The Story of Jesus He Came to Call Sinners to Repentance (Lesson 87)
Introduction:
1. Growing in the knowledge of Christ is an important responsibility (2 Peter 3:18). 2. Searching the Scriptures is the key to achieving this growth (John 5:39). 3. During His ministry Jesus said that He came to earth to accomplish several objectives. 4. In this lesson we are concentrating on one objective that is revealed in Luke 5:32 -- "He came to call sinners to repentance."
Discussion:
I. IN CALLING SINNERS TO REPENTANCE, JESUS EMPHASIZED REPENTANCE IN HIS TEACHING
A. As Jesus began His ministry He taught that repentance is a requirement for entering God's kingdom (Matthew 4:17). B. In His Great Commission He taught that repentance is a requirement for receiving the "remission of sins" (Luke 24:45-47).
II. IN CALLING SINNERS TO REPENTANCE, JESUS REVEALED SOME IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO REPENTANCE (we are considering four)
A. First, in two of His parables Jesus explained what repentance is. 1. In Matthew 21:28-32 Jesus gave an illustration of repentance as He showed how two sons reacted to their father's instructions. a. One of the sons repented, but the other did not. b. The son who repented actually did his father's will. c. Jesus presented this parable for the benefit of the Jewish leaders. 2. Jesus further illustrated the meaning of repentance in Luke 15:17-21. 3. In these parables Jesus explained: a. what repentance is -- a change of mind that results in a change of action b. how belief and godly sorrow produce repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8-10). B. Second, Jesus revealed the fate of those who refuse to repent (Luke 13:1-5). 1. A common misconception was that the people killed by Pilate and those killed when the tower fell were the ones who needed to repent [Jesus cleared that up in vs.3, 5]. 2. The Lord wants everyone to repent (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9). 3. Those who refuse to repent will be punished (Matthew 11:20-24). C. Third, Jesus showed why He requires us to repent (Revelation 3:19). D. Fourth, Jesus showed how repentance produces joy in heaven (Luke 15:7, 10).
