Slow growth

The disciples had been with Jesus nearly three years and their faith was still evolving. During his final conversation with them before his crucifixion, they said, “Now we understand…you came from God.” Jesus said, “You finally believe? But a time is coming when you will be scattered.” (Joh 16:31) The disciples’ faith didn’t come all at once. It slowly evolved over time. Sometimes we discouraged by our lack of faith. We fail to realize that even after three years with the Master the apostles were still failing and growing in their understanding.

Sifting and pruning

The Lord allows the hard times in our lives, sometimes really hard times. He has even been known to let Satan have his way with us (Luk 22:31-32). We are never out of his control, though. He is constantly pruning, shaping, strengthening us so that we might be the instrument that he wants us to be. When we are sifted by Satan, when we, in weakness, deny our Lord, when God prunes out the dead branches of our lives, let us not lose faith. When we have turned again we will be all the more capable of strengthening our brothers and bearing fruit (Joh 15:2).

Dealing with betrayal

At his last supper Jesus said, “Here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is one who will betray me.” (Luk 14:21) He was not surprised by the fact that one of his own could turn on him. Jesus knew what was in the hearts of men (Joh 2:24). It is instructive that Jesus continued to serve Judas to the very end. He did not cut him off or return evil for evil. He knew that Judas would suffer the consequences of his own actions (Mat 26:24). I believe it grieved Jesus, but he continued to love his enemy. In this life we will be betrayed and offended by friends and family. The only healthy reaction is to continue to love and serve them. They will suffer the consequences and they will answer to the Judge of all the earth.

Snared by worry

Jesus warned us that it would be easy to lose focus on the coming kingdom and stewardship responsibilities. “The worries of this life” tend to dull our hearts (Luk 24:34). Jesus often warned about the danger of being overcome by worry (Mat 6:31, Mar 4:19). Worry is nearsighted faithlessness. We get caught up in the immediate and we don’t trust that God is in control. The antidote then is to dwell on our eternal hope and exercise our faith regularly. It’s like balancing on a beam. Looking down will cause you to lose your balance. You must focus on the end to maintain your stability.

The darkness before the dawn

Jesus said it would get worse before it gets better. The church is promised rescue from God’s wrath, not man’s persecution (1Thes 5:9, 2Ti 3:12). It’s always darkest just before dawn. Wars and rumors of wars, false Messiahs, persecution of believers, Jerusalem surrounded by armies, the abomination in the temple, turmoil and terror as the earth and heavens are shaken…then the Son of Man comes (Mat 24, Mar 13, Luk 21). How then should we live? First, don’t worry about how you’ll defend yourself (Mar 13:11). Second, learn to serve his people now and continue to serve until the end (Mat 24: 45-46). Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul… (Mat 10:28).

Relative Resources

The woman who dropped two small coins into the box at the temple gave more than all the others (Luk 21:1-4). It’s not how much you give. It’s how much you give relative to what you have been given. Of him who is given much, much is required (Luk 12:48). Also note that Jesus did not quibble about where she applied her resources. The temple box was hardly worthy of her resources considering the rampant corruption that was going on there (Mar 11:17, 12:40). Jesus saw beyond the size of the gift and where it was applied. Jesus saw the widow’s heart. Resources were not the issue. God is not constrained by resources. Rather, it was her heart that mattered.

Blessed are the poor in spirit

It is better to be unrighteous and know it than self-righteous and oblivious to your sin. Jesus reserved his sternest rebukes for the religious leaders. He said the Kingdom would sooner be given to prostitutes and tax collectors than to the religious (Mat 21:31). Of the two worshippers, it was the one who confessed his sinfulness who walked away justified (Luk 18:10-14). If you are preoccupied with your own pursuits when Jesus invites you to the Kingdom you will miss it altogether. It is not those who “have it altogether” who come to the banquet. Rather it is those who are willing to acknowledge their need (Mat 22:1-14). It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. Jesus did not come to call the “righteous,” but sinners to repentance (Luk 5:31-32).

Secret Disciples

Some of the Jewish leaders believed in Jesus but would not confess it publicly for fear of being put out of the synagogue. “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (Joh 12:43) I suspect there are many who make this poor choice today. Human institutions frown upon believers who openly confess their faith. One must be very careful not to offend, exclude or influence. The institution will discipline the “radical.” Would you rather be praised by God or by men? Seems like a no brainer, but we have all made the wrong choice at times.

True stewardship

The disciples misunderstood the nature of stewardship. They were indignant with the “waste” of expensive perfume poured out in a woman’s act of worship. Jesus did not see it as a waste (Mar 14:7). The disciples thought that stewardship was about conserving meager resources. Jesus knew that resources are not an issue with God. Stewardship is about bringing glory to God. An extravagant gesture done with proper motives could be better stewardship than giving to the poor. It’s about the heart of the giver, not the need of the receiver.

