RESURRECTION POWER                                                       

What glorious music we have on Easter!  It is because Jesus Christ Rose from the grave that we can sing praises to our God, even when facing the uncertainties of tomorrow! 

Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15:17,19 clearly states that: If there were no resurrection, we of all people should be most pitied.  If Christ wasn’t raised, then all you are doing is wandering about in the dark.*

Our faith would be null and void if Jesus were still in a tomb The Nicene and Apostle’s Creeds affirm: He was crucified under Pontius Pilate.  He suffered, died, and was buried.  On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures. (I Co. 15:3-4) Do we just recite those words?  Or is it something we BELIEVE?

Body of Executed Leader Missing!  (Read John 28:1-15)

Do you believe this Good News?  “Jesus Our Lord” has risen is at the center of Christian Faith.  Because Christ rose from the dead, as he had told his disciples, we know that what he said was true.  Because he rose, He Lives & Represents us to God the Father. 

Because he rose & defeated death, we know we also will be raised.  Matthew’s account is consistent with the other Gospels, (Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12,     John 20:1-18), although each focus on a different part.

Those who had given their lives to Jesus for three years were distraught, even though Jesus had told them multiple times what he would face, they had seen their Master tried as common criminal and crucified in the most humiliating way the Romans knew.  They failed to hear or believe that last part of what Jesus said:  Three days later he will rise!

Matthew writes that the women saw Jesus taken down from the cross and placed in a borrowed tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, which had never been used. Sundown on that day (Crucifixion), began the Jewish Sabbath, therefore the women did have time to properly prepare Jesus’ body with spices and ointments, as was their custom. Those women, who journeyed with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, spent that Sabbath mourning. The disciples, closets to Jesus, were huddled in the Upper Room, where they had eaten their last supper with Jesus, behind bolted doors, for fear of being arrested.

All hope was lost.  Their dreams shattered; their purpose of living gone.  You may have experienced a little of that on Good Friday.  At the earliest possible moment, as soon as the Sabbath ended, Saturday, at sunset, the women who had cared for Jesus and his disciples throughout the years of His ministry, purchased and prepared spices. The next morning, as light began to break the darkness, they left their secure homes & went to the tomb, prepared to anoint Jesus’s body with spices as an act of love and respect.

Matthew’s account of that Life Changing Morning, the Resurrection Power, is something that does not loose value with the current fickle fluctuations of Wall Street.  It is for those feeling spiritually dry & wanting a new vision of hope.

This amazing TRUE story chronicles what the disciples went through before fully realizing that Jesus was alive.  If you are reading about Jesus’ resurrection for the first time, you likely are having difficulty comprehending how the significance of the Resurrection Power is LIFE for YOU!

1.      At First the Story may seem a Fabrication. It is impossible to believe.  Let’s look at the facts. Women were concerned about who would roll the stone from the entrance to the tomb. The sealed stone+ was removed not so Jesus could get out. It was so Others could see he was not there. (Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, writes: Now there was about this time, Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, - a teacher of such men as received the truth with pleasure.  He drew over to him both many Jews and many Gentiles.  He was (the) Christ, and when Pilate, as the suggestion of the principle men among us, had condemned him to the cross...*

2.     Checking out the Facts you may still be puzzled. The women who entered the tomb were alarmed when they saw an angel dressed in clothing white as snow (bight as lightning).  Don’t be afraid, he said, I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here.  He is risen from the dead!  Come see where the body was lying. Now go, tell his disciples (including Peter) that he is risen from the dead & he is going ahead of you to Galilee.  You will see him, just as he told you.  (Women were the first Eyewitness.) The women ran quickly from the tomb.  They were frightened but filled with joy.  They rushed to give the disciples the Good News.(Lk 24:11) But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.  Notice it was Women who were the first to be Commissioned to tell the Good News!  

3.     It was when the Followers Encountered Jesus Personally that they were able ACCEPT the fact of the RESURRECTION.  Jesus appeared to Mary. (Jn. 20:11-18) Sensing another presence, she turned and saw Jesus but didn’t recognize Him.  Mary’s Grief & Assumptions blinded her from seeing Jesus.  Mary was looking in the wrong direction.  She was riveted on the tomb. When Jesus approached, she didn’t look at him but stared at the grave. 

