Category: Gospels
Sunday Rest and Reflection:Hometown Prophets!
Dear Friends of God,
Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world! We have enjoyed our first week reading the New Testament and the story of Jesus! He is a wonderful Savior and worker of miracles! I pray that you are gathering today with God’s people to worship Him and celebrate your life in Him! In Him we live and move and have our being!
As I look back on this past week’s reading, I find the story of Jesus visiting his hometown of Nazareth and visiting the synagogue to teach there. His relatives and the people of the town were amazed at His teaching and wondered at where Jesus got His miraculous power since he was a simple carpenter’s son. They knew his father and mother and brothers and sisters. As they thought about his earthly family, they took offense at him! How could someone with such a common family have such miraculous power?
“But Jesus said to them, “Only in His hometown and in His own house is a prophet without honor.” And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” (Matthew 13:57b-58) Sometimes, familiarity is a stumbling block to faith. We have a hard time becoming like a little child and believing. Our perceptions from our senses block the reception of the word of God. Our faith comes by hearing and receiving the word of God. We have to take the word into our hearts and place our trust in God’s ability to perform His word. When we get our eyes on the messenger and begin to reason, we often miss out on the miraculous!
Take a moment today to reflect on your own life. Are you giving honor to Jesus Christ as the Son of God? Do you find yourself critiquing the preacher or messenger and failing to put your faith in God and His word? Is your own unbelief a hindrance to receiving what you need from God? Confess if necessary and choose to believe!
“People brought all their sick to Him and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed.” (Matthew 14:35b-36) Crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus came to a land where people believed! Miracles came with faith!
In His Love, Pastor John
What Kind of Man Is This?
Scripture reading for October 8th: Matthew 8-11
“The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!” (Matthew 8:27) The disciples were in a boat with Jesus crossing the sea of Galilee when a terrible storm rocked their boat. It was so severe that they feared for their lives. Jesus was sleeping and they awoke Him, begging Him to save them! He first rebuked them for their lack of faith, and then rebuked the wind and waves, bringing calm. These disciples began to question who this man might be. They had never seen anything like it! The authority and power that came from Jesus’ words were unlike any other mans.
As we read the Gospels and their eye-witness accounts of Jesus Christ and his miracles, we ourselves wonder. We have not witnessed anything quite like the accounts in our readings today. We first find Jesus healing a leper by touching him. (Matthew 8:1-4) This caused quite a stir, because leprosy made a person unclean. No one was to touch them. Jesus violated the Jewish religious rules and touched the man, bringing healing! Many sick and demon possessed people were brought to Jesus and he drove the evil spirits out and healed the people! (Matthew 8:16-17) He confronted two demon-possessed men who were so violent that no one would come near them. It appears that he went to that place just to deal with them. He cast the evil spirits out of the men into a large herd of swine, which then rushed into the lake and drowned! (Matthew 8:28-34) This resulted in the whole town coming out to meet Jesus and pleading with Him to leave their region! What manner of man was this?
The next miracle in today’s reading is the healing of the paralytic who was brought to Jesus by two men carrying him on a mat. Jesus saw their faith and told the man that his sins were forgiven! This caused the religious folks to go wild! So Jesus told the man to take up his bed and walk and he did! Jesus next went to the home of a ruler whose daughter had died. He took her hand and she got up, very much alive! Jesus provoked wonder and amazement everywhere He went! He is still doing that today!
Don’t Worry, Seek the Kingdom!
Scripture reading for October 7th: Matthew 5-7
There is a war going on in the hearts of men everywhere. It is a battle for man’s affection and attention. On one hand, we have “money” and its fatal attraction. Money cries out for men to seek her and when they do, they end up serving her in slavery. Money is visible, has influence, and is out to steal our heart. Money promises happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment, but rarely can deliver. It can be easily lost or stolen by others. On the other hand, God seeks the hearts of men everywhere. He wants none to be lost, but all to come and love Him. God promises to provide everything we need and more if we will love and serve Him.
