A Mirror of Diverse Attitudes to Christ

The point: God then wants us to step back. And particularly with reference to these first three incidents... that we shall back off enough to have the glass become a mirror. And in that mirror to see, am I one of the Sanhedrin? Do …

Martin uses the analogy of a shop window that acts as a mirror when viewed from a distance but allows one to see through when approached closely. He applies this to Scripture, suggesting it should first allow us to see Christ's realities, then reflect our own hearts back to us.

As you read the narrative of how he was betrayed by Judas into the hands of the chief priests and the scribes, and how they, in turn turned him over to the Roman authorities and in turn they ordered him to be crucified as we do. We will find in our own hearts that we are aligned the priest and the scribes aligned with Judas or aligned with the unknown, unnamed woman who pours out her devotion in this prodigal expression of practical love to the Lord Jesus. And as I was trying to think of how to illustrate this something happened or something came to my mind that I'm sure has happened to all of...

36:15 - 37:41 Read in full sermon

The point: God then wants us to step back. And particularly with reference to these first three incidents... that we shall back off enough to have the glass become a mirror. And in that mirror to see, am I one of the Sanhedrin? Do …

He contrasts a sentimental, 'nice' Christ (babe in manger, kind to outcasts) with the real Christ who exposes sin and demands total allegiance, arguing that many 'love' an imagined Christ but have a 'murderous spirit' toward the true one.

Yes, you're very much in love with the Christ of your own imagination. A Christ who's cradled in Mary's arms and draws nourishment from her breast and who brings angels out of heaven to sing glory to God in the highest. A Christ who grows up and touches the leper and receives the outcasts and forgives harlots. Oh, you're very much at home with a Christ who's kind and gentle and says nice things and who, when your act is not quite together, you ask him to help you and he makes you feel so good.

43:24 - 43:59 Read in full sermon

The point: And there's some of you sitting here today numbered amongst Christ's followers... But the fact is, your heart has never been weaned from your idols.

Martin highlights Judas's external usefulness and position as treasurer among the disciples to show that outward religious activity and even leadership roles do not guarantee a true heart for Christ, contrasting it with his inner covetousness.

you're a Judas. You see, Judas was numbered among the twelve. Not only a church member, but one who made open confession of attachment to Christ. Apparently very useful in the cause of Christ. There's no indication that when the others went out on healing missions, he didn't heal likewise. No indication when the twelve were sent forth that he didn't go forth and preach as eloquently and powerfully as any of them. In fact, he even rose to a position that didn't have many offices among the twelve, but they had a treasurer. I don't know if they had a secretary, but he got elected to be treasurer....

46:57 - 47:48 Read in full sermon

The point: And there's some of you sitting here today numbered amongst Christ's followers... But the fact is, your heart has never been weaned from your idols.

He illustrates how young people might betray Christ by prioritizing a husband or wife over God's will, equating it to Judas's betrayal for silver.

For some of you young men and women, your idol is, I'm going to have a husband, I'm going to have a wife. Ah yes, but what about Jesus will!

49:39 - 49:49 Read in full sermon

The point: If you aren't changed from a Judas to a devoted woman who's in the middle of this picture, sooner or later, your convenient hour will come. And there'll be somebody willing to take your 30 pieces of silver. Then what wil…

He illustrates how individuals might compromise ethical honesty in their careers, 'rounding off the corners,' and playing with their conscience, effectively betraying Christ for professional advancement.

You started out on your career track and then God began to put you to the test. There was an issue. There was ethical honesty. And everyone around you was just rounding off the corners. Oh, not chopping them off into forty-five degrees. You know, they were ninety degrees, but just a little rounded on the corner. And you began to round them. And you began to play with your conscience. And instead of judgment day, integrity and honesty for the sake of staying on your career, and yet said what you do, do quickly. And even at that point, the disciples thought he was telling me to go out and buy so...

50:20 - 51:17 Read in full sermon

The point: Oh, my friend, may God give us such a sight of Christ crucified that no more weep of a little cork stopper and say I'll spritz out a little bit of love and devotion and sacrifice and giving and service and put it back an…

Martin uses the metaphor of a 'cork stopper' to describe calculating, minimal devotion, contrasting it with the woman who broke the alabaster flask and poured out everything, symbolizing 'holy recklessness' in devotion.

This didn't offend her. This did not become the scandal on the trap stick over which she fell and was ensnared in unbelief and impertinence. But she says in essence, O Jesus, it is in your identity as the dying one that I love you. And I love you so much that I'm going to take that which may well have represented the totality of her life savings and rather than pull out the little stopper and sprinkle a few drops on Jesus, she takes the slender porcelain neck and breaks it off and turns the bottle upside down and empties it saying, Jesus, your worthy of all that I have. Oh, my friend, may God ...

56:11 - 57:33 Read in full sermon