     Josephus continued: Those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again on the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct today. *

The same may be true of us.  Many of us fail to see Jesus or Comprehend His presence, because we are wrapped up in our own assumptions & focused on other areas of life or bitterness/grief.  Some of us focus on the sorrow & tragedy we have experienced.  Others of us may be looking for answers in Philosophies or other religions.  Some of us are just hiding, not wanting to take any risks.  Mary was not thinking rationally. 

It was when Jesus called Mary by name that she Recognized Him “Rabboni!”   (is the Hebrew for Teacher.) 

It was only when Jesus appeared to the Disciples that they believed, even if they didn’t fully comprehend.

What does it mean for us? Fact may direct our inquiry.  Jesus approaches each of us, inviting us to respond to his invitation.  It is when we Personally Meet Jesus that we are able to accept the fact of the resurrection and what it means for us.

 Jesus’ resurrection is key to the Christian Faith, because:

A. Just as Jesus said, he rose from the dead. We can be confident that He will accomplish all he promised.  We are not wandering about in the dark, because Christ was raised! (I Corinthians 15:19)*

     B.  Jesus’ bodily resurrection shows us that the Living Christ, is the Truth, the Life & Ruler of God’s Kingdom and alive now!

     C.  We can be certain of our resurrection because Jesus was resurrected. Death is not the end—there is future life (Eternal Life).

     D.  The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is God’s gift & available to us in brining the spiritually dead back to life.

     E.  The resurrection is the basis of our witness to the world. Like the disciples, the evidence is there. Why is it that some believe while other do not?  Why is it that viewing the same information leads to different conclusions?

Ultimately it goes back to what John wrote at the beginning and end and stressed throughout his Gospel, namely that some believed because they were ready and had a need in their life.  Those content with life—may think “Don’t upset my comfortable life.”  Those who have not thought of their lives being contrary to God’s will, may not be receptive to Jesus’ message of Promised “Full Life.” 

We who believe Jesus, do so because we trust the Scriptures. We who believe in Jesus’ resurrection do so because we believe those who told the story were eyewitness to Jesus.  We who have followed the Living Christ, do so because this story is true and that He commissioned us to take that Good News to all the world. Yes, it is still Good News.

Mary met Jesus, liberating her from her past, giving her New and Real Life.  It was May Magdalene who was given the joy of being the first to see the Risen Jesus.

Do you believe that Jesus was crucified and buried? If so, do you believe that he is still in the grave? Or Do you believe he was raised from the dead? 

If Jesus was raised from death, what are the implications for your life?  Paul wrote: “Jesus is the First Fruits.”   That is, each of us will be raised into God’s presence the same way Jesus was raised from the dead. This is the Heart of the Gospel.  Because Jesus was raised from death, those who believe in Him will recognize Him as their Risen Lord and Savior.

Where are you in your Stage of Belief?

Are You Personally Experiencing the Resurrection Power of Jesus, the Risen Lord?

I hope you have enjoyed these blogs this week. From his Triumphal Entry to his week publicly teaching and preparing his disciples for what was going to happen. Reading about his Trial resulting in his death on a Roman Cross and burial.  Today, you have learned why all this happened and how Jesus from the beginning told his disciples that on the "Third Day" he would rise from the grave.  We have also learned what all that means to us and how we are commissioned to tell others that "Jesus Is Alive!"

Mel Gipson has indicated he will be producing a movie about the Resurrection of Jesus," likely next year.  The Chosen will also be making a season 7 about Jesus' resurrection and the impact it had on his disciples.

*Scripture is quoted from The Message, version of the Bible.

+ The Works of Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews and a History of Jewish Wars ETC.

