"WHAT DO YOU WANT?: SEEING: MORE THAN SIGHT"

                                                                                        

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?:  SEEING:  MORE THAN SIGHT"

(Fifth in a series entitled:  "Journeying With Jesus to Jerusalem")

"What do you want asks Jesus?  Two blind men's, one named Bartimaeus) request was much different  than that of  James and John's mother of last week's blog. The men ask to SEE. (Mt. 20:29-34)

Jericho is five miles from the Jordan River and 15 miles from Jerusalem. It was the last stop for those traveling to Jerusalem.  Jesus, like others was walking to the "holy city," to celebrate Passover.  Jericho was also a popular resort city, re-built by King Herod the Great.

Beggars would line the side, (Beside the Way) of the road, asking for alms from the pilgrims headed to Jerusalem. Beggars were, were a common sight in most towns. Most occupations required physical labor, so those with crippling diseases, blindness or other maladies were severely disadvantaged and resorted to begging.   The Gospels of Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43, give more detail about the Beggar.  Since the way was so welled travelled, it was great place for beggars to station themselves. 

We don't know how long the Bartimaeus had been blind.  We know that it only took a moment for him to call on Jesus, as soon as he learned who was walking by.  

The two blind men, hearing the commotion, asked:  what is happening?  The response: Jesus the Nazarene was going by. (Luke 18:37).  So they shouted:  Jesus Son of David, have mercy on us!   

Although the people around yelled be quiet!, Bartimaeus, the louder of the two, shouted even louder: Son of David, have mercy on me!  When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him.  "What do you want?  Lord, I want to see!  (Luke 18:38-41)

Notice the INTERACTION:  Bartimaeus had heard about Jesus and how he healed the sick, and possibly about a blind person who was given sight. (John 9:1-12). Likely, he heard that Jesus traveled with his followers (Disciples).  He learned that Jesus was from Nazareth.  Although Bartimaeus had a limited and inadequate concept of Jesus, he called Jesus Son of David. (a title used for the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1--3) This is one of two times this title is used in the Gospels.  Bartimaeus acted on what he had heard about Jesus.  He had faith that Jesus could restore his sight.                                     

What do you know about Jesus?  Where did you hear about him?  Last week we asked:  "If Jesus asked you the question, what do you want? what did you write?"  Like the blind men, we act on what we learn and believe.  William Barclay, in his commentary on Mark, writes:  "We must ask people to think, but not to become theologians before they are Christians."*

Following Jesus is not just a change of life-style, doing good,  IT is a Relationship with a Person.  Christianity begins with a Person, Jesus the Nazarene.  Bartimaeus had heard and believed that Jesus could restore his sight.  Maybe like him, we Realize that Jesus is the One who can meet our need.

                                                                     

Jesus stopped and ordered that the men be brought to him. What do you want me to do for you?  Lord, we want to see!  Bartimaeus' (Son of Timaeus) sight was restored when Jesus touched his eyes.     Jesus said:  "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." (Luke 18:42) Instantly they could see!  More than that, their whole lives were transformed. AND Bartimaeus Followed Jesus!

Following Jesus means a Change in one's World View and Purpose of Life.  Change of Relationships with others.  The men were more than physically healed. Their lives dramatically changed.  When we decide to act on what we know about Jesus and Follow Him, in Faith, our lives will be changed.  

Bartimaeus' gratitude was genuine.  His response, in seeing, was to "Follow Jesus, Son of David, on The Way.  The Blind Man heard who Jesus was and acted in faith that Jesus could heal him.  Once healed, he followed Jesus, who was headed to Jerusalem. As we will see next week:  Those who could see, were blind to whom Jesus was or what he was doing, Jesus met many spiritually blind religious leaders and people in the crowds. Though their eyes were fine, they couldn't see the truth about Jesus.  The same is true today.  The blind men heard that Jesus was passing by and cried out. 

Bartimaeus became a Participant not just Observer. After his eyesight was restored, he didn't go on his own way.  He gave his loyalty to Jesus.  He did it in gratitude, not to repay Him. Others witnessing the restoration of sight also praised God. All who saw it praised God. (Luke 18:43) 

What do we learn from this story?  Following Jesus begins with a Quest:  One has a need. One hears that there is someone who can meet that need. Commitment: Call on the One who can make a difference. Intergration:  Of what one learns resulting in change and response.                                        Reproduction: Begins when we tell others what happened and who was responsible. Read John 9:1-9 about another man who was born blind and healed by Jesus.  Again, maybe, Bartimaeus heard of this restoration of sight from pilgrims returning from Jerusalem. When he learned it was Jesus going by, he boldly acted in faith.  The result was not only restoration of sight but an entirely different way of life and he wanted others to know about who healed him.

Jesus is asking you: What do you want me to do for you?  Imagine he is sitting next you...What is your response?  Bring it to him right now.  What burdens, fear or confusion are you carrying?

