TEXT: Psalm 150; John 1.1-4; Matthew 5.17; Jeremiah 29.11; Luke 4.18-21; Ephesians 4.1-6FULL SERVICE VIDEO w/sharing time (LINK)

I want to do something different this morning for the sermon. I decided that I wanted to reflect on what I’ve seen God do at and through all of you during my time here. I want to remind you of your story, at least as seen from my vantage point. And ultimately I want to tell God’s story as I’ve been blessed to witness it. So I’ve chosen a number of scriptures this morning because each of them reminds me of chapters of that story in this place.

Jesus and Scripture (Jn 1:1-4; Mt 5:17)

Back in the late Fall of 2001 three men showed up to worship at First Presbyterian Church in Lenoir, NC. That wasn’t suspicious at all, nor was the one who kept saying “Amen” loudly during the service. That was George Houston, David Butler (Matt’s dad), and Melvin Graham (Billy’s brother). Long story short, we talked and they invited me to visit Charlotte to talk to the search committee that included Angela Hinton and the chair, Quay Youngblood.

I only start this far back in the story because my conversations with them highlight a foundational truth about Good Shepherd that was what drew me here in the first place. It became clear that they loved Jesus and God’s Word and they wanted a pastor who did too. I asked them if that described the elders and the congregation of the church and they assured me, yes, it did. I asked about some of my interests around music and worship and they said as long as I taught and followed the scriptures and served Jesus I could do whatever I wanted and the congregation would enthusiastically participate. It seemed too good to be true, but I believed them and trusted the Lord’s leading, and it indeed did prove to be true then and on through to today.

The beginning of the Gospel of John calls Jesus the Word of God and makes it clear that the Incarnate Word that is testified to in the written Word bring light and life to the World. Later, once Jesus began teaching, he made it clear that he wasn’t doing away with the Hebrew scripture, but was in fact fulfilling and explaining it to us. This is our core and it at the heart of God’s story: the Word made flesh, come to dwell among us in grace and truth.

Worship and Music (Psalm 150)

Worship and Music were at the front of my mind and heart when I first came to Good Shepherd. They still are, but it was one of the places I first focused. We introduced a praise team and hired Cathy Youngblood a few months later. I was also in the middle of my studies on worship and music and developed an approach to worship that used all the musical tools available us to proclaim God’s worth and explicate the scriptures I was preaching on. We’ve continued and expanded that approach on through to the music ministry under Eric VanderHeide today.

While there are many, many scriptures that relate to this, I can’t think of a clearer one than Psalm 150 which we used for our Call to Worship today. The Psalm exhorts us to praise God everywhere, with every instrument, with all our life and breath. And as I think back on those first five years or so I see us diving deep into worship and music in a way that has continued to blossom in our worship life together.

So many talented musicians – and other kinds of artists – have found a home here, whether short-term or long-term. It has truly been glorious to see the range of ways people have offered artistic gifts to the Lord and blessed all of us in leading us into worship in so many different ways.

People marvel that a church our size generates so much artistic worship and witness. But it is never a “look at us” kind of thing, but a “look at God” kind of thing. That brings me such joy as I know it does the Lord.

Lighthouse and Searchlight (Jeremiah 29)

As I reflect back on it, I believe all that heartfelt and intentional focus on worship led us out into the world. We were focused on God and God’s heart is for the world He loves. And so in the late 2000s we started talking more and more about getting outside the walls of the church and into the neighborhood and community. Our Wednesday nights moved from the Katibah Rm to Barnes and Noble, Caribou, neighborhood walks, and more.

During that time I was captivated by Jeremiah 29. I mainly knew about it because of the “graduation verse” about God knowing the plans He has to bless a future and a hope. But after challenging one of our graduating seniors to really dig into the context of that verse, I discovered the rich, rich context of that verse. It was written to an unfaithful and exiled people of God who had lost their homes, livelihoods, and place of worship. Seemingly they had even lost God. But God hadn’t left them! Yet that promise to bless and not to harm, for a future and hope, was not just out of nowhere. They would discover it and experience it as they prayed for their community of exile, as they sought God’s blessing for their captors and enemies.

We began talking about our church not only as a beacon lighthouse for people to come here and find the hope of the Lord, but as a searchlight shining the light of Christ out into the neighborhood and community as we went out into it, as WE prayed for our community and sought God’s blessing on them. That’s how we might ourselves experience God’s hope and future for ourselves.

That chapter continues to shape my deep understanding of being God’s person and people in the world God loves.

Building Interlude

Are you ready for intermission? That’s kind of how I would describe what happened next in the early 2010s as we engaged in a necessary capital campaign to replace the roof, the HVAC, and other things that were failing. It was necessary and important, and I believe we practiced good stewardship of our resources.

And yet, perhaps because of the size of the church, it also engaged most of our time and attention for a couple of years. Much like ancient Israel had to do more than once, we would need to rediscover our purpose and vision.

We would later face a similar challenge with COVID, where everything seemingly was put on pause. I think we bounced back from COVID a little more quickly and with more intention. Perhaps we had learned something from the last interlude.

Kingdom Vision (Luke 4:18-21)

A year or two before COVID, I took part in a presbytery event for pastors that put 25 white pastors in conversation with 25 black pastors. In the context of studying God’s Word and hearing the personal lived experience of each of black pastor colleagues and friends, I realized how blind I had been to race and systems of race in our culture. I began to hear more clearly how all of scripture calls out injustices and creates a vision for beloved community in Christ.

While there are many passages to point to, I can think of none clearer than Jesus beginning his public ministry by reading from Isaiah in the synagogue. He read of God’s promise to pour out His Spirit for the poor, the captive, the blind, and the oppressed. It is clear that God’s heart is for those suffering injustice. And Jesus doesn’t just read and teach on it, but claims it all in himself: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” God HAS poured out His Spirit; God HAS initiated the Kingdom of God on earth through Jesus’ person, teaching, and ministry. It is therefore our mission and ministry as well if we follow him.

I’ve seen this Kingdom vision begin to take hold here at Good Shepherd in the past five years or so. I’ve seen it in the SERVE team in several different ways they are engaging our neighborhood. I’ve also seen it in various classes and groups we’ve had at the church. Racial justice is a hard and challenging topic for many of us, and one that is easily politicized, but it is at the heart of God and one of the core teachings of God’s Word in both testaments and in the teaching of Jesus. I can think of no better place to learn about it than in the church and in the scriptures.

I’ve also seen Kingdom vision take place through what Christy has brought to children and youth ministry as she not only cares for the young people we already have in the church, but also goes out into the community to build relationships. This is a fresh expression of the kind of neighborhood and community focus we had in the early 2000s and encourages me greatly.

Unity and Community (Eph 4:1-6)

And all that brings me full circle to where I started, with Jesus and the scripture. The last scripture I chose to use is from Ephesians 4:1-6. It speaks of the unity and community we find in our shared faith in Christ, with one Lord, one Spirit, one baptism.

This is the subject of our life together in this place. It is what will continue to bind you together even as you tackle tough issues and this period of transition between pastors. It’s the answer to almost every children’s sermon question. It’s Jesus.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. Look to God’s Word for truth, direction, and vision. Welcome the Holy Spirit that unites you, empowers you, and binds you to Christ.

That passage from Ephesians also gives pastoral encouragement that I’d end with as my exhortation to you as well:

Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:1b-3)

God IS with you! We will think and pray for you often. Amen.

Some Music Used

• CHOIR: Ubi Caritas (Dan Forrest) Hosanna/Praise is Rising Revelation Song Here I Am, Lord (Schutte) The Blessing (Jobe)

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Service Video (link)TEXT: Acts 2:1-13,37-39

Last week I noted that we often focus on two of the significant parts of what God did in Jesus Christ: the Incarnation and the Crucifixion. Jesus was God come among us and he died for us and our salvation.

In the past seven weeks or so we have focused on two more significant parts of what God did in Christ, though these two get less attention, and often less understanding: the Resurrection and the Ascension. But those are the two things that have to do with our lives now, defining our identity and new life in Christ.

Today – Pentecost Sunday – we focus on one more very significant act of God, one promised by Jesus as he ascended. Last week we heard his final words to his followers, that he would send his Spirit to empower his followers to be witnesses of God and what God has done in Christ. And that is exactly what happened on Pentecost. In today’s text we see three human responses to that power and witness. Like those disciples, God empowers us to bear witness in the world. And people still have responses today like those all those years ago.

POWER (vv. 1-13)

First, in verses 1-13, in response to the power of the Holy Spirit, displayed through “tongues of fire” and hearing the disciples speak in multiple languages, there are two distinct responses.

Amazed and astonished (vv. 7-12) – Many of those present on the day of Pentecost heard the Galilean Jews speaking in their own language. A long list of nationalities is included in the passage. We read in v. 7 that some “were amazed and astonished” and continued “in amazement and great perplexity.” They asked each other what it all meant. I’d call this a holy curiosity. Doubtful, even mocking (v. 13) – Others were neither amazed or astonished, rationalizing and writing it off to drunkenness on the part of the disciples. Some pressed even further and made fun of the disciples.

I’ve seen both reactions. I’ve had both reactions. We see something we don’t understand and we have to decide between the natural and the supernatural explanation. And some of us are probably more open to mystery and miracle than others, which is understandable. Having said that, to descend into outright mockery of the divine or of faith is another thing altogether. I’ve come to realize that making fun of God or followers of God usually is a cover for something else that is often between that person and God.

Nonetheless, what occurs to me, especially knowing what is coming, is that there is no shortage of God’s power here in this passage, and yet it is not at this point that people respond in faith. I’ve often heard – and thought myself – that if God would just unleash a few good tangible and measurable miracles, that many would believe. But this makes me question that. Probably it would just scare us and the best we’d manage is to either write it off or to be amazed without understanding.

And this is where the way that God has arranged things begins to make more sense to me. Why is it that God chooses to involve us in witnessing to His power? It is because we respond to story; we respond to incarnation – to fleshed-out reality. The WITNESS is an integral part of belief and it is how we participate in what God is doing in the world.

WITNESS (vv. 37-39)

Believing, pierced to the heart (v. 37) – So after Peter shares the story of Jesus, we read that those present were “pierced to the heart.”

In our scripture reading, Peter’s message is just referenced as ‘this’ – “Now when they heard this” (v. 37). What Peter had done in verses 14-36 was what Jesus told him to do: he gave witness. Here are the Cliffs notes to Peter’s sermon: Peter talked about God’s promise to send his Spirit. He talked about God’s plan to send Jesus into the world. He talked about history and hopes and the great themes and stories of incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. He talked about and gave witness to Jesus as Lord.