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) Jesus taught his disciples about this war for affection. He warned them that it was impossible to serve both masters. It has been said that “money” makes a good servant, but a cruel master! When we love money, it is a one way relationship. The Bible states that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1st Timothy 6:10) God is the only true Master and Lord. We can truly love God and receive love from Him. His love always does what is best for us.
Many in America today are trying to do what God said was impossible; they are serving money during the week and then trying to serve God on Sunday’s. In the end, the lover that gets the least time becomes hated! What is God’s advice to those who struggle with this war and worry about getting ahead and meeting daily needs? “So do not worry, saying,’What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33) By putting God and His Kingdom first, all our physical needs will be provided. God is the true Lover and Master! Cast all your cares on Him and give up courting “money”!
God With Us!
Scripture reading for October 6th: Matthew 1-4
As we begin the New Testament, we are immediately made aware of Jesus Christ the son of David and son of Abraham! (Matthew 1:1) Matthew’s eye-witness account of the life of Jesus Christ starts with a genealogy of Jesus from Abraham to Joseph. There are 42 generations listed in this period of about 2000 years of history. Jesus is the central figure of the entire Bible and especially the New Testament. His birth, life on earth, sacrificial death, and resurrection from the dead are told by Matthew specifically for a Jewish audience who would appreciate the Old Testament and the various prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means, “God is with us”. (Matthew 1:20b-23) (Isaiah 7:14) We are introduced to a miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit uniting with a virgin named Mary. The child would be a son to be given the name “Jesus” which means “the Lord Saves”. This child would also be referred to as “Immanuel” which is “God with us”! All of this was foretold 700 years earlier by Isaiah the prophet. This conception nearly caused Joseph to call off the marriage! Imagine his surprise to find his promised bride pregnant! God visited him in a dream with an angel messenger to give him insight into the plan of God.
It so happened that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to pay taxes and during that visit Jesus was born. This was also no accident! “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel”. (Matthew 2:6) (Micah 5:2) Micah had spoken of the town in Judah where this ruler would originate. Bethlehem means “house of bread”. Jesus would be the living bread to nourish the whole world! God’s plans are established forever!
“Do You Love Me?”
Scripture reading for November 5th: John 18-21
When you are in a covenant relationship with someone, it is always good to affirm our love for that person. We go through seasons when the relationship may be strained or drifting rather than passionately connected. We go through personal trials and attacks of Satan that seek to knock us off our vows of commitment. Today we will consider Peter, one of Jesus’ most trusted disciples who denied Jesus three times after His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. (John 18:22-27)
We don’t know exactly how long after the resurrection that the account in John 21 takes place. Peter and a number of the disciples had decided to go fishing in the Sea of Tiberius (Galilee). They fished all night and by morning had nothing to show for. As they were approaching shore, Jesus stood there and called out to them. They told Him that they had no fish but didn’t recognize Him as the Lord. He told them to throw their net on the right side of the boat. When they did, they were unable to haul their net into the boat because of the great number of fish! John recognized Jesus at that point and told Peter it was Him. Peter immediately jumped into the water and came to Jesus, who had built a fire with fish already cooking and some bread for the tired fishermen. John’s account states that this was the third time Jesus appeared to them.
After Jesus served them the meal, Jesus turned to Simon Peter and asked him a question. “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15) This was repeated three times in similar fashion. Peter’s feelings were hurt because Jesus asked him this three times. (John 21:17) Jesus made a statement of prophecy to Peter about how he would die to glorify God and then called Peter to follow Him.
Jesus wants us all to affirm our love for Him on a daily basis. We can tell Him we love Him and that is well and good. Actions also show our love for Jesus. In Peter’s case, he was called to feed the lambs and sheep. A shepherd must care for the animals, and a pastor is a shepherd! Feeding lambs and sheep requires daily discipline and tender care. We must follow the ‘Good Shepherd” in order to properly feed and care for His sheep! They are His sheep, not ours! Love for Jesus is demonstrated by obedience!
A final thought concerns Peter’s death. Tradition says that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. He chose that because he felt unworthy to die as his Lord Jesus had! Peter’s life and death brought glory to God! We must live in obedience to the Lord! “To live is Christ, to die is gain!” (Philippians 1:21)
Are You Securely Attached?
