SEMESTER 5
465 – The Adversaries of Jesus
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY V LESSON # 65
THE ADVERSARIES OF JESUS
Read Mat. 21:23-46
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INTRODUCTION:
1. We would expect that the long awaited Messiah would be embraced by all.
2. Moreover, His announcement by John the Baptist, His teaching and His miracles, clearly identified Him.
3. Instead of universal acceptance, He had well-defined adversaries from the start, who increased to near unanimity by the end of His earthly life.
I. THE IDENTITY OF JESUS’ ADVERSARIES
1. Neither Rome, secular Jewish government, nor the common people opposed Him very much.
2. His adversity came from the religious leaders of the day. (Matt. 21:23, Mk. 2:5-7, 23-27, Matt. 27:1,2 and 20)
3. Everything about Him was a threat to their religious hierarchy.
i. His teaching against empty legalism. (Matt. 5:20, Matt. 23:13-33, Mk. 7:5-13)
ii. His ministry outside their corrupt religious system. (Matt. 21:23-27)
iii. His perfectly righteous life which left them without just accusation. (Jn. 7:32-44)
4. His adversaries ultimately increased to, essentially, the entire Jewish nation. (Matt. 27:19-25, Luke 23:27-31)
II. THE METHODS OF OPPOSITION HIS ADVERSARIES USED AGAINST HIM
1. They first sought to find some fault in His conduct. (Matt. 9:10-13, Hos. 6:6)
i. This failing, they sought to find a flaw in His teaching. (Mat 19:3-9)
ii. This failing, they sought to show apparent inconsistency in His teaching or conduct. (Jn. 8:47-59)
iii. This failing, they sought to bring false witness against Him. (Matt. 26:59-65)
2. Finally they used intimidation and mob persuasion. (Jn. 18:12-14, Matt. 27:20)
III. THE GUILT THEY INCURRED TO THEMSELVES AND THEIR NATION
1. They brought God’s judgment upon themselves and their posterity. (Luke 23:27-31)
2. They brought the blood-guiltiness of previous generations upon themselves. (Luke 11:45-51)
3. They became the betrayers and murderers of Jesus Christ. (Acts 7:52)
IV. THE RESULT ARRANGED BY GOD
1. His eternal purpose of giving His only begotten Son was fulfilled. (Acts 2:23, I Pet. 1:18-20, Jn. 3:16)
2. Christ, whom they rejected and abased, was highly exalted. (Acts 2:31-36)
3. We who believe are eternally saved through Him. (Rom. 8:32-34, Heb. 7:25)