And the people heard it. They heard it because it resonated with truth and it resonated with power – God’s truth and God’s power. Peter just gave witness to both. They believed it and were “pierced to the heart” – and their response back to Peter was, “What shall we do?” (v. 37) Peter answered in three ways:

First, REPENT; turn around. Stop going that way and go this way. Listen to what God’s power and truth are doing in your heart right now.

And ACT outwardly on that inward change. Receive baptism as a sign of God’s forgiveness of your sin. Take the mark; humble yourself. Take God’s story into and onto your story through this rich symbol of belonging.

And GET READY; God will also give you the gift of His Spirit. That’s not just a personal promise, but God’s story unfolding in you, the next generations, and many yet far off.

How Will YOU Respond?

The practical question that raises for all of us is this: what will YOU do with Jesus? Which of those responses best fits where you are today?

Does all of this God-stuff just sound like mysteries and miracles? Or like mythological stories empty of real power and meaning? At the end of the day, you just don’t get it?

Or has the way Christianity has developed in so many places in our culture given you reason to disbelieve or mock? If so, I get it; I do.

In fact, those are the two most common responses out there; confusion or disbelief. What of the third option? When does that happen for us, separated by thousands of years from Pentecost and eye-witness disciples?

I think – and I think scripture teaches us – that what pierces us to the heart, stirring up faith and repentance and obedience, is God’s power combined with authentic testimony or witness. It’s not enough to just tell the Bible stories if we don’t seek and welcome God’s presence and power. And I don’t think we could handle or believe God showing up without the context, instruction, and explanation of scripture and lives lived out for the sake of Christ. But when both happen, and I believe they both still do, I think that’s when faith is stirred. That’s when our hearts are pierced by truth and grace and we become open to God working in our life.

When you get the scent of God showing up and the Holy Spirit, what will you do? Do you clamp down and push away the possibilities? Are you open to repentance, to change, to God shaking things up?

In the weeks and months to come, as you have a period of time without a called pastor, God is still here and the Holy Spirit is still at work with power. And you – each of you – have the capacity and the calling to bear witness to what God has done in your life. So you have all the ingredients necessary for people to come to faith, for God to shape and grow the church, and to thrive.

And the next verses in Acts provide one picture of what happens when God gets a hold of individuals and communities of faith. The people who responded to the message, the Spirit, and the Savior were “continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Inviting God to come be involved in the most intimate parts of your life will draw you deeper into the family of God through the Church. You will hunger to hear the Word; you will desire the encouragement and accountability of fellowship in the body; you will desire to be fed by the Word and sacrament; and you will desire to talk more often and deeply with your Heavenly Father in prayer.

Come; repent; believe – whether for the first time or a new time. And receive both grace and the promised Spirit of help and hope. Amen!

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SERVICE VIDEO (link)TEXT: Acts 1:4-11

Today we recognize a very important event that happened only a few weeks after the resurrection of Jesus; actually, 40 days to be precise. Did you guess Pentecost??  No…. that’s 10 days later – we’ll celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost next Sunday.  It’s the Ascension.  When Jesus appeared to Mary on Easter morning (John 20:17) he said, “I have not yet ascended to the Father.”  Well this is it – Jesus ascends… he goes up into Heaven to be with God the Father.

So what’s important about the Ascension of Jesus? It’s not as big a deal as the “biggies” is it?

• Incarnation: Jesus’ birth and God’s putting-on of human flesh to live among us Crucifixion: Jesus’ death, which atoned for our sin and “made right with God” all who believe Resurrection: Jesus’ victory over death, which we now share through faith in him

I’ll admit that for most of my life I’ve just thought the Ascension was Jesus’ “trip back to Heaven” – that’s it, end of story.  But there’s so much more! And this isn’t just a random excursion into an obscure theological area: it has everything to do with God’s power and purpose that we’ve been talking about for the last few weeks.

The Ascension Narrative (Acts 1)

So let’s start with the narrative – the account of Jesus’ Ascension.  It’s short and sweet and it’s there in Acts 1, and the actual Ascension is only one verse long.  After speaking to his followers, Jesus “was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” (v. 9) That’s about it.  As you can imagine, they just stood and stared, “gazing intently into the sky while He was going.” (v. 10) But what else can we get from the context here?

We have two main pieces of information: what Jesus said before he left and what the angel messengers said after he left.

Before leaving, Jesus final words had to do with the promise of the Holy Spirit, which would come to empower his followers to be witnesses far and near.  This was in contrast to their question of “restoring the kingdom to Israel.”  Instead, Jesus taught (as he had always taught), God’s Kingdom was not of this world. He had frequently made that point through miraculous and supernatural signs and he was about to demonstrate that with one last miraculous sign: his Ascension into the heavens.  I will also simply note for now the very close connection between the promise and work of the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ Ascension. More on that later!

After he left, two “men in white clothing” appeared and the basic content of their message signaled that Jesus would one day return in the same manner as his leaving. (v. 11) But what does it all mean?!

The Meaning of the Ascension

Let me mention several benefits of Jesus’ Ascension to the believer, and you will see these outlined in the confession of faith we’ll use later in the service.  You can also see the scripture referenced there on the back of the bulletin.  There are at least four benefits of the Ascension for those who believe. 

1. A Heavenly Advocate

One of the important realities of Jesus being at the right hand of the Father is that Jesus took our humanity with him.  He is our advocate, and our righteous one at that.  Romans 8:34 tells us that Jesus is not only the one who died, but is the one who was raised and is at the right hand of God, and is the one “who also intercedes for us.”  That is why we pray “in Jesus’ name,” because he is our representative, our advocate, our intercessor.  It is as if Jesus tacks on to our every prayer, “…and this prayer is from Sarah, the one I love, the one I died for, the one who I have made a place for with us; listen to her!”  Can you imagine having such an advocate, because you do!

But that verse from Romans goes even beyond that.  As one who intercedes for us, Jesus prays and presents our needs to the Father even when we can’t!  Have you ever felt like your prayers go nowhere or that you simply don’t have the words to pray?  Jesus is praying on your behalf.  That is one of the real benefits to the Ascension, because Jesus took our human experience with him.  He didn’t shed it on earth, but took a real humanity back into the presence of God.  Jesus prays for you!

2. A Heavenly Humanity

Building on that idea of Jesus taking our humanity with him back into the presence of God, is the assurance – a “sure pledge” as the confession says – that he will take us with him.  Jesus didn’t come for a visit, heal a few people, and then return back to the bliss of Heaven.  Rather, he came and PUT ON humanity, becoming one of us – living, suffering, and dying as one of us.  Even in the defeat of death he didn’t leave humanity behind.  He went out of his way after Easter to demonstrate that he still had an eating, drinking, touchable, human body.  And he took it with him into Heaven.  Romans 6:5 tells us that we shall certainly be united with him in “the likeness of His resurrection.”  I’d also point you to John 14:2, Jesus’ words to his disciples right before his crucifixion.  He told them that he was going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. 

3. A Heavenly Heart

One interesting aspect of the Ascension is that it draws our attention to “heavenly things.”  While there is an apt cliché about Christians sometimes “being so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good,” in this day and age the opposite is probably more often the problem.  We are so rational and science-minded and sense-oriented that we’ve lost all appreciation of what the ancients called “mystery.”  We spend so much time with TV, computers, smart phones, traffic, and 1000 other things that we rarely take time out to contemplate the character of God or the deeper questions of faith. 

If we say we are Christian, there are earthly and heavenly implications.  Followers of Christ do need a re-set on earthly matters as we grow in what it means to love our neighbor, speaking and demonstrating the love of God in the community and world around us.  But we also are to fix our minds on Christ, and if he is seated with the Father in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), then we should, from time to time, find our mind and hearts pondering those mysteries.  What does it mean to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength – particularly if that informs and shapes our love of neighbor?  What and why do we gather to WORSHIP God in spirit and truth?  That seeking of heavenly things is what makes this time together more than some good music, hanging out with friends, and an instructive message.

4. A Heavenly Gift

Jesus also said more than once that the Holy Spirit would not come until he went away.  Though God’s Spirit has always been existent and active in the world (just look through the Old Testament for many examples), there was a certain “outpouring” that had been promised and linked to the coming of God’s Kingdom and Jesus indicated that the Spirit would come in this way after he had gone. (John 16:7) Next week we will celebrate Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit in this promised way. 

The benefits I have previously mentioned are anchored and secured in Heaven because Jesus has carried our resurrected and redeemed humanity there with him.  But the gift of the Holy Spirit is that we are connected with him now!  Those heavenly realities have earthly implications because of the “Holy Spirit glue” of being connected to the Ascended Christ.  I often remind you that God is present and active here in the world; what is also true is that the Christian is spiritually present with God through the Ascended Christ and the work of the Spirit! This is one reason we can experience the power and presence of God as we’ve been talking about in recent weeks.

The Ascension Applied

Does all that seem to theological and remote? 

Here’s a way to understand all this that I have used before: If the Incarnation is Jesus coming to find us as we are drowning in the middle of the lake, the Crucifixion and Resurrection are Jesus throwing us a life preserver that we might be rescued and live.  But the Ascension is Jesus reeling us back in – to safety and to home.  And of course the reality is so much more vivid – God didn’t just toss us a life preserver, He swam out to save us.  In His Ascension, Jesus carries us BACK HOME with him.  That’s good news in the long run and there are life-changing benefits of that reality in the here and now.  We have an Advocate; we have a “sure pledge” of home; we have a focal point for our worship and service; and we have an outpouring of spiritual gifts and God’s power. 

Or consider this comparison: imagine yourself as a child, playing with friends a few doors from home.  Of course you would be focused on the friends and play before you.  But doesn’t it matter what is back home?  Doesn’t knowing that a mom or dad or grandparent is back in the house give you security, freedom, and confidence in what you are doing, knowing that if you get hurt you have a comforter and advocate who will take care of you or take you to the doctor?  It’s also your HOME – what a difference that makes to know you have food and shelter and a bed waiting for you… a sure thing because it’s held for you.  And as parents, don’t we trust that our love and teaching of our children remains with them when they are far from home, guiding their choices and drawing their hearts and minds back with us?  And even if you did not know that security as a child, have you seen it? Can you imagine it? So it is all the more with Jesus, who has taken our humanity home to be with his Father and our Father.  It makes all the difference in the world!

