Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

Focus Verse:
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “ I am the way and the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The definition of truth according to the dictionary is: a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, or principle.
I. Read Luke 5:1-5

What was it about Jesus that made Peter obey? Peter had worked this lake for years and Jesus’ command contradicted what they knew to be true about fishing.

How many opportunities do we miss by embracing the tired and not keeping our eyes on Jesus?

William Barclay said, in relation to this passage, if we want a miracle, we must take Jesus at his word when he bids us attempt the impossible.
Read Luke 5:6-11

How does Peter respond to Jesus and in turn how does Jesus respond to Peter?

Truth #1- Once you know the truth, you are not to keep the truth to yourself.
II. Read Luke 19:1-4

What do we learn about Zacchaeus? He is wealthy, wanted to see Jesus, and was going to do whatever it took to do it. This man who was an outcast to men wanted to know if he could be loved by God.

Has there ever been a time when you just needed to see or be in the presence of Jesus?
Read Luke 19:5-6

What do we learn from these verses?

Truth #2 Jesus knows your name and he wants to know you personally.

Read Luke 19:7-9

What does this tell us? Zacchaeus repaid much more than was required by law. The amount he repaid was more than if he had taken the money through violent means

Truth #3- Once you know The Truth, you are not the same.

III. Examining the Change
Read Matthew 22:2

Read 1 John 3:1-3
What do we learn about our eternal identity from these verses? We are royalty. We are princes and princesses.

Truth #4- When you ask God to come into your heart, you become royalty.

What are the responsibilities given to such titles?

Once you embrace the title that is bestowed on you through faith in Jesus Christ, you will experience ridicule and persecution; however, there will be people just like Zacchaeus that will be drawn to you. You should expect this. You need to prepare for this.


Concluding Thoughts:

Read 2 Corinthians 13:5-9

Read 1 Peter 4:11

As I see it, this verse tells us how we are to operate during these times of economic and political uncertainty.