WHAT IS YOUR TRUTH? IS THERE A RIGHT AND WRONG?

“Either/Or” Sermon, Palm Sunday April 2, 2023
 
Intro: The easiest decision to make: Make no decision at all

Matthew 12:30 (NIV2011)
30  “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
You are either for Jesus or against Him

Context of Jesus’ trial
John 18:33-36 (NIV2011)
33  Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34  “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” 35  “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” 36  Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

A choice for Jesus is a choice for His eternal kingdom
Example: Pilate’s earthly kingdom

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

John 18:37-38 (NIV2011)
37  “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” 38  “What is truth?” retorted Pilate.

A choice for Jesus is a choice for truth
Application: War on moral truth
Example: Nashville shooting

1 John 5:20 (NIV2011)
20  We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

John 19:9-11 (NIV2011) 

“Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

A choice for Jesus is a choice for prevailing power

Matthew 26:53 (NIV2011)
53  Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
Application: God uses even evil for good, giving purpose to pain

John 16:33 (NIV2011)
33  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV2011)
…our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Application: Jesus’ can’t lose

Revelation 17:14 (NIV2011)
14  They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Invitation:

John 3:36 (NIV2011)
36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.