Why is it that those with the greatest advantages often fail to take advantage of them? n Today I am speaking to people who have great advantages in spiritual

Why is it that those with the greatest advantages Why is it that those with the greatest advantages often fail to take advantage of them?often fail to take advantage of them?


Today I am speaking to people who have Today I am speaking to people who have great advantages in spiritual things.great advantages in spiritual things.



Today I am speaking to people who have Today I am speaking to people who have great advantages in spiritual things.great advantages in spiritual things.

You have the complete word of God! You have the complete word of God! (1 Pt 1:10-13)(1 Pt 1:10-13)



(1 Peter 1:10-13 NKJV)(1 Peter 1:10-13 NKJV) Of this salvation Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace carefully, who prophesied of the grace that that would come would come to you,to you, {11} {11} searching what, or searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.and the glories that would follow.



{12} {12} To them it was revealed that, not to To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; things which angels desire to look heaven; things which angels desire to look intointo



You have the promises of God. You have the promises of God. (2 Pt 1:3-4)(2 Pt 1:3-4)



(2 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV)(2 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV) as His divine power as His divine power has given to us all things that has given to us all things that pertain pertain to life to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,who called us by glory and virtue, {4} {4} by by which have been given to us exceedingly great which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption escaped the corruption that is that is in the world in the world through lust.through lust.



You have the care of God. You have the care of God. (1 Pt 5:7)(1 Pt 5:7)



1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV) - casting all your care - casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. upon Him, for He cares for you.



If I am truly taking advantages of these If I am truly taking advantages of these things, then what will my life be like?things, then what will my life be like?



““Four things come not back: the sped Four things come not back: the sped arrow, the spoken word, time past, and the arrow, the spoken word, time past, and the neglected opportunity.” - Arabian Proverbneglected opportunity.” - Arabian Proverb



Unfortunately there are wrong ways we can Unfortunately there are wrong ways we can look at the blessings of God.look at the blessings of God.



Unfortunately there are wrong ways we can Unfortunately there are wrong ways we can look at the blessings of God.look at the blessings of God.

We can become proud and hardened in We can become proud and hardened in pride. pride. (Rom 2:3-6)(Rom 2:3-6)



(Romans 2:3-6 NKJV)(Romans 2:3-6 NKJV) And do you think And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?will escape the judgment of God? {4} {4} Or do Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?you to repentance?



{5} {5} But in accordance with your hardness But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,judgment of God, {6} {6} who “will render to who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:each one according to his deeds”:



We can make excuses and allow the We can make excuses and allow the opportunity to pass.opportunity to pass.



We will study the Jews of Capernaum and We will study the Jews of Capernaum and learn how they lost the greatest opportunity learn how they lost the greatest opportunity of their eternity.of their eternity.

Jesus’ Arrival in CapernaumJesus’ Arrival in Capernaum

Jesus came here after the imprisonment of Jesus came here after the imprisonment of John the Baptist. John the Baptist. (Mt 4:12-13)(Mt 4:12-13)


(Matthew 4:12-13 NKJV)(Matthew 4:12-13 NKJV) Now when Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee.prison, He departed to Galilee. {13} {13} And And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,


Jesus’ work here was prophesied in Jesus’ work here was prophesied in scripture. scripture. (Mt 4:14-16; Isa 9:1-7)(Mt 4:14-16; Isa 9:1-7)


(Matthew 4:14-16 NKJV)(Matthew 4:14-16 NKJV) that it might be that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:prophet, saying: {15} {15} “The land of Zebulun “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and the land of Naphtali, By By the way of the the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:Gentiles: {16} {16} The people who sat in darkness The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.”has dawned.”


(Isaiah 9:1-7 NKJV)(Isaiah 9:1-7 NKJV) Nevertheless the Nevertheless the gloom gloom will will not not be be upon her who upon her who is is distressed, As when at first He lightly distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed oppressed her, By her, By the way of the sea, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles.Gentiles.


{2} {2} The people who walked in darkness The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.a light has shined. ….. …..


{6} {6} For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


{7} {7} Of the increase of Of the increase of His His government and government and peace peace There will be There will be no end, Upon the throne no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.


These people who were once in darkness These people who were once in darkness would now have a great light!would now have a great light!


