Pathway to Victory

Speaker 1

Hey, podcast listeners, thanks for streaming today's podcast from Pathway to Victory. Pathway to Victory is a nonprofit ministry featuring the bible teaching of Dr. Robert Jeffress. Our mission is to pierce the darkness.

Speaker 2

With the light of God's Word through.

Speaker 1

The most effective media available, like this podcast. To support Pathway to victory, go to ptv.org, donate or follow the link in our show notes. Now here's today's podcast from Pathway to Victory.

Speaker 3

Hi, this is Robert Jeffress, and I'm glad to study God's Word with you every day. This Bible teaching program on today's edition of Pathway to Victory.

Speaker 4

I believe there's a day coming, even in America, when Christians are gonna be brought before the court system to give an answer for what they believe.

And even if you never find yourself in that particular situation, you're gonna be in the hot seat in a classroom, at school, or in a discussion group in your neighborhood when people are gonna challenge you about your faith.

Speaker 2

Welcome to Pathway to Victory with author and pastor Dr. Robert. God will never discourage a sincere question, but when our questions are intended to twist God's word and rationalize disbelief or disobedience, well, that's an entirely different matter.

Today on Pathway to Victory, Dr. Robert Jeffress looks at a fascinating scene where religious leaders tried and failed to put Jesus into the hot seat.

Now here's our Bible teacher to introduce today's message. Dr. Jeffress.

Speaker 3

Thanks, David, and welcome again to Pathway to Victory. We've set aside all other topics during Holy Week to give our full attention to the power of the cross. You know, right before the tragic assault on Israel a year and a half ago, I had the privilege of leading a tour to the Holy Land. Well, on our return home, I was inspired to create a book for you called the Power of the Cross.

It's a photo album of sorts, but it's really much more than that. In my book, I've included several of my favorite images from Israel. Each one is paired with storytelling and biblical insights from me. Truly, I believe this is one of the most beautiful books ever produced by our team at Pathway to Victory, and I'd like to send a copy to your home right away as an expression of my thanks for your generous gift to support the ministry of Pathway to Victory.

People often ask me how they can help Pathway to Victory succeed in our mission together, and I'm often compelled to say Pathway partners play a vital role in the success of Pathway to Victory. Our pathway partners are like missionaries who take Pathway to Victory to places we'll never be able to visit. Well, right now we're looking to add 50 more pathway partners to our team. Would you please join us by becoming a monthly giver today?

We'll share more details a little later, but right now let's turn in our Bibles to Luke chapter 20. I titled today's message Jesus in the Hot Seat.

Speaker 4

Every parent knows what it's like to be bombarded with questions from your children. Now, when your children are small, the questions are sincere questions. Questions like, why is the sky blue? Where did God come from? Or why is Daddy always in a bad mood? I mean, we get those questions when our children are small. But have you noticed the older they get, those questions move from being sincere questions to sometimes questions that challenge our authority. Why can't I stay out an extra hour? Why can't I have my own car? You know, as a parent, we respond one way to sincere questions, but we respond completely differently to questions meant to challenge our authority.

We shouldn't be surprised that God's the same way. God never resents sincere questions. He doesn't always answer the questions. Remember Job asked him in the midst of his suffering the why question. God basically said, it's beyond your pay grade to understand. You couldn't begin to understand the why question even if I explained it to you or the disciples. They were asking Jesus before he ascended back into heaven, lord, is it at this time, when are you going to restore the kingdom? And Jesus politely but firmly said, it's none of your business. That's God the Father's business. But God is not threatened by sincere questions.

However, when people ask questions that are meant to mask their own rebellion and unbelief, God responds differently. And we see that illustrated in how Jesus responded to three questions that were asked not sincerely, but were meant to discredit and ultimately destroy him. If you have your Bibles, turn to Luke chapter 19, as we discover how Jesus responded when he found himself in the hot seat. Luke, chapter 19. Look at Luke 19:47 to 48. And Jesus was teaching daily in the temple, but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy him. They were infuriated at Jesus, and so they could not find anything that they might do, for all the people were hanging upon his words.

They wanted to get rid of Jesus, and they knew the only way to do that was to either catch him in blasphemy or in treason against Rome. And now, between the white space in your Bible, between the end of chapter 19 and the beginning of chapter 20, they came up with a plan. You see, they couldn't openly kill him at this point because he was too popular. So how in the world were they going to catch Jesus? Well, they came up with this plan. And the plan was they would try to trick Jesus into committing either blasphemy or treason by asking him three tough questions. Questions about his identity, about the role of government, and about the nature of eternity.