 

                                                    “IT IS FINISHED”

How we say, “It is finished” expresses a great deal about our attitude regarding the task we have completed.  We work on a task, right up to the deadline, and say: “Well that will do. It is as ready as it ever will be. It is finally finished.”  What we are saying is: “I am not completely satisfied.” If I had more time, energy, or creativity I could and would make changes.

 Once in a while, after careful planning, good use of time and incredible luck, we have the satisfaction of saying, victoriously, “It is finished!”  We are able to say, “It is finished,” not because we have reached a deadline, but because it is finished according to the plan, and there are absolutely no changes to be made, everything is exactly as we wanted it.  There is no second guessing.   It is perfect!

 That is precisely what Jesus meant, when hanging on the cross in agony and said:  It Is Finished!”     We might ask, “What is Finished?” (Read John 19:16-30)

There are Two Responses to that question. One is Chronological. The Other is Theological. Let us look at the Chronological one first.

Jesus spent three years in active ministry.  He called, trained and commissioned his disciples appointing them as Apostles, Messengers of the Good News, "The Kingdom of God is Hand."  They were able to heal, teach and do the things that Jesus did.  

Last week I asked to write down in your own words, the answer to this question:  "Who Is Jesus?" Peter said:  "You are the Christ, the Son of God." (Mathew 16:13-20) Then Jesus shocked the disciples when he told them he needed to go to Jerusalem, where he would be arrested, tried, mocked and crucified. On the third day be raised to life."  Peter said:  "No Lord! That can't happen to you" Jesus responded:  "Get Behind Me Satan!" (Mathew 16:21-23) Read of Jesus' Anticipated Glory when he was transformed on Mt. Hermon. (Mathew 17:1-13). Jesus then Re-Taught the disciples what "Greatness" was, using a child and then servant. (Mathew 19:13-15)

We began this week with Jesus Triumphantly entering Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey as "Prince of Peace." People used their cloaks and branches to lay a carpet on which the beasts of burden, carrying Jesus walked.  During the week Jesus, cleared the temple area of money changers. (Luke 18:45-46), healed the sick, taught openly about the Kingdom of God.  He then spent two days alone with his disciples, telling them, he was leaving this earth and would return.  In the meantime, Jesus would send a "Helper" (Holy Spirt) to be with them and remind them of everything Jesus had taught and done.  Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples, instructing his disciples, and through them us, how the meal would be a reminder of all Jesus had done and taught.  "The bread was his body, and the wine was his shed blood."  The disciples didn't fully understand what he was saying until Jesus appeared to them after he was raised from the grave.  "Do this in Remembrance of Me." (The Lord's Supper/Eucharist.)

Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane, (Olive Press) to pray.  Three times he asked his disciples to prayer for him.  Each time they fell asleep.  Jesus Prayed:  "Father if there is any other way of removing the sin of humanity, "May This Cup Pass from Me. But not my will by Thine Be Done."  

Read John 18:1 and following verses.  "Jesus completes his Mission..."  The conclusion was the Cruel Crucifixion on a Roman Cross.  Even in agony Jesus cares for his mother:  "Dear women, here is your son (Apostle John).  And to John, "Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27)

Everything that Jesus came to do on earth was "Finished."  

The Theological Meaning: Until Jesus came to Earth, a complicated system of sacrifices was given by God as a way of receiving forgiveness of sin.  Sin/disobedience separates people from God and often from one another. From the begging, God instructed that the blood and sacrifice of animal was how sin was forgiven. People kept disobeying God and sinning. God sent prophets calling people to return to following God and not worshiping other idols.  They spoke of a Messiah who would come to free them from sin.  Jesus was that Promised Messiah.  He came not as a conquering king but a Prince of Peace. 

Most know John 3:16. It was fulfilled through Jesus' death on the cross.  For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will be saved. That is the reason Jesus said:  "It Is Finished!"  He came to earth to take upon himself all the sin of the world, then, now and into the future.  

There was nothing left to be accomplished.  Jesus said: "It Is Finished!"  With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (Died) (John 19:30) It is up to us to accept or refuse his forgiveness and promised life. 

