Sermons From My Heart

The passage from John 20:1-18 is the key point of our faith because it is about the Resurrection. Christ’s resurrection is the basis of our faith. Without it:

1. The Gospel would be meaningless.
2. Forgiveness of sins would be hopeless.
3. Present life would be joyless.
4. Godly living would be fruitless.
5. Future life would be worthless.

The resurrection of Jesus is like the quiet dawning of a new day heralding the defeat of the night. Our Saviour meets us personally and intimately at unexpected times and places. When we meet Him, our grief and doubt are overcome. We are flooded with joy and peace as we move from sight to faith.

Early on that first Easter Sunday morning, Mary expected to find death, but instead she found new life. We also expect to find death. We know what it means to expect death but find new life. We know what it feels like to follow on Good Friday only to be confronted with Easter Sunday. We have stood there looking into the empty tomb experiencing the impossible. We don’t go looking for resurrection. It finds us.

Jesus’ resurrection is about God loving us so much that He is willing to go to any length to find us in all the wrong places. Like Mary, we go looking for God in the familiar, in the places where we expect to find God. In Jesus’ resurrection God finds us when we are down and out, when we are at the end of our rope, when we have lost hope. God rolls back the stones that bind and confine us. He stands waiting with a familiar voice that calls us to new life and to “go and tell.”

Jesus opened up a new relationship for us through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. No longer do we have to go through a high priest to seek atonement for our sins. Jesus became the final sacrifice for our sins. He has given us free access to God the Father, to whom we can come in times of need.

There is something about a living testimony that gives us courage. Once we see someone else emerging from life’s dark tunnels we realize that we, too, can overcome. In the eyes of humanity, death was still the black veil that separated them from joy. There was no victory over this enemy. It invaded every human, convincing us that life was only meant to end abruptly and senselessly.

Jesus revealed the true nature of death. It was on the Cross that the showdown occurred. Jesus was tired of seeing humanity fooled by death. He entered the dark tunnel of death to prove that there was an exit. As the world darkened, creation held its breath. Jesus emerged from death’s tunnel, lifted a triumphant fist toward the sky and freed us from the fear of death. Even though demons, darkness and death have been defeated, they continue to fight against everything God has created. We don’t have to worry though. Jesus is alive with a new kind of life that He wants to give to all believers.

Two different ways of seeing are depicted in verses 5-8. Both John and Peter viewed the facts-the tomb was empty, with the burial cloths lying there. But the text implies that John saw at a deeper level; he believed. Today, the tomb still stands empty, and people still can “see” the evidence. But not everyone believes that Jesus has, in fact, overcome death and provided the only way to eternal life.

John saw the empty tomb and folded grave clothes and believed that Jesus was alive. Love brought him to faith. Later, Jesus explained the Scriptures that testified to His resurrection-teachings the disciples didn’t understand during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Many of us came to faith in the same way. We believed in a God whom we knew only in a small part, and we recognized that our faith was incomplete. As we grew older, our faith deepened and our ability to talk about it grew but looking back we understand that there was something wonderful even about our immature faith.

Jesus appeared to Mary to comfort all who have become penitent believers after leading lives of sin. It was meant to show them and us that no matter how far we and they have fallen, we and they are raised to complete peace with God if we and they believe the Gospel.

Why did Jesus tell Mary not to hold on to Him? There are three possible answers:

1. Having accomplished the sacrifice, He was on His way to present the sacred blood in heaven. Between meeting Mary and another meeting referred to in Matthew 28:9, He had ascended to heaven and returned.
2. Mary was to become His messenger-the messenger of the Resurrection.
3. He merely meant, “Do no detain me now; I am not yet ascended. You will see me again; run to my brethren.”

Jesus told Mary, “Do not cling to me,” because He had not yet ascended to the Father. Exactly what He meant is not certain, but He did have an assignment for Mary: “Go to my brethren and tell them the Good News.” Jesus commanded His followers not only to pray but to go out and serve and witness. Christians are the conduits of His love to others. Just as Jesus told Mary not to hold on to Him, He tells us not to hold on to the things we cherish. We must go and tell people about the Good News. Rather than allowing her to cling to Him, Jesus sends her on a mission to tell the others what she has seen and heard. Like Mary, we are sent forth to announce that Jesus’ body is not in the tomb. He is with the Father in resurrected glory.

In His resurrection, Jesus broke the bonds of sin and death and the limitation of space, time and the weaknesses of earthly existence. By the power of God He has brought forth a new creation, a new order. He is now returning to His Father. Mary is to cling to Him when this journey is completed and He is in perfect union with the Father. Through the Holy Spirit, she will then live with Christ and “cling” to Him as her permanent place of abiding.

Part of proclaiming the Good News includes telling people that God is their heavenly Father. He isn’t a tyrant who blesses us when we are good and curses us when we are bad. He is a loving Father who loves us unconditionally.

We do not worship a dead god but a living Lord. We worship a God who has placed all our burdens on Himself. We don’t have to find Him because He never loses us. He promises that if we see Him, we will find Him as He comes to us. We are never lost from His sight. We may not see Him but He is always there, even sometimes from behind.

God does lead us from behind at times and we can feel that we have lost Him. But like Mary, when Jesus calls our name even from behind, we will recognize His voice. We must remember to keep seeking Him and desiring to be with Him even if He seems to be missing. We have not lost Him because He can never lose us.

So how do we get close to God and keep close to Him? First, we do so by prayer. The person who keeps close to God is the one who is always talking to God. Second, we do it by constant study of the Scriptures. God’s word is alive with meaning, and when we read it, something will happen to us. Third, we do it by sharing with others. Nothing is ours if we do not share it. When we share, the things go deeper inside us. We have to share what God is doing, both with our fellow Christians and with non-Christians also. In the four Gospels, half of the references to people running occur in the Resurrection stories. Their urgency was due to excitement. Jesus’ disciples today should retell the story with the same excitement.

All Jesus wants from us is our hearts. He longs for our lives. In return, He will be with us everywhere and all the time. He will be with us in the good times and in the tough times. He doesn’t promise that we will be immune from the problems of this life. He does promise that He will go ahead of us. He meets us along the way of life’s journey. Sometimes the harsh realities of life are so overwhelming that we forget Jesus is alive. He has conquered death, and our future is safe in His hands.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013, p. 1477-1478)
2. The Holy Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.
3. Fredrikson, R.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 27: John (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1985; pp. 269-275).
4. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)
5. Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2010; p. 1498)
6. Dr. Steven Davey, “Then Comes the Good Part.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
7. “What Jesus Most Longs For.” Retrieved from dailyreadings@ransomedheart.com
8. Pastor David J. Risendal, “Christ is Risen.” Retrieved from www.StPLC.org
9. Richard Niell Donovan, “Exegesis for John 20:1-18.” Retrieved from www.lectionary.org
10. Pastor David McGee, “Out of the Mire.” Retrieved from www.crossthebridge.com
11. “Whom Are You Seeking?” Retrieved from info@dailydisciples.org
12. Pastor Jim Collins, “Father God: Protector and Provider.” Retrieved from www.BeyondPopsitiveThinking.org
13. “Jesus Lives.” Retrieved from info@dailydisciples.org
14. Charles R. Swindoll, “Not to Worry…He’s Risen!” Retrieved from www.insightforliving.ca
15. The Reverend Deon K. Johnson, “Practice Resurrection, Easter (C)-2016.” Retrieved from www.episcopaldigitalnetwork.com
16. Pastor Greg Laurie, “A New Relationship.” Retrieved from www.harvest.org

How many of you have played with a yo-yo? A yo-yo is a simple toy, but it is a lot of fun. Some people can make the yo-yo do amazing tricks, but the main thing a yo-yo does is go up and down, up and down. That is also a good picture of us. We all have our “ups and downs,” don’t we? Sometimes we are happy and sometimes we are sad. We may be hard working one day and lazy the next. We may be honest one day and dishonest the next. Can you think of other ways that we have “ups and downs?” In the Book of Exodus, we heard that Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, also had his “ups and downs” and we heard how God punished Pharaoh for his wicked ways.

You will remember that God spoke to Moses from a burning bush and told him to go to Pharaoh and tell him to set his people free. They had been slaves in Egypt for many years. So Moses and his brother, Aaron, went to see Pharaoh and asked him to set God’s people free, but Pharaoh said, “No, I will not let them go.”