Bartimaeus was a blind beggar by the wayside, but when his eyesight was restored, he was grateful.  He followed Jesus On the Way.  He didn't selfishly go on his own way when his request was granted.  He began with a need and ended with gratitude and loyalty. 

Early followers of Jesus were called "People of The Way," long before they were called Christians.  Jesus told his disciples:  I AM The Way the Truth and the Life.  No one can come to God the Father except through me. (John 14:6) Bartimaeus Followed Jesus On the Way to Jerusalem. He was physically healed.  He spiritually healed.  

Last week we read that the Mother of James and John: Asked Jesus to grant her sons the right to sit on either side of him in his Kingdom (Matthew 20:17-28) Jesus' response: Do you understand what you are asking?  Do you understand the cost of what you are asking?  Are you willing to bear the cost?  

In response to Jesus' question What do you want me to do, is your request for you or for others?

Is your focus on yourself or on Jesus?  What one way can you serve someone, in Jesus' name, this week?

Four weeks ago we began "Journeying with Jesus To Jerusalem," with the question:  "Who is Jesus?" How would you respond, now to that question?  Then we read about Jesus' "Anticipated Glory." We learn more about that next week. What is important is that Jesus told his disciples three times that he was going to Jerusalem and what would happen there.  Jesus needed to Re-Teach his disciples about Greatness.  One lesson was a Child, another was a Servant.  Today: "Seeing:  More than Sight." Bartimaeus not only regained his sight, but he also saw who Jesus was and followed him. 

Although Jesus was concerned about what was going to happen in Jerusalem, he demonstrated what he had taught his disciples about service, by stopping to care for the blind men.  

In coming to Jesus we need the boldness of Bartimaeus. Overcoming our reticence, doubts and take the step to call upon Jesus.  Bartimaeus had not seen any of Jesus' healings.  He acted, in faith, about what he had heard.  We have read about Jesus in these blogs and from the Gospels.  Though we do not "see" Jesus, we can trust him and rejoice in his love and the forgiveness he offers.  

Next week I will write and post my blog earlier than April 2, so that you can understand: "Palm Sunday" and The King's Entrance" based on Mt. 21:1-14.

             

   

 

                                   "WHAT DO YOU WANT?  GREATNESS:  A SERVANT"                                                   (Fourth in a series entitled:  "Journeying With Jesus to Jerusalem."

"Ask anything your want; I will give it to you," Has consequences.                                                             King Herod Antipas of Galilee said to his wife, Herodía's daughter, asking for the head                           of John the Baptist. This was the son of Herod the Great, same one who was fearful of Jesus.   (Matthew 14:6-12).

The mother of the Apostles John and James kneels before Jesus asking a favor.                                       In the Gospel of Mark it is James and John asking:  "Do for us whatever we ask." (Mk. 10:35)

"What do you want of me to do?"

 If Jesus asked you that question, what would you ask?  (Write it down).

Mother:  Grant that one of my sons sit at your right hand, the other on the left in your kingdom: (Messianic) Jesus Responded: You don't know what you are asking.                                                     Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?    Yes we can, they responded.                                        Jesus said:  You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. 

Your request has serious consequences.                                                                                                      "But to sit at my right and left is not for me to grant.                                                                            These places belong to those for whom they have been                                                                   prepared by my Father." (Matthew 20:23)  

Matthew gives a vivid picture, all the more vivid because of the stark economy of words with which it is told..  Jesus and his disciples were entering upon the last scene.  Jesus set his course definitely and irrevocably toward Jerusalem and the cross.

The stages were definitely marked:  There was the withdrawal to the north,                                        Caesarea Philippi: (First Blog) The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mt. Hermon:  (Second Blog).         There had been the journey south and brief stay in Galilee. (Third Blog)                                          There was the trip to Judea, time in the hill-country and beyond the Jordan. (Read Matthew 19:1-30).

Now there was this final stage, the road to Jerusalem.  (Read Matthew 20:17-28)

Last week we learned that Jesus used a child in demonstrating greatness.                                    Whoever welcomes a little child, like this, in my name welcomes me.                                            Children represent anyone in need or without power.  Why?  Because such persons cannot reciprocate. Jesus taught to give without expecting anything in return.  Greatness was in stark contrast to what people in Jesus' day, and I would say in today's, describe as greatness. The number of people over which one had command, whether slaves or soldiers, (Roman Centurian commanded 100 men.)

In today's Scripture, Jesus says:  Greatness is a Servant.  Reading the text closely, notice why Jesus uses the analogy of a servant.