These people sat in the shadow of death. These people sat in the shadow of death. Reasonable people should look at death Reasonable people should look at death with great humility and seek God. Jesus has with great humility and seek God. Jesus has the answer! the answer! (Heb 2:14-15)(Heb 2:14-15)


(Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV)(Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV) Inasmuch then Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,devil, {15} {15} and release those who through and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.to bondage.


As we will see, not many want the light! As we will see, not many want the light! (Jn 3:19-21)(Jn 3:19-21)


(John 3:19-21 NKJV)(John 3:19-21 NKJV) “And this is the “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.light, because their deeds were evil. {20} {20} “For “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.should be exposed. {21} {21} “But he who does the “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”


After departing Capernaum, He worked a After departing Capernaum, He worked a miracle there. miracle there. (Jn 4:46-54)(Jn 4:46-54)


(John 4:46-54 NKJV)(John 4:46-54 NKJV) So Jesus came again So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum.whose son was sick at Capernaum. {47} {47} When When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.point of death.


{48} {48} Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people people see signs and wonders, you will by see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”no means believe.” {49} {49} The nobleman said The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”dies!” {50} {50} Jesus said to him, “Go your Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.went his way.


{51} {51} And as he was now going down, his And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told servants met him and told him, him, saying, “Your saying, “Your son lives!”son lives!” {52} {52} Then he inquired of them the Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.”him.” {53} {53} So the father knew that So the father knew that it was it was at the at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.whole household.


{54} {54} This again This again is is the second sign Jesus did the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.Galilee.


Jesus knew the hearts of men and saw that Jesus knew the hearts of men and saw that they would only believe by seeing signs. they would only believe by seeing signs. (Jn 4:48; Jn 2:23-25)(Jn 4:48; Jn 2:23-25)


(John 4:48 NKJV)(John 4:48 NKJV) Then Jesus said to him, Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you “Unless you people people see signs and wonders, see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”you will by no means believe.”


(John 2:23-25 NKJV)(John 2:23-25 NKJV) Now when He was Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.saw the signs which He did. {24} {24} But Jesus But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all He knew all men, {25} men, {25} and had no need that and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.what was in man.


This man had a weak faith, but one that This man had a weak faith, but one that would be made stronger. Many never would be made stronger. Many never sought out Jesus because of their sought out Jesus because of their prejudice!prejudice!


This man had a weak faith, but one that This man had a weak faith, but one that would be made stronger. Many never would be made stronger. Many never sought out Jesus because of their sought out Jesus because of their prejudice!prejudice!

Even though Jesus was not physically in Even though Jesus was not physically in Capernaum, light came to a household Capernaum, light came to a household there! there! (Jn 4:53)(Jn 4:53)


(John 4:53 NKJV)(John 4:53 NKJV) So the father knew that So the father knew that it was it was at the same hour in which Jesus said at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.believed, and his whole household.


Never look down upon a weak faith that is Never look down upon a weak faith that is willing to seek the Lord!willing to seek the Lord!

A day of miracles in Capernaum A day of miracles in Capernaum

They acknowledged His powerful teaching. They acknowledged His powerful teaching. (Lk 4:31-32)(Lk 4:31-32)


(Luke 4:31-32 NKJV)(Luke 4:31-32 NKJV) Then He went Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths.was teaching them on the Sabbaths. {32} {32} And they were astonished at His teaching, And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority.for His word was with authority.


Here is where God’s work in men will take Here is where God’s work in men will take place!place!


Just because they acknowledged His ability Just because they acknowledged His ability does not mean they had yielded to the Lord. does not mean they had yielded to the Lord. (Jn 8:31-32)(Jn 8:31-32)


(John 8:31-32 NKJV)(John 8:31-32 NKJV) Then Jesus said to Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.in My word, you are My disciples indeed. {32} {32} “And you shall know the truth, and the “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”truth shall make you free.”


Many glory in a teacher because of their Many glory in a teacher because of their ability and never let the word work in ability and never let the word work in their hearts. their hearts. (Ezk 33:30-33)(Ezk 33:30-33)


(Ezekiel 33:30-33 NKJV)(Ezekiel 33:30-33 NKJV) “As for you, “As for you, son of man, the children of your people are son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.’comes from the LORD.’


{31} {31} “So they come to you as people do, they “So they come to you as people do, they sit before you sit before you as as My people, and they hear My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, their mouth they show much love, but but their their hearts pursue their hearts pursue their own own gain.gain. {32} {32} “Indeed you “Indeed you are are to them as a very lovely song of one who to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.do not do them.