Because Pharaoh refused to obey, God began to send terrible plagues on Egypt. One time he sent frogs all over the land. There were so many frogs that Pharaoh thought he would croak. At other times, God sent gnats, flies, and locusts. That really bugged Pharaoh! Well, Pharaoh had more ups and downs than a yo-yo. When God would send one of the plagues, Pharaoh would tell Moses that if God would make it go away, he would let his people go. But after God made the plague go away, Pharaoh would change his mind and refuse to let the people go. Since Pharaoh was so hard-hearted and refused to let God’s people go, God continued to send plagues upon Egypt — there were ten in all.

The final plague was the worst of all. God told Moses to tell Pharaoh that the last plague would be so terrible that it would change his heart and he would let the people go. Every firstborn son and every firstborn male animal would die. How sad! It is always sad to see what happens to people when they refuse to obey God. Since Pharaoh and the people in Egypt refused to do what God told them to do, they suffered terribly! That may be hard to understand, but remember – God had given them many opportunities to do what he told them to do, but they refused.

God gave Moses instructions on how his own people were to prepare for the last plague. He said that every family was to take a one-year-old lamb, one that was perfect in every way, and prepare a meal. They were to take some of the blood from the lamb and smear it on the sides and tops of the doorway of their houses.

God said, “I will go through the land of Egypt on this night and strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, whether human or animal, and bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. The blood will serve as a sign on the houses where you live. When I see the blood, I will pass over you—no harm will touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.”

After God sent that tenth plague, Pharaoh repented and freed God’s children.

The symbolism of Passover for Christians is rich. The Passover Lamb is a type of Christ. Passover marked the beginning of months for the Hebrews, and the coming of Christ into our lives marks both the changing of our world and the beginning of our lives.

God began the calendar year of Israel with the Exodus. The first month of the Hebrew year, called Abib (or Aviv), literally means “the ear” month because at this time-about April for us-the ears of grain have developed. Passover was to begin Israel’s year. It was a reminder of their coming into being as God’s delivered people.

The Passover was a sacred meal. It was intended to honour God and His relationship with His people. Burning leftover meat represented the sacred nature of this observance, making it clear that it is food for the soul and food for the Body. The bread and wine (or juice) served during the Eucharist is also food for both the body and the soul. Our gathering in worship and God’s saving grace should motivate us and encourage us to perform acts of justice and mercy.

God’s specific instructions about the Passover lamb would ensure that in every way, it was fit for sacred service. A lamb without flaws was to be the perfect sacrifice for the Passover meal, just like Christ was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Nothing but a perfect sacrifice could satisfy God’s requirements, because God Himself is perfectly righteous. No sacrifice was adequate, so God had to provide the Lamb that was without blemish-Jesus Christ. The Feast of the Passover became a festival to celebrate the visiting and redeeming God-the One who comes to dwell among us, not only as Protector but as Sustainer and Giver of Life. The Passover Lamb represented the work that Jesus would finish in His death and resurrection. That’s why he said, “It is finished” just before He died on the cross.

The Israelites were told to be ready to leave their bondage at any time. We as Christians today must also be ready to leave at any time. We don’t know when Christ’s return and the final judgment will take place. The Israelites were also told to eat unleavened bread. In Scripture, leaven represents evil. Our bread of life must be unleavened. We can’t have communion with Christ when there is sin in our lives.

The bitter herbs represented the memory of the Israelites’ bondage, and today we who are saved must not forget the cost of our redemption. Our sin-filled lives must be constantly crucified. Deep down in our hearts, the drinking of His cup and being baptized with His baptism will be our taste of bitter herbs in the feast.

The one who would “pass through the land” was not some angel of death as is commonly assumed. According to the repeated pronoun “I”, it was the Lord Himself, bringing judgment against all the gods of Egypt. Just like the angel of death passed over the blood-stained doorways of the Israelites, Christ’s blood allows eternal death and separation from God to pass over us. We can pass over from physical death to eternal life. Only the blood of Jesus can save us.

God did not protect the Israelites because they were better than the Egyptians, but because they were His people. God gives grace to His followers-whether through the blood of the Passover lamb or the blood of Jesus-not based on merit but on His lovingkindness. Christ’s blood saves us from the penalty of spiritual death just like the blood of the Passover lamb saved the Israelites from the death of their firstborn children and animals.

The passage from Exodus is about freedom from slavery, new beginning and leaving behind. It’s about life and death. It teaches us how to get ready to move fast. Christ’s death and resurrection are also about freedom from slavery, a new relationship and life with God and leaving behind our old sin-filled lives. Christ’s death and resurrection mean freedom for all who believe in Him. The Lord’s Supper is open to all He invited, all the baptized, who remember that Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. The blood of the host at this banquet means that God will pass over the sins of all who partake. As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

God cares for us just like he cared for his children in Egypt long ago. In fact, He made a way for us to get out of our messes too. Just like Pharaoh, we have our ups and downs, but Jesus died on the cross for all the wrong things we have done. If we believe in him and ask him to come into our hearts, he makes a way for us to go to Heaven.

For Christianity, the passion narrative is built, at least in part, on the Passover narrative. In Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples gather in the upper room to celebrate the Passover meal, at which time Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, offering the wine as a sign of the blood of the covenant poured out for the forgiveness of sins. While Passover had nothing to do with the sins of Israel, it does speak of liberation, and the cross is itself understood in that context. In John’s Passion narrative, the connection of Jesus to the Passover Lamb is even more explicit. He is crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover, the day when the Passover lambs are sacrificed in preparation for the feast. Thus, for John, Jesus is the Passover Lamb, through whom liberation takes place. It is his blood placed on the doorposts as a sign to the angel of death. The good news, the gospel, is that God is a liberating God, and in our worship, we are invited to continually retell the story of how God acts to liberate.

 Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013, pp. 89-90)
2. Dunnam, M.D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 21: Exodus (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1987; pp. 132-142)
3. Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)
4. Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2010)
5. Ron Moore, “Nothing but the Blood.” Retrieved from www.ronmoore.org
6. Richard Niell Donovan, “Exegesis for Exodus 12:1-14.” Retrieved from www.lectionary.org
7. Joni Eareckson Tada, “The Passover Lamb.” Retrieved from www.joniandfriends.org
8. Mark S. Gignilliant, “Commentary of Exodus 12:1-14.” Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org
9. Anathea Portier-Young, “Commentary of Exodus 12:1-14.” Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org
10. Ralph W. Klein, “Commentary of Exodus 12:1-14.” Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org
11. “The First Passover.” Retrieved from www.Sermons4KIds.com

Psalm 31 is an accurate description of Jesus’ agony while on the cross. Just like the psalmist, Jesus cried out to God in despair. In this psalm we have a picture of a seriously ill man whose violation of God’s will led to emotional pain and bodily weakness. Although Jesus was perfect and sinless, He took all of our sins on Himself as He was on the cross. Those sins were represented in His bodily weakness.

Perhaps Jesus prayed Psalm 31 in the days leading to His entry into Jerusalem. Perhaps it gave Him strength and comfort as He prepared for what would happen to Him in the next few days. Perhaps the psalm reminded Him that He could be honest with God about His terror and grief. Perhaps the psalm reminds us that we can also be honest with God in whatever situation we are facing. If we trust God and walk in faith, we can know that He is good and His mercy endures forever.

Jesus’ emotional suffering was cause by rejection-both by His enemies and by God. His body broke under the strain. He bore our shame on the cross, and that makes us ashamed. Can we hear some of Jesus’ sorrow in the psalm? Jesus grieved for our sins. He was rejected as His life was demanded of Him. In this crisis, Jesus threw Himself on His Father’s mercy. He asked to be taken into God’s presence, and that happened when He died.

The hands of men can harass us and oppose us, but as children of God, we are never victims of our circumstances. Throughout trials, God is our refuge and our strength. He provides stability in a broken world.

Sometimes it seems that God is removed from our situation or that He does not care about our own despair. Nothing could be further from the truth. He sees our needs differently and plans special strategies to see us through. This does not mean resolving the situation immediately. Sometimes it means giving us the confidence and power we need to endure it.

For example, well known preacher Chuck Swindoll once told the story of Terry Shafer. A few years ago she was strolling the shops in Moline, Illinois. She knew exactly what she wanted to get her husband, David, for Christmas. A little shop on Fifth attracted her attention, so she popped inside. Her eyes darted toward the corner display. “That’s it!” she smiled as she nodded with pleasure. “How much?” she asked the shopkeeper.

“Only $127.50.”

Her smile faded into disappointment as she realized David’s salary as a policeman couldn’t stand such a jolt. Yet she hated to give up without a try, so she applied a little womanly persistence. “Uh, what about putting this aside for me? Maybe I could pay a little each week, then pick it up a few days before Christmas?”

