The Names of Christ
"NAMES OF CHRIST"© -is a book written by Dr. James Modlish
-reprinted here with the author's permission-

Lesson Twelve

Master
(Matthew 12:38)

Introduction: Although there are many definitions of "master", the primary one in Webster's Dictionary is, "A man who rules, governs, or directs, either men or business. A man who owns slaves is their master; he who has servants is their Master; he who has apprentices is their master, as he has the government and direction of them. The man who superintends and directs any business, is master, or master workman."

The Bible gives the same kind of definition, i.e.; "Servants be subject to your master with all fear;" (1 Pet. 2:18).

It is a title that is used by the lesser acknowledging the greater - (Matt. 8:19; 10:24). The general public that has the opportunity to observe our lives acknowledges who our master is - (Matt. 9:11; 17:24).
 

I. THE POSSIBLE HYPOCRISY IN THE WORD

A. Sign Seekers - (Matt. 12:38) Acknowledging Christ as Master and asking Him for a sign at the same time is a contradiction (Prov. 27-18; 30:10).

B. Those who lie for their own gain - (Matt. 26:25) Judas betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver and called Him Master.

C. Those who attempt a trap - (Mk. 12:13-17) There are many who claim to be Christians, yet disdain the words of Christ and look for so-called Bible contradictions.

D. Those who Attempt to humanize God - (Mk. 10:17) This is the only occasion where someone uses the word "good" to precede master, even as people today use the term "the Good Lord". i.e.: "The Good Lord wouldn't send anybody to Hell". 

II. WHY DO SOME NOT WANT A "MASTER"?

A. To avoid rebuke - (Lk. 11:45) "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee." (Prov. 9:8) "He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue." (Prov. 28:23)

B. To avoid the call to service by faith - (Mk. 14:13,14) Often Jesus calls on men to serve Him by going to a situation full of unknowns.

C. To avoid following His example - (Jn. 13:14-17) Jesus has led the way by example to what many would consider degrading duty. We are to try to imitate. "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master." (Lk. 6:40)

D. To avoid going the extra mile - (Lk. 5:5) "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Gal. 6:9) 

III. THE RESULTS OF HAVING CHRIST AS YOUR MASTER

Note: It should be noted that everyone has in reality one master - either the Lord or Satan. "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24)

A. You have a source of truth - (Mk. 12:28-34) "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (Jn. 14:6)

B. You have one to look to in time of trouble - (Mk. 4:37-41; Lk. 9:37-42) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Ps. 46:1)

C. He rewards faithful service - (Mk. 10:35-45) "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6)

D. He gives eternal life - (Jn. 10:27,28)

 

HIS ONE MISTAKE

He wore his rubbers when it rained.

He brushed his teeth TWICE a day - with a nationally advertised toothpaste.
The doctors examined him twice a year.
He slept with the windows open.
He stuck to a diet with plenty of fresh vegetables.
He relinquished his tonsils and traded in several worn-out glands.
He golfed - but never more than 18 holes at a time.
He got at least eight hours' sleep every night.
He never smoked, drank or lost his temper.
He did his "daily dozen " daily. He was all set to live to be a hundred.
The funeral will be held Wednesday.
He's survived by eight specialists, three health institutions, two gymnasiums and numerous manufacturers of health foods and antiseptics.
 

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