{33} {33} “And when this comes to pass; surely “And when this comes to pass; surely it will come; then they will know that a it will come; then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”prophet has been among them.”


They acknowledged His powerful miracles. They acknowledged His powerful miracles. (Lk 4:33-37)(Lk 4:33-37)


(Luke 4:33-37 NKJV)(Luke 4:33-37 NKJV) Now in the Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice,a loud voice, {34} {34} saying, “Let saying, “Let us us alone! alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are; the Holy One of God!”know who You are; the Holy One of God!”


{35} {35} But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in demon had thrown him in their their midst, it came midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him.out of him and did not hurt him. {36} {36} Then Then they were all amazed and spoke among they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this themselves, saying, “What a word this is! is! For For with authority and power He commands the with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”unclean spirits, and they come out.”


{37} {37} And the report about Him went out And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.into every place in the surrounding region.


This should have shown them that He was This should have shown them that He was clearly from God. clearly from God.


This should have shown them that He was This should have shown them that He was clearly from God. clearly from God.

Still there were many who acknowledged Still there were many who acknowledged these things and later killed Him and these things and later killed Him and persecuted His apostles. persecuted His apostles. (Acts 4:16-17)(Acts 4:16-17)


(Acts 4:16-17 NKJV)(Acts 4:16-17 NKJV) saying, “What shall saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them notable miracle has been done through them is is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny and we cannot deny it. {17} it. {17} “But so that it “But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”they speak to no man in this name.”


How many here will acknowledge these How many here will acknowledge these things? Jesus knew that men must go things? Jesus knew that men must go further than an intellectual acceptance of further than an intellectual acceptance of these facts. these facts.


How many here will acknowledge these How many here will acknowledge these things? Jesus knew that men must go things? Jesus knew that men must go further than an intellectual acceptance of further than an intellectual acceptance of these facts. these facts.

They began seeking Him but Jesus went to They began seeking Him but Jesus went to other cities. other cities. (Mk 1:37-38)(Mk 1:37-38)


(Mark 1:37-38 NKJV)(Mark 1:37-38 NKJV) When they found When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”looking for You.” {38} {38} But He said to them, But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”have come forth.”


Jesus wanted to give others opportunity too. Jesus wanted to give others opportunity too. Sadly Jesus gained a great popularity at Sadly Jesus gained a great popularity at Capernaum but they had little depth to Capernaum but they had little depth to them.them.


Was Jesus “successful” in Capernaum?Was Jesus “successful” in Capernaum?

Confrontation in CapernaumConfrontation in Capernaum

Jesus has all the religious leaders before Jesus has all the religious leaders before Him. Him. (Lk 5:17)(Lk 5:17)


(Luke 5:17 NKJV)(Luke 5:17 NKJV) Now it happened on a Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was power of the Lord was present present to heal them.to heal them.


He heals a paralytic before them all. He heals a paralytic before them all. (Lk 5:18-26)(Lk 5:18-26)


(Luke 5:18-26 NKJV)(Luke 5:18-26 NKJV) Then behold, men Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him.before Him. {19} {19} And when they could not And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with and let him down with his his bed through the bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.tiling into the midst before Jesus.


{20} {20} When He saw their faith, He said to him, When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”“Man, your sins are forgiven you.” {21} {21} And And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”Who can forgive sins but God alone?” {22} {22} But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?reasoning in your hearts?


{23} {23} “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?walk’? {24} {24} “But that you may know that “But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”; He said to the man who was forgive sins”; He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”bed, and go to your house.”


{25} {25} Immediately he rose up before them, Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.departed to his own house, glorifying God. {26} {26} And they were all amazed, and they And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things saying, “We have seen strange things today!”today!”


The religious leaders viewed Jesus as a The religious leaders viewed Jesus as a competitor, one to be defeated lest they competitor, one to be defeated lest they loose their popularity. loose their popularity. (Mk 15:10)(Mk 15:10)


(Mark 15:10 NKJV)(Mark 15:10 NKJV) For he knew that the For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.of envy.


These leaders viewed Jesus as a blasphemer These leaders viewed Jesus as a blasphemer and wanted Him destroyed.and wanted Him destroyed.


These leaders viewed Jesus as a blasphemer These leaders viewed Jesus as a blasphemer and wanted Him destroyed.and wanted Him destroyed.

