Jesus is Greater

Matthew 12:41-42

We are in the midst of a heated conference in Big 10 basketball. Depending on your particular alliance, you all would perhaps choose a different team that you think is best overall. Right now the winter Olympics are being held in Norway. We take a certain amount of pride in the accomplishments of the athletes from America. That is natural. We have all heard some child say, "My dad can beat up your dad" or "My brother is bigger than your brother".

Note: Matthew 12:41-42, "The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here."

Jesus has drawn from the highlights in Israelite history to illustrate the greatness of God. Jesus is saying:

I. JESUS IS GREATER THAN ANY INSTITUTION.

II. JESUS IS GREATER THAN YOUR SIN AND FAILURES.

III. JESUS IS GREATER THAN WHAT THE WORLD HAS T0 OFFER.

IV. JESUS IS GREATER THAN THE POWER OF SATAN

Perhaps there are some here today who need to come to Jesus.

Because He is God. Because He has the power to give mercy. Because He has the power to render grace. You need to come to Him today! Whatever your need might be...remember: -14-

Jesus is greater than any institution. Jesus is greater than all your sin and failures. Jesus is greater than this world. Jesus is greater than Satan.