MASTER

“Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.” (Matthew 12:38)

  • Text:      Matthew 12:38
  • Introduction:
    • Although there are many definitions of “master”, the primary one in Websters Dictionary is, “A man who rules, governs, or directs, either men or business.
      • A man who owns slaves is their master; he who has servants is their Master; he who has apprentices is their master, as he has the government and direction of them.
      • The man who superintends and directs any business, is master, or master workman.”
    • The Bible gives the same kind of definition, i.e.; “Servants be subject to your master with all fear;” (1 Pet. 2:18).
    • It is a title that is used by the lesser acknowledging the greater – (Matt. 8:19; 10:24).
      • The general public that has the opportunity to observe our lives, acknowledges who our master is – (Matt. 9:11; 17:24).
  • I.   THE POSSIBLE HYPOCRISY IN THE WORD
    • A.      Sign Seekers – (Matt. 12:38)
      • Acknowledging Christ as Master and asking Him for a sign at the same time is a contradiction (Prov. 27-18; 30:10).
    • B.      Those who lie for their own gain – (Matt. 26:25)
      • Judas betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver and called Him Master.
    • C.      Those who attempt a trap – (Mk. 12:13-17)
      • There are many who claim to be Christians, yet disdain the words of Christ and look for so-called Bible contradictions.
    • D.      Those who Attempt to humanize God – (Mk. 10:17)
      • This is the only occasion where someone uses the word “good” to precede master, even as people today use the term “the Good Lord”.
      • i.e.: “The Good Lord wouldn’t send anybody to Hell”.
  • II. WHY DO SOME NOT WANT A “MASTER”?
    • A.      To avoid rebuke – (Lk. 11:45)
      • “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” (Prov. 9:8)
      • “He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” (Prov. 28:23)
    • B.      To avoid the call to service by faith – (Mk. 14:13,14)
      • Often Jesus calls on men to serve Him by going to a situation full of unknowns.
    • C.      To avoid following His example – (Jn. 13:14-17)
      • Jesus has led the way by example to what many would consider degrading duty.
      • We are to try to follow.
        • “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” (Lk. 6:40)
    • D.      To avoid going the extra mile – (Lk. 5:5)
      • “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal. 6:9)
  • III.          THE RESULTS OF HAVING CHRIST AS YOUR MASTER
    • Note:
      • It should be noted that everyone has in reality one master – either the Lord or Satan.
        • “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matt. 6:24)
    • A.      You have a source of truth – (Mk. 12:28-34)
      • “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (Jn. 14:6)
    • B.      You have one to look to in time of trouble – (Mk. 4:37-41; Lk. 9:37-42)
      • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Ps. 46:1)
    • C.      He rewards faithful service – (Mk. 10:35-45)
      • “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6)
    • D.      He gives eternal life – (Jn. 10:27,28)