The Effect of Christianity

Matthew 9:14-17 — What is it about Christianity that brings about such strong reactions from people? In this sermon on Matthew 9:14–17 titled “The Effect of Christianity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how believers and unbelievers both have strong opinions on Christianity. Some are hostile to Jesus and His claims, some want to reduce Him to a mere teacher of morality, and others claim that He is the Savior of the world. All these responses were present in the days of Jesus when some believed in Him and became His disciples, while others rejected Him and ultimately put Him to death. Jesus was opposed because He contradicted the false and hypocritical religion of the day. While many were only concerned with the outward appearances and looking good, Jesus taught that true religion was a matter of the heart. No one can make themselves holy or pure before God. That is why Jesus came to die and suffer in the place of sinners. This idea of Jesus dying for sinners is as offensive today as it was in the time of Jesus. People do not want to be told that it is only by believing upon the suffering servant that they can be saved, but it is this message of a crucified King that is the only means of salvation for all who believe.