“No,” the merchant said, “I won’t do that.” Then he smiled. “I’ll gift-wrap it right now. You can take it with you and pay me later,” he said. Terry was elated.

Then came Saturday, October 1. Patrolman David Shafer, working the night shift, got a call in his squad car. A drugstore robbery was in progress. David reacted instantly, arriving on the scene just in time to see the suspect speed away. With siren screaming and lights flashing, he followed in hot pursuit. Three blocks later the getaway vehicle suddenly pulled over and stopped. The driver didn’t move. David carefully approached the suspect with his weapon drawn. In a split second, the door flew open as the thief produced a .45-calibre pistol and fired at David’s abdomen.

At seven o’clock in the morning a patrolman came to the door of the Shafer home. Calmly and with great care, he told Terry what had happened. Stunned, Terry thought how glad she was that she had not waited until Christmas to give her husband his present. How grateful she was that the shopkeeper had been willing to let her pay for it later. Otherwise, Dave would have surely died. Instead, he was now in the hospital—not with a gunshot wound, but with only a bad bruise. You see, David was wearing the gift of life Terry could not wait to give—his brand-new bulletproof vest.

Within the movement of events is the Designer, who plans and arranges the times and the seasons, including the minutest detail of life. You question that? Many do. But I don’t think David and Terry Shafer did. People who survive a calamity don’t have much struggle with sovereignty.

All of us struggle with loneliness from time to time. Many of us have struggled with loneliness during this pandemic, especially senior citizens. They often go days without meaningful human contact, especially if they live in long term care facilities. Their sense of isolation grows and they begin to believe that life doesn’t have any purpose or meaning. It has  been heartening to see the way many people have found ways to reach out to lonely people.

Psalm 31 foreshadows the loneliness of Jesus on the cross. He was scorned and rejected. He was abandoned by the disciples. The religious and civil authorities condemned Him. The soldiers mocked and tortured Him. We must remember that we are there too. Our sin ultimately killed Him, but loneliness and death did not get the final word. God’s steadfast love had the final word. Jesus was raised from the dead. The empty tomb was not a lonely place. It was a scene of triumph.

Psalm 31 is the song of sorrow for everyone who suffers. They are forgotten like the long dead even though they live in plain sight. Christ chose to embody this psalm instead of the phrase, “Be still and know that I am God,” even though eventually every knee will bow down and every tongue will be silenced.

When a season of life is not ideal, we will run our souls ragged as we focus on our longing for the situation to be over. We have to trust that each day has a purpose. We don’t have to know what that purpose is. We can choose to trust God and look forward to our future glory. That is exactly what we need.

We might not know where life is taking us, but we can be sure that God has something prepared for us that we can’t see or imagine. That’s why we have to trust God no matter what situation we find ourselves in. Whenever we suffer, we can take comfort in the knowledge that as Christians God is always there and He will give us comfort and strength to face our situation-just like He was there for Jesus in His suffering and gave Him comfort and strength.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New Kings James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 726)
2. Williams, D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 13: Psalms 1-72 (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1986; pp. 247-250)
3. Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible: New Kings James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)
4. Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2010; pp. 723-724)
5. Naji Abi-Hashem, “Daily Courage-Nov. 25,2020.” Retrieved from Oneplace@crosswalkmail.com
6. Charles R. Swindoll, “Timing.” Retrieved from info@insightforliving.ca
7. Chrystal Evans Hurst, “Hopeful Surrender.” Retrieved from newsletter@lists.christianitytoday.com
8. Steve Arterburn, “Trust God Each Day.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
9. Talitha Arnold, “Honest to God.” Retrieved from dailydevotional@ucc.org
10. Jerry Savelle, “Honour God by Trusting Him.” Retrieved from paul@ncmcanada.com
11. Mark Tranvik, “Psalm 31:9-16.” Retrieved from communic@luthersem.edu

In Philippians 2:1-13, Paul talks about unity and servanthood. To live in unity, or to be like-minded, believers must practice three things: harmony, humility and helpfulness. When we value ourselves, we demonstrate Christian humility. We mirror Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. When we take the very nature of a servant, we have the mindset of Jesus. When we serve, it takes our minds off our desire to be served. The danger of being a lover of self is inherent in each of us. As we put aside our desires and become more selfless, we will enrich those around us, show God’s love wherever we are, and develop the mind of Christ. When we welcome those we consider to be below us, our eyes are opened to the stories of those we meet. It’s such a simple way to love-one that changes our lives and the lives of those around us.

How is your sensitivity toward other people? Do you take time to care about the needs of your friends, family and fellow citizens? Sometimes we get so absorbed with our own personal problems we forget that there is a hurting world around us that needs our attention. The strange thing about it is that when we give love and concern to others, we usually forget about our own problems! The more we humble ourselves, the more God will raise us up not to just any old high place, but as a co-heir seated alongside our Saviour. We suffer with Christ-that we may share in Christ’s highest glory.

If God is to succeed and make things happen, it helps if His people work together. We need to work together with God and understand His plan and purpose for our lives. Directed by His Holy Word, we can pray that He will allow us to work together in reaching those who are lost and in need of the Saviour.

Jesus’ servanthood was authentic in substance and reality. He made a deliberate decision to renounce the privileges of His deity, limit Himself to a human body, and relinquish His position in heaven to become a servant on earth, even to the point of death. If the one person in history who ever had the right to assert His rights waived them, then Christians should do the same.

Attitudes are the foundation upon which actions are built, and these young believers needed an attitude of submission and servanthood to produce harmony. To be of one mind means to agree in doctrine and creed. This isn’t a call to unity at the cost of truth. To be in one accord means literally, “united in spirit” or “harmonious.” Spiritual unity does not occur without doctrinal oneness. Unity is a matter of personal responsibility, with each believer taking ownership of his or her own spirit and disposition.

Verses 5 to 11 are very likely a hymn or poem that Paul wrote or borrowed as an illustration. They offer Jesus as the perfect role model for Christian unity. While the story of the cross is recorded in the Gospels and explained in the epistles, only this passage views the Crucifixion through the eyes of the Lord himself. It presents a glimpse of His perspective so that His followers might see the price of unity: His death.

Selfish ambition is a work of the flesh and has always been the source of divisions within the church. Conceit is empty glory. Lowliness of mind, which was formerly viewed as a negative quality, has been transformed into a sign of godliness and love by the influence of the gospel. Christ taught His disciples how to submit to one another out of love instead of fear.

We are called to look out not only for our own interests, but also for the interests of others. When the community of believers cares for one another just as they would care for themselves, disunity fades through mutual service. The phrase “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” is an imperative construction: God’s people make this happen. Unless they take definite action to consider Christ, they will end up fainting in their minds.

Those who believe in Jesus are leaving an impression of Him on others with their attitudes, actions and relationships. Does this impression represent the likeness of Jesus’ heart? Paul had a desire to accurately represent Jesus, so he urged His followers to reflect the humility, self-sacrifice and compassion of Jesus for others. In fact, we are called to imitate, model and project the ability to temper our influences with humility for God’s purposes in others.

Being in the form of God doesn’t refer to Christ’s outer appearance but His genuine inner identity. All that God is, Jesus Christ was, and ever will be. The word used here for being occurs 59 times in the New Testament, and every time it refers to prior existence. Before He became a man, Jesus existed not only eternally but He also existed eternally as God-being simply not like God but the very nature and substance of God. Yet because He cared about the human plight more than His own benefit, He gave up the independent use of His attributes to serve those He loved.

Scholars have debated the meaning of Jesus making Himself of no reputation and coming in the likeness of man. This “emptying” cannot mean that Jesus divested Himself of any of His divine attributes, for “Deity diminished” ceases to be deity. This passage affirms Christ’s offering for all people. Jesus is now and forevermore both fully human and fully divine.

Jesus sacrificed none of His deity, yet He came in perfect humility by taking on flesh and becoming fully human. By this, He voluntarily submitted Himself to the authority of God the Father and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He also confined Himself to a human body. The word “likeness” suggest similarity but difference. Jesus’ humanity was genuine, but He differed from other humans in that He was sinless and in full possession of another nature-God’s.

Paul looks beyond the day of Christ’s exaltation into heaven (after His ascension) to a future day when every tongue in heaven and on earth will exalt Him as Lord. Though not everyone on earth received the King on His first arrival, one day the One who was brought low will be raised high, and then every knee will bow-believers with joy and unbelievers in sorrow and remorse.

