Introduction: 1. In one of the verses we studied this morning (Matthew 16:14), the apostles told Jesus that some people thought He was "one of the prophets." 2. We pointed out that Jesus was not just "a prophet" -- He was "THE PROPHET" who was to come into the world. 3. Perhaps this is a good time for us to study this subject in more detail. 4. (Deuteronomy 18:18-22) We read about various prophets. a. Vs.18&19 mention a Prophet who would come at a later time. 1) He would come from among the Jewish people. 2) He would be like Moses. 3) He would speak the words given to Him by God. 4) God will hold accountable those who reject His Word. b. (vs.20-22) We read about some other prophets. 1) They would not speak the things that God wanted them to speak (vs.22 tells how they could be identified). 2) The Israelites were not to listen to such prophets. 3) Such prophets were to be put to death. 5. In our lesson we will: a. show that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy about a great Prophet who would come b. consider some responsibilities that we have toward His Word. 6. Let us begin by showing that . . .
Discussion:
I. JESUS FULFILLED THE PROPHECY GIVEN IN DEUTERONOMY 18:18-19
A. (Acts 3:19-26) Peter stated that Jesus is the Prophet whom Moses said would come. B. Let us see if Jesus possessed the characteristics that Moses listed. 1. This Prophet would come from among the Jewish people. a. Was Jesus a Jew? b. We learn from His genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 that He was a descendant of Abraham. 2. This Prophet would be like Moses. a. Was Jesus like Moses? b. There are some similarities between Christ and Moses. 1) (Deuteronomy 34:10-12) Moses was a great prophet because of the mighty works he performed. 2) The works that Jesus performed led people to recognize Him as the great Prophet of Deuteronomy 18. a) (John 6:14) After Jesus fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, the people said, "This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world." b) (John 7:40) Some people who heard Jesus speak said, "Of a truth this is the Prophet." c. While there are some similarities between Christ and Moses, the Lord is far greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6). 3. This Prophet would speak the words given to Him by God. a. Did Jesus speak the words that God gave to Him? b. As Jesus prayed in John 17, He stated in vs.8 that God had given His words to Him and that He had given them to His followers. c. See John 12:49-50. 4. God will hold accountable those who reject the words of this Prophet. a. Can this be said of Christ? b. See John 12:47-48 C. The Scriptures clearly show that Jesus is the great Prophet whom Moses said would come. D. Now, let us consider . . .
II. SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT WE HAVE TOWARD HIS WORD
A. We must appreciate the Lord's words for what they are. 1. His words are everlasting (Matthew 24:35 - "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away"). 2. His words are spirit and life (John 6:63 - "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life"). 3. His words are words of eternal life (John 6:68 - Peter said to Jesus, "Thou hast the words of eternal life"). B. We must "continue" [abide] in the Lord's words. 1. We must do this to be blessed (James 1:25). 2. We must do this to be made free (John 8:31-32). 3. We must do this to have our prayers answered (John 15:7). 4. We must do this to have the Father and the Son abide with us (John 14:23).
Conclusion:
1. In summary,: a. God raised up this great Prophet, Jesus b. God gave His words to Jesus, and Jesus has revealed them c. we are responsible for following His words. 2. The Jews were instructed to put false prophets to death. 3. Instead, they killed Jesus by having Him crucified. 4. Little did they realize it at the time, but the Lord's death makes it possible for us to be saved from our sins. 5. Have you come to Him for salvation? 6. Are you keeping His Word?