This was the third time Jesus tells his disciples of his impending death. There is an easy way of remembering the three times Jesus speaks of what he faces when he arrives in Jerusalem.           Matthew 16:21, 17:22, 20:21.  Notice how each passage progressively reveals a little more detail of what will happen:  17:22 - Betrayed then arrested.  Notice again 20:19:                                              Turn him over to the Gentiles...Mocked (spit upon him) and flogged and crucified.                          On the third day he will be raised to life.  (Disciples only heard:  Death.)  

Jesus was sensitively preparing his disciples for the reality that lay before him.  Notice Matthew's graphic description of the scene.  (Read Matthew 20:17)  (Maybe the disciples thought:                      "Jesus is telling a parable.)  He was not!

Jesus was in state of readiness.  He was speaking as straight as he could about the persecution he would face.  Yet he was walking right into it.  There was a lack of sensitivity on the part of James and John/Mother.  It is amazing how honest Matthew was in recording this historical event.

Story about Oliver Cromwell, soldier, politician and statesman in English history.  

"Cromwell was afflicted with warts on his face.  Thinking to please him (Cromwell), the painter omitted the warts in the painting.  When Cromwell saw the painting, he said:  Take it away and paint me with warts and all."  It was Matthew's aim to show the disciples' warts and all.                           (Peter told Mark the story.)  Although the disciples failed to understand, they still believed in Jesus!

Listen to Jesus:  Whoever wants to be first must be your servant--Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  (Matthew 20:27-28)

There are TWO Implications regarding greatness, for us drawn from Jesus' teaching.

1. Being great is changing one's focus of attention.

    Jesus:  You think as the world thinks not as God thinks.

    The first time Jesus told his disciples that he was going to Jerusalem,                                                       Peter said: "No Lord!"  You don't need to die. Look at the crowds and power they could exert.                We can find many more who join in following your leadership and establishing your kingdom."

  Jesus: Peter, your understanding of greatness is wrong. You think as the world thinks not as God          thinks... "If you want greatness, deny your personal ambition, power and place me at the center.       Take up your cross and follow me.  (Matthew 16:24)

  Whoever receives one of these children receives me.

  The second time Jesus told his disciples that he must die, the disciples began arguing among                    themselves as who was the greatest.  The disciples did not comprehend the nature of his Kingdom.  

  

 Jesus: Serving means changing focus to others and me.

   The third time Jesus speaks of his death, James and John understand enough to request seats of               honor.  Profoundly ignorant, the two respond yes when Jesus asks if they know what they are                 asking?  Do you understand that "Glorious Kingdom" begins with sorrow and suffering?  I am sure,       if asked, James and John would say:  "the reason we want to be close to Jesus is more effectively  s        serve him."  In reality, it was wanting the power and prestige.                                                                    Jesus said: Do not be like the Gentiles (Romans) who lord it over others.                                                                    Instead find ways of serving one another.   

  Change your focus from yourselves to others.  Focus on the Son of Man who came not to be            served but to serve and give his life for the ransom of many.  (Matthew 20:28)

  Being Great is changing one's focus of attention. 

2. Being great is a willingness to accept the cost.

      "Drinking the cup (being baptized with Jesus' baptism," Jesus was a Jewish metaphors, describing        the ordeal he was about to face.  "The Cup" used at Royal Banquets for honored guests. The King          personally handed the cup to the guest of honor.  "The Cup" was also "Life Experience" handed out        by God. Psalm 75:8 In the hand of the Lord there is a cup, with foaming wine, well mixed; and               He will pour it out, and all the wicked of the earth shall drink of it, down to its very dregs.

   Psalm 23 speaks of the Cup running over as an expression of joy and abundance given by God.              One of the meanings of baptism is submerged.                                                                                           Psalms 42:7, 124:6 use it as "measure of  affliction which God appoints.  

  The Son of Man gave his life as a ransom for many..

  On the cross Jesus experienced the full measure of affliction each of us deserved.  Those following        Jesus experienced harassment, imprisonment and death.  Jesus correctly said:

  You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with baptism I am baptized with .  (Mark 10:38)

  

  There is a cost of discipleship.                                                                                                                    Leadership is being out ahead (with God) and often lonely. Some of the disciples were amazed, all    were afraid.  In a real sense Jesus was alone.  His disciples were focused on themselves and not Jesus. 

  Pressures of leadership are great and understand that true leadership is not using people but serving    them.  Not forced, but voluntary.  When circumstances ae beyond our control, pressure builds.  Jesus      knew what was going to happen.  He knew God was sovereign over circumstances and was in control. 

  Most importantly, Jesus was not a victim of chance.  He life was not "taken from him, he gave it            freely." (I Peter 5:10-11)

  Willingness to serve others ... illustrated by Jesus:

   Whoever want to be great must be the servant of all.

   Later during supper Jesus ate with his disciples...

   Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and said:

   "I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done for you.                                                   How happy you will be if you put into practice what you have seen me do. (John 13:4-17)

   (The reason, in some churches, a pastor wears a stole around his neck, is that it represents the towel        Jesus used to dry the disciples feet.  It also represents the "Yoke of Christ," (Matthew 11:29)

   Following Jesus means not seeking self-gain but serving others.  Glory and greatness are not               things we can grab.  They can only be given to us.  Jesus said that not even he had the right of                 choosing who would sit at his side.  

   

   That authority was reserved for God the Father.

   If you follow Jesus into Jerusalem, next week, you will see that it was because Jesus obediently            followed his Father, giving his life for you and me, that he the Son of Man Was Glorified.

  True Greatness is Accepting the Cost. and Changing one's focus.

  

  Peter finally learned the lesson, (I Peter 5:1-4)

  1. To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, 

  a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also 

  will share in the glory to be revealed.  

  2. Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care,

   serving as overseers -- not because you must,                                                                                             but because you are willing. as God wants you to be;

   not because you must, but because you are willing,

   as God wants you to be; not greedy for money,

   but eager to serve.

  3. not lording it over those entrusted to you                                                                                                     but being examples to the flock.

  4. And when Christ the Chief Sheppherd appears,

      you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

The Apostle James was beheaded (martyred) by King Herod Agrippa,

nephew of King Herod Antipas who arrested John the Baptist and

was fearful Jesus was John resurrected. (Acts 12:2)

He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sward.  

When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize 

Peter also.  (Peter was not killed at this time.)

Read Acts 12:21-24 Herod was struck dead, worms ate him.

John lived a long life in exile:  (Revelation 1:9)

I John, your brother and companion in suffering and kingdom

  and patient endurance that are ours Jesus, was on the Island of Patmos

  because of the word of God and testimony of Jesus.  (Patmos was a prison.)

James and John did indeed drink of the bitter cup.

Most businesses, organizations, institutions and governments measure 

greatness by personal achievement.  In Christ's Kingdom, 

Service is Greatness.  By the way whatever happened to "Public Servant.?"

What did you ask Jesus, which I invited you to write down.

Next week I will look at different request.  It you would like read Matthew 20:29-34

 

   

    

     

   

 

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"RE-TEACHING, GREATNESS: A CHILD"

                                

                       "Re-Teaching, Greatness:  A Child" 

                                (Third in a series entitled:

                       "Journeying With Jesus to Jerusalem")

As Jesus was coming down the 9,232 ft. Mt. Hermon, where He had been

Transformed, of which I wrote last week, Jesus gave Peter, James and John

and injunction of secrecy.  (Matthew 17:9)

Don't tell anyone what you have seen until

the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.

Can you imagine how difficult that was.  Have you ever been given exciting

information and told not to tell anyone until the event occurred?  If so, you

can understand the feeling of the three disciples.

Jesus began re-teaching what "Christ" meant.

No sooner had Jesus come down from that amazing, glorious experience,

than he was confronted with a delicate situation, (Read Matthew 17:14-23). 

A man brought an epileptic, "moon struck" son, "attributed to evil spirits,"

for Jesus to heal him.  In Jesus' absence the disciples tried healing

the boy and failed.

We can almost hear the sigh of relief, as Jesus appeared.  

The man fell at Jesus' feet:  "Sir have pity on my son!"

Even though the disciples had, in the past, been able to cast out demons,

here they publicly failed.  The father did not give up...

"Jesus, have pity on my son!"

We learn that Jesus was ready to face the cross, yet he was

confronted with a common issue.  We can face crisis moments

with honor and dignity, but allow routine demands of every

day irritate and annoy us.

How did Jesus do this?  He didn't compartmentalize his life.

He came to the world to save the world.  Yet he could give

himself entirely to one person.  It is easy saying:

"let us love our neighbors."  It's another thing to

love a neighbor who is irritating us.

Hear the Greif of Jesus: How long must I be with you

                                       before you understand?

He had Infinite Patience.  Jesus on the mountain faced the

tremendous task before him.  He decided to stake his life

and give it to save the world. Now he faced the reality

that his chosen disciples were beaten and ineffective.

He must have thought, "will they be ready for the task

I am giving them?"  He may have felt despair.

How did Jesus meet that despair?  "Bring the boy to me."

"I will help the boy. Let me handle the present task and

not despair about the future."  

Jesus didn't remain appalled or paralyzed at the slowness

of his disciples to apply what they had learned;

he delt with the immediate situation.

Jesus was Re-Teaching his disciples and giving us lessons

that we can apply to challenging situations.

1.  Jesus stated the condition:  Central to Life is Faith.

     To the one who believes all things are possible. (Mt. 17:20)

     Originally the father stated: If you can...(Mk. 9:23)

     Suddenly, his faith blazed again.  When we become 

     discouraged, let us look to Jesus, who never 

     disappoints us.  "Removing Mountains," on the foot of

     Mt. Hermon, was a common Jewish phrase.