I am often asked, why is today called "Good Friday?"  A cartoon "Wizard of Id, by John Hart gave an answer.  Wizard of Id:  "I hate the term Good Friday."  Friend:  "Why?".  Id:  "My Lord hanged on a tree (cross) that day."  Friend:  "If you were going you were going to be hanged on that day and He volunteered to take your place, how would you feel?"  Id: "Good" Friend:  "Have a nice day."

Read the rest of John 19 to learn what happened next.  On Saturday, reflect on what life would be like if the story of Jesus ended there   What would life be like if Jesus had remained in the grave.

Fortunately, there is Good News!  I will write that tomorrow and post it on Sunday!

 I have encouraged you to watch The Chosen, which I suggested in each of my blogs.  This episode will be coming in Season 6 later this year.  The week leading to Good Friday can be seen in Season 5 episode 2-8. It may be a good idea to see Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," again or see it for the first time.

                                                                                                                     

                                  

                                                         "The King’s Entrance”  

Everybody loves a parade, from the simplest to the most elaborate. It can be a Celebration of Victory, Advertisement or another event. When a sports team wins a national championship, the hometown often has a parade through the city, with players on float. The fourth of July is commemorated with parades. On Thanksgiving, Macy's Department Store sponsors a parade and January 1, there is the Rose Parade.  All have both a commercial as well as a National Holiday reason for the parades. This July 4 will celebrate or nation's 250th anniversary with special parades in Washington D.C. and throughout our nation.

Jesus planned his entry into Jerusalem as a Deliberate and Dramatic Claim that he was the Messiah, the promised one.  (Read Mt. 21:1-11)

Jesus had stopped people who wanted to call him Messiah.  It is not yet time for the Son of Man to be glorified, he said.

This triumphal procession finally allowed his followers to express their pent-up excitement.  Word traveled through those who had come to Jerusalem as Pilgrims, like wildfire:  Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead (Read John 11:1-46) and restored sight to the blind. (of which we read last week). Is he the Messiah? 

                                  

What do you know about this passage of Scripture? We commemorate this event on Palm Sunday.  This year it is on March 29, this coming Sunday.  

Hosanna to the Son of David! (“Save Us!) – was associated with a Military Parade.   The crowd received Jesus as a King.  Jesus boldly rode in as King of Peace and the crowd joyfully joined him.  

1.     Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly because he knew what he would face that week.

2.     Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly because he knew what others saw as defeat would be victory.

3.     Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly as a model for our lives.

We say, Without the Cross, there would be no resurrection.  The Eastern Orthodox say: Without the resurrection there would be no cross.                                                   (Think about that statement. Repeat it aloud.)

What did Jesus do and say that: Dramatically claimed he was the Messiah? “God’s Anointed King.” The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem was predicted 500 years earlier:  Rejoice, O people of Zion!  Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!  Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey's colt.  (Zechariah 9:9)

Jesus sent two disciples to get a colt with the password:  The Lord needs them now. He chose a colt rather than a horse, because a horse was associated with military victory.  Jesus came with a message of peace. He chose a colt on which no one had ever ridden.  God had instructed that any animal used for anything Sacred, such as carrying the ark of the covenant, in which the Law was kept, would not have been used for work. (I Samuel 6:7)

                                                              

Jesus demonstrated he was Lord of the Universe when he rode the unbroken colt. I learned in Colombia, South America, in the Sinu region, where my wife, Eugenia, grew up and were donkeys and burros are used for transportation, an important lesson. The colt would go nowhere without the mother.  Thus, Matthew indicates that when Jesus mounted the colt, the donkey was along side of it.  Rarely, are two animals depicted in painting of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.  

Jesus wanted to change perceptions and expectations. Garments placed on the colt rather than a saddle. Jesus did not come as a warring king on a horse, but as gentle and peaceful King on a colt.

Garments were placed on the ground by those watching the procession.  We use red carpets to honor dignitaries. They used their own cloaks and leafy branches to form a carpet. The Gospel of John says:  A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. (John 12:12-13) Jerusalem is at an elevation where palm trees don't grow.  It was the custom of pilgrims to bring or buy palm branches to be used as temporary shellers in which to live while in Jerusalem.  If that is so, they took that which was their shelter and placed it on the ground in honor of the Messiah.  