Jesus tried to reach these leaders with the Jesus tried to reach these leaders with the truth as well. They would have other truth as well. They would have other opportunities. Still, they had rejected this opportunities. Still, they had rejected this one.one.


These leaders would later beg Jesus for a These leaders would later beg Jesus for a miracle because of a lesser light.miracle because of a lesser light.


These leaders would later beg Jesus for a These leaders would later beg Jesus for a miracle because of a lesser light.miracle because of a lesser light.

Later a Roman Centurion would request a Later a Roman Centurion would request a favor from Jesus. favor from Jesus. (Lk 7:1-2)(Lk 7:1-2)


(Luke 7:1-2 NKJV)(Luke 7:1-2 NKJV) Now when He Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.the people, He entered Capernaum. {2} {2} And And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.to him, was sick and ready to die.


These same leaders in Capernaum would be These same leaders in Capernaum would be the ones to beg Jesus! the ones to beg Jesus! (Lk 7:3)(Lk 7:3)


(Luke 7:3 NKJV)(Luke 7:3 NKJV) So when he heard about So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.servant.


Many times hearts are moved by the day to Many times hearts are moved by the day to day acts of kindness and faith that day acts of kindness and faith that preaching alone could not shake. preaching alone could not shake. (Mt 5:16; 1 Pt 3:1-2)(Mt 5:16; 1 Pt 3:1-2)


(Matthew 5:16 NKJV)(Matthew 5:16 NKJV) “Let your light so “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in good works and glorify your Father in heaven.heaven.


(1 Peter 3:1-2 NKJV)(1 Peter 3:1-2 NKJV) Wives, likewise, Wives, likewise, be be submissive to your own husbands, that even submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,wives, {2} {2} when they observe your chaste when they observe your chaste conduct conduct accompanied accompanied by fear.by fear.


Many door of opportunity are opened by Many door of opportunity are opened by new converts rather than by the most new converts rather than by the most experienced Christians. Why is this so? experienced Christians. Why is this so?


Many door of opportunity are opened by Many door of opportunity are opened by new converts rather than by the most new converts rather than by the most experienced Christians. Why is this so? experienced Christians. Why is this so?

This centurion had no ordinary faith! This centurion had no ordinary faith! ((Lk 7:9)Lk 7:9)


(Luke 7:9 NKJV)(Luke 7:9 NKJV) When Jesus heard these When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”great faith, not even in Israel!”


Who had the greater advantages, the Jews Who had the greater advantages, the Jews or this Roman Centurion? or this Roman Centurion?


Who had the greater advantages, the Jews Who had the greater advantages, the Jews or this Roman Centurion? or this Roman Centurion?

““Never think you could do something if Never think you could do something if only you had a different lot and sphere only you had a different lot and sphere assigned you. What you call hindrances, assigned you. What you call hindrances, obstacles, discouragements, are probably obstacles, discouragements, are probably God's opportunities.” - Horace BushnellGod's opportunities.” - Horace Bushnell

The Final Rejection at Capernaum The Final Rejection at Capernaum (John 6:24, 59)(John 6:24, 59)

In every life there comes a “watershed” In every life there comes a “watershed” moment where we choose to stand or we moment where we choose to stand or we choose to reject the Lord. This day came choose to reject the Lord. This day came with the multitudes at Capernaum.with the multitudes at Capernaum.


In every life there comes a “watershed” In every life there comes a “watershed” moment where we choose to stand or we moment where we choose to stand or we choose to reject the Lord. This day came choose to reject the Lord. This day came with the multitudes at Capernaum.with the multitudes at Capernaum.

The people showed why they followed The people showed why they followed Jesus and were rebuked! Jesus and were rebuked! (Jn 6:24-30)(Jn 6:24-30)


(John 6:24-30 NKJV)(John 6:24-30 NKJV) when the people when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. {25} {25} And when they found Him on the other side And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?”did You come here?”


{26} {26} Jesus answered them and said, “Most Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.ate of the loaves and were filled. {27} {27} “Do not “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”the Father has set His seal on Him.”


{28} {28} Then they said to Him, “What shall we Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”do, that we may work the works of God?” {29} {29} Jesus answered and said to them, “This Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”whom He sent.” {30} {30} Therefore they said to Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do?work will You do?


