No Room For Him Here

December 22, 2024

Christopher C. Freeman

Title: No Room For Him Here Text: Various FCF: We often struggle understanding why Jesus wasn’t accepted with open arms. Prop: Because Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world, we must seek His Kingdom and abandon all others. Scripture Intro: Go ahead and turn in your bible to Matthew 4. As we close out our 2024 year we will take a two week break from our study in the book of Acts. Since we have had so much in the service already I didn’t want to do a full blown sermon. So today I will give a smaller sermonette to address a growing problem I see in our culture while simultaneously turning our attention to the first and second advent of Christ and the gospel itself. We’ll be tracing some thoughts through the scriptures this morning. Because of that, we will be going to quite a few passages of scripture and we won’t be spending a long time unpacking each passage. If you are used to a verse-by-verse exposition, this may be somewhat jarring, and trust me I always prefer to go paragraph by paragraph through the scriptures. But this manner of scripture thought connection is not necessarily bad. Especially when each passage is allowed to speak for itself without a good deal of interpretation. So make sure your fingers are ready to flip to the passages named. You’ll have to be fast but I’m sure you can keep up. Before we get into all of this, let me pray. As we have studied the Old Testament in Foundations, one of the primary sins we have seen with the children of Israel is their compulsive need to be like the nations around them. They want kings, gods, cultures, worship practices, clothing styles, marriages, economies, jewelry, governments, militaries, and children just like everyone else. We find them taking the ark of the covenant and the bronze serpent, which were both given by God as physical manifestations of His salvation power and glory, and using these things as relics, talismans, and good luck charms to win their battles. We often look back on these Israelites and think… silly Israelites. But my friends… things are exactly the same today. Some Christians, politicians, public figures, world leaders, presidents and former presidents continue to use Jesus as a trophy to prop up their own policies, worldviews, and agendas. And the reason they do this is the same reason the Israelites did it then. It is a combination of thinking they understood who God was and combining that with the way they wanted the world to be. The leading abusers of Jesus today, honestly think that He came preaching a message for all of us to get along. That Jesus’ primary mission was to convince us as humans to be better toward each other and treat one another kindly and care for each other. To love and help each other. Because this is their view of Jesus, they use that to prop up their own ideologies, worldviews, and plans for shaping the world the way they want it to be shaped. But my friends… against all of this we have to ask the question… Why was Jesus killed if this was His primary message? That’s easy – they would say – because the world so wanted power and to trample on the poor and the weak that they rejected this message. There is a grain of truth to that. But my friends… The scriptures say that when the fullness of time came, God sent His Son. Do you realize that the day Jesus was born was smack dab in the middle of one of the most peaceful times in human history up to that point. Do you realize that the world was united under one government, with one language, with one leader? Do you realize that for the most part, war was brought to a halt and prosperity was on the rise? Now was their abuse? Sure. Poor suffering? Absolutely. Power struggles and general bad will? Of course. But if Jesus came primarily to preach the message of love and harmony between humanity… it seems like He waited until humanity got its act together and started to get it right. So… I ask again… why did they kill a man who preached the message of love for one another? Was it the leaders of Rome who cried out crucify Him? Or was it the common people? Did bloodthirsty Pilate take him from the common people or did they bring Him to Pilate and Pilate tried to defend Him? My friends… if Jesus’ message was primarily love and harmony between humans… all the conditions were met for Him to be welcomed with open arms by the vast majority of the Roman Populace. So why was He killed? Why was there no room for Jesus here? Is it possible that Jesus’ message… wasn’t primarily to love one another? Is it possible that this part of what He said has been overemphasized and weaponized? Let us start at the beginning. Luke 2 a very Christmasy passage if there ever was one. I.) Luke 2:7 - And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guest room. a. The Christmas story tells us of Jospeh and Mary traveled to the city of their relatives so they could be counted in an official census. b. They arrived in the city of Bethlehem while Mary is about to give birth. c. But because of the census, with all the people staying in Bethlehem to be counted, there was no room for him in the inn. d. There wasn’t even a proper bed for Jesus to be laid in as a newborn baby. e. They had to clean out an animal’s feeding trough in order to accommodate Him. f. The King of the Universe, God Himself was born in a stable surrounded by bleating, mooing, and smells of animal dung. g. Why? h. Because there was no room for him. i. Though He was the Son of David – the city of David… was all full up. No room for their King. Transition: But certainly, this is because they didn’t know He was there. And He certainly hadn’t started preaching His message of love and harmony yet. Surely as He grew up and began His ministry, this would change… II.) Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58 - 20 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” a. In short. It didn’t. b. Jesus lived in Nazareth. He was kicked out of his hometown when he refused to give a sign that He was who He claimed to be. c. He was kicked out because He refused to play song and dance to the people of Nazareth’s tune. d. Then He spent time in Jerusalem and Galilee and Samaria. e. But wherever He went – he never had a place to call His own. f. Surely a King with a message of love and harmony would have been afforded many gifts. g. Wouldn’t someone offer Him a home? Transition: Actually… someone did offer Him a home at the very beginning of His ministry. He was offered food, a home, and free publicity proving He was who He said He was. But Jesus refused. Why would He do that? III.) Matthew 4:1-10 - Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He [a]then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”5 Then the devil *took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, Lest You strike Your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not put the [b]Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and [c]worship me.” 10 Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the [d]Lord your God, and [e]serve Him only.’” a. If Jesus’ message was so positive and great… if it was all about love and harmony, and the devil is opposed to such things, one wonders why the devil offers to make Jesus’ life on earth better. b. The devil offers him food when He’s hungry. Isn’t that the message of Jesus to feed the hungry? c. The devil offers to take him to a high place and prove to all who watch that He is the Son of God. That if He cast Himself down, the angels would bear Him up and not allow Him to suffer harm. Wouldn’t that have made sure everyone listened to Jesus? d. The devil offers to give him all the kingdoms of the world. Well, shouldn’t they all belong to Him? e. But Jesus refuses. Why? f. Because Jesus’ primary message was not about love and harmony among humanity. g. If that was Jesus’ message and hope for the world, that we would all grow to become loving and harmonious together, it would, in effect, be saying, “This world, this kingdom is good but it will only get where it needs to be with your help. So follow my example.” Transition: I’m not exactly sure how we have allowed the world to co-opt Jesus’ teaching and form it to be His primary message. If the bible wasn’t clear about what Jesus’ message was, I could better understand. But my friends… the bible is clear on the primary message of Jesus. And it is not… Love one another and be in harmony with humanity. It is not “This kingdom is good but will only get where it needs to be with your help. So follow my example.” Well what is it? What is the primary message Jesus preached? IV.) Matthew 3:2;4:17; Mark 1:15 - 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”; 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”; 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” a. Jesus’ primary message from the very beginning of his ministry was simply this… b. This kingdom is evil… and it will never get any better because you are the problem. And you can’t follow my example for something is broken inside you rendering you unable to be like me. c. So turn from your sin and believe that I am your only hope… d. WHY? e. Because the Kingdom of God is at hand. f. Jesus’ message is not and never has been primarily to love one another and promote peace and harmony among humanity. g. Why? h. Jesus primary message is a declaration of war. i. This is war language. j. He says that the Kingdom of God is at hand… it is upon you… it is coming. And your only appropriate response is to change teams. Turn coat. Renounce your affiliation to the kingdoms of this world and your little rulership of a slice of it… and fall in line under me as your ONLY hope. k. That is Jesus’ primary message. l. According to Jesus – His primary message cannot be that we should all love each other – because the only way that will happen is when He takes over, in our hearts and with His Kingdom. m. Do you know why the devil offered him the kingdoms for worship? Do you know why there was no place for him to lay His head? Do you know why there was no room for Him in the inn? n. Because this world is the kingdom that He was invading. o. You don’t give invading armies quarter. You don’t give them a foothold to establish bases in your country. p. Jesus came into this world as an invading King to destroy the kingdom of evil and darkness of which man was a willing part. q. The hatred, the power, the squashing of poor people is merely a symptom of the greater problem. Which is what? r. All the kingdoms of the world belong to Satan. s. Or… at least… they did. Transition: All along… Jesus wasn’t fighting to rescue what we had. He is here instead to replace it with something completely different. This what perplexed Pilate. V.) John 18:33-36 - 33 Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this from yourself, or did others tell you about Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what did You do?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be delivered over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not from here.” a. If Jesus’ Kingdom was like the kingdoms of this world… Pilate wouldn’t be where he was and Jesus would be where He was that day. b. Their roles would be quite reversed. c. I love the phrase here “but as it is.” d. Jesus says but as it is (not will be)but as it is… My Kingdom is not from here… but it is here. e. It has come. Transition: Still struggling with this idea that Jesus did come as a conquering King the first time? That His hostile takeover of the world would begin with his birth and continue with His church? Maybe His own words will convince you? VI.) Matthew 10:34-36 - 34 “Do not think that I came to [a]bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. a. I did not come to bring peace. b. Why? c. They already had it. d. The world was at peace as it was controlled by the forces of darkness. e. Jesus came to invade and put down His enemies. f. First, by establishing His friends. Transition: When and how will the Kingdom of God be fully installed? VII.) Rev 11:15-18 - 15 Then the seventh angel sounded, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” 16 And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. 