8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

1/24

Principle of Sacrifice

What do we learn from Ruth?

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

2/24

Crucifying the Idol ofSaving Face

Matthew 14:1-12

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

3/24

Herods Fear(vv. 1-2)

Herods Flashback (vv. 3-12)

The Story

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

4/24

It is almost impossible for thechurch to speak out on moral

issues of the day withoutoccasionally coming offpolitical.

The Preaching of John

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

5/24

Christians today who take a standagainst abortion, exploitation ofthe poor or racism may be taking

a moral stand, but in ourpolarized society many will readsuch a stand as politicallypartisan even when we do notintend it in such terms.

Craig Keener

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

6/24

Legal Reason

Why Herod was hesitant to kill John

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

7/24

Legal Reason

Moral Reason

Why Herod was hesitant to kill John

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

8/24

Herod feared John, knowing thathe was a righteous and holyman, and he kept him safe.When he heard him, he wasgreatly perplexed, and yet heheard him gladly.

Mark 6:20

Moral Reason

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

9/24

Legal Reason

Moral Reason

Religious Reason

Why Herod was hesitant to kill John

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

10/24

Herod feared John, knowing thathe was a righteous and holyman, and he kept him safe.

When he heard him, he wasgreatly perplexed, and yet heheard him gladly.

Mark 6:20

Religious Reason

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

11/24

Legal Reason

Moral Reason

Religious Reason

Political Reason

Why Herod was hesitant to kill John

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

12/24

John was a hugely popularfigure with the Jewish

people

Politically Motivated

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

13/24

Behold, I will send you Elijahthe prophet before the

great and awesome day ofthe LORD comes.

Malachi 4:5

John was the Elijah-type figure

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

14/24

Wore similar garb

Elijah and John

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

15/24

They answered him, He wore agarment of hair, with a belt of

leather about his waist. Andhe said, It is Elijah the

Tishbite.

2 Kings 1:8

Reliving the Epic of Elijah

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

16/24

Wore similar garb

Both confronted wicked kings

Both were opposed by wickedqueens

Both felt as if their ministrywas unsuccessful

Elijah and John

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

17/24

All eyes are upon John!

Politically significant

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

18/24

The Idol of Saving Face

Herods dilemma

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

19/24

What is it?

What are people willing to

sacrifice to have it? What is the result of chasing it?

How does Jesus save us from it?

Crucifying the idol of saving face

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

20/24

The need to save your reputation

Protecting your honor at any cost

Being held captive to what otherpeople think

What is saving face?

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

21/24

People are willing to sacrificejust about anything

to save face

What are people willing to sacrifice?

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

22/24

Haunted by guilt and regret

What is the result?

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

23/24

Through the cross, I experiencethe favor of God

How does the Gospel deliver us?

8/3/2019 Crucifying the Idol of Saving Face

24/24

A New Beginning