Jesus was sent from heaven for the most humbling of reasons-to exchange His royal robes for the cloak of sin worn by humanity. About one-third of each Gospel’s narrative is devoted to Jesus’ ministry leading up to the Crucifixion, because the very purpose of His coming was His death and resurrection.

Paul does not say “work for your salvation.” God has already worked to make salvation possible. The Christian’s role is to work out what God has worked on by cultivating the characteristics of a godly life. Such faithfulness will allow believers to shine as lights in the world. There is nothing we can do to serve ourselves spiritually; Christ took care of that through His life, death and Resurrection. God has a part in our growth-but so do we. We must make an intentional effort to grow.

Paul uses the word “therefore” to tell his readers that those who call themselves Christians must practice the same discipline that Christ exercised when He obeyed His father. The call to discipleship is costly. When we talk to someone about our faith, we don’t have to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be persuasive, poetic or scholarly. All we must do is tell the wonderful things God has done and His love for everyone. Let His persuasive power work in someone’s heart and mind.

God is at work in the mundane, tiring, ordinary, repetitive duties of life. It might not come with the thunder and lightning of Mount Sinai, but He works in our lives right now just as He worked in the lives of His followers throughout history. God’s plan is often different from our desires, but even when that is the case, He cares deeply about us. He wants to encourage us and strengthen us as we face tough times. He brings us joy through His many blessings in our lives.

What controls us in our Christian lives-our feelings or what we know God asks and expects us to do? Our answers will reveal just who is in the driver’s seat. Sooner or later, everyone will be on their faces before God, even those who have opposed Him. That’s when the people who have already humbled themselves before Him on earth will have no hesitation taking a knee and giving Him praise in heaven. It’ll be like they’ve been there…like they never expected to be anywhere else. We must open the door for God to work in our lives. We must humbly let Him in.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013, pp. 1658-1659)
2. Dave Brannon, “The Interests of Others.” Retrieved from donotreply@email.rbc.org
3. Pastor Mark Jeske, “God’s Persuasive Power.” Retrieved from www.TimeofGrace.org
4. Anne Graham Lotz, “Every Knee Will Bow.” Retrieved from www.angelministries.org
5. Dr. David Jeremiah, “The Tendency of Inwardness.” Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org
6. Bill Crowell, “Painting a Portrait.” Retrieved from donotreply@email.rbc.org
7. Kenny Luck, “Royalty Without a Crown.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
8. Dr. Steven Davey, “Invisibly Involved.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
9. Jim Burns, “Responding with Love.” Retrieved from www.homeword.com
10. Pastor Rick Warren, “Spiritual Growth Must Be intentional.” Retrieved from connect@newsletter.purposedriven.com
11. Joni Eareckson Tada, “Therefore…” Retrieved from communic@joniandfriends.org
12. Joel Osteen, “Reflect Him.” Retrieved from devotional@e.joelosteen.com
13. Pastor Ken Klaus, “Be Like-Minded.” Retrieved from lh_min@lhm.org
14. Joe Gibbs, “Take a Knee.” Retrieved from www.GamePlanForLife.com

It is February 15, 1921. In the operating room of the Kane Summit Hospital, Dr. Evan O’Neil Kane is performing an appendectomy, but this is no ordinary appendectomy. First, it marked the first use of local anaesthesia in major surgery. Dr. Kane believed local anaesthetic was much safer than general anaesthetic, and while many colleagues and patients agreed with him, no one was willing to be the first person to have an appendectomy under local anaesthesia. Because he wasn’t able to find a volunteer for the procedure, he operated on himself!

Dr. Kane put his own well-being at risk to gain his patients’ trust and show his care for them. Jesus did the same thing. He humbled himself by taking on human form and subjecting himself to a cruel, human death.

The readings we heard from Isaiah and Philippians talk about how we are to live like Christ, including suffering for our faith. Isaiah talks about the servant who submits to the father’s will. Paul tells us in Philippians to be like Christ. Christ was the suffering servant Isaiah referred to-the servant who submits himself to the father’s will and a cruel, painful death to save us.

Suffering tests our faith and our relationship with God. When we suffer, we often ask ourselves why God is allowing us to suffer. In cases of accident or sickness, we don’t have any choice in the matter. The suffering servant is suffering because he or she is God’s servant. Somehow the suffering servant has heard that his or her suffering is for the cause of right and therefore he or she believes that God will not abandon the one trying to be faithful.

Christ humbled himself and emptied himself of his deity to obey his father’s will. He emptied himself of his glory. He emptied himself of independent authority. He released the voluntary exercise of his divine attributes. He gave up eternal riches. He gave up his intimate relationship with God the Father.

Obeying God’s will for his life also meant that Christ had to submit to the voluntary humiliation of the cruellest form of torture known at that time-crucifixion. Crucifixion was not simply a convenient way to execute criminals. It was the ultimate indignity, a public statement by the Romans that the crucified person was beyond contempt. The unbearable pain was magnified by the degradation and humiliation. No other form of death could match crucifixion as an absolute destruction of the person. It was the ultimate contrast to Christ’s divine majesty and therefore it was the ultimate expression of his obedience to God.

By lowering himself, he was exalted by God. We must also submit ourselves to God’s will. Paul used Christ’s example to teach us how to live the Christian life. Because Christ was an obedient servant, he serves as a good example for us to follow. When we become servants, we give up the right to be in charge of who and what we serve. When we do, we will be free, but we will also be vulnerable.

Christ calls us to service for three main reasons. First, he wants to rid us of our human pride and selfishness so we can focus our lives on him. Second, by serving others in humility we show our love for Christ. Third, God tests and purifies our hearts through service.

Christ is the ultimate example of selfless humility. He submitted himself to God’s will like a servant submits to the will of his or her master. Jesus calls on us to deny ourselves and follow him through sacrificial service to others.  Jesus believed in the Law, taught the Law and lived the Law on the cross. In other words, he didn’t just “talk the talk”. He also “walked the walk”. Just like Jesus submitted himself to God’s will, we are called to submit ourselves to God’s will by worshipping him in true faith and by serving others just like Jesus served others.

The way we act reflects our faith. If we claim to be Christians, people around us will equate our actions with Jesus. In other words we are to act like Jesus would act. We are to follow the Golden Rule. When we lead lives of humble servanthood, when we follow God’s plan and direction, and when we bow down before him we become the disciples that he wants us to be. Only then can we be exalted by God. Only then can we build God’s kingdom here on earth. 

In order to be like Jesus, we have to spend time with Jesus. The more time we spend with him by reading and studying his word and talking with him through regular, earnest prayer, the more we begin to think like him. We also become more like Jesus by studying what has been written by other Christian leaders. For example, when I prepare homilies I always consult commentaries and other articles written by pastors such as Dr. Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, Rick Warren, Billy Graham, Charles H. Spurgeon, Dr. David Jeremiah and others. Finally, we can be like Jesus by studying the Bible with other Christians.

As I mentioned earlier, when we become servants of God, we will be free, but we will also be vulnerable. We can’t please God if we don’t have faith. That involves taking risks. Peter took a risk when Jesus told him to get out of the boat and walk to him on the water. He took a risk and was able to do amazing things. There is an old adage “No risk, no reward”. If we are willing to take risks, God can do amazing things for us, to us and with us.

When we have a sense of Christ’s love, we will be humbled. That doesn’t mean that we are weak. Jesus showed us that humility in fact requires great strength and courage, both of which come from an unshakeable faith in God. When we are determined to follow Christ’s example, Satan becomes more determined to stop us. He will use every trick he knows to divert us from godly pursuits. We must be careful not to let interruptions keep us from our time with God.

Even when we follow Christ, we can become discouraged when life deals us challenges. When this happens, it can be easy for us to forget all the good things God has done for us. The only way to correct this attitude of defeat is to do something else Jesus did regularly-pray.

By humbling himself, Jesus was exalted by God. Those who humble themselves before God will be exalted by God. One day we will also exalt him by bowing down before him, but right now we can exalt him by serving others in humility like he did. We suffer and serve with Christ so that we may share Christ’s glory. Those who face the greatest struggles in life hold on to God with all their heart and have the greatest confidence in sharing Christ’s glory.

Nothing is beneath us since Jesus humbled himself and served others. Christ taught us this valuable lesson, so we would be well-advised to listen to him. We need to have humble hearts. Christ valued humility and service, and this should be our model for daily living.

Those of you who are sports fans have seen how some players celebrate great plays. They dance around in the end zone of a football field or get slapped on the back by their fellow hockey players. Others simply toss the puck or the football back to the referee and return to the bench or the sidelines without any fuss. Some Christians are like that. They hope that the few big plays they make in their walk of faith will earn them a spot on Jesus’ team.