Scripture reading for November 4th: John 13-17
Several years ago, I planted two grape vines in my back yard along the fence. I had used these potted vines as a sermon illustration of Jesus’ teaching in John 15. I studied grapes and found that they were one of the most widely grown crops in the world. There are many different varieties and colors and people love to eat them fresh, as juice, or as wine. They also need cultivation and tending to be the most fruitful and healthy. Dead and diseased branches need trimmed off and the vines trained to grow in the arbor. The branches are not good for anything but producing fruit. They will not make lumber but are only good for burning.
Jesus used this great agricultural example to teach his disciples about their need to stay attached to Him! Jesus said that He is the true vine and the disciples are branches. If they would just “abide” in Him and allow His Word to “abide” in them, they would produce much fruit. (John 15:7) Being a branch is all about “abiding”! Abiding branches ask the Father for what they need, and He answers! We must stay attached and draw our nutrients from the vine and its roots. It doesn’t sound too hard to understand! A branch that doesn’t remain attached is good for nothing but the fire!
Jesus also went on to say that His Father is the gardener who tends the vine. (John 15:1) The gardener’s job is to keep the vine healthy and producing fruit. Jesus’ Word is the means of pruning His branches. All fruitless branches are pruned off to keep from wasting precious nutrients so that those branches that are abiding could use those nutrients to produce fruit. Fruitful branches are pruned and trained to maximize fruit production. God is glorified when His branches produce much fruit! (John 15:8) Branches that produce no fruit are trimmed off and are good for nothing but the fire. These are like people who refuse to abide in the vine and think that they can make it on their own.
As a sermon illustration this year, I took a branch off this grape vine. It had grown in 4 years to nearly 20 feet long and covered a section of a wooden fence that I planted it near. I put the branch in water and brought it to church. One branch had 12 clusters of grapes on it and a second branch had none! I had cut them off and after just one hour, the were already wilted. It is amazing how quickly they die without attachment!
The lesson for us is plain and simple. We must stay attached to the vine and also bear fruit. This takes a relationship with God through His Word and prayer! He wants fruit that will last for eternity! What a privilege to bear precious fruit for eternal life! Are you securely attached and producing?
“Lazarus, Come Out!”
Scripture reading for November 3rd: John 9-12
My son Marshal and I visited Bethany as a part of our Bible history and geography study class that spent three weeks in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. At Bethany one morning, we visited a place that was a probably like the tomb that Lazarus was laid in. Marshal and I went down a narrow passageway carved out of the rock and entered the musty cave where there were some niches carved in the wall as places to lay the bodies. The tomb was illuminated by an electric light. After reading the Scriptures about this incident, I turned to leave first and right after I got out, I took my camera and called out, “Marshal, come out!” I got a great picture and a real visual of what that might have looked like to those gathered around that tomb with Jesus!
Jesus often stayed at Lazarus’ home in Bethany, less than two miles from the Temple in Jerusalem. (John 11:18) Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, who also loved Jesus and loved their brother. They had sent word to Jesus that their brother was deathly sick, but Jesus purposely delayed coming. (John 11:3-6) When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was already dead and entombed for four days. Martha came to meet Jesus and told Him that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. She also made another key statement, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:22) Martha had faith in Jesus and His prayers!
Jesus gave her a Word of knowledge: “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23) Martha’s understanding of the resurrection had come from studying the Old Testament Scriptures. (Possibly Daniel 12:1-3, 13) Jesus spoke again to her prophetically, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) This time Martha confessed that she believed that Jesus was the Christ, Son of God! Faith comes by hearing the voice of Jesus Christ!
Jesus went to the tomb and as He stood there, He wept! (John 11:35) What compassion Jesus showed for this man that He loved! The Author of Life was weeping over Lazarus swallowed by the grave and death! He was the “resurrection and life” and was about to demonstrate the power of faith. Jesus was deeply moved a second time and ordered the stone taken away from the mouth of the tomb. Martha protested, but Jesus reassured her faith! He is the Author and Finisher of our faith and helps us when our faith falters! (John 11:40) After thanking His Father that He always heard Him, Jesus spoke, “Lazarus, come out!” Sure enough, Lazarus came out, grave clothes and all!