Let's look at the first question, the question of Jesus' identity, beginning with chapter 20, verses 1 and 2. And it came about on one of the days while Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the Gospel. The chief priests and the scribes with the elders confronted him. And they spoke, saying to him, tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority? What things? They were saying, who gave you the authority to do what you did yesterday in cleaning out this temple, turning over the tables of the money changers? Who gave you the authority? Who died and made you king? They wanted to kill him right then. But they had a problem. He was too popular.

So they decided to try to trip him up with a second question, a question that is sure to cause controversy back then, just as it is today. They decided to question him about the subject of politics, the politics of his day. And that's what they did. Look at verses 21 and 22, the question about government's authority. And so a second group came to him of Jews. And they questioned him, saying, teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly and you are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Pardon me if I barf right here. They are so insincere. You just see the insincerity, the honey drip. Oh, Lord, we just believe everything you have to say. So please answer this simple question for us. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?

Is it lawful for a Jew to pay taxes to the corrupt Roman government? Here's why it was a trick question. If Jesus said, yes, it's right to pay taxes, then the group of Jews who hated Rome would say, he can't be the Messiah if he's for supporting Rome. If he said, no, you need to be conscientious objectors and not pay your taxes, then he would have been guilty of treason and would have been prematurely killed by the Romans. So how did he answer this question? Look at verse 24. Jesus said, show me a denarius. As he held it up, he said, render to Caesar, what is Caesar's. That word render means pay to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and render to God what is God's.

And what he is saying here is Jesus, give to government what belongs to government. Render to Caesar the government what belongs to him. Your allegiance. You're paying your taxes. But he goes on to say, be sure you give to God what belongs to God. What belongs to God? Well, not just our money, but our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. When? Not if, when. There comes a time we have to choose between obeying the government and obeying God. That's not a choice at all. Acts 5:29 says, we must obey God rather than man. Our ultimate allegiance belongs to God always. And that's what Jesus is saying. You give to government what belongs to government. Our respect, our obedience. Until that obedience comes in conflict with Jesus Christ.

Well, the Sanhedrin couldn't trip him up on the question about his identity. The Pharisees and the Herodians couldn't trip him up on questions about government. So there was one final group to come to Jesus to question him about eternity. And this final group, the Bible tells us, was a group known as the Sadducees. Now you need to understand something about the Sadducees. They were a small but very wealthy group of Jews, but they did not believe in all of the Old Testament. They only believed in the first five books of the Old Testament, the Torah, the books written by Moses. Furthermore, they believed in nothing supernatural. They didn't believe in miracles. They didn't believe in angels or demons. They didn't believe in heaven or hell. They didn't believe in life after death. They believed in nothing that was supernatural, which is why they were sad. You see, that's where they got. Not really, but that's, you know, that's so old. But it still works every time. We're gonna keep using it.

The Sadducees, they didn't believe in anything supernatural, which makes their question so outlandish to Jesus, as you'll see in a moment. Now, to understand the question, you have to understand what the Old Testament law said. Deuteronomy 25, about marriage. It said if a husband dies and he and his wife were childless, and if the husband has a brother who is unmarried, that unmarried brother is to take the widow as his own wife so that the family line can continue. Now, ladies, I want you all to picture your brother-in-law for just a moment and let's all say yuck together, okay? I mean, it is kind of an offensive. Let's just admit it. That is a weird idea. It's just a weird idea, but that was the Old Testament, meant to preserve the Jewish line. It doesn't operate today. Aren't you grateful? But it's with principle back then of what you were supposed to do.

And so the Sadducees, who didn't believe in any resurrection at all, posed this question to Jesus. Look at verse 29, Jesus, there were seven brothers, and the first took a wife and he died childless. So according to the law, the second took the wife. Apparently, he died childless. And then the third took her. And in the same way, all seven husbands died, leaving no children. Finally, the woman died also, probably out of exhaustion, we don't know. But finally the woman died also. Now here's the question. In the resurrection, which we don't believe in. In the resurrection, Jesus, which one's wife will she be for all seven had her as their wife?

Now, there's a legitimate question in there somewhere. Perhaps you've wondered the same thing. Maybe you've lost your husband or wife. Maybe you've remarried. That's acceptable. That's good. Romans 7, verse 2 says, you are free to marry if your mate has died. It's not good for a man or a woman to be alone. That's fine. But maybe in the back of your mind you've wondered, okay, if I have two or three natural husbands or wives when we get to heaven, you know, do I have to decide which one is going to be my legitimate mate? Which one? That's a good legitimate question.