When it comes to serving in the church, people rarely ask for positions where they will go unnoticed. If they want to serve in the church, they usually ask for positions of leadership. Now there is nothing wrong with serving in a leadership capacity if that’s what God calls you to do, but God calls us to have a servant’s heart. He wants us to glorify him and not ourselves. God places us where he wants us to serve, and we must give our all in everything he asks us to do. God wants our obedience and our best effort

Eventually, every knee will bow before Jesus and confess him as their Lord and Saviour, as Paul mentions in Philippians 2:10-11. At that time, people who have already humbled themselves before him as a part of their daily lives will not hesitate to bow down before him and give him praise. It will be like they have always been there, and there will be no penalty for excessive celebration.

Bibliography

1. ESV Study Bible
2. Dunnam, M.D. & Ogilvie, L.J., The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 31: Galatians/Ephesians/Philippians/Colossians/Philemon (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.; 1982)
3. Dr. Charles Stanley, “What is the Meaning of the Cross?” Retrieved from Jesus.org@crosswalkmail.com
4. MacArthur, J.F. Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publisher; 2006)
5. Dr. Charles Stanley, “Christians in the Workplace”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
6. Gary Sims, “On Bended Knee”. Retrieved from http://www.MyInJesus.com
7. T.M. Moore, “Paths to Mature Thinking”. Retrieved from http://www.colsoncenter.org
8. Bayless Conley, “Making a Priority of Faith”. Retrieved from answersweekly@answersbc.org
9. Joni Eareckson Tada, “Distraction”. Retrieved from http://www.joniandfriends.org
10. T.M. Moore, “Nurtured and Refined”. Retrieved from http://www.colsoncenter.org
11. Joni Eareckson Tada, “Therefore…”. Retrieved from http://www.joniandfriends.org
12. Anne Graham Lotz, “The Way Up is Down”. Retrieved from http://www.angelministries.org
13. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, 24th Sunday (B)”. Retrieved from http://www.preacherexchange.org
14. Tim Hall, “Heavenly Connection”. Retrieved from forthright@fastmail.fm
15. Tracie Miles, “What Has God Done for ME Lately?”. Retrieved from Encouragement_for_Today@crosswalkmail.com
16. Dr. Charles Stanley, “The Call to Serve”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
17. Rebecca Barlow Jordan, “Humility”. Retrieved from Christianity.com@croswalkmail.com
18. Dr. Charles Stanley, “Fully Submitted”. Retrieved from In_Touch_With_Charles_Stanley@crosswalkmail.com
19. Joe Gibbs, “Take a Knee”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
20. Joni Eareckson Tada, “The Interests of Others”. Retrieved from http://www.joniandfriends.org
21. James MacDonald, “How did Jesus ‘Empty’ himself?” Retrieved from Jesus.org@crosswalkmail.com
22. Dr. David Jeremiah, “Becoming Like Christ”. Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org

John 12:20-33 marks the beginning of a change in Jesus’ ministry. The coming of the Greeks is seen as anticipating the coming of the Gentiles into the community of believers. While it is true that before the events in our Gospel reading Jesus spoke to the woman at the well and healed a woman’s daughter, the primary focus of Jesus’ ministry until this point in time was the people of Israel-the Jews. The visit of the Greeks reflected the Pharisee’s statement in verse 19 that the whole world has gone after Jesus. Their arrival prompted Jesus to acknowledge that the hour had come for him to be crucified, and by his death and resurrection, he will draw all people to him, including the Gentiles.

The drawing of all people to Jesus might seem to be ironic given that those who shouted “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday shouted “Crucify him” on Good Friday. Part of the reason is because of the nature of the Messiah that the people were seeking. They were seeking a Messiah who would create an army, drive out the Romans and restore Israel to the glory days of King David. They had no such expectations of the Son of Man. In fact, the title “Son of Man” has none of the militaristic connotations or meanings associated with the title of Messiah.

Jesus sought to downplay those expectations in favour of the expectations of a suffering servant. He has the same expectations of us. He expected the people of his day to be focused on serving others and in return God would bless them. In fact, he served others by healing, teaching and washing the disciples’ feet just before he celebrated the Last Supper with them. During Jesus’ time it was the custom for guests who arrived at a home to have their feet washed by household servants.

Jesus is the new covenant that God promised to his people in Jeremiah 31:31-34. In Jesus, God united us to him with bonds that can never be broken, and through this new covenant, we and Jesus can look death in the eye and see victory. The new covenant is represented by the replacement of the Ten Commandments with Jesus’ two Great Commandments-“Love God and love people”. If we love God and love people, our desire to serve God and others will naturally flow out of this love.

Jesus’ expectations of service are emphasized in Matthew 25:31-46. We are expected to be faithful even to death and trust that God will glorify us. In order to be glorified by God, we must be prepared to experience suffering first and serve others, just like Jesus served others and suffered on the cross for our sins.

God glorified Jesus when he spoke from heaven. When Jesus became glorified on the cross, Satan was defeated. The forces of opposition were defeated. The barriers that kept people from joining with God were defeated-and that was proven when the temple’s curtain, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, was torn in two.

The people with Jesus did not recognize God’s voice, largely because it had been years since anyone heard God speak. They did come to understand after Jesus’ death and resurrection. We are the same. When we are on our Christian walk, we encounter things we can’t understand right away. Some things will become clear as we mature spiritually, while other things will become clear when we meet Jesus.

If there is no sowing of seeds, there can be no harvest. We can’t have a harvest of souls for God if we do not sow seeds for God. We must not let the things of this life interfere with our obedience to God’s will. We have been given a message of hope and transformation that the world desperately needs to hear and embrace. If we spread this message, we will draw others to Christ. It involves sacrifice. When we see a rich harvest-in a family, church, mission field or business-we can be sure that there have been people who have given of themselves in their service. The kingdom sprouts out of our daily choices to “die to ourselves and live for Christ’. In other words, the kingdom will grow when we live a life of serving others and loving others like Christ loved others and served others. We will have eternal life and things to do. We will feel better about ourselves because we will be transformed.

Jesus mentions in verse 27 that “My soul is troubled”. No doubt it was troubled by his coming death on the cross. It parallels his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Some scholars believe that the Greeks knew about the plot to kill Jesus and came to spirit him away to safety. While Jesus’ human side might have welcomed this rescue plan, his godly side knew that this rescue plan would have defeated God’s plan to rescue us from a life of sin and eternal damnation. He gave up his human desire to live in favour of God’s plan for salvation. In other words, Jesus died to his human self so that he could live out God’s plan for his life and our eternal lives.

During Lent, we as Christians are supposed to “give up” something as an outward expression of an inward transformation. To give up something is to relinquish it, to renounce it, to forfeit or lose it, or as Jesus says, to die to it. Jesus hints at the ultimate ‘loss’ anyone might experience, to give up life as normally lived in the world in order to gain a newly enriched life. On the other hand, to try to control every variable in life is the way to death and loss.

It is often hard for us to do the same thing. It is hard for us to say no to self and yes to God. In fact, we often do exactly the opposite-we pray “yes” to self and “no” to God. We tell God what we want him to do for us, what we want his plans for us to be, and how we are willing to serve him. It usually takes a crisis of significant proportions for most of us to give up control of our lives. It means we come to the end of ourselves and our struggle to control the events of our lives and we finally come to the place where we can say, “I surrender, God! Please take full control of my life”.

It reminds me of the song “Jesus Take the Wheel”, which was recorded by country music singer Carrie Underwood. The song tells the story of a mother who lives a hectic life. On a late-night Christmas Eve drive on a snow-covered road, the woman begins sorting out her emotions and bemoans not having enough time to do the things that really matter. Then, her car hits a patch of black ice, causing the woman to lose control of her car. She panics, takes her hands off the steering wheel and cries out to Jesus; shortly thereafter, the car stops spinning and safely stops on the shoulder. After taking stock of the situation (and seeing that her baby has remained fast asleep in the rear seat), the woman decides to let “Jesus take the Wheel” of her life.

Jesus was facing an overwhelming situation and struggle in his earthly life. He came to this hour in his life to be the answer to the overwhelming situations in all of our lives. He was raised up to draw all of us to him. This was done so that in Jesus each of us will find the answer to our problems, the courage for the trials we face, and the victory over Satan who brought all of these problems upon us through his temptation. God recalibrated our internal compass so that it would point to Jesus. He is the leader whose directions we listen for and with whose plan for our lives we choose to align ourselves. If we want to serve Christ, we must be a follower. To do as Jesus did is the best way to bring honour to his name. He will give us the resources we need to meet the spiritual needs of others. He has given himself and he has given us his word.