     "Up-root or pulverize of mountains."  Jesus:

     "If you have enough faith, all difficulties can be solved."

      Even the hardest tasks can be accomplished.” Faith in God!

      It is not how much faith we have; it is in whom we have faith.

      An electric outlet can power a night light or large appliance. 

      The key is being plugged into the source of power.

      Remaining close to God's power is critical.

2. Without maintaining Contact with God we lose Vitality and Living power 

    Humility, brings glory to God.  The disciples had been equipped with power and authority from Jesus, but had not nurtured the power with prayer, thus the power had vanished.

     Whatever Gifts and Talents God gives will be enriched when we use them, in Faith, that God will empower us in their use.  God will use us in "ministering" to others.  (Deo Gloria:  J.S. Bach, composer and organist, always signed his works with To God Be the Glory!

This was a milestone.  Jesus came down the Mountain and faced real life.  Now he began his journey to Jerusalem and his ultimate purpose.

There was still Re-Teaching that needed to occur.  Returning to Galilee, Jesus once again tells his disciples The Son of Man is going to Jerusalem.  The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.  They will kill Him, on the third day He will be raised to life. (Mathew 17:22-23.  Compare it with Mathew 16:21. What is the difference?

There was a traitor.  Jesus knew who it was, Judas.

   Judas likely had no idea what he would face.

   Jesus was giving a warning and possibly making an appeal.

   Jesus wanted his followers to know, there were no surprises and

   what was going to happen, had a purpose.

   The disciples didn't understand.  All missed:  "Rising Again."

   They were beginning to understand that Jesus was facing tragedy

   when he would arrive in Jerusalem. They were filled with grief.  

   The disciples still needed Re-Teaching,  Read Matthew 18:1-6.

   Jesus accepts the desire of being the greatest and teaches

   what it really takes for one to be great. Read again Matthew 18:4.

   Jesus took their question seriously and delt with it.

Mark 9:35:  Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and taught them what

greatness was, which was in stark contrast to the greatness around

them and us. 

Three Observations:

1. The disciples were arguing among themselves.

    The contrast is one of three references where Jesus predicts his death.

    The closer Jesus got to his approaching death, the more frequently

    he warned his disciples lest there be a violent shock to their faith.

    How many times did Jesus tell his disciples about going to Jerusalem?

    Answer: Three times.  Jesus told his disciples that he was headed to

    Jerusalem, about his death and resurrection:  

    Matthew 16:21, 17:22 and 20:18.

    Each time more detailed information was given.  This time Traitor.

    

    Jesus was leaving the safety of the northern country,

    taking he first step towards Jerusalem.

Returning from Caesaria Philippi to Capernaum, Galilee, home base,

Jesus passed through the region for the last time.  Ministry in Galilee

ended.  Jesus didn't want anyone to know where they were,

because he was teaching his disciples.  

There were times Jesus limited his public ministry in order to train 

his disciples in depth.  He knew the importance of equipping them

to carry on when he returned to Heaven.  He could have left them

a series of propositions, but Jesus knew that was not enough.

His goal was to leave a band of persons on whom the propositions

where written.  He wanted to make sure that these disciples understood,

however dimly, who he was and why he came to earth.

2.  The disciples didn't understand, let alone

     comprehend, the significance of Jesus' death.

     But they (the disciples) did not understand what he 

     meant and were afraid to ask him.  (Mark 9:32)

     (Afraid of knowing more?)

     

    Are we any different?  Do we accept parts of the Bible/Christianity

    which appeal to us and reject those that we don't like?

    "Nothing, so well, shows how far the disciples were from realizing

    the real meaning of Jesus' Messiahship than this incident."*

    It is heart breaking thinking of Jesus Dying.

   "Jesus seemed morbidly preoccupied with death."

    It was the disciples who were wrongly preoccupied--constantly

    thinking about the kingdom they hoped Jesus would establish

    and their roles in it. 

    Despite Jesus' re-teaching his disciples -- Mark 8:31-32, 

    failed to hear or grasp:  "rising from the dead."

    a.)  They were still thinking about Jesus' Kingdom in earthly terms.

    b.)  They saw themselves as Chief Ministers of State.

    c.)   To receive glory meant lording it over others.

    

    If Jesus died, the Kingdom as they imagined, could not come.

    Consequently, they preferred not asking him about what he had said.

   They were arguing among themselves, and Jesus asks:

   What are you arguing about?  They remained quiet because

   they had been arguing about who was the greatest. Silence or Shame?

   Arguing in secret.  The disciples were caught up in their own 

   personal success and were embarrassed to answer Jesus' question,

   at least not openly.  

  If Jesus were present ... It is not if but is present.  

  Do we hear and see what we are to say and do?

  It is painful comparing our motives with Christ's.

  The disciples argued among themselves...