Perhaps the key significance of the Ascension is that Jesus takes us with him.  In John 14:3, Jesus tells his disciples that he will go and prepare a place for them – a home with God.  The Ascension is Jesus making good on that promise.  He has gone to the Heavenly Father, purchased access for us, provided for our adoption into the family of God, and makes ready a place “that where he is we might also be.”  In Romans 10:6, Paul asks “Who will ascend into Heaven.. that is, to bring Christ down?”  The answer is, “No one.”  We can’t go get God or salvation – God had to come all the way down to us to get us.  And He has done that in Jesus Christ, who has not only come for us, but has gone back home to Heaven so we can have a spiritual home with him now and join him at the last. Good news, indeed.  Amen!

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TEXT: Romans 6:1-14SERVICE VIDEO (link)

Since Easter we’ve been talking about why the Resurrection of Jesus matters. Today we are going to look at Romans 6 and talk about the “New Life,” trying to understand better what that new life in Christ means, what it looks like, and how we can more fully live in it. I am hoping we can better understand the implications that Jesus was raised from the dead FOR US. What are the implications of the “for us?”

Life Looks Different: a new reality

The first thing to say is that because of Jesus Christ life looks different! He makes a difference in one’s life. If life with Christ and life without Christ look no different, then we have missed something crucial about who Jesus is, what he has done, and what he is doing even now. We could talk about that in a number of ways, but the place Paul picks up in chapter six of his letter to the Romans has to do with sin. One answer we still sometimes hear today is that sin doesn’t matter because God’s grace abounds! God has forgiven it all and we shouldn’t get wrapped up in naming sin, judging sin, or paying much attention to sin, because God will forgive it. But Paul nips that in the bud, asking “Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?” Paul’s response is: “May it never be!” While we do continue to sin, we should also struggle against it. And what follows is an explanation of how we are to live in Christ, particularly with regard to sin.

After Paul’s “May it never be!” he goes on to ask two more questions that will set up what follows. The first question is: “How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” The second is related to it: “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?” Both are rhetorical, meaning the point is not just coming up with the answer, but understanding the answer and why Paul asked the question. What Paul is trying to remind us of with these questions is our new reality because of Good Friday and Easter. Jesus did not need to die and be raised for his own sake; it was FOR US.

Paul describes those who trust in Jesus Christ as those who have “died to sin” and are “baptized into Jesus’ death.” Those are not conditions of Jesus’s work; you don’t have to stop sinning for Jesus to die for you. No, these are the RESULTS of Jesus’ work. Because Jesus died, we have died to sin. That is one of things baptism signifies; that we are marked by his action. That’s what Paul wants you to understand with his two questions. You have died to sin because you belong to Jesus and he died to sin… don’t you know it? Paul then offers a series of illustrations to help us understand resurrection life.

First Picture: United in Baptism (vv. 4-7)

Paul’s first illustration or picture is that in baptism we have been buried into death and raised to newness of life. (v. 4) Clearly, this is not literal, as we have not been physically buried. But we are joined to Christ in faith, signified through baptism, by God’s gracious love toward us. And so when Christ was crucified, our debt was joined to him; our “body of sin” was joined to him and put to death (v. 6). And when he was buried, our debt and the consequence of sin was complete. When God raised Jesus from the dead in victory OVER sin and death, we too were raised (still joined to him), but no longer under the curse of sin and death.

Let me try to illustrate. I completed the tax forms for our family a few months ago. If the IRS were to send Heather a tax bill next week that said she owes taxes on our family income, she could respond legitimately by saying, “How shall I who have paid my taxes still owe taxes?” Now she did not do the Austell family taxes or send them anything, but listen to this second question while you are looking at verse 3. “Do you not know that all of us who wear this wedding ring can file jointly?” Now I realize that anyone can put on a wedding ring, but so can anyone splash water and say they’ve been baptized. The point is that the covenant of marriage, signified by a ring, enables one to be fully represented by another. So the covenant of baptism, rightly used, enables one to be fully represented by another. So if I have been baptized into Christ, who has died to sin, then I have died to sin. And I have also been raised with him to new life.

Now we also can ignore “resurrection reality” just as surely as we can ignore our “marriage reality.” The ring or even the reality of being joined in marriage doesn’t do commitment for us. In the same way, we must choose obedience to honor our being joined to Christ. So Paul declares a glorious reality: through Jesus Christ sin and the curse have been buried and we are raised to a new resurrection life. And with that covenanted union comes the opportunity to choose obedience and live it out faithfully in our lives. That indeed makes life very different – as different (even more so!) than being single and then being joined to another in marriage. That’s what the Apostle Paul is getting at in Romans. Through faith we are now united to the risen Jesus, so we have the opportunity to live for him.

Second Picture: New Lease on Life (vv. 8-10)

In verse 8 Paul moves from “here is what God has done” (buried and raised you) to the more active (for us) “here is the way to experience it” (die and live with Christ!) And so he repeats himself about being united with Christ, but now we must choose how to live. And we are to live our life like Christ did: “…the life that he lives, he lives to God.” (v. 10) I think of Lazarus in terms of that passive and active resurrection. Lazarus, much like we who trust Christ, was raised from death to life. It was beyond his power or control, and more than a little mysterious. But from that moment on, when he gazed upon Jesus’ face, he had to make his own decision to live life again, moreover to life it to God. He could have turned away, come to forget the miraculous as a hazy dream, or even figuratively crawled back in the cave to die. But part two of being raised in the power of Christ was choosing to live in grateful and loving obedience to Christ.

Think of someone who has survived a terminal diagnosis or dying on the operating table or being resuscitated after drowning. Those things don’t automatically result in a new perspective on life and living, but often they do. People talk about having a “new lease on life” or embracing life with new hope and purpose. That’s the kind of change of perspective Paul is talking about and what it means to “live to God.”

A Third Picture: Enlisted with Gratitude (vv. 11-14)

And so in verse 11, Paul charges his readers with that active obedience: “Consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” How are we to do that? Paul illustrates the answer with an image that is obscured a bit in English, particularly to our modern ears. Twice, when Paul uses the word “presenting,” that’s a military image. We still use it; it’s just not our first use for “presenting.” It is the image of presenting arms before one’s commanding officer. It is a picture of being prepared, primed, present, and ready. It is also a sign of respect, of willingness to obey, serve, and be led. And then also twice, Paul uses the word “instruments.” That word can mean “weapons” as in “instruments of war.” In this context, I believe this is what Paul has in mind.

How does that image of a soldier presenting his or her weapons as ready for battle describe the Christian’s daily choice to die to sin and live to God? We have a choice of whom to serve, of whom our “commanding officer” will be. Though Jesus has won the battle, literally saving our lives, we may yet not choose to present ourselves in service to him. In that case we are, in effect, presenting ourselves to sin as our commanding officer, even offering our bodies (and minds) as weapons to be used for unrighteous purposes. Or, in response to Jesus saving us (those “alive from the dead” in v. 13), we can choose to present ourselves to him as our authority, offering our bodies and minds as weapons… perhaps now rightly turned from weapons to “tools” or “instruments” for what is good and right.

Will our bodies and minds be weapons of destruction for sin or tools of righteousness in God’s hands? Having been saved from death to life, we have the opportunity for a kind of “grateful enlistment” in service to God, the One who saved us. Those words famously declared by Joshua in Old Testament times prove most appropriate now: “Choose this day whom you will serve!”

The Resurrection Life

As we continue to try to understand and experience the new life that is “resurrection life,” we are reminded that God invites us to choose obedience. Jesus Christ has done the hard work – the impossible work – of defeating sin and death and living to God. Jesus has changed reality itself and life is different for all who are united to him in faith! As with marriage, a new chance at life, or military service, life and reality are different, but we must still choose daily how to live and whom to serve. Amen.

Some Music Used

• Who You Say I Am (Hillsong) All I Have is Christ (Sovereign Grace) We Know that Christ is Raised (ENGLEBERG) Choral Benediction: The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Rutter)

The post New Life appeared first on Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.

TEXT: Luke 24:13-35SERVICE VIDEO (link)

Picture two people with real interest in the things of God. Nick grew up in and around the people of God, learning the scriptures, hearing the stories of old and how God desires for His people to live. He is the kind of person that brings his family to church and makes sure his children participate in the youth program. Tom got involved later in life, but eagerly participates in everything that’s going on. He’s the kind of person that attends Sunday school every week (even at 8:30!) and sings enthusiastically in church.

Each of them has a complaint, though. Nick is worn out from being thoroughly religious and just doesn’t find meaning or fulfillment in all the religious commitments. Tom, on the other hand, is excited about all the activities in which he participates, but isn’t sure he believes the message.

Are these two people unusual? I don’t think so… I think most of us can relate to one or both of them. And to be honest, they are kind of two sides of the same coin.

Knowing Without Seeing

Two people walked away from Jerusalem on Easter Sunday. They were not Nick and Tom, but they had a lot in common with them. The two walkers had been involved in the recent events during the week of Passover. They saw Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, and were deeply saddened by his death. They had even heard that morning that his body was now missing. And they were deep in conversation about all that had happened.

Then a stranger walks up alongside them and involves himself in their conversation. He wants to know what they are discussing. They can’t believe that the stranger hasn’t heard about the recent events in Jerusalem. The stranger asks them to tell him about these things. So, with downcast faces, the two travelers describe Jesus of Nazareth.

“He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed…” they say. “We had hoped he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.”

They knew about Jesus. They knew something of the prophecies about a savior – a Messiah. They knew about the empty tomb. But these two travelers did not SEE Jesus for who he was. They didn’t see God’s “vision” for humanity. And so, even with Jesus himself standing there before them, they didn’t see.

In many ways, their problem was Nick’s problem. They knew the teaching of scripture and knew that Jesus was a great teacher and religious figure, but they didn’t see God’s “vision” for us. Like Nick, they would probably bring their families to church (or synagogue), knowing that the children would learn good values. They would be faithful people, believing that God rewards good behavior and clean living. They would know that God wants something of us and they would strive to gain God’s blessing and approval. They would even realize that others who followed Jesus would think well of them for being devoted followers. But, perhaps like Nick, they would eventually wear out. Perhaps that is why they found themselves leaving Jerusalem rather than staying with the disciples. Perhaps their hopes had not been fulfilled and they just needed a break.

In a phrase, the travelers, along with Nick, KNEW WITHOUT SEEING. They have some knowledge and experience, but they lack the vision of God’s purpose and will – the ability to see what God is doing in the world. And without that, religion becomes a wearisome exercise.

Seeing Without Knowing

Our two travelers were also not unlike our friend Tom. And we might describe Tom’s problem as the opposite of Nick’s. Tom was struggling with SEEING WITHOUT KNOWING. And the two travelers demonstrated this limitation as well.