When a martyr is created, it is like lighting a fuse or throwing a lit match into a can of gasoline. It begins the process of change. Jesus’ martyrdom/crucifixion began the process of change from the Law of Moses to God’s grace. Would Jesus’ ministry have been as effective if he had not been martyred? The answer is a resounding “NO!” Had he not been crucified, he would have been seen as just a prophet or a faith healer or both.  His death and resurrection, during which he paid the price for our sins, opened the door to the restoration of our relationship with God. His death was necessary for the salvation of many lives.

Jesus looked ahead to his upcoming death and resurrection. Like a single seed, he was buried in the earth. He died to his oneness, his solitariness and was raised up not only in his own glorified body, but in the lives and the bodies of his followers. His enemies thought he was dead, but he was raised to a life more abundant than before. He became the Christ of countless places and countless people.

When Jesus referred to being “lifted up” in verse 32, he drew a parallel between his crucifixion and Moses’ placing of the serpent on the pole in Numbers 24:4-9. Just like those who were bitten by the snakes could look at the snake on the pole and live, those who look at the crucified and risen Christ in faith will be healed of their sinful nature and have eternal life. The key words are “in faith”. We look at the risen Christ in faith when our words and deeds are in alignment with his plans for our lives. When we show concern and help for our fellow man, we show that we are looking at the risen Christ in faith. Jesus is the signpost pointing us to God and to a life of self-surrender in love and service to others.

We are to represent Jesus as well as we can in our thoughts, words and deeds and allow him to live through us. We can never convert anyone. That is Christ’s job, not ours. We are to effectively communicate God’s love to a world dying for love. To tell people about the whole counsel of God, we also need to tell people about the stark spiritual reality of a life without him in this world and the next. If we trust Jesus we are united to him and his death is our death according to Galatians 2:20 and his condemnation is our condemnation according to Romans 8:3. If we never trust Jesus, we stand condemned by our sin, and by our rejection of the offer of forgiveness.

We and the Greeks who came to see Jesus are the same. They and we are attracted by the one who, in his hour of suffering, is a completely faithful servant to God; who shows total generosity; willing to give up everything for us, without holding back anything in reserve; who shows us that defeat and death open up new possibilities, when we would see only endings and lose trust; who offers us hope, even when the doors are shut and when we would throw our hands up in despair and prepare to accompany one more body to the tomb. In return, we are to present the love of God in real ways and present Jesus as a human friend, companion and guide in both word and deed.

To complete the process, though, now requires a battle with our petty selfishness in what is a form of death. That is why Jesus speaks of losing our life in order to find life. It is a form of death, because, as Hebrews 5:5-10 suggests, after the learning of hard truths about ourselves, we must sacrifice wrongful pleasures, habitual injustices, false gods. And it hurts to surrender those ways of living. It hurts both when we first start to serve others and when we seek to deepen that service.

Whatever our age, we can’t say that we’ve finally cracked it, that there’s nothing left to tackle, that we are immune from these growing pains. But as the soul of Jesus was troubled, and as Jesus offered up his anguish in prayer, so, too, we must experience the anguish of discipleship, and hope to find his resolve as that anguish is lifted up to God in prayer.

Bibliography

1. Exegesis for John 12:20-33. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.com
2. Dr. Tony Evans, “Reaping What You Sow”. Retrieved from www.crosswalkmail.com
3. Gary Brumbelow, “Harvest Hang-up”. Retrieved from www.christianitytoday.com
4. Dr. Jack Graham, “Lift Christ Up”. Retrieved from www.crosswalkmail.com
5. Gerritt J. Bomhoff, “Wheat”. Retrieved from www.thisistoday.net
6. Notes from Peter Anthony’s Bible Study on the Gospel of John
7. Rick James, “Plant a Rolex…” Retrieved from www.christianitytoday.com
8. Dr. Bill Bright, “Lift Him Up!” Retrieved from www.crosswalkmail.com
9. Rev. Paul DeVries, “Praying in Alignment with God”. Retrieved from www.backtogod.net
10. Dr. Jack Graham, “The Victory You Have in Christ”. Retrieved from www.crosswalkmail.com
11. Stanley Mast, “The Wisdom of God”. Retrieved from www.thisistoday.net
12. Online Devotional-Day 72. Retrieved from www.leadlikejesus.com
13. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, 5^th Sunday of Lent (B)”. Retrieved from www.preacherexchange.org
14. C.H. Spurgeon, “Following Leads to Honour”. Retrieved from www.crosswalkmail.com
15. Anne Graham Lotz, “Jesus Meets Our Needs”. Retrieved from www.angelministries.org
16. John Piper, “For This Purpose I Have Come to This Hour”. Retrieved from www.desiringgod.org
17. Os Hillman, “God is Not about YOUR Success”. Retrieved from www.christianity.com
18. Leslie Snyder, “Follow the Leader’. Retrieved from www.crosswalkmail.com
19. Dr. Charles Stanley, “Brokenness-The Plan”. Retrieved from www.crosswalkmail.com
20. Rev. Ken Klaus, “Consequences”. Retrieved from www.lhm.org
21. Rev. Ken Klaus, “Lifting Others Up”. Retrieved from www.lhm.org
22. Frederikson, R.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 27:John (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1985)
23. Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NKJV (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)
24. MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible, NASB (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers: 2006; 2008)
25. “Jesus Take the Wheel” Retrieved from www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Take_the_Wheel
26. ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch Bible software package.
27. Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Part of Wordsearch Bible software package
28. John Shearman’s Lectionary Resource, Year B, Fifth Sunday in Lent. Retrieved from http://lectionary.seemslikegod.org.archives/year-b-fifth-sunday-in-lent
29. Daniel B. Clendenin, Ph.D., “The Backward Life of a Lenten Spring”. Retrieved from www.journeywithjesus.net/index.shtml?view=print
30. The Rev. Dr. James B. Lemler, “Seeking, Searching, Seeing”. Retrieved from www.day1.org
31. The Rev. Charles Hoffacker, “The Sprouting of the Unexpected Good Seed”. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.com
32. Dr. Randy L. Hyde, “The New in the Old”. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.com
33. Richard Finn, O.P., “Poison and Antidote”. Retrieved from http://torch.op.org/preaching_sermon_item.php?sermon=5672

Each and every one of us can be a priest!

Does that statement make sense to you? After all, when we hear the word “priest” we often think of the ordained clergy who preside at weddings, funerals, baptisms or weekly worship services. The truth is, we are all priests. Let me explain by talking about the role of a priest as outlined in Hebrews 5:5-10.

In Genesis 14:18-21, Abraham gave a tithe of the spoils of war to Melchizedek. He was the king of Salem, which was the ancient name for Jerusalem, and he was a priest of the true God. He lived many centuries before Aaron and is described in Hebrews 7:3 as “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God.” In other words, his ancestry is unknown.

Jesus is also a priest in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus was morally perfect, but he was further perfected by the discipline of suffering, where he completed his qualification course for becoming the eternal High Priest. Jesus did what no Old Testament priest could do-not even Melchizedek. The Old Testament priests had to atone for the sins of the people and their own sins as well. Jesus provided eternal salvation by being the sinless author of salvation.

Jesus was a high priest for everyone. He reconciled us to God, thereby healing any and all divisions. In return, we are to be ministers to everyone in that we are to show God’s love to everyone, regardless of race, colour, creed or ethnicity.

Jesus was never shielded from suffering. His sufferings were real and intense and included every human woe. That’s the difference between innocence and virtue. Innocence is life untested, virtue is innocence tested and triumphant. Jesus was tested and triumphant, and in the testing he learned obedience. Jesus took on human flesh and came to earth to die for our sins and to identify with every area of our lives except for sin but including suffering. Jesus suffered pain on the cross so we can have eternal life.

The community of the baptized, the church and its members, is supposed to follow Jesus’ example. We are supposed to show up when people need us. We are to share others’ suffering, pain and joy, even when we are suffering. Even when our pain is not by our own choice, God can use our pain for good if we let him. For example, Jesus ministered to the repentant thief on the cross even while he (that is, Jesus) was in agony on the cross. Christians find in suffering an opportunity to learn discipline, obedience, grace and faith, just like Jesus did.

When we suffer, we must not complain, especially if our suffering is caused by something we can’t control-for example, harsh winter conditions. Accepting the things that we can’t change when we suffer is the first step toward overcoming them in a Christian way. Times of suffering aren’t times for us to withdraw and engage in self-pity. They are precisely the times when we need to offer ourselves to others, because they are the second step toward overcoming life’s trials and hardships.