How many judge the success of a church by How many judge the success of a church by numbers? How would Jesus judge success?numbers? How would Jesus judge success?


What would Jesus say about the “family life What would Jesus say about the “family life centers” and the attempts to use food and centers” and the attempts to use food and frolic to draw a crowd? frolic to draw a crowd?


What would Jesus say about the “family life What would Jesus say about the “family life centers” and the attempts to use food and centers” and the attempts to use food and frolic to draw a crowd? frolic to draw a crowd?

The crowd walked out on Jesus when they The crowd walked out on Jesus when they failed to understand His messagefailed to understand His message..(Jn 6:52-53)(Jn 6:52-53)


(John 6:52-53 NKJV)(John 6:52-53 NKJV) The Jews therefore The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this can this Man Man give us give us His His flesh to eat?”flesh to eat?” {53} {53} Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.no life in you.


What did these people think? What did What did these people think? What did Jesus mean?Jesus mean?


What would it take for these people to What would it take for these people to know the truth? This was an obstacle they know the truth? This was an obstacle they had to struggle with by God’s design. A had to struggle with by God’s design. A shallow person will quit. shallow person will quit. (Mt 13:13-15)(Mt 13:13-15)


(Matthew 13:13-15 NKJV)(Matthew 13:13-15 NKJV) “Therefore I “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.hear, nor do they understand. {14} {14} “And in “And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive;see and not perceive;


{15} {15} For the hearts of this people have For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with should see with their their eyes and hear with eyes and hear with their their ears, Lest they should understand with ears, Lest they should understand with their their hearts and turn, So that I should heal hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’them.’


The crowd finally rejected Jesus. He was The crowd finally rejected Jesus. He was not surprised! not surprised! (Jn 6:60-66)(Jn 6:60-66)


(John 6:60-66 NKJV)(John 6:60-66 NKJV) Therefore many of Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard His disciples, when they heard this, this, said, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”it?” {61} {61} When Jesus knew in Himself that When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you?to them, “Does this offend you? {62} “What {62} “What then if you should see the Son of Man then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?ascend where He was before?


{63} {63} “It is the Spirit who gives life; the “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and to you are spirit, and they they are life.are life. {64} {64} “But “But there are some of you who do not believe.” there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.would betray Him.


{65} {65} And He said, “Therefore I have said to And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”has been granted to him by My Father.” {66} {66} From that From that time time many of His disciples many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.went back and walked with Him no more.


In Capernaum there were a small handful In Capernaum there were a small handful that did not leave. Where were the elders that did not leave. Where were the elders and those who had seen the miracles? and those who had seen the miracles? (Jn 6:67-68, 59)(Jn 6:67-68, 59)


(John 6:67-68 NKJV)(John 6:67-68 NKJV) Then Jesus said to Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” {68} {68} But Simon Peter answered Him, But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.words of eternal life.


(John 6:59 NKJV)(John 6:59 NKJV) These things He said in These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.


What happened at Capernaum happens all What happened at Capernaum happens all over the world. over the world. (Mt 7:13-14)(Mt 7:13-14)


(Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV)(Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV) “Enter by the “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide narrow gate; for wide is is the gate and broad the gate and broad is is the way that leads to destruction, and the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.there are many who go in by it. {14} {14} “Because narrow “Because narrow is is the gate and difficult the gate and difficult is is the way which leads to life, and there are the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.few who find it.


When the real Jesus is preached there are When the real Jesus is preached there are strong reactions to the light of truth.strong reactions to the light of truth.


What was Jesus final analysis of What was Jesus final analysis of Capernaum? Capernaum?


What was Jesus final analysis of What was Jesus final analysis of Capernaum? Capernaum?

Other cities knew of His great works in Other cities knew of His great works in Capernaum. Capernaum. (Lk 4:23)(Lk 4:23)


(Luke 4:23 NKJV)(Luke 4:23 NKJV) He said to them, “You He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’”here in Your country.’”


Jesus gives His view of the final results of Jesus gives His view of the final results of His work there. His work there. (Mt 11:23-24)(Mt 11:23-24)


(Matthew 11:23-24 NKJV)(Matthew 11:23-24 NKJV) “And you, “And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.day. {24} {24} “But I say to you that it shall be “But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”day of judgment than for you.”

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Why is it that those with the greatest advantages often fail to take advantage of them? n Today I am speaking to people who have great advantages in spiritual