Psalm 118:25-26 , was a "Psalm of Assent," sung by pilgrims as they approached the Temple in Jerusalem.  Oh Lord, save us; grant us success. From the Temple pilgrims heard:  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  From the house of the Lord we bless you. (Psalm 118:6)

The Gospel of Luke records a poignant moment As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.  He said, "If you, even you, had known on this day what would bring peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes...because you did not recognize the time of God's Coming.                 (Lk. 19:41-44) 

Three things which will help us live Triumphantly in God’s Grace are:

1.      Jesus is Lord, not just over nature but every area of life.

2.      Jesus radically changed the image of the Messiah.  The Jews were expecting a military conqueror that would overthrow the Roman Power.  

3.   He was the King of peace!  Jesus came as Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Everlasting Father...(Isaiah 9:6) Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem because he knew that despite appearances, he would end the week victoriously.

Jesus showed courage extending his last appeal of love.  Hosanna!

Read Matthew 21:12-17.  This is one of the reasons, Jesus was arrested, tried and turned over to the Gentiles (Roman Government), scourged (beaten) and condemned to death on a Roman cross.  Remember, Jesus had told his disciples, three times, that these things would occur when he arrived in Jerusalem. What did they forget would happen?

This coming week I encourage you read a portion of the next chapters, in Matthew, each day.  Notice how Jesus openly taught in the Temple area. On Thursday read:  Matthew 26.  What do we do, as a result of this event? Friday read: Matthew 27. Why do you think this Day is called "Good Friday?"

I have decided to write two more blogs this week one for Good Friday entitled:  "It Is Finished" and another one for Easter entitled: "Resurrection Power."  

Remember, Jesus entered Jerusalem Triumphantly because he knew, that despite appearances, he would end the week victoriously!  

What did the disciples forget?  Why do we end this coming week in Celebration?  On Sunday read:  Matthew 28:1-15

During Lent did you follow Jesus to Jerusalem to complete the reason he came to this earth, in the form of a baby?  If so, "Who is Jesus?"  In your own words, state who Jesus is.  Is He Lord of Your Life?

I will post Good Friday's blog in the middle of the week and Easter's on Saturday.

 I have encouraged you to watch The Chosen, which I suggested in each of my blogs.  This episode can be seen in Season 5, episode 1.

 

 

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

"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 lifestyle, 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.

                                                                     

sus 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. Integration:  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?

Five weeks ago, we began 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.

 I have encouraged you to watch The Chosen, which I suggested in each of my blogs.  Unfortunately, this story was not used.  Next week's blog was.  I will you the details in my next blog.

 

   

  

            "WHAT DO YOU WANT?  GREATNESS:  A SERVANT"                                                   

"Ask anything you want; I will give it to you," Has consequences.  That is what King Herod Antipas of Galilee said to his wife, Herodian's, daughter. She asked for the head of John the Baptist. This was the son of Herod the Great, the 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, how would you respond?  (Write it down).

Mother:  Grant that one of my sons sit one 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 of the cup I am going to drink? Yes, we can, they responded. Jesus said:  You will indeed drink from my bitter 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: The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mt. Hermon. There had been the journey south and brief stay in Galilee. 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. (Matthew 20:17-28)

Earlier, Jesus used a child in demonstrating greatness. Whoever welcomes a little child, like this, in my name welcomes me. (Mark 9:37) 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 would 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 a 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's Mother.  It is amazing how honest Matthew was in recording this historical event.

There is a 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 to 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. This is 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 to more effectively 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 using a Jewish metaphor, 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 are 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.                                                    His 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, in a couple of weeks, (Palm Sunday), 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 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 that 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 in 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.

As I wrote last week, *"The Chosen" is a dramatic rendition of Jesus and his disciples.  It can be seen on Prime or The Chosen's app:  The Chosen.tv./app!, The episodes dramatizing the Scripture passages in this blog are Season 4 episode 4 

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