Wow! What a loving and compassionate Savior! We are encouraged to simply believe that whatever Jesus said or says will be heard by the Father! He is alive and praying for us now! Why not ask Him for what He has promised? Listen closely; His sheep hear His voice!
Streams of Living Water
Scripture reading for November 2nd: John 6-8
Thirst is a great motivator! When we were farming in Iowa, during the hot summers we had some jobs that made us very thirsty. Picking up hay bales on a humid afternoon with no breeze really worked up a thirst. The ones working in the barn out of the breeze had a “thirsty” job as well. Another job was cutting sunflowers out of the soybean fields with a machete. We had one farm with half-mile rows. It would be a mile up and back. In the hot summer sun, I would be thirsty before I got to the far end of the field. I knew that I would have to cut my way back to the water jug. It was a good motivator for the whole crew to work faster and make it back!
“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living waster will flow from within him.” “By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:39-39
On this last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the custom was to get two large jars of water from the pool of Siloam and pour it out as an offering before the Lord. It was probably at this time that Jesus stood up and spoke to the crowd. He invited those that were spiritually thirsty to come to Him. He promised that if they would drink of His life, a life-giving stream of “living water” would flow from within them. John interprets this prophetic word of Jesus as referring to the Holy Spirit being poured out after Jesus’ ascension. The Holy Spirit would be a life-giving spring that would bring rivers of refreshing and life to those who would believe on Jesus and receive the Father’s blessing!
Are you “thirsty” from your hard work and labors in this sin-filled world? Has keeping the Law of God worn you out? Do you need a rest and refreshing? Jesus calls for us to come to Him for the relief we need. He was glorified as He ascended into heaven and was seated at God’s right hand. He poured out the Spirit on the day of Pentecost! He alone is the source of this spring of special “living water”. This water is obtained by faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God! There is no other means of obtaining it! That should motivate you to work your way back to the source and take a long drink! Living water: there’s no other drink quite like it!
Sunday Rest and Reflection: Lifting Up Jesus!
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ! Welcome to another day of rest in His finished work of redemption! It is at the cross that we find our rest with God and can enter into relationship with Him. The cross of Christ draws our attention and draws us Him.
As I reflect back on this week’s reading in the Gospels of Luke and John, I am drawn today to chapter three of John. Jesus had an encounter with a prominent teacher of the Jews, Nicodemus. He came to Jesus by night to ask Him some questions. Nicodemus recognized that Jesus was a teacher sent from God and noted the miracles that He had done. Jesus told Nicodemus that no one could see the kingdom of God unless they were born again! (John 3:3) Nicodemus had trouble grasping how this might take place. He was thinking about natural birth and growth when Jesus told him about the Spirit bringing the second birth. Nicodemus asked him how this could take place and Jesus answered him with one of the most famous verses in the Bible.
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:14-16
Jesus used an incident in the life of Moses where the people were dying from a plague of poisonous snakes. Moses had prayed to the Lord and God showed him what to do. He was to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole and lift it up in the center of the camp. Any Israelite who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent in faith, believing that God would heal him and receive that healing. (Numbers 21:1-8) Jesus presented Himself as the one who would be lifted up between heaven and earth. All who looked at Him and believed, would be saved from the universal bite of the ancient serpent, Satan.
God’s great love for us motivated Him to send His Son to be lifted up for us! Jesus, who knew no sin, was made sin for us that we might be saved. All who would believe on Him would be born again by the Holy Spirit. They would receive the gift of God’s heavenly Breath or Wind! Eternal life is the realm of God Himself! What amazing truth comes as we contemplate the lifting up of the Son of Man!
Now God has lifted Him to the highest place! He is risen from the dead and ascended into heaven! He is praying and interceding for us today! We who believe are seated with Him and will see Him soon! Hallelujah!
In His Love, Pastor John