What Is That To Us? Matthew 27:4 Lesson on Indifference I. Introduction. A. The Hebrews had been taught in regard to the coming Messiah. 1. They were not ignorant of prophecy. 2. The people of Israel were conditioned to the hope promised through inspired men. 3. The Messiah had been among them--teaching of the new Kingdom, but they rejected the Messiah(Christ). 4. The trial and crucifixion of Christ is in process. B. The betrayer, Judas, tried to return the price of his treachery. 1. When he found the chief priest and elders--this was the reply: Matthew 27:4. 2. There were not interested in Judas' guilty feelings; they did not care. 3. Their indifference indicated their callousness. C. Chart on words that are synonyms for indifference. II. Body. A. One of the greatest problems that plagues Christians is the problem of indifference. 1. Define: Apathy & lack of concern(care). a. The priests and elders were more interested in stopping Jesus than finding if he is the Messiah. b. Throughout Bible history there have been such as these. c. The early church had those with a lack of concern. d. Was that present in those who forsook Paul: II Timothy 4:16? 2. Does indifference(unconcern about spiritual matters) come from this? Matthew 13:22. a. Do other attractions take too much attention? b. It is easy to let our hearts be so engrossed in other matters that shut out the most important. 3. Paul was a witness of such lack of concern(later a victim). a. Note: Acts 18:17. b. Gallio had no concern for mistreatment or accusation toward a Roman citizen. (1 Avoided being a "judge of these matters." (2 In fact, he blamed the Jews and beat Sosthenes, ruler of the synagogue. c. Gallio should have been aware of what the Jews were trying to do to Paul. B. Jesus taught a lesson on apathy(lack of interested involvement) while he was on earth. 1. These "passed by on the other side"(Luke 10:30-32). 2. Jesus was responding to a question: "Who is my neighbor?" 3. These two thought it was not their problem. 4. A Samaritan did care!(He proved to be a neighbor.) 5. The Lord illustrated a lack of care in John 10:12-13. C. Paul was not indifferent: 1. Toward the churches of his day: II Corinthians 11:28. a. Where does the kingdom stand in my heart? b. How interested are we in the success and faithfulness of the Lord's people? c. What do I know of other Christians and their needs and wants? 2. Toward other disciples and encouraged: I Corinthians 12:25. a. Showed interest and concern for all. b. Paul's lesson: all part of one body. 3. Even Timothy is mentioned: Philippians 2:20. D. Other Christians were concerned and cared about Paul. 1. The Philippians: Philippians 4:10. 2. The Corinthians listened to Paul(he cared) and he used this appeal: II Corinthians 7:12. E. The cure for indifference is a concern and interest in the Lord and in His people. 1. Paul, Titus, and other disciples of apostolic age possessed it. 2. It was returned to them in kind. 3. A lesson: I Corinthians 7:21. a. Some things cannot be changed. b. What cannot--use to strengthen one's faith: Illustrate--I Corinthians 9:9-10. c. Do not let anything lead to becoming indifferent to the Lord and His cause. 4. An interest in caring for the Lord and for others is contagious: II Corinthians 8:16-17. III. Conclusion. A. Always remember: I Peter 5:6-7. B. He cares for me, do I care for him?-jy