'Not on Trial'
Jesus Christ is the greatest power in human affairs and the standard by which all things are judged.
Selwyn Hughes preaches on the unparalleled greatness of Jesus Christ, who declared Himself greater than the temple, the center of Jewish life. Despite the initial incredulity at His claim, history has proven His enduring significance as the most powerful force in human history. Just as a man's judgment of art reflects more on himself than the art, our judgment of Jesus reveals our own hearts. Jesus transcends all systems and will ultimately judge them based on their alignment with His character and Spirit.
Text
"I tell you that one greater than the temple is here." (v. 6)
For reading & meditation:
Matthew 12:1-14
We continue reflecting on the thought that Jesus Christ is not like anyone else who has ever lived. Take the claim which He made in our text today: "One greater than the temple is here." Jesus in effect compared Himself with the temple's grandeur and significance as the center of Jewish life and said: "I am greater than all this." It seemed preposterous. And yet the ages have vindicated Him. The temple is gone; all that is left is the Wailing Wall. Yet Christ lives on - and is the most potent power in human affairs. A man looking at some pictures in a famous art gallery commented to a friend: "I don't think much of these pictures." "Excuse me, Sir," said an attendant who overheard him, "the pictures are not on trial." He meant, of course, that the pictures had been approved by the highest authorities. It was not the pictures that were on trial but the people who viewed them. Some people think Jesus is on trial now, but in truth He is not. We judge ourselves by our judgment of Him. One greater than the temple was there in that first century and is still here today. Jesus is bigger than every system whether it be religious, political, or economic. They are related to Him, not He to them. They must all stand before the judgment bar of His Person. If they accord with Him, reflect His mind and Spirit, then they are valid. If not, they are invalid. Jesus is not just the greatest the world has ever seen; He is the greatest it will ever see.
Lord Jesus, You are my center and my circumference. I begin with You and end with You. If I don't begin with You, then I end in disillusionment. Help me to begin every thought, every project with You. For Your own dear Name's sake. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- Jesus is greater than the temple
- The temple is gone, but Christ lives on
- Jesus is not on trial, but we are
- We judge ourselves by our judgment of Jesus
- Jesus is the standard by which all systems are judged
Key Quotes
“One greater than the temple is here.” — Selwyn Hughes
“The pictures are not on trial.” — Selwyn Hughes
“Jesus is bigger than every system whether it be religious, political, or economic.” — Selwyn Hughes
Application Points
- Begin every thought and project with Jesus, recognizing Him as the standard by which all things are judged.
- Recognize that Jesus is the most potent power in human affairs and the source of spiritual significance.
- Judge yourself by your judgment of Jesus, rather than judging Him by your own standards and expectations.