1. Dealing With His Enemies

2.   At His birth - Herod  Satan himself  Judas Iscariot  “Death” - 1Cor. 15:25-26 Carnality – Rom. 8:7, 5:10  The Jewish leaders Who Were His Enemies?

3.   Matt. 3:1-12, John the Baptist exposed them  Matt. 9:1-9 Forgives sins and heals a paralytic Scribes accuse Him of blasphemy Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

4.   Matt. 9:9-13, Calling of Matthew. Accused of receiving sinners Jesus emphasized mercy. He is the “Great Physician” Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

5.   Matt. 9:32-34, casting out a demon. Accused of casting out demons by ruler of demons No answer recorded at this time (sometimes silence is best) Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

6.   Matt. 12:1-8, Jesus & disciples plucking grain on Sabbath Challenged for breaking traditions, man made laws Jesus quotes scriptures, “mercy” (Do we consider “mercy” enough?) Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

7.   Matt. 12:9-14, on Sabbath, He heals a withered hand. They were seeking to accuse Him Jesus did not let their desires deter Him. He was grieved and angry (without sin).  Vs. 14, they plot against Him Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

8.   Matt. 12:22-30, casts out another demon. Accused of being of Beelzebub. Jesus answers with strong language. Exposes them. 31-32 - blasphemy of H.S. Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

9.   Matt. 12:38-42, asking again for a sign Only sign promised was that of Jonah. He warned them. They had no excuse Jn. 15:22, Rom. 1:20 Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

10.   Matt. 14:1-2, John the Baptist beheaded Be aware of what others are enduring and act accordingly Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

11.   Matt. 15:1-20, scribes and Pharisees ask about transgressing traditions Jesus rebuked them for breaking God’s commands to impose their own. NEVER tolerate compromise of God’s word! Eph. 5:11 Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

12.   Matt. 16:1-4, again they ask for a sign Again Jesus offers only sign of Jonah. Repetition sometimes needed! Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

13.   Matt. 19:1-10, Pharisees question Jesus about divorce. Jesus accurately explained the law AND its intent! He further emphasized what was to come. Emphasis on morals. Note: Disciples were present! Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

14.   Matt. 21:1-11, entering Jerusalem  Matt. 21:12-17, Jesus cleanses the temple Even with consequences, Jesus does what is right! Mark 11:18 – enemies sought to destroy Him. Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

15.   Matt. 21:23-27, His authority is questioned again Jesus refuses to answer because their motives were not honorable. He controlled situation as much as possible. Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

16.   Matt. 22:15-40, His enemies seek to entrap Him with questions. Jesus is prepared and answers each question in an unusual way. Some we need to THINK before we answer! Look for “out of the box” answers. Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

17.   Matt. 23:1-36, Jesus gives harshest rebuke recorded of Him. He exposes their hypocrisy. Sometimes, strong condemnation is all that will work. NOTE: Disciples were present! Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus

18.   Matt. 26-27, Jesus is illegally arrested, tried, condemned and crucified. They fail because God’s will was accomplished. (More later) Matthew & the Enemies of Jesus