3.  Jesus instructed his disciples as a Rabbi.

 a, Sitting down was a sign of authority and teaching. 

     It is where the term (Chair) in a University comes from.

     It takes time to learn Deep Spiritual Truths.

     Growth does not occur instantly, regardless of the quality

     of experience or instruction. If the disciples needed

     to set aside time from work, periodically, 

     in order to learn from the Master, how much more do we

     need alternating work/activities and learning.  

     The 40 days of Lent are a good time to slow down and 

      reflect on Jesus' life and why he was headed to Jerusalem.

b.  Taking a child Jesus uses a visual illustration. (See above photo)

      Jesus taught to welcome children.  This was a new approach

      in a society where children were treated as second-class 

      citizens.  It is important to respect children and teach them   

      about Jesus.  This is something that is taught in Sunday School,

      and hopefully in our homes. Every day, with a child, 

      is an opportunity of talking about Jesus.

      We all can learn from children:  Their Qualities of

      Humility, Trust, Dependence and Desire to Learn.

      There is a Tradition: That one of children Jesus whom took into his arms

       grew up to be Ignatius of Antioch, who became a great servant 

      of the Church and finally a martyr for Christ. The tradition springs from

      Ignatius' surname Theophoros, which means: "God Carried or God-Borne.

      The tradition grew because Jesus "carried him on his knee."*

      Luke 9:48: One is the least among you, is the greatest.

      Jesus taught that whoever welcomes a child, in my name, welcomes me.

      Giving a cup of cold water is Jesus' name, to someone who thirsty

      is the same as giving an offering to God, the Father.

      My wife, Jeannie Stewart, who grew up in Colombia, S.A., tells of Missionary

      Nurse who for many years rode her bicycle all over the region serving

      the community.  She had patience, fortitude and cheerfulness.  She was

      never too tiered, at night, for an urgent need of a nurse and mid-wife.  

      She was a true servant of God, as were my parents-in-law and other 

      missionaries. In conversation with the Stewart's we discussed how few 

      people knew what they did.  They said:  

     "God knows and that is all that counts."+

     Jesus cautions on harming, mistreating, mis-teaching children or

     failure in caring for them.  It would be better for them to have a 

     millstone tied around their neck and thrown into the sea.  

     Lasting greatness is measured by God's standards.

     What do you use in determining greatness?

     4.  We learn what greatness means:

          Asking not what do I get? but 

          Asking what can I give?  How can I use what God has given me?

          Greatness comes not in being first but being last.

          Jesus does not abolish ambition.  It is not wrong being industrious 

          or ambitious. When ambition pushes obedience and service aside,

          it may become a sin.  Pride or insecurity can cause us to overvalue

          position and prestige.

         Honor one another and sublimate (word of the day, means purifies)

         ambition.  Such motives can be destructive in God's kingdom.

         Ambition to rule substituted for ambition to serve and advancement

         of Christ's Kingdoms, not our own advancement.

        Honor one another above yourselves.  (Romans 12:10)

        

        It is not how can I use the State and Society in furthering my own

        prestige and ambition.  Rather how can I use my personal gifts

        and talents in serving the State and Society?

       O. Henry, an American master of short stories tells of a little girl

       whose mother was dead.  Her father used to come home from work

       and sit down and take off he jacket and open the his paper and light

       his pipe, and put his feet on the mantlepiece.  The little girl came in 

       and ask him to play with her for she was lonely. He told her to go

       out to the street and play.  She played on the streets.  The inevitable

       happened--she took to the streets.  The years passed on and she died.  

       Then O. Henry's vision extended to Heaven.  The girl's soul arrived

       in Heaven.  Peter saw her and said to Jesus:  "Master, here is a girl 

       who was a bad lot.  I suppose we send her straight to hell?"  

      "No," said Jesus gently said, "let her in."  And then his eyes grew 

       stern, "But look for the man who refused to play with this little girl 

       and who sent her out to the streets to play and send him to Hell!"

       God is not hard on the sinner, but God will be stern to the person

       who makes it easier for another to sin, and whose conduct, either

       thoughtless or deliberate, puts a stumbling-block in the path of

      the weaker brother or sister.*

      One more story illustrating Jesus' re-teaching his disciples.

      11th Century, Duke Robert of Burgundy, one of the great warriors

      and knightly figures, was about to go off on a campaign.  

      He had his baby son, who was his heir; before he departed,

      he made his barons and nobles swear fealty, loyalty, to the

      little baby, in event of anything happening to him.  

     The men came with their waving plumes and clanking armor 

     and knelt before the child.  One of them smiled.  Duke Robert

     asked why he was smiling.  He said, "The child is so little."

     "Yes," said Duke Robert.  "he is little-- but he'll grow."

     Indeed he did grow, for that baby became:

     William the Conqueror of England.