Christ and Aaron were divinely called to serve as High Priests. High priests do not grasp at this position for its honour and glory. Those who seize the office in arrogance are disqualified. Aaron and those who followed him as high priest came to their position because God called and appointed them. The High Priest must be able to deal with the ignorant and the errant because he is beset by human weakness.                               

Christ was mentioned as both God’s Son and as a priest of the order of Melchizedek. His calling as a priest was natural given that as God’s son he sits and rules at God’s right hand.  Jesus was faithful to God, even to the point of death on the cross. Jesus aligned his will with God’s plan for his life. As Christians we are called on to make sure that our lives are in line with God’s plans for our lives. In other words, our plans for our lives must be the same as God’s plans for our lives. We are to place our lives in God’s hands.

As our High Priest, Jesus stands between us and God. Consequently, we have the right to approach the throne of God. Jesus has experienced all of our human weaknesses and identifies with them because he was tempted like all of us. He isn’t scared of our sin. He has felt all of our human emotions. The only difference between Jesus and us is that Jesus is without sin. We don’t have to ask twice for forgiveness. We don’t have to be afraid of approaching God’s throne.

God’s love outlines boundaries. Without these boundaries we would be easy targets for every kind of harmful influence. Our obedience to God’s will ushers in God’s protection and blessings. Obedience comes from our relationship with God. That relationship is built not by our own efforts, but by grace through faith.

As part of being a High Priest, Jesus made prayer and supplication part of his daily life. He was wholly dependent on his Father and obeyed him even when he wrestled with temptation. In his humanity, Jesus served with a broken heart. He was heartbroken over the condition of the people. His ministry was a tearful ministry. In Hebrews 5:7 we are told that “while Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with loud cries and tears, to the one who could deliver him.” Jesus learned obedience when he suffered. Jesus’ passionate prayers must be our guide to prayer. Our prayers must be as passionate as his were. 

In his humanity, Christ struggled with the assignment God gave him: death on the cross. Even though God heard his cries, the plan was not changed. Jesus walked through all of it in complete submission, just like he had done with every assignment God gave him throughout his earthly life. When we suffer in faith, when we suffer for being God’s love in the world, when we move through an unbelieving world and pay the price for our faith, we show God’s values. These values reflect Jesus and result in a way and a model for salvation.

As we travel life’s road, we are constantly tempted to sin just like Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. If we sin, we are lost. The only hope we have is to throw ourselves on Christ’s mercy and ask for his help. He can meet our needs. He is willing to represent us before God because he has gone before us as the perfect Son of God.

When we become Christians, God enrolls us in the same school of “hard knocks” that Jesus was enrolled in. The problem is that we have to choose between our earthly lives and our heavenly lives. We have to choose which one we want to live in, because we can’t live in both. God helps us to make that choice by getting our minds off of the things of this world and teaching us obedience in preparation for life in the next world.

When we pray to God, we must be obedient to God. Obedience is necessary for our salvation. We can’t earn our salvation by good deeds. The only deeds that can save us are those by which we receive God’s unmerited gift of salvation. Our zeal for completing the mission God gives each and every one of us to do involves moving our lives and the life of the church toward a model of priesthood according to the order of both Melchizedek and Jesus. It also involves caring for the deep physical and spiritual needs that we have in our daily lives.

So how are we like priests? We are appointed by God. We sacrifice ourselves and our desires to God. We continually pray to God about the human condition. We offer prayers and supplication with genuine care and concern. Finally, we ask others to join with us to do God’s work in our world-just like any priest would do.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013)
2. Joni Eareckson Tada, “The School of Obedience.” Retrieved from www.joniandfriends.org
3. Ron Moore, “Source of Eternal Salvation.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
4. Dr. Charles Stanley, “Learning Obedience through Suffering.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
5. Rick Ezell, “Let Your Heart Be Broken.” Retrieved from www.greerfbc.org
6. The Rev. Dr. James D. Kegel, “Christ the Center.” Retrieved from www.lectionary.org.
7. Mark J. Moldrem, “Prayer Clothes.” Retrieved from www.esermons.com
8. Erskine White, “How to Deal with Suffering.” Retrieved from www.esermons.com
9. The Rev. Eugenia Gamble, “Suffering for Faith.” Retrieved from www.day1.org
10. Thomas G. Long, “What God Wants.” Retrieved from www.religion-online.org./showarticle.asp?title=3336
11. Stephen Paul Bouman, “Parking Lot Palms.” Retrieved from www.religion-online.org./showarticle.asp?title=2913
12. Bryan J. Whitefield, “Commentary on Hebrews 5:1-10.” Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=423

Hello boys and girls!

How many of you have had to do something that wasn’t easy to do?

What do you think is the hardest thing we would ever have to do? Well, one of the hardest things we have to do is to be a follower of Jesus. Following him is one of the best things we can do because when we die we will go to heaven to be with him. It’s also one of the hardest things we can do because we might have problems when we follow him. What problems might we have? Jesus said that we would have trouble because we follow him, and that trouble might include dying for him, but if we die because we believe Jesus we will live with him in heaven. He talks about this in John 12:20-33.

Jesus claimed that his death would draw people to God because he made the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life for us, and that’s a powerful truth. There are times when someone will put his life on the line for his country, his family or his friends, but Jesus gave up his life for everyone. He died on the cross to pay the price for our sin. His love for us is so great that we are drawn to him and trust him. When we trust him, we become children of God. Our parents don’t stop loving us when we do something wrong, and neither does Jesus. His love is so strong that when we sin, he draws us back into what he wants us to do.

Let’s bow our heads for a moment of prayer. Dear God, thank you for your love. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Draw us close to you with your love and keep loving us as much as we love you. Please keep loving us even when we are in trouble because we love you. In Jesus’ Name we pray, AMEN.

Bibliography

1. The Real-Life Devotional Bible, NIV (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; 2008)
2. “The Power of His Love.” Retrieved from www.sermons4kids.com
3. “My Soul is Troubles.” Retrieved from www.sermons4kids.com
4. “Martyrs.” Retrieved from keys@lists.cbhministries.org
5. “Minutemen.” Retrieved from keys@lists.cbhministries.org
6. Daniel Darling, “Expecting Crosses.” Retrieved from www.danieldarling.com

Boys and girls, can you tell me about occasions when you’ve had to help other people, especially when you didn’t want to or when you’ve been in a bad mood?Well, that’s what Jesus expects us to do. He expects us to help others even when we don’t want to help them. He expects us to love others just like he loves us.

I’m going to tell you a little story about one little boy who learned that lesson. This story is about a little boy named Eddie. He was mad at Jesus. He grabbed a crayon from his baby sister and she started crying. His mother went up to him, took the crayon away and said, “Eddie, Jesus wouldn’t treat his baby sister like that.”

Eddie went out into the backyard and kicked the dog. His father saw him do it and said, “Eddie, Jesus wouldn’t treat animals like that.”

Eddie went into his room and started playing with his toys. Pretty soon his mother came into his room and said, “It’s time to put the toys away. We’re leaving for church to learn about Jesus”. But Eddie said, “I’m not going. I’m mad at Jesus”.

That afternoon Eddie was in the backyard with his father, and his father said, “Eddie, I want to show you something,” and he pointed to a little, harmless ant. The ant was all by himself. He was going as fast as he could across a brick, but when he got to the end, he would turn around and go back. The lonely ant finally came to the edge of the brick and went up a blade of grass. Then he came back down the blade of grass. The ant ran as fast as he could, and then he came back to where he started. Eddie’s father asked him what he thought about the ant.

Eddie replied, “I think that ant is lost”. “And what do you think is going to happen to that ant?” said his father. “Well, I guess he’ll die, especially if I smash him”.

His father said, “I want to show you something else”, and he showed Eddie a little clearing in the garden where there was a tiny hole. Around the tiny hole were lines of busy ants going in the hole and coming out. The ants were running around, bumping heads, back and forth down the hole and out. “Eddie, what do you think?” said his father.

“Well, I think that when the sun goes down and it gets cold, all of these ants will go down in their home and they will be safe tonight”.

His father continued, “You know that looks a lot like church this morning with all of your friends and all of the people coming from different directions, coming into church where they could all be together and be safe.” His father stopped and walked back to the brick where the lone little ant had been and asked, “Now what do you think about this ant over here?”

Eddie went over and looked, but the ant was gone. While he was watching the ant came back up on the brick. Eddie bent down and let the ant walk up on his hand. Then he went over to where all the other ants were by the hole in the ground. He put the ant down on the ground and watched him get in line. Then he looked up at his father and smiled.

