Sunday’s Sermon Sketches

January 26, 2003 (p.m.)

THE REST OF THE STORY

Introduction

Our study of the apostles has given us brief glimpses of the lives of Peter, James, John, Philip, Andrew, Bartholomew, and Thomas.  The lives of the final five will now be briefly explored.

  I.  One was despised.

       A.  Matthew (also known as Levi) was a tax collector

             (Lk. 5:27; Matt. 10:3).

       B.  As a publican, Matthew worked for the Roman Empire

             collecting taxes from his Jewish brethren.

       C.  As can be expected, Matthew was viewed as a traitor by

             fellow Jews.

 II.  One betrayed Him.

       A.  In every list of the apostle’s name Judas is identified as the

             one who betrayed Jesus (Matt. 10:4; Mk. 3:19; Lk. 6:16).

       B.  Judas’ guilt would not allow him to live with his

             transgression (Matt. 27:3-8; Acts 1:25).

III.  Three were not very well known.

       A.  Thaddaeus and Simon are mentioned in name only

             (Matt. 10:3, 4; Mk. 3:18)

       B.  This remaining James was called “the less” (Mk. 15:40)

             because he was less prominent than James, the brother of

             John.

       C.  In an age of the mega ego, we should all learn a lesson

             from these humble apostles.