    * William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 2, p. 193

                                                                                            p.  199-200

                                                 

    + Millie Hilly, United Presbyterian Missionary, Sinu, Colombia   

         

          

   

   

   

ANTICIPATED GLORY

 

                                            "ANTICIPATED GLORY"  

                                             (Second in a Series entitled:

                                 "Journeying With Jesus Towards Jerusalem") 

"Leaving this view (above photo) was one of the most difficult decisions in

 our move to Texas. Mt. Baldy is 9,000 feet above sea level.  When we wanted

to get away from traffic and people, we would drive into the

San Gabriel Mountains. Many of our retreats were in those mountains.

The "Spiritual High" of being in the mountains made it difficult driving back

into the valley.

If you have ever gone on a retreat or spent time in the mountains, you 

likely tried capturing that experience hoping never to forget it.  I am sure the 

three disciples: Peter, James and John, who witnessed this glorious event in

Jesus' life, didn't want to return to the reality of normal life. 

(Read Matthew 17:1-9)

Six days earlier, Jesus stunned his disciples by asking: (Matthew 16:13-15)

Who do people say that I am?  They responded:

Some say, John the Baptist, other Elijah, others one of the Prophets.

Jesus asked a follow-up question:  But who do You say I am?

Peter responded:  You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

After nearly three years of listening to Jesus' teaching and witnessing

his power over demons and creation; starting in the Capernaum Synagogue,

moving to Peter's house and many neighbors, traveling to other cities, seeing

him heal even lepers, non-Jews and calm a storm...(jump to 2 1/2 years later)

The disciples were beginning to comprehend who Jesus was.

Then Jesus stunned them again when he said:

The Son of Man (Jesus' term for himself) must suffer many things and be

rejected by the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and must be

killed and on the third day be raised to life. (Matthew 16:21)

Impetuous Peter Took Jesus aside and began rebuking him. (Matthew 16:22)

No Lord, this can't happen to you.  Jesus sternly responded: (Matthew 16:23)

Get behind me Satan!  Those are not God's thoughts, but those of men.

Nearly one-week later Jesus took the same Peter and two other disciples

up to Mt. Hermon. on the border between today's Israel and Lebanon,

about 12 miles from Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus had asked the question:

Who do you say that I am?

Jesus climbed the mountain to spend time in prayer before heading

for Jerusalem to face what he had told his disciples was going to happen.

If there was a moment when Jesus was glorified it was the one recorded

in Matthew 17:2-8, Transfiguration of our Lord.

Yet I have entitled this blog Anticipated Glory.  Why?  

Hopefully by the end of this blog you will be able to answer that question.

Let's look carefully at the significance of this event in Jesus' life and see

what difference it makes in our lives.

The Transfiguration Has A Triple Significance.

1.  It was great encouragement for Jesus.

     Jesus knew his time on Earth was coming to an end.

     He had told his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, even though he

     he was a wanted man.  He would face a trial resulting in his death.

     Yet, Jesus, the human, may have questioned his decision.  

     Later Jesus would pray: (Matthew 26:39)

     Abba, Father, everything is possible for you.

    Take this cup from me.  Yet not my will, but what you will.

    To be absolutely sure, Jesus, taking his three disciples with him,

     climbed the 9,232-foot mountain, high above the mundane concerns,

     of life. to pray.  

   

The exhausted and altitude affected disciples (in Luke 9:32) were

overpowered with sleep.  Awakening, they witnessed an amazing scene.

Jesus' countenance had completely changed, transfigured.

(Metamorphosis) His clothes were glistening white. Whitter than any

earthly bleach could make.  Glistening like burnished brass or gold,

polished steel or golden glare of sunlight.  Same word was used in

describing Moses' countenance after being in God's presence.

His face was so brilliant that he wore a veil. (Exodus 34:29-35).

Great men were present to affirm Jesus.

Standing on either side of Jesus were Moses and Elijah.

It must have been something seeing the Giver of the Law, Moses and

the First and some say the Greatest Prophet, Elijah, talking with 

their Master.

Why were these great men present?  To affirm Jesus. Likely they were

saying:  Go on Jesus!  Your death and resurrection will consummate

the message we proclaimed to God's people.  (Duet. 18:15-19, Mal. 4:15-19)

The way of the cross is the right way.  Once and for all, humanity will

have a way of being right with God.  Jesus would be the bridge between

God and humanity.  Jesus would be the ultimate sacrifice.

Jesus received the approval of God the Father.

Jesus went to the mountain to pray:  What would you have me do? (Luke 9:28)

All my plans and intentions are before you Father.

God the Father responded: (Matthew 17:5)

You are acting as my Son. Go On. 

You have chosen the right road.

The cross is not only inventible,

it is essential in completing my plan.

The mountain top experience encouraged Jesus and supported him

for the difficult task ahead of him.  It affirmed that all that the Law and

the Prophets had addressed would be completed in Jesus' act of obedience.