18 And the nations were enraged, and Your rage came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and to give reward to Your slaves—the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great—and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” a. In the last days, the Kingdom of God will be installed in full. b. The nations will rage and be judged by Christ. c. They will pay for everything they ever did. d. This doesn’t sound like love and harmony among mankind my friends… e. This sounds like JUSTICE! f. All who fear the name of Jesus, great and small, will be rewarded, all who rage against Him and fight to keep this kingdom will be judged and those who destroy the earth will be destroyed. Transition: But why are the nations enraged at the end? How are they destroying the earth? Don’t they recognize Jesus as a great prophet who taught only love and harmony? VIII.) Psalm 2 - 2 Why do the nations rage And the peoples meditate on a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against Yahweh and against His Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord mocks them. 5 Then He speaks to them in His anger And terrifies them in His fury, saying, 6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” 7 “I will surely tell of the decree of Yahweh: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like a potter’s vessel.’” 10 So now, O kings, show insight; Take warning, O judges of the earth. 11 Serve Yahweh with fear And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may [soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! a. The nations rage because they don’t want God telling them what they can and cannot do. b. Most people are fine with a Jesus who teaches love and harmony among humanity because it allows them to freely continue to live their lives as they want to without anyone, God included, telling them no. c. So when the Kingdom of God comes… the nations will rage. Why? Because the time of God allowing them to continue in sin has come to an end. d. The warning? e. Kiss the son and take refuge in Him or soon His wrath may be kindled. Transition: So if Jesus’ primary message wasn’t love one another and live in harmony with fellow man. If His message was turn from sin and abandon the ship that is being destroyed by His torpedoes… what then are we to do? I.) Matthew 6:10 - 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. a. We are to pray that His Kingdom comes and His will be done on earth in the exact same way it is done in heaven. b. What does that mean? c. It means we are cheering for Him as He invades this place and performs His hostile takeover. d. We are cheering when righteousness is championed and sin is punished. e. We are cheering with God’s love is on display and holiness is lived out. f. We earnestly hope in and desire the Kingdom of God to complete its invasion of this world. Transition: What do we do until then? II.) Matthew 6:33 - 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. a. Seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. b. Change sides. c. Stop fighting for this life, this world, and all its petty causes. d. Seek His Kingdom that is invading us even now… and champion its cause. e. And along with that, champion its culture and laws… namely… righteousness. Conclusion: You may ask… what am I to do with this message? Listen the world tells us that you need to be who you are. That you are your own unique you and that you can’t pretend to be something you aren’t. The world will say that the only way to inner peace and love and harmony with others is to stop denying who you are and live out you. And peace, love, and harmony with all the world depends on other humans accepting and affirming who you are because you can’t be any different. Therefore Jesus’ message is about love and harmony and that we should all just get along. But my friends – as we’ve seen today – Jesus’ message is not love, peace and harmony among humanity. Jesus’ message is to repent. What does that mean? It means that the world is right about one thing. You are who you are and you can’t pretend to be something you aren’t. But instead of Jesus teaching to accept and affirm who we are… He says to repent. Why? Because you are the problem… not the solution. Who you are is damning you to His wrath. Who you are is not a path to inner or outer peace… it is on a collision course with Jesus’ Kingdom and you will lose in a big way. Jesus says to repent, to reject who you are and to believe on Him because He has come to free you from your sin. Not just to free you from its consequences but to free you from being enslaved to it. You can’t help but be you. True. But trusting in Jesus changes everything. Truly trusting in Jesus frees you from the power of every sin so that you may live out His righteous law which is the only law that can and will exist in His Kingdom. Love and harmony among humans can and will only exist within that Kingdom where His righteousness and law reigns. You are who you are… but Jesus died so you could be reborn and made into a new creature. The old has gone… and the new has come. If you are a believer already – understand that we are at war. The weapons of our warfare differ sharply from the world’s. We don’t fight fire with fire, hate with hate, and emotion with emotion. Instead we preach the truth of the gospel and live holy lives. That is how we wage spiritual warfare. We are sleeper agents in this godless land. We herald the coming King and implore our neighbors to abandon their sinful lifestyles and trust in Christ as their Savior and Lord. To swear allegiance to Him alone. For all will bow the knee eventually. If you are not a believer or have always thought you were but are not so sure anymore… Listen. The Kingdom of God is at hand. For 2000 years it has been permeating and invading this dark world. And one day our King will return and will truly and completely subsume all kingdoms under His own. And only those who are holy and righteous… only those who are His people will enter that Kingdom as citizens. The rest will be shut out into the wilderness of His wrath. If you have always thought of Jesus as a great preacher who taught love and harmony and peace… remember His words. I have not come to bring peace… but a sword. It is time for you to be sure that you are not found fighting against His invasion. Join the revolution. Cast off your allegiance to this world and your ownership of a slice of it. Give it all to its rightful owner. Celebrate this Christmas as a holiday where you declared your dependance on Christ alone and rejected all else.