Notice how Jesus responds to that question, which was an insincere question. Jesus said to them, verse 34, the sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. For neither can they die anymore, for they are like angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. He said, there's no marriage in heaven. There's no procreation in heaven. We become like the angels. Notice he doesn't say we become angels. Don't listen to the Hollywood movies or the TV shows that say, you know, we get our wings when we go to heaven. No, you don't get any wings when you go to heaven. Only angels have wings.

Here's the way. We are like angels, though we don't die in heaven. And therefore, because no believer dies, there's no need for this procreation to continue the line of faith. There's no death, and so there's no need for marriage in heaven. But then notice what he says in verse 37, he says, and by the way, about this resurrection that you say you don't believe in the fact that the dead are raised. Jesus says, even Moses believed in that in the passage about the burning bush where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.

You know what Jesus was saying to the Pharisees? He said, you don't believe in the resurrection. Even in the first five books of the Old Testament, the ones you say you believe, you find the resurrection. They probably said, well, where is the resurrection in the Torah, in the first five books? And Jesus quotes the chapter and verse. He said, it's in the passage Exodus 3, verse 6, when Moses, the guy you all revere, Sadducees, when Moses appeared before God and God was in the form of the burning bush, remember, Moses asked, who are you? And God identified himself as the great what I am. And he said, I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Now, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at that point had been dead for hundreds of years. If there were no resurrection, if Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were just gone and ceased to exist, then what God should have said was, I was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

But the fact that God uses the present tense, I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is proof that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were still alive. They were in heaven with God. Isn't it interesting that Jesus based the whole doctrine of the resurrection on the tense of one verb in the Bible? Jesus trusted every word, every verb tense in this book. And that's why we can have such great confidence in God's word. I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. How did they respond to that answer? Look at verses 39 and 40. And some of the scribes answered and said, teacher, you have spoken well. For they did not have the courage to question him any longer about anything. They were done. They'd had it. They had their tail tucked between their legs. And off they went for a few days. They would be back with even more severe questioning.

Why are we looking at this passage today? Well, this passage not only gives some very good answers to questions about Jesus' identity and about the role of government and about the nature of eternity, but I think also in this account, we find some helpful ideas about how we should respond when we find ourselves in the hot seat. Make no mistake about it, if you're a follower of Christ, you're going to be in the hot seat. At some point, you're going to face severe challenges and questionings about your faith. In fact, Jesus predicted that in Luke 21:12, 13. But before all these things, talking about the end times, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name's sake. It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.

I believe there's a day coming, even in America where this is going to be true, when Christians are going to be brought before the court system to give an answer for what they believe. My good friend Roy Sparkman, Judge Sparkman was with me years ago when I faced some severe questioning from a federal judge about what I believed and why I believed it. I think that's going to become the norm in the years ahead. And even if you never find yourself in that particular situation, you're going to be in the hot seat, in a classroom, at school, or in the workplace, or in a discussion group in your neighborhood when people are gonna challenge you about your faith.

And when that time comes, how should you respond? Well, I think Jesus gives us a great model for how to do that. First of all, when you find yourself under severe questioning, first of all, be mindful. Be mindful. Be mindful of the other people who are listening to how you answer. It's not just the interrogators you need to direct your response to, but others in that classroom who may not say a word to others in your workplace who may be listening to your interchange. I get asked all the time, you know, why do you go on TV and debate these pinheads? I mean, do you really think you're ever going to convince them? No, I don't think I'm going to convert them, the interviewer, or my debate partner. But I know there are millions of other people out there listening who need to hear a clear word. Always be mindful, not just of the person you're interacting with, but of those around you. That's what Jesus did. Jesus directed his answers beyond the questioners and talked to the audience as a whole.