In literal terms, they “saw” Jesus there, but they just didn’t KNOW who he was. They even welcomed him into their conversation and asked him to stay when he began to leave them. They saw that he was a teacher when he opened the scripture to them, and they saw him break the bread as they ate together. But until the very end, their minds were closed to his true identity. And this is just the difficulty Tom experiences. He is an active participant in much that the church does; but while his intentions are sincere, he is really just along for the ride. The meaning of all those songs, hymns, prayers, and sermons eludes him. He sees everything going on and jumps in eagerly – perhaps hoping to understand, but in his heart he doesn’t know God in a personal and concrete way.

And after a while, Tom starts to ask questions like “Why do we sing so much?” And “Why are we asked about personal faith and acts of service in Christ’s name?” And “Why does the Church demand such high priority in my life?” If only there were some tangible way to experience God… if only I could know God in a real way…

Would I Know Jesus if I Saw Him?

Does this sound like a confusing and frustrating way to live? It sounds so familiar to me. I have been each of those people at different times in my life. What is the way out? Is it a matter of accumulating more knowledge, or somehow just looking or working harder for God?

The key must be there in the story, for by the end the two travelers SAW and KNEW! Something happened… something triggered a connection and they recognized Jesus for who he was… the risen Savior and Lord.

Partly, increasing their KNOWLEDGE did help them to see. Jesus opened the scriptures to them, leading them through the Old Testament teaching in the Law and in the Prophets. He showed them how God’s righteousness and the requirements of the Law necessitated the suffering of the Christ. He recounted the prophecies that spoke of God’s Messiah, who would be both King and Servant, and who would redeem God’s people. So Jesus addressed their lack of knowledge with clear teaching from God’s Word.

And Jesus also helped with their SIGHT. He repeated the act of communion that he had recently shared with the disciples. He came to them in a familiar way so that their blurry and dim vision might see a familiar sight. He did something ordinary and recognizable – he broke bread with them, giving thanks and sharing with them in the manner of the Last Supper.

These two acts certainly helped two travelers who were struggling with KNOWING and SEEING. But there is one more detail that is the key to understanding what happened in their recognition of Jesus. After he disappeared, they asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?” Their “burning hearts” revealed faith stirring within them.

The Stirring of Faith

In the book of Hebrews, faith is defined for us. Faith is “being sure of what we do not know…” and “being certain of what we do not see.” Faith does not come through knowledge or through concrete “proof” of something. Rather, faith is confident belief in what we hope for – that is, in God’s love and promises for us.

Faith is stirred by God’s Spirit working in our lives. Often the hearing and application of God’s Word in scripture and the experience of shared worship and sacraments can kindle faith or accompany it. God stirred faith in the two travelers on the road to Emmaus, and God stirred faith in the lives of people like Nick and Tom.

Nick, who had trouble seeing God’s vision for his people, is based on Nicodemus, a Pharisee who was the religious of the religious. He came to Jesus in secret one night to try to see just who Jesus was. Jesus talked about being “born again,” and we weren’t sure if Nicodemus understood or not. But we read about him coming in the daylight to bury Jesus’ body in the tomb. Apparently his eyes were opened along the way and he discovered what Jesus meant by being “born again.”

Tom, who couldn’t “know” the reality of God without concrete proof is based on Thomas the disciple, who missed Jesus’ appearance to the other disciples and demanded to touch Jesus’ wounds before he would believe. But Thomas’ heart was opened when he saw Jesus. He didn’t have to touch the wounds to know Jesus, but believed in faith, crying out, “My Lord and my God!”

Is God Creating Faith in Me Now?

I want to share a song I wrote with a friend of mine about today’s scripture text. I also want to give you time to ponder how God has created faith in you or even if God is creating or stirring faith in you now. Then I’ll have a few more words to say afterwards.

“Burning Hearts” (Dawson/Austell)

On Emmaus Road, heads hung low, a stranger joined who didn’t knowOf Jesus and the Christ he seemed, now dead, except in rumor’s dream.

Weren’t our hearts burning within?More than we dared to hope, to see Jesus alive again!

As if he’d written every word, He taught the Scriptures and we heardOf the Christ who first had to die to enter his glory on high. Chorus

He made to go on, but we cried, “Oh stay with us, evening is nigh”He broke the bread, gave and we knew; Our eyes opened–it was all true! Chorus

This is the question of the burning heart. It is the question of faith: is God stirring your heart so as to create a certain hope that extends beyond proof, knowledge, verification, sight, and experience? Are you experiencing a “burning heart?” If you are, I urge you to open yourself to God in faith. Your hope will not be misplaced or disappointed. For God’s love and promises are real and trustworthy. You will find faith confirmed and encouraged in scripture and worship, but faith itself is a gift from God. Search yourself this day, for God desires to be in fellowship and relationship with you. If God is creating faith in you now… if your heart is burning within you, act in faith. Talk to someone; talk to me or an elder or someone you know has a relationship with God. Confirm what God is doing in your life. That kind of hope does not disappoint.

And if the answer to that question of faith is “No” or “I don’t know,” be reassured that if you keep opening yourself to Word and Sacrament, God is at work in you. For God’s Word and Sacrament are effective means through which God stirs and creates faith. God’s Word is a “two-edged sword” – it either turns one away or draws one to God. So take heart, if you hear God’s Word to you, God is already at work in your life. Come back and keep asking the question of faith. Amen.

Some Music Used

• Prelude: There is a Balm in Gilead – Rick Bean, jazz piano and arr. Open the Eyes of My Heart It is Well (Bethel) Sermon Song: Burning Hearts/Emmaus Road (Austell/Dawson) Amazing Grace – Gwen Ingram, Bobby White O Master Let Me Walk with Thee Postlude: Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Rick Bean, jazz piano and arr.

The post On the Road appeared first on Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.

SERVICE VIDEO (link)TEXT: Luke 24:1-8; Romans 1:1-7

Easter Sunday – April 9, 2023

A few weeks ago I talked about story of Lazarus as a “preview of coming attractions.” In Lazarus Jesus demonstrated the power of God over death and Jesus declared to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Well today we are no longer watching the previews; we have come to the main attraction. Jesus, dead and buried, was raised on the third day – on THIS day – to life.

Every Easter I like to make this point – and today is no exception – that Easter is not when Jesus died on the cross for the sin of the world. That was Friday, and that’s why we call it Good Friday! And that is so important. Because Jesus died for us, our sins are forgiven and we can be reconciled to God. But that’s not the end. In fact, it’s just the beginning. Easter is the rest of the story, the next chapter, the “so what” of it all. In Romans 6:4 the Apostle Paul writes:

We have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Paul wrote Romans to share the Good News about Jesus Christ and his Resurrection. In the opening verses of Romans, which was our second scripture reading today, Paul identifies himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus, set apart for the gospel or Good News of God. I want to look at these verses with you because they present in short form why the Resurrection is Good News and what it means for those who trust in Jesus Christ.

What is the Good News? à Jesus is the Son of God! (v.4)

Paul understands himself to be a servant of Jesus, called as an apostle. That means that he is a man on a mission, and that mission is sharing the Good News (gospel). That’s his purpose in writing this letter to the Romans and it’s his life-purpose. So I want to ask, “What is this Good News?” Even in these introductory verses, Paul has quite a bit to say about it, noting that Jesus was PROMISED and PRESENTED as the Son of God.

Promised! (vv.2-3)

2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures3 concerning His Son, born of a descendant of David according to the flesh

First, Jesus was promised… through the prophets in the holy Scriptures (v.2). We’ve noted that Jesus fulfilled numerous scriptures written about the Messiah, from the healing and freeing of people captive to spiritual, emotional, and physical maladies to symbolic acts like riding the donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. And by no means least among the promises in the Hebrew scriptures of our Old Testament are the promise that the Messiah would be born from David’s line. And so two of the Gospels trace this lineage from David to Jesus.

The Good News God “promised beforehand” was that He would send the Messiah to usher in the Kingdom and declare peace. And up until Jesus’ death, more and more people in Jerusalem and the surrounding area were believing that Jesus was that Messiah, so much so that he was perceived as a threat to the religious and secular powers of the day. But short of resurrection, all that seemed like it had failed. He had been killed, put down before he became too much of a threat.

Presented! (v.4)

4 who was declared the Son of Godwith power by the resurrection from the deadaccording to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord

It’s this next part that has to do with today and resurrection. In verse 4 Paul writes that Jesus was “declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead.” That word declared can also mean demonstrated or even ‘presented.’ It was the Resurrection that showed Jesus to be who he said he was, who scriptures promised he would be. It was the power of God on display. If you were here two weeks ago when we talked about Lazarus, we noted that raising him from the dead was the demonstration of God’s power in a public way. Even more so, the Resurrection of Jesus demonstrated God’s power and Jesus’ victory over sin and death. He was not defeated, but victorious!

Some would try to discredit the Resurrection, saying that he had only fainted or that the body had been stolen. But it was publicly witnessed that the soldiers verified his death by piercing his side while still on the cross. And they knew what they were doing. The Gospel writers list out eye-witnesses to the Resurrected Jesus, not just one or two, but hundreds who could be interviewed and corroborated in the days that followed.

The Resurrection is at the heart of the Good News because it demonstrates or shows Jesus to be just who Paul names him to be: Jesus Christ the Lord. And for those of us who accept the testimony and demonstration presented to us by the Resurrection, he is Jesus Christ OUR Lord.

Invited: Now that You’ve Heard… (vv.5-7)

5 through whom we have received grace and apostleshipto bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake,6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints

Paul doesn’t end there; his letter is not just a summary of what Jesus has done. He goes on in verses 5-7 to address those who would read this letter. It is no longer Paul talking about his own mission and calling, but now WE who have received “grace and apostleship and a calling.” For all who have heard this Good News that Jesus is the Son of God, there are six take-aways that involve you.

Grace – Through Jesus Christ, we have received grace. Grace is a gift, a kindness. It is God’s forgiveness, love, adoption, and calling all rolled into one. God loves you and wants you to be a part of His family and work. In Christ you are welcome and you belong.

Mission – I mentioned God’s work; it is no surprise that it is mentioned right there alongside grace. ‘Apostleship’ is the mission we are on, to love God and love others, to serve God and serve others. We aren’t saved and shown grace to simply be put on a shelf of holy things, but God welcomes us in order that we participate in what He is doing in the world. And so we are sent into the world to love and to serve.

Obedience – Paul goes on to mention one aspect of this mission: it is “to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles.” For a mission that started in Jerusalem, this is another way of saying “to the whole world.” This Gospel, this Good News, this mission… it is for everyone, for all who will hear. It’s not just for those who come into our church, but for all we come in contact with (and beyond) when we walk out of here. Our own participation in the mission might be described as “obedience of faith” because someone shared the Good News with us. And we are sent out in the same way, that others might believe and trust the Lord.