“Do you think Jesus would have done that?” Eddie asked? His father bent down and picked Eddie up. He gave him a big hug and said, “Yes, I think Jesus would have done just that”. And they said a prayer right there in the back yard.

Boys and girls, let’s bow our heads, close our eyes and have a moment of prayer.

Thank you Jesus for watching out for us and for teaching us to watch out for others. Give us the wisdom and the strength to help others as you help us. We ask this in Jesus’ name, AMEN

Bibliography

1. Children’s Sermon for Lent 5. Retrieved from www.mcgregorpage.org

A little girl once asked her grandmother, “Granny, do all fairytales begin with ‘Once Upon a Time’?”

“No darling,” said the grandmother, “There’s a whole series of them that begin ‘If elected, I promise’.”

All of us know what it is like to over promise and under deliver. Maybe that’s why it’s so hard for us to believe that God sent Jesus to give us eternal life. To look at Jesus-He promised so little, but He delivered so much.

In the passage we heard from John’s Gospel, Jesus states the reason why He came into the world. Jesus recalled God’s remedy during the plague of poisonous serpents in Moses’ day-healing those who looked on the bronze serpent-to foretell His death on the cross, where He would be lifted. Anyone who looks on Him in faith receives eternal life.  

We are sinners. There is no human cure for the ills of the soul. As the people who were bitten looked on the image of the serpent and were healed in Numbers 21:4-9, so may sinners look to the Saviour and be cured of the sickness of our nature. Our destiny is not determined by our actions, thoughts or intentions, but by our nature. We start out as sinners, opposed to God. Jesus didn’t come for the good, but for those hopelessly lost without Him. Our most desperate need-salvation from our sins-can only be obtained by faith in Jesus as our substitute and Saviour according to God’s plan.

The power of the Christian is in the truth; the power of Satan is in the lie. To the Satanist, power is everything, but power is only effective in the darkness. The Christian is to pursue the truth because power and authority are already inherent in him.

God loves humankind as shown by these circumstances:

1. The world was exposed to God’s wrath because of sin.
2. Men were in a hopeless condition.
3. God gave His Son as an undeserved gift.
4. God gave Jesus up to extreme suffering.
5. It was for the entire world.

Verse 16 tells more about God and His plan for this world than any other verse in the Bible. God gave the most extravagant thing He could to demonstrate His love for lost humankind, summoning and sending His Son to pay the debt for sin.

For Jesus to come that the world through Him might be saved is good news-except for those who do not believe. While God loves everyone, not everyone accepts that love. When a sinner believes in Jesus, he trusts Jesus as having died in his place. Since God accepted the offering which Christ made in our place, there is no further condemnation for the sinner.

The character of a sincere Christian loves truth. They love it, seek it and follow it. They come to the light. They don’t attempt to deceive themselves of this. They are willing to know themselves and the true state of their hearts before God.

In contrast, those who reject Jesus or who have not heard the Gospel are condemned. They love the darkness of sin and hate the light of Christ. They prefer sin, false doctrines and error to the truth. The light of the Gospel condemns their conduct, and their consciences would trouble them if they were enlightened.

Coming to Christ isn’t easy for us. We want to impress each other. Why would any of us want to open up and let other Christians see the dark secrets we keep hidden away? Like Nicodemus, there is a Pharisee deep inside every one of us. Jesus knows us inside and out. He knows our pride, our stubbornness and our judgmental heart. Jesus’ call to Nicodemus goes out to each of us.

When we are following God’s principles for living, when we seek purity and righteousness, when we act and speak with integrity, the world is going to resent us for it. We can’t expect a world in darkness to understand our desire to walk in the light. Regardless of the cynicism or ridicule we face, God calls us to His standard of obedience and righteousness. We don’t have to do this work alone. The Holy Spirit will guide us through the obstacles of worldly thinking. The Bible will show us the truth when we are confronted by lies.

Let’s not think that God only does the giving and that we do all the receiving. He now expects us to do the giving too. We have the wisdom to share what Jesus did for us. We have the wisdom to share our past mistakes, consequences, guilt, burdens and forgiveness in the hope that God is revealed to the people we talk to. We need to give mercy to others who are fallible and in need of forgiveness.

A light exposes what hides in the darkness. The most fundamental reason that people reject Jesus is not because they fail to understand the Gospel, but because they do not want to change. They love the darkness of sin instead of the Light of Christ. Jesus is the true Light that gives light to everyone. We can’t expect a world in darkness to understand our desire to walk in the light. Regardless of the persecution or ridicule we face, God calls us to His standard of obedience and righteousness.

When people put off deciding about Christ-or about moving forward to a deeper level or spiritual maturity-they have not remained neutral. The failure to say “Yes” to Christ is the same as saying “No.” Why? Because we are born into this world saying “No” to God because of our sinful human nature. We remain condemned by sin until the day we say “Yes” to Christ.

From this we learn:

1. Jesus is the only way to salvation
2. Salvation is full and free for everyone
3. Salvation is easy.

Eternal life refers not only to eternal quantity but divine quality of life. This life for believers is experienced before believers reach heaven. It is nothing less than participation in the eternal life of the Living Word, Jesus Christ.

Love is central to the very nature of God. It reaches out to everyone who is ugly and sick. God comes to everyone in love. God’s invitation is as wide as God’s heart. It is open to everyone who believes. He won’t cheapen the terms, or He would not be true to Himself. We can only accept the invitation by trust, faith and submission. The issue was sharpened by His coming. Now we have a choice to make: accept Him and spend eternity in heaven or reject Him and spend eternity in hell.

The kind of love that God has for us is the kind of love that can change the world. It’s based on communications more than feelings. If love were based on feelings, it would not have the power that it does. Love has the power to change everything. That’s the kind of love that God wants us to show to the world around us.

God offers salvation on one simple and single condition-a wholehearted faith in Jesus Christ, trusting Him alone as Lord and Saviour, resting upon Him for complete salvation, renouncing all self-trust, admitting our sinfulness, confessing our need, and crying out to Jesus to save us from our sins.

The more time we spend in God’s Word, the more our hearts and minds align with His will. Choosing to do the right thing becomes easier when we begin to understand God’s ways. Standing for the truth becomes easier when we find encouragement and strength in Scripture. But apart from God, we will quickly become involved in the world’s ways of thinking.

To walk in the truth is to walk in the light, unashamed of how we live before both God and man. When we are walking in the truth, living out God’s Word in our everyday lives, there is no need to deceive. The truth needs to make no apologies or excuses for its deeds.

When we agree with God’s accurate view of our sinfulness, that is the repentance part of trusting Him. Believing in Him means we put our full weight down on His love for us. It’s choosing to believe with our whole hearts not just that God loves, but that He truly loves us as we are, with full knowledge of our shortcomings. Beyond an intellectual agreement, we have to embrace God’s love for us as our ultimate source of forgiveness, hope, direction for living and eternal life.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013, p. 1445-1446)
2. Barnes, Notes on the New Testament. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.
3. Fredrikson, R.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 27: John (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1985; pp. 78-86)
4. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 2006)
5. Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible: New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)
6. Dr. Ray Pritchard, “Share the Gospel? What Gospel?” Retrieved from www.keepbelieving.org
7. Michael Youssef, Ph.D., “The Obstacles of Worldly Thinking.” Retrieved from my devotional@leadingtheway.org
8. Paul Chappell, “According to the Plan.” Retrieved from daily@dailyintheword.org
9. Pastor Ed Young, “Commit Your Feelings to Your Commitment.” Retrieved from www.edyoung.com
10. Dr. Charles Stanley, “Victory Over Guilt.” Retrieved from www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/in-touch
11. Dr. David Jeremiah, “Ship ahoy.” Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org
12. Berni Dymet, “Once Upon a Time.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com
13. Anne Graham Lotz, “The Light of the World.” Retrieved from www.angelministries.org
14. Michael Youssef, Ph.D., “Let Truth be the Light.” Retrieved from mydevotional@leadingtheway.org
15. “The Heart (and Mind) of the Matter.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com
16. Richard Niell Donovan, “Exegesis for John 3:14-21.” Retrieved from www.lectionary.org
17. Rev. Wayne Palmer, “Darkness or Light?” Retrieved from lh_min@lhm.org
18. Dr. David Jeremiah, “The Same as Saying, ‘No’”. Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org
19. Michael Youssef, Ph.D., “The Obstacles of Worldly Thinking.” Retrieved from mydevotional@leadingtheway.org