) Repentance means to change your perception after something is presented to you. From (Strongs NT: 3340) from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words). This is the normal and primary meaning. However, we often use it as turning away from sin to follow God which is a secondary meaning. Only in one case (Luke 17:3-4) it refers to repentance from sin.

3. The case of three cities in Matt 11:20-24 John 21:25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written Matt 11:20-24 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.[e] For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.

4. (a) through the abundant miracles (Matt 11: 25-27, 12:15). Jesus reveals the Father s heart of blessing Matt 11:25-27 At that time Jesus said, I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matt 12:15 Many followed him, and he healed all their sick

4. (b) through the offer of rest & maturity (Matt 11: 28-30). Jesus reveals the Father s heart of blessing Matt 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Toil was the curse of the Fall but Rest is the blessing of the cross Rom 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the (mature) sons of God.

5. People in the three cities were stuck in their old perception. Mark 4:12 they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven! Rom 5:20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.12 It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

6. The cross displays the Father Heart of God (John 3:16, Eph 1:3). God wants to meet every crisis and need and bondage of mankind after the Fall. The Cross is God s greatest expression of His Father Heart for us. Eph 1: 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Col 2:9-10 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.

6. The cross displays the Fathers Heart (contd) Through the cross there is provision for every blessing and every need in life for your family, your children, your finances, your sin, your bondages, your sicknesses and your maturity in character, wisdom and power. Therefore, Don t get stuck like the people in the three cities Don t get short-changed through unbelief rather be expectant. Discipleship is a PROCESS of moving from UNBELIEF to BELIEF in absolutely every area of life. Believe in the Power of the Cross during Communion

7. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you (John 20:21) John 20:21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." Luke 10:16 "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." Therefore: Be a presenter of the Father Heart of God wherever you are. Trouble & troublesome people are sent by God to encourage you to operate from your spirit instead of your soul. When you see the Cross on the city skyline then remember that the Cross is more than enough to overcome the sin and meet the needs of the people in the city