Faith – Faith is what I described earlier as believing the testimony of what has been presented to us about Jesus. The women and the disciples had the opportunity to see, talk, and touch the risen Lord. They had proof. We have their testimony and the promises and presentation of scripture and people, but we have to accept it on faith. We then become part of presenting testimony and service to others, that they might believe in faith.

Loved – Paul describes those to whom he writes as “beloved of God.” This is important to name as well! God loves you! It’s not all about the mission and the obedience, but the belonging. In Christ you are a part of God’s family; you are wanted; you are loved. You are God’s beloved.

Purpose – Paul ends this introduction with “called as saints” and twice uses “called” in vv.6-7. Saints sounds like some kind of super-Christian, something other than how you think of yourself. But it simply means “set apart.” It’s another way of saying that you belong to Christ and that he has work for you to do. That doesn’t mean be a pastor or a missionary (though it might!), but to be a follower of Jesus in the world. Last Thursday night we talked about the last commandment Jesus gave: to love as I have loved and to serve as I have served. This is our work and purpose, elaborated in the other teaching of Jesus and pages of scripture. But that’s what “called as saints” means: Jesus is Lord and you follow him with your life.

The Resurrection Means…

All six of these things are a quick take on what does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that God raised him from the dead? This is just the “Dear Reader” part of Paul’s letter! He writes 15 chapters to elaborate on these few short verses here. But the intro provides a good overview and summary: God has shown you in Christ that you are loved, wanted, and invited to participate in God’s work in the world.

That’s what we are about at Good Shepherd. Come back and be a part of that with us! In the weeks to come we will continue to explore this theme as we look at several post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus to different people. Come back and we’ll explore together! Amen.

Some Music Used

• Choral Call to Worship: O Lamb of God (Boesel, Youngblood) Christ the Lord is Risen Today Behold OUr God Is He Worthy Offertory: Crown Him with Many Crowns (organ/piano duet) King of Kings

The post The Main Attraction appeared first on Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.

FULL SERVICE VIDEO (link)TEXT: John 11:45-57; 12:9-19

Today we are going to briefly return to the story of Lazarus and then a series of events that are full of action, plots, politics, and intrigue. In fact, the story of Lazarus dovetails right into the event that we are remembering today on Palm Sunday.

I want to walk you through the timeline and events and note a few key elements along the way. We will be left with a question, perhaps better described as a tension: is all of this a plot against Jesus or sure signs of the salvation that God was providing to the world? People and opinions were divided…

First Division: Sanhedrin (11:45-53)

After the amazing miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, many believed. (v. 45) Of course they did! I’m not sure how much more clearly a sign could be given. Jesus didn’t just heal a sick man or bring the recently deceased back to life. He raised a four-day old stinking corpse to life. And as we saw last week, Jesus went out of his way to include those witnessing this, from his out-loud prayers to asking some to move the grave stone to asking some to help remove the cloth wrapped around Lazarus. People saw and smelled and touched and believed.

And yet… and yet… SOME went and reported Jesus to the people trying to kill him. It’s right there in verse 46. Some, even seeing all that, did not believe Jesus, but turned against him and worked against him. It marks the first of several times in today’s text that, presented with the same events, people were divided over what to do with Jesus.

The ones trying to kill Jesus, the ones receiving this report of his whereabouts, were the chief priests and Pharisees, nearby in Jerusalem. We read in v. 47 that they convened the council (also known as the Sanhedrin) to discuss what to do about Jesus. Helpfully, we don’t have to imagine their concerns, they are spelled out for us:

What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation. (vv. 47-48)

They recognize that he is performing signs. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus’ miracles are called “miraculous signs.” The point is that they aren’t just supernatural (though they are that); rather, they are called ‘signs’ because they point to something. That something is Jesus’s identity as the Messiah. In other words, his actions are holding him up to be the Messiah – popularly believed by the people to be a mighty warrior of God come to through off the oppressive rule of the Romans. You can see that played out in the council’s words. If Jesus continues attracting attention, his popularity will attract the attention of the Romans, who would tighten their grip on Israel, displacing the religious rulers place of power as well as what was left of the independence of the nation.

The council conversation continued and the high priest, a man named Caiaphas, noted that the stakes were so high that it would be worth sacrificing this one man’s life if it would spare the nation the wrath of the Romans. These words would have been ironic in hindsight anyway, but John makes a fascinating assertion that because he was serving as high priest, God actually spoke and accomplished these words through him. And we read in v. 53 that “from that day on they planned together to kill [Jesus].” Without the high priest realizing it, God was using him to bring about the once-and-for-all sacrifice of the spotless lamb for the sake of the world. God can even use His enemies to accomplish His will and bring Him glory!

Second Division: Looking Out (11:54-57)

Last week I mentioned the risk to Jesus. That is what took him and the disciples some 20 miles from Jerusalem because of a crowd that had tried to kill him. It was a risk to come back to Mary and Martha’s house in Bethany, just two miles outside Jerusalem, and we have seen now that the risk was not unfounded. Indeed, he was recognized and reported to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, despite coming to Bethany for the extraordinary purpose of bringing Lazarus back to life.

After raising Lazarus and as we read about the council plotting to kill him in v. 53, Jesus and the disciples again withdrew to the country (v. 54). And some time passed. We can actually piece together how much time passed because he had come to Bethany just after the Feast of Lights (modern-day Hanukkah), at the end of December. He will return for Passover, which is approximately the same time as our Easter, so basically winter has passed to spring, about three months.

In the meantime, no one has forgotten Jesus. If anything, everyone is on the lookout for him. You get a flavor of that in vv. 55-57, with opinion and interest in him still divided. Knowing that most Jews came to Jerusalem for Passover, we read that many were “seeking” Jesus and speculating on whether he would come to the feast at all. (v. 56) We also read that the religious leaders are on the lookout, having given orders that anyone with knowledge of Jesus’ whereabouts should report it for his arrest. Jesus was a wanted man!

Third Division: Passover (12:9-19)

Jesus did indeed return for the Passover, coming to Bethany again six days beforehand. (John 12:1) In our Holy Week timeline, that would have been yesterday, the day before what would become known as Palm Sunday. There he had dinner and Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with very costly perfume. His presence became known and many came to see Jesus as well as Lazarus. It is here we read that Lazarus has become a wanted man. His presence and the talk about him made him a prime target for believers and enemies alike. This is why I still include all of this as the conclusion to the Lazarus story.

This brings us to the account proper of what is usually referred to as “The Triumphal Entry” or “Palm Sunday.” It is the next day, a Sunday, and Jesus comes from Bethany into Jerusalem. The crowd has already gathered, already heard that he is on the way. And they give him a very particular and significant welcome. They take branches of a palm tree and go to meet him and shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” They are quoting from Psalm 118, part of which comprised our responsive call to worship today. All this – ALL this – is another sign of who Jesus is. From the shouts of “Save us now!” (that’s what “Hosanna” means) to the connection to Psalm 118 to riding in on a donkey to the timing of it all… he was fulfilling the Messianic script. These were all things the Messiah would do and the people recognized it and him, which is why they shouted “King of Israel” at him. Meanwhile, all the people who had witnessed the raising of Lazarus were testifying about that miraculous sign. (v. 17) Given all this, it would not have been any clearer a sign if a blimp had been hovering over him with “That’s the Messiah!” flashing across the screen.

Those fears expressed by the council months earlier had all come to pass. Seemingly the whole world had gone after him… and they were proclaiming him the “King of Israel.” You can begin to see how these chief priests and Pharisees, who were concerned enough at the possibility of him being seen as the Messiah to try to kill him, now moved very decisively against him so that within a matter of days he would be arrested and killed. They believed their livelihood, their freedom, and their very lives were at stake.

And so, on this “Palm Sunday,” we find an extreme division between those believing and hailing Jesus as King and those trying to kill him for it.

Division Today

As I ponder how all that might be applicable in our lives beyond greater knowledge of the unfolding story, I think of how people presented with the same information can come to very different opinions, not only on politics or cultural issues, but on faith and Christ himself.

It strikes me that this is how it’s always been. Often in discussions about Christian faith the question will be raised about those who have never heard about Jesus. Frankly, I don’t ultimately know. I know that we should be ready and willing to share God’s story, but I ultimately don’t know, though I trust God.

What is a significantly more common reality in our lives is not encountering people who have never heard of Jesus, but the way that Jesus draws some and repels others. There is a fundamental and very challenging question underlying that reality. We can push it off for a while saying, “I just need more information” or “I just need some proof.” But the thing is that information and signs and proof still leave us with the fundamental question: “Will you trust and follow me?”

Think about all that was witnessed that day Lazarus was raised, not to mention in the week before Passover. Jesus not only displayed supernatural power that signaled explicitly who he was and what he was doing, he then fulfilled prophecy after prophecy, like a massive prophetic checklist.

Has God answered prayer? Check.

Is the beauty of God’s creation evident around us? Check.

Has God’s intention and message to us been made clear through writing, teaching, witness, and sacrifice? Check.

“Will you trust and follow me?”

…I’m not sure. I need more time. Yeah, mostly; I just have a few exception clauses I’d like to write in.

… or sometimes, “I will not!”

At the heart of the fundamental question is the thing at stake in the fundamental commandment. Will you yield your will and life to a god other than yourself? Will you serve and love another?

Jesus began asking the question when he first began calling the disciples, before any miraculous signs. God asked the question of His people throughout the scripture – of Abraham, Moses, Esther, Mary.

The two responses to Jesus are so clear again and again throughout the Lazarus story. And that’s what I think this story brings to us today beyond knowledge of how a story unfolded. It asks us the question Jesus asked of so many: “Will you trust and follow me?”

We even know how the story turned out, while those following Jesus didn’t know what Easter morning held. We have our own treasure-trove of witness, signs, experience, and knowledge. But it comes down to this:

Will you trust and follow Jesus… wherever he might lead? Ponder your response as we pray together.

Some Music Used

• Introit: Ride On, King Jesus (Bean/VanderHeide) – GSPC Choir Hosanna, Loud Hosanna Your Name All Glory, Laud, and Honor/Hosanna (arr. Austell)

The post Decision Time appeared first on Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.