God the Father's audible voice affirmed that what Jesus began three years

earlier would be consummated on the cross. The Greek word is:

sxisthous (Ripped open...).

The transformation was not only significant for Jesus...

2.  It was a great encouragement for the Disciples.

     They had left everything: belongings occupations, and families to follow

     the one they believed was the Messiah promised by the Prophets. 

     Yet their Dream of a victorious kingdom was shattered by Jesus telling

     them that he was going to Jerusalem to die.  The disciples tried ignoring

     the statement and even attempted to convince Jesus not to go.

     They were baffled by what Jesus had said and wondered if they had

     been mistaken in thing Jesus was the Messiah.

    This experience was to give the disciples something to hold on to

    when faced with confusion, fear, and pain, in the next months as they saw

   Jesus arrested and tried as common criminal.  The disciples...

   Witnessed the glory of Christ.  (II Peter 1:16-18)

               16  We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we 

                   told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus 

                   Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

             17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when 

                  the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, 

               “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”,

           18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven 

                when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

   

  According to the Law (Deuteronomy 17:6) it took at least two or three

  witnesses to verify an event actually occurred or to convict a criminal.

  As with many witnesses, the disciples did not fully comprehend what

  was happening and they were in awe.  Peter's statement (Matthew 17:4),

  Theologian John Calvin writes:  It was absurd for the disciples to place

  the servants (Moses and Elijah) on the same level with their Lord...

  and to propose building fading tabernacles for those admitted

  to the glory of heaven.*

As witnesses, they told others what they had seen and heard.

They did, however, wait until after Jesus' death and resurrection

as Jesus had told them.

Through the disciples eyes and words...

3.  It is a great encouragement for us.

     If the disciples, witnessing Jesus' life, were confused and didn't fully

     understand the significance of Jesus' life, until after his resurrection,

     it is no wonder we have doubts and cannot fully comprehend who

    Jesus was. The eyewitnesses retold this event as they remembered it.

    That is why the accounts in the three Gospels are slightly different.

    Their common description...

    It Affirms for us who Jesus is. 

   Putting all the pieces together we see Jesus was the Messiah (Christ)

   foretold by the Prophets as the one who came to fulfill the Law.

   Moses and Elijah were not only present to encourage Jesus but

   to validate Jesus' message as consistent with the Law 

   and the Prophets.

   The presence of the cloud symbolizes God presence, demonstrating

   God's approval of Jesus' words.  

   This is my beloved Son...listen to him! cannot be any clearer.

   Jesus is not only the promised Christ (Messiah)

   he is also the very Son of God.

  Jesus was not just another great man of God.  He was God in 

  human flesh who lived among humanity for a period of time.

  The authority of following Jesus' teachings came not from him,

  but from God the Father.  How do we know?

  Because the eyewitnesses were faithful in relaying their experience...

  It Helps us understand Jesus' death.

  Jesus was not dragged unwillingly to death, but he came forward

  of his own accord as an offer of sacrificial obedience.*

  The transfiguration of Jesus helps us understand why "mountain top

  experiences," whether a retreat or alone in God's creation, are significant.

  They are an encouragement and renewal of energy which we need,

  to live in mundane life.  Like Peter we may not want to leave the 

  retreat/mountain.  Peter's suggestion may have been an attempt of

  keeping Moses and Elijah from leaving and possibly delaying 

 Jesus' journey to Jerusalem.  It was wonderfully peaceful on the mountain,

 why couldn't they stay there?

Trying to retain retreat/mountain top experiences, we keep

mementos:  photos capture an incident, anniversaries keep significant

events before us.  We may mark a special place with rocks or carving.

Soon, we learn we cannot recapture that experience.

As we are focused on Jesus during these 40 days of Lent,

let us remember this significant event in Jesus' life.

It was not the transfiguration that brought glory to Jesus (Son of Man).

It was only the foretaste of that glory.  It was only one further step

towards the anticipated glory which was revealed on the day Jesus

rose from the dead.  The day we call Easter.

Transfiguration was a Great Encouragement 

To:  Jesus

       The Disciples

       Us.

Read these Scriptures for further perspective of that Anticipated Glory.

I Corinthians 15:43, Philippians 3:21, Luke 21:27, 24:26, I Peter 1:11

A.  Body is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory:

      it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

B,  Lord Jesus Christ who, by the power that enables him to bring

     everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies

     so that they will be like his glorious body.

C.  At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming 

     in a cloud with power and great glory.

D.  Did not the Christ have to suffer

      these things and then enter into his glory?

E.  Finding out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ

     in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and

     the glories that would follow.

Revelation 5:12 Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

                            to receive power and wealth and wisdom

                            And strength and honor and glory and praise!

* John Calvin, Harmony of the Evangelists, Vol. 16, p. 312, 308.