Secondly, in your answers and in your response, be biblical. Be biblical. Have you noticed in this passage how many times Jesus quoted the Old Testament? The foundation of his argument was always the Bible, and it should be with us. Does that mean all we do is quote Bible verses? No. I mean, think about Paul on Mars Hill in Athens. He was talking to a secular audience. He used in many ways a secular argument relating to natural revelation. He quoted authors, pagan authors, in his argument as well as the word of God. I'm not saying the only argument we use is the Word of God, but the foundation of our argument should be the Word of God. Because the word of God, ladies and gentlemen, has the ability to pierce a person's heart more than our words. Hebrews 4:12 says, for the word of God is living, it's active, it's sharper than any two-edged sword, and it's able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God's word has the power to penetrate a person's heart, to cut him open and expose his real beliefs and his real motivations. Now I've heard people say, yeah, that's why you ought to quote the Bible. Nobody can argue against God's word. Trust me, they can. You can argue against God's word, but at least when you're using the Bible as your argument, people realize they're arguing with God's words and not yours. Be biblical in your response. And finally, be courageous when you find yourself in the hot seat. I mean, think about Jesus. He knew that within just a few days these questioners were going to come back at him and end up crucified. Nevertheless, he did not flinch in fear. He was courageous. Why? Because unlike the Sadducees, Jesus believed in the resurrection. He believed that one day God would rescue him from the grave.

And Jesus understood the only person that really mattered is God himself. You know, as Christians, we need to have the courage that comes from realizing there is nobody on this planet who can do anything to really hurt us. Have you come to realize that? Do you realize when you think about it, there is nobody in this world that can do anything of lasting consequence to you? The only one who holds that power is God himself. And that's why Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, don't fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul, but rather fear him who is able to destroy both the soul and the body in hell. Jesus is saying, live your life for an audience of one. There's only one being in this universe who has the power over your eternal soul, and it's God himself. And living with that realization is the greatest help I know in keeping your cool when you find yourself in the hot seat.

Speaker 3

It’s encouraging to see Jesus defending his authority with confidence and strength. While on the hot seat, he did nothing to diminish his deity. Our series this week is called the Power of the Cross. When I mapped out my teaching plan for April, I deliberately chose this topic in order to keep our hearts and minds fully focused on Jesus during the Holy Week.

Along these lines, I realized that many in our listening family will never have the privilege of stepping foot into the Holy Land, especially with all the complications of the Middle East right now. Well, it's one of the reasons I created this beautiful photo album for you of Israel. I titled this coffee table book the Power of the Cross.

Let me clarify, this isn't just a picture book. Each image from Israel tells a specific story about the final seven days in the life of Christ, from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His resurrection on Easter morning. With every image, I've offered thoughts, reflections, and Biblical insights on why these moments are essential to our Christian faith, and you're invited to request a copy when you give a generous gift to support the growing ministry of Pathway to Victory.

As you reflect on your gift today, would you be willing to step forward as one of our Pathway partners? Our goal is to add 50 new partners right now, and we're hoping you'll be among them when you agree to become a Pathway Partner. You agree to automate your generous gift every month in the amount that's best for you, and in doing so, you're becoming a missionary alongside Pathway to Victory as we send the Gospel of Jesus Christ to your community and around the world.

Thank you so much for your generosity,

David.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Dr. Jeffress. You can become a Pathway Partner by following the easy steps online at ptv.org. When you give your first monthly gift or a generous one-time gift in support of Pathway to Victory, you're invited to request the Power of the Cross, a beautiful large print book that outlines the week leading up to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

Plus, as an added bonus, we'll also include the brochure called Three Days that Changed the World. Simply call 866-999-2965 or visit our website at ptv.org. When you give $75 or more, you'll also receive the eight-part teaching series titled Live from Israel. These dynamic messages were preached on location in the Holy Land and they come on both DVD and MP3 format audio disc.

So one more time, call 866-999-2965 or go to ptv.org. If you'd like to write to us, here's the address: P.O. Box 223609, Dallas, Texas 75222. Again, that's P.O. Box 223609, Dallas, Texas 75222.

I'm David J. Mullins, inviting you to join us again next time when Dr. Jeffress shares how Jesus gave the Passover meal a whole new meaning. That's Tuesday, here on Pathway to Victory. Pathway to Victory with Dr. Robert Jeffress.

Speaker 1

Comes from the pulpit of the First.

Speaker 2

Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas.

Speaker 1

You made it to the end of today's podcast from Pathway to Victory, and.

Speaker 2

We'Re so glad you're here.

Speaker 1

Pathway to Victory relies on the generosity of loyal listeners like you to make this podcast possible. One of the most impactful ways you can give is by becoming a Pathway Partner. Your monthly gift will empower Pathway to Victory to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help others become rooted more firmly in His Word.

To become a Pathway partner, go to ptv.org donate or follow the link in our show notes.

We hope you've been blessed by today's podcast from Pathway to Victory.