Full Service Video (link)TEXT: John 11:1-4; Revelation 21:1-5

Do you know the story of Lazarus? He was the man – the friend – that Jesus raised from the dead. His story has so much going on. In fact one year I preached through this story for all of Lent – six sermons on the one story! There is grief, there is waiting on God (or Jesus), there is faith, there is risk, there is death, and there is life. But ultimately, though this might be accurately described as one of the greatest miracles of Jesus’ earthly ministry, it is about more than that. It is about the glory of God. In fact, all of Jesus’ miracles were about “something else.” Though often motivated by compassion or faith, they were signs of power that showed (as signs do) what God was doing. They showed the power of God or the coming Kingdom or Jesus purpose. And this last and greatest miracle (before his own resurrection) was no exception. In fact, Jesus tips us off at the beginning and the end of the story as to the greater purpose. Look at what he tells his disciples in verse 4, while they are still a long way off from Bethany and Lazarus:

“This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”

I want to talk briefly about what that is… the “glory of God.” Then I want to list and briefly describe six interesting places in the overall story that might be points of connection for us as we look for the glory of God in our lives and situations.

The Glory of God

What is the glory of God?

Glory is hard to wrap our minds and even our hearts around; it is not an intellectual or philosophical category. Perhaps one of the words that best gets at it is that glory is BEAUTY. The expansive view over the Blue Ridge mountains is breathtakingly beautiful; it is glorious. The thunderous power of ocean waves crashing on a pristine beach is awe-inspiring; it is glorious. God is said to be glorious because God’s goodness, love, wisdom, justice, power, and all of God’s character, being, and actions are glorious. Something is glorious if it is more radiant, more weighty, more true, more real than anything else; and God is the most glorious of all.

From the beginning, Jesus says that this sickness is not to end in death. But the punchline isn’t “but in life”; rather it is “for the glory of God.” And that is so that the Son of God might also be glorified. Jesus was saying that what was about to happen was that God would show up, God’s power would be evident, God’s character and purpose would be on full display. It would be glorious! Is that something we can see in the story? Is it something we can see today? That’s the question…

So I want to list out six factors that contribute to seeing God’s glory in the resurrection of Lazarus. And just to point you to the end, I’m going to try to make some connections that these are ways we might still look for God’s glory today.

#1 Timing (v.6)

The first factor that contributes to seeing God’s glory is timing. Jesus got word about Lazarus being sick while he was a distance away. He could have left immediately to go see Lazarus. (Of course, we also know from other stories that he could have healed Lazarus at a distance.) But he chooses neither.

One of the surprising twists this story takes comes in verse 6. We’ve just heard how close Jesus is to this family: “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” And then abruptly we read verse six: “So when He heard that [Lazarus] was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.” What in the world?!

It reminds me of the way of often pray: “God, here’s a problem; please fix it right away.” And this was the most urgent of things imaginable… a close and beloved friend was very sick and might die. What could be more urgent than that. Yet Jesus delayed; and Lazarus died well before Jesus got there.

And yet, it was that timing that made the story unfold the way it did.

Did God make Lazarus sick? No. But was God’s timing a factor in Jesus delaying? Apparently so.

Have I seen God be glorified in sickness? Absolutely!

Have I seen God be glorified even when the sickness resulted in death? Yes, I have. I’ve seen it in this church and in the wait and struggle many of you have endured.

What I do know is that God can be glorified, even when we have to wait. And it is possible for us to SEEK God’s glory in that difficult time.

#2 Risk (v.16)

There is another significant and unexpected element to this story, and that is the risk involved.

In John 10 Jesus was teaching in the Temple court in Jerusalem and enraged the religious leaders. They asked him to say plainly whether he was the Messiah and in his answer he said, “I and the Father are one.” (10:30) They picked up stones to kill him but he slipped away and went beyond the Jordan to the area I showed you on the map.

So this is the context when Jesus suddenly announces after two days, “Let us go to Judea again.” (v. 7) Jesus had said the sickness wouldn’t end in death, so the disciples are incredulous: “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” The disciples knew he (and they with him) were among Jerusalem’s Most Wanted.

It is at this point that he tells them what is really going on with Lazarus. And you have to chuckle at this exchange. He first uses a figure of speech, “Lazarus has fallen asleep.” That was a gentle way to say someone had died, like we might say someone has “passed on” or “is no longer with us.” Whether just not understanding or still dumbfounded that he wants to return into such danger, the disciples don’t hear him. So he tells them outright, “Lazarus is dead.” And then we get a little deeper glimpse into the dynamic of waiting on God’s timing: “I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe.” (v. 15) Clearly, the glory of God is still in view and Jesus intends for the disciples to witness whatever he has in mind.

Finally, you get a real sense of the disciples’ perspective with the last quip from Thomas, who says to the others, “Let’s go then, and we’ll all die together.” (v. 16)

Ponder this risk. If the disciples had remained in relative safety beyond the Jordan, they would not have seen God’s glory in what Jesus was about to do. Likewise, if we simply meet week after week, safe and secure from scrutiny to study scripture and if we isolate our spiritual lives from the outside world, will we thrive? I don’t think so. Getting out means taking a risk, interacting with the world, engaging with those who are struggling apart from God. Are there risks we need to take for Jesus?

#3 Faith and Grief (vv.21-22, 32-33)

I want to look at the responses of both sisters together. They bear some similarities and some notable differences. When Jesus does finally reach Bethany, where Lazarus has now died, first Martha and then Mary come out to see Jesus. Each of them says the same initial thing: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (vv.21,32) But then the conversations diverge. Martha goes on to make a faith statement: “Even now I now that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” And Jesus goes on to speak of resurrection, though she doesn’t realize he means literally. Mary, on the other hand comes after because she has been in the house with the mourners. She says “if you had been here” but is already at his feet weeping.

Do I want to lift up one response as better than the other? No; rather I think these sisters illustrate the range of human response to grief, death, and loss in this world. BOTH sisters looked to Jesus as the one who could have done something. Neither can envision what Jesus is going to do, but I think their postures prepare them to see God’s glory. Martha processes her grief with faith in God’s promised future for Lazarus, and Jesus affirms that. Mary pours out her grief at the feet of the one she loves and trusts with that grief. I don’t read either of their statements as accusatory, but full of loss and grief; and each sister processes that grief in their own way.

What I want to hold out to you is that in their grief each one came to Jesus. Neither turned Jesus away, but came to him with their loss, their grief, and their helplessness. And I think that prepared them to see and experience God’s glory.

#4 Emotional Jesus (vv.34-38)

What came next was seemingly in response to Mary and her weeping. But it’s also not what I thought for so long. Part of Jesus’ response is the famous “shortest verse in the Bible” – John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” But he had another response as well. When Jesus saw Mary weeping and the other mourners who followed her out to where Jesus was, he was “deeply moved.” Now that is misleading. He’s not weeping along with them, but having a different response. There are three different kinds of emotional response in these verses:

Mary and the mourners were “wailing” (v.33) – this was a loud and public wailing, almost a kind of ritual, though certainly rooted in grief over a death

In response, Jesus snorts. That’s a more literal translation of “deeply moved” that occurs in v. 33 and then again in v.38. It’s that kind of unbidden, choking burse of emotion that comes from way down deep. (It is used to describe the sound a horse makes when agitated!) Here it has a flavor of indignation or even anger to it. We also read in that same sentence that Jesus was ‘troubled’. So clearly something is going on! However I don’t think Jesus is angry at Mary or the mourners; rather, I think he is agitated and deeply angered by death seemingly having the last word, over his friend, just days before he will defeat death itself. And he sees the full and public demonstration of what death’s claim on humanity means to his friends and his people.

Then there in verse 35, Jesus weeps yet a third kind of emotion… this is more the silent and semi-private expression of sorrow, perhaps over what Lazarus had to face and perhaps empathizing with Mary and Martha.

Don’t miss, though, that Jesus has emotions. This is one of the few places where you see them on full display, and they provide insight into the glory of God. It is okay to grieve; it is okay to be angry against sin, death, injustice, and more that grieves God. Those emotions make us all the more ready to see God break through and deliver us.

#5 Faith and Glory (vv.39-40)

Briefly, a fifth detail is interesting and also connects some of the dots. Jesus instructs those standing there to remove the stone on the tomb of Lazarus. (v.39) And ever-practical Martha protests that it will smell bad because he’s been in there for four days. But it’s the next part I don’t want you to miss. Jesus responds to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (v.40)

Remember that he told the disciples this at the beginning? “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” And he had said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies… do you believe this?” And she did.

So again, Jesus is reminding her (and us) to keep her eye on the glory of God.

#6 Preview of Glory (vv.41-46)

They remove the stone and then there is a very interesting prayer. After they move the stone, Jesus looks up to Heaven and prays out loud, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that you sent me.” (v. 42) Think about that prayer. It was not, “Father, I ask you, in your power, to bring Lazarus back to life.” It was not, “Father, help these people believe.” Jesus has apparently already communicated with God; he says, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” Indeed, we hear in Jesus’ words that God “always hears him.” This prayer was public, for the sake of those gathered around. And we know that because he even says so in the prayer! It’s not for show; it’s so those gathered may believe. (We also know that because he says so.) And how does their belief relate to God’s glory? Remember, we just talked about that with Martha. It is so that they can SEE God at work, so they can see God’s glory and believe.

The next thing Jesus does is cry out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” Why so loud? I think it was like Jesus’ prayer… public, for the sake of those listening. If they missed Jesus’ prayer, they didn’t miss this. That guy is shouting into the open, stinky cave for the dead man to come out. Hard to miss that! All this and the miraculous resurrection that follows is all so public. There is a reason for that! There is a trajectory here that doesn’t end with Lazarus being raised. It is to bear witness to God’s glory and the even greater miracle that is soon to come on Easter morning.

Keep Your Eye on the Glory of God

This is a story about the glory of God. Think about all the ways the people in the story were invited to see and experience God’s glory. Through waiting, godly risk, faith, grief, and other emotions. Is all that dependent on the resurrection of Lazarus? Does your own experience of God depend on whether God answers ‘yes’ to your most earnest prayers?

While I understand the yearning for God to give us what we want – I do! – this story didn’t end with the resurrection of Lazarus but with the resurrection of Christ on Easter. That’s the glory God wants us to see and experience in our own lives. And for some even seeing Lazarus dead four days and brought back to life was not enough to open their eyes. But for many others, it led them to believe.

So my question is whether you have sought God, whether you WILL seek God in your own waiting, risking, faith, grief, and other emotions. Will you seek God recognizing that God’s great ‘yes’ and the great demonstration of God’s glory is found in Jesus, crucified and raised for you?

The disciples waited with Jesus and then returned with him to face the risk of Jerusalem. Martha came to Jesus in faith in the midst of her loss. Mary brought her tears and sorrow to Jesus, also in faith. Jesus himself grieved the sorrows and losses of this life, but also demonstrated the power of God in this last sign, one that would point directly to the cross and the empty tomb, and beyond.

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

(Revelation 21:1-5)

Do you see it? There, the glory of God! Amen.

