09/30/20 THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD #20 — Luke 9:43-44 (CSB) says, “And they were all astonished at the GREATNESS of God. While everyone was amazed at all the things he was doing, he told his disciples, 44 ‘Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.’”

A demon was tormenting a young boy, his father’s only son. Jesus’ disciples had previously failed in their attempt(s?) to cast it out. When the man begged Him for help, Jesus expressed His frustration at the impotence of His disciples. Then He rebuked the demon and cast him out. The astonished crowd immediately recognized the Jesus possessed and utilized the Power and Greatness of Almighty God.

Then, unexpectedly, in the midst of this celebration, Jesus reminded them that He was about to be betrayed. They needed to know that His victory over Sin, Satan and Death would only happen with His sacrificial, vicarious Death. Lots of us need to be reminded that our sin is a capital offense against our Perfect Heavenly Father. Scripture makes clear repeatedly, OT and NT, that the only acceptable payment for our debt to God is Death, either our own or that of Jesus. Either we must deal ruthlessly with our sin, or God will!