Some Music Used

• Prelude: Wade in the Water/Down by the Riverside – Rick Bean, arr. and piano Revelation Song Sing Praise to God Gratitude I Will Rise Postlude: Just a Closer Walk – Rick Bean, arr. and piano

The post Preview of Coming Attractions appeared first on Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.

Service Video (link)TEXT: Matthew 4:1-11

Have you ever heard or read something and then come to find out it’s just not true?

How can you know if something is true? How can you know if something is right?

Today we heard a scene from the life of Jesus often called the “Temptation of Jesus.” Basically he is being told or offered something as true and right and it’s all twisted truth or lies. I want to look with you at Jesus’ responses, both as a practical matter and as a spiritual matter.

#1 Truth > Desire (vv.1-4)

Have you ever been hungry? Like, really hungry? If someone offered you a way to get food when you were that hungry, you might be tempted to say or do the wrong thing. Sometimes our needs or desires are such a strong force in our life. Or what’s something else you might really want, really need? What about to pass a certain test. And maybe you didn’t study enough and you are pretty sure you aren’t going to do well, and someone offers you some answers, offers to let you look, tempts you to cheat. What will you do?

Jesus was out by himself to spend a long time praying to God. Part of that was a choice to fast or to not eat for a period of time to focus more entirely on God. And he was tempted to shortcut that, or cut it short, and eat to satisfy his hunger. It would have been like cheating on a test instead of studying for it. But very tempting if you are hungry, if you need the grade.

You probably know what the right thing to do is, though, right? We usually know; it’s just that our desires or our needs overrule what is true and right. But Jesus demonstrated the right choice. He said no to that temptation to shortcut his fast. But he went beyond that. He identified the reason it was wrong to cut it short. There is something more important than satisfying hunger in his stomach. It was satisfying the hunger of the soul or the spirit. He says, quoting scripture, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” In other words, he had set this time aside to be with God and cutting it short to feed his stomach would also cut it short with God. Continuing to feed his soul with the prayer and fasting was more important and he wouldn’t cut it short to eat.

I think about the temptation to cheat on a test. It’s such a shortcut to a good grade. But it also means you haven’t learned the material, and that will definitely come back to bite you at the end of the semester, or in the next grade, or as you progress through school. Even though shortcuts are attractive and tempting, they aren’t helpful in the long run. And Jesus demonstrated that same thing by not cutting short his time with God.

#2 Context (vv.5-7)

A second way that truth is sometimes twisted is by just giving part of the story. People on TV and on the Internet do this all the time because they aren’t just sharing information, they are trying to convince you of something. And there’s something about hearing or seeing something on the TV or online that makes something seem more true. Those sources have a certain kind of authority to them that we want to believe. So you hear something like TikTok is going to be banned and that can go any number of ways. Some people will frame it in a way that sounds like the people making the decision don’t care about young people. Or it might get framed in a way to make China – or even Chinese people – look bad. Some reporters will add the detail of it being a security risk. But how do you really get down to the truth of the matter. I’d say look for people who take time to explain the CONTEXT, the full story. Yes, it’s a security risk for our country because it shares a lot of personal details with another country. Why is that bad? Are there other options than shutting it down? What are those? Do they address the problem? Is anyone explaining the ins and outs, ups and downs, to the people it will affect the most?

Let’s look at Jesus for a moment. Something similar happened to him. Sometimes the person with the twisted truth can even use religion or religious authority in a way that isn’t right. Jesus was tempted to test God and the reason given was as verse of scripture, something often appealed to as trustworthy! But it was taken out of context. It wasn’t the whole story. And it was so twisted that it was actually used to try to say almost the opposite of what it really meant. But Jesus knew a lot of the scripture. He also knew that it taught that we are not supposed to put God to the test by intentionally doing something foolish and demanding God fix it. The scripture about God protecting us encourages us to TRUST God, but it was being used to try to get Jesus to TEST God, and Jesus rightly pointed to another scripture that warned against that.

To be even more exaggerated, let me give this example. It’s kind of like if I got up here and told you that the Bible says you should follow me and do what I say. It says it right there in this same chapter we are looking at, in Matthew 4:19… it says “Follow me!” So you all should follow me and do what I say. But what is the CONTEXT of that? Does it mean follow whoever quotes that to you? Not at all. Jesus is the one speaking those words. Simply quoting the Bible isn’t enough; we should understand what it is saying and why. Then I believe it does have great wisdom and truth for us. The full verse in Matthew 4:19 says this, and it is Jesus speaking these words, “He said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Jesus was talking to several fishermen and inviting them to come be his students. So he invited them to follow him and to “fish for people” instead of for fish. They would eventually go out and tell other people about Jesus and who he was. So if I’m going to teach that verse well, tell the truth about it, I would be telling you about Jesus and inviting you to follow HIM and learn more about who he was. And even then, there’s more context to look at. Who were these fisherman? How did they respond? What does it mean today for you or me to “follow Jesus.” If you are trying to get at the truth of something, ask lots of questions, look for more context, try to understand the full story of what is going on!

#3 Truth > Power (vv.8-11)

And lest it seem like this sermon is for younger folks with the examples of cheating and TikTok, here is one for the grownups (but one kids can pay attention to as well)! In a third encounter, Jesus was tempted with great power and influence. If he’ll just sell out on his primary mission, he could “have it all.”

Kids are sometimes tempted to cheat on a test. Adults are too, but perhaps a greater temptation is to twist the truth or accept a twist on truth to get ahead, to get more money or power or influence. If you just “look the other way” it might work to your advantage. Maybe that’s on taxes, or accepting something that’s good for you but not good for everyone. It’s easy to become selective about doing what is right when “getting ahead” is pitted against it.

But Jesus’ simple claim at the end of our story is that truth is greater than power. In the face of being offered the world, he responds (again from scripture), “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.” (v.10) Again, he goes deep, beyond immediate reward, to say that there is something bigger and greater and truer than getting ahead in this world. Even for someone who questions the existence of God, I think there are good arguments to say that there are greater ideals than getting ahead in this world: ideals like truth, love, beauty, community, and doing the right thing. But as a Christian, I believe all those ideals are grounded in a God who is the source of all truth, love, beauty, community, and rightness. Jesus rightly draws our attention away from self-focus (“How can I get ahead?”) to other-focus (God and neighbor). That’s one of his common themes throughout his life and teaching.

Summary

How do you know what is true? Here are three statements and questions to take with you.

1. Truth is greater than desire. Is this always true or just what I want to do or hear right now? Truth is found in the details, in context. Have I asked the right questions? Do I understand the wider context? Truth is greater than power. Is this good and right and true or am I being distracted by something shiny that is what I want to hear?

Jesus not only provided good methods for discerning truth, he pointed us to God as the source of all truth and goodness. He trusted these scriptures and was teaching things that would become scripture. I would offer the same cautions even with that, even with someone like me speaking to you. Use the same tests, the same guidelines, but in doing so, perhaps you will also hear Truth (capital ‘T’) from the source of Truth. Amen.

Some Music Used

• Prelude: How Firm a Foundation – Rick Bean, arr. and piano Let God Arise King of Kings (vv.1-2) CHOIR: Behold the Lamb of God The Blessing

The post Twisted Truth appeared first on Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.

SERVICE VIDEO (link)TEXT: Luke 22:41-44; John 18:4,10-11,33-40

“Thy will be done.”

Jesus taught us to pray in that way and he prayed in that way. But what does that mean? What does that mean for you and me, not only to pray it, but desire and seek God’s will in our lives?

Today we look at some of the timeline leading to the cross and to Easter morning as we continue “Preparing for Easter.” We will hear Jesus pray that prayer and the context in which he prayed it. We’ll look at what happened when one of his most devoted followers veered from God’s will. And we’ll ponder the interesting exchange between Jesus and Pilate as a way to better understand what the Father’s will was for the Son. My hope is that you will not only learn something new or deeper about this part of the story leading up to Easter, but that it will also shape your prayer life and understanding of following Jesus.

Not My Will, But Yours (Luke 22)

Luke 22 records several key events on the Thursday night before the Friday crucifixion. Jesus and the disciples have the Passover meal, the Last Supper in which Jesus identifies the bread as his body and the cup as his blood, broken and poured out for them. Shortly after that there is an argument among the disciples about who is the best. It is then that Peter so boldly declares he is prepared to go to prison or die for Jesus, but Jesus indicates Peter will soon deny knowing him.

From there they go out of Jerusalem and go up the hill outside the city to the Mount of Olives to pray. Once there, Jesus separates and goes off a little way to pray by himself:

41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43 Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.

There are a number of really interesting things in that short description of Jesus’ time of prayer. He clearly knows what is going to happen and it is interesting to note that he prays for another path, but only if the Father is willing. We’ll see this here and then in a later scene, but he speaks of “this cup” as a metaphor for the suffering he is to endure, or more broadly speaking, for God’s will for him. It was only a short time earlier (an hour?) that he held up a cup at the Last Supper and said “this cup is poured out for you in my blood.” (v.20) And now he is asking the Father to “remove this cup,” but once on either side of making that request: “if you are willing” and “yet not my will, but Yours be done.”

What a great model for us! In the Lord’s Prayer and here Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will to be done, but it is okay to let God know what we desire.

Jesus seemed to really be struggling with what was coming. He is described as “being in agony,” “praying very fervently,” and sweating “like drops of blood.” That is really intense. Have you ever wrestled over something in prayer that felt like that?

But also look at v. 43 – “an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.” What a mercy in the middle of such an agonizing time! It is a comfort to think that God would strengthen us to yield to His will for us while also hearing our struggles and agonizing prayers. We do not have to clean up or pretty up or hold things in when we pray to the Lord, but we are wise to seek God’s will, even when it seems difficult or at odds with our own will.

My Will (John 18:4,10-11)

We will shift to a different book, to the Gospel of John, but the events pick up right after that time of prayer, which John actually records in much greater detail. After praying, they rise and the group coming to arrest him comes out. John tells us that Jesus knew what was coming and went out to meet them, even identifying himself to them. Though his prayers might have been agonizing, Jesus is surely strengthened in resolve and in his spirit to do the Father’s will. So he meets it head on.

4 So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them, “I am He.”

Peter, on the other hand is ready to defend Jesus and draws his sword. But listen to Jesus’ response:

10 Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”

“The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not drink it?” Again, Jesus has set his face toward the cross, toward all that was yet to come.

What was Peter doing? On one hand, we might praise him for his bravery to defend Jesus. But Jesus had been sharing more and more with them about what was to come, how his was not an earthly Kingdom to take on Rome and soldiers. Just that night he had poured wine into the cup saying his blood would be poured out. He had just finished praying about doing the Father’s will; maybe Peter didn’t hear it, though John seemed to. At any rate, Peter did what Peter wanted to do. I can’t really blame him in the moment. Nonetheless, it was not the Father’s will, and Jesus corrected him, saying that he (Jesus) was intent on drinking the cup.

Sometimes we do the wrong thing, knowing it is wrong and not the Lord’s will. Other times, we do our own thing with all the best intentions and zeal… and it is not the Lord’s will. I have often been quick to do what I thought was the right thing, but did not stop to ask the Lord for guidance or search the scripture for direction. It’s also very easy to be so energized about MY plans, that I decide they probably are God’s plans… and I miss the mark.

Peter’s actions also remind me of something we talked about in the class Cathy has been teaching on Thursday nights. We talked this past week about intentions vs. impact. Sometimes we act toward others (of other races) with good intentions, but the effects or impact of our action are counter-productive or not received well. It behooves us to listen to people, to the needs of a community or person before acting, even if our intentions are good.

Christy has taught me about this with the youth and children’s ministry. Before coming to Good Shepherd she had significant training and experience in “community engagement.” One of the foundational pieces of community engagement is listening to a community to determine their needs and wants, then partnering with them to attain those needs and wants.

Like Peter, sometimes we forge ahead with good intentions, but we are not doing what is needed, wanted, or best. It makes me think that a necessary first step to the Great Commandment (loving God and loving others) is listening well. Whether it is loving and serving God or loving and serving our neighbors, we are wise to first listen to determine what it is that God asks or that our neighbor needs before offering our love and service.

Where might you and I need to hear “put away your sword?” Where might you and I need to listen more carefully?

Your Will (John 18:33-40)

This brings us finally to Jesus coming before Pilate. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea and the one who could authorize execution. The chief priests wanted Jesus arrested and killed, but did not have the authority to do so. But they thought that if they presented him as someone trying to incite rebellion against Rome, then Pilate would act to have him killed.

33 Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” 37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in Him. 39 “But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber. 

Pilate gets right to the heart of the matter, asking “Are you the King of the Jews?” then “What have you done?”

Jesus answers, “My kingdom is not of this world… [otherwise] my servants would be fighting.” (v.36) How important it was that Peter not veer from the path set before Jesus!

Hearing about a kingdom, even not of this world, Pilate asks again, “So you are a king?”

And this is where Jesus describes “the Father’s cup” rather specifically: “I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth.” Jesus came to announce the Kingdom of God, over which he is (or will be) King. Sometimes people ask how much Jesus knew about being Messiah, about being God. He covers quite a bit here; it’s not invented later by his followers. He has come to announce the arrival of the Kingdom of God – this much has been clear in his many, many teachings about it! And he understands himself to be the King of that Kingdom. It is his purpose; it is God’s purpose for him. And he says that this is the truth! (v.37)

Pilate notoriously asks, “What is truth?” (v.38) Jesus has just said that everyone who belongs to the truth – to God’s Kingdom – hears his voice. It appears that Pilate does not and will not believe. However, he does go back to the chief priests and say, “I find no guilt in Him.” (v.38) But just as we think maybe he is somehow on Jesus’ side, he then offers the Passover Swap – a custom of releasing one prisoner at the time of the Passover. He offers Jesus, whom he thinks is largely harmless, or Barabbas, a robber. And as we know, they choose Barabbas.

Just as I can relate to Peter’s rash behavior to do what he thought was right, I can also relate to Pilate, who seems more interested in making sure he doesn’t get in trouble either with Rome or with the influential priests. He rightly recognizes the charges against Jesus are false, but then he tries to appease the disappointed priests by offering a deal. Jesus holds out truth to him – a close analogue to God’s will – and Pilate misses it, listening to other voices and influences to make his decisions.

Drinking the Father’s Cup

The questions from today’s text are simple to name, but hard to do.

Do you seek the Father’s cup – God’s will – for the decisions you make and the things you do? We do that through prayer, through studying scripture, through seeking the wise counsel of other believers we trust.

And if you have a good idea what that is, do you seek to follow it, to pursue it.

It’s easy to just go with what seems right. It’s easy to just go with what makes the fewest waves and keeps us out of trouble.

But Jesus taught us to pray and to yield to “Thy will be done.”

Where do you need to pray this prayer and yield to God in your life? It may be on a deep level, like the very question of faith. But I’m really thinking more of day to day choices. I know I often wait and check in with God when I get in trouble. But Jesus taught us to pray “thy will be done” alongside prayer for our daily bread. This suggests frequent and regular seeking of God’s will.

Do you seek God’s will in your relationships? In your work? In your goals and priorities? In your free time? In your dreams? In your sense of purpose? In what you read and watch and listen to?

Or maybe you have some sense that God is asking something big of you: some work, some challenge, something hard. Remember that those even Jesus wrestled with the big thing, he yielded to God’s will and he was strengthened for the task!

What would it mean for you to yield to the Father’s will in any of these areas? To drink the Father’s cup?

May God strengthen you for the task at hand! Amen.

Some Music Used

• Let Your Kingdom Come Gratitude Choir: Kyrie Elieson All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

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SERVICE VIDEO (link)TEXT: Matthew 6:16-18; Luke 18:9-14

Jesus told parables in order to make a point – often an unexpected point – to his listeners. In the parable in Luke 18 today, he tells a parable “to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt.” (v.9)

Do you know anyone like that? Have you ever been like that?

Let me substitute a word and ask again. A very close synonym for ‘righteous’ is ‘right.’

Do you know someone who is sure that they are right and views others with contempt? Have you ever been like that?

Hmm… Jesus is meddlin’.

Two Men (Luke 18:9-14)

Two men went up into the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee was very public and loud, “praying” by thanking God how much better he was than other sinful people, even singling out the tax collector praying beside him. He also thanked God for his acts of fasting and tithing.

In contrast, the tax collector was some distance away with face down, praying, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!”

In parables, there is often a surprise, a turning of the tables. It’s not particularly hidden in this parable. The Pharisee would have been expected to offer good and right prayers. The tax collector shouldn’t have even been in the Temple. But their behavior is not what the audience would expect. The Pharisee is believably over-righteous, over-confident, showy, clearly in the wrong, though fasting, tithing, and praying are all good activities. It is clear that his attitude is all wrong. The tax collector, outcast and spurned by good Jewish people, would not be expected to be in the Temple (or very welcome). But there he is aware of and confessing his sinfulness and pleading for God’s mercy.

So the tables have turned and the big ‘twist’ at the end is the reader being left pondering which character they more closely resemble. We are told in verse 9 that Jesus told the parable TO some people who trusted their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt. So, it’s clear where the twist primarily lands. But suppose there were tax collectors, prostitutes, sick, or Gentiles who heard this. They would also hear the twist, but in the other direction; if they were humble before the Lord, they would be lifted up. This parable has a double twist.

Wait, Are You Talking to Me?

Sometimes it’s easy to understand the teaching, but hard to find ourselves properly in the story. It’s safe to be the all-knowing reader and think, “Oh yeah, look at him working both sides of the crowd.” But where are we?

Let me go back to my original word-substitution. Do you know someone who is sure that they are right and views others with contempt? Have you ever been like that?

Hmm… maybe now I’m meddlin’!

My mind immediately goes to politics and the deep divisions in our country and even sometimes between family and friends. I know what I think about this or that… immigration, racism, the economy, the Republicans, the Democrats, and with only a few exceptions I am surrounded by people who think the same. I’m pretty convinced I’m right and those other people are wrong. It’s easy to slide into contempt and worse.

Imagine Jesus’ parable set in modern terms. And let’s substitute in both sides, because when it comes to this all have sinned.

“Lord, thank you that I am not like those other people: selfish, manipulative, deceived, or even like that [fill in the blank] over there.” I do this and I do that; I’m one of the good guys!

Have you been guilty of that kind of thinking? Even that kind of praying?! I admit that I have…

What does humility look like in our modern social and political context?

Wash Your Face (Matthew 6:16-18)

In the Matthew 6 passage, Jesus offers counsel regarding one of the practices the proud Pharisee mentions in his prayer in the parable. Jesus says, “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face… [to be noticed when fasting].” “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by others, but by your Father.” (vv.16-18)

This acting in order to be noticed, in order to draw attention to ourselves… sometimes we call it “tooting our own horn.” In the world of social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok – it’s being “performative.” Do I change my profile picture to a flag or a color or a symbol because I care about a cause or because I want to be seen caring about a cause? Indeed, do I post memes and media bits about a political issue because I am passionate about that issue or because I want to be seen being passionate about that issue or distinguishing myself from others, like that ______ over there.

Jesus not only calls out this kind of performative speech and behavior, he also sets humility as the standard for what pleases the Lord, what is ‘justified’ before the Lord.

Humility is the attitude, the heart-posture, of the one who takes seriously the Great Commandment to love the Lord with all you are and all you’ve got, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Humility chooses to put others first, to love and serve and “see” them for the sake of Christ. If there is anything in our behavior to be seen, it should draw attention to God, not to ourselves.

Thinking about politics, beliefs, and that sort of thing, I remember some of debates and issues in our presbytery some years ago. It had become usual to have some topic or vote come onto the floor of presbytery and then have long lines of people at a ‘for’ and ‘against’ microphone, saying their bit, sometimes in great anger against the other side. I had an opportunity one of those times to set the tone with my friend Kate. We had different views on the issue and decided to meet together weekly for a number of weeks before kicking off the debate at presbytery. I call Kate my friend… it was actually that process that cemented our friendship. And here’s what came out of it… we were able to discuss the topic at hand much more deeply and with more comprehension of what was really at stake than any of a dozen or more of those line up at the microphone sessions. We added nuance to our own understanding and we came to deeply respect each other’s conviction, compassion, and humanity. And we shared that process and those insights with our presbytery. I’d like to think it changed the nature of discussion and debate at our presbytery.

I think what we did was grounded in humility and trying to live out the Great Commission, to serve one another and the others in the presbytery. It wasn’t about scoring points for “my side” or simply to be seen on one side or the other, but born out of a desire to serve the community. I hope it was honoring to the Lord!

What does humility that glorifies God look like in your speech and behavior? Are there ways that you are ‘performative’ when you could be serving and loving those you are in community with for Jesus’ sake?

Jesus meddles because he loves us. May we have ears to hear! Amen.

Some Music Used

• Prelude: Jesus Christ is the Way (Rick Bean, piano) Choir: I Want Jesus to Walk with me To God be the Glory Build My Life Gratitude In My Life, Be Glorified Postlude: I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table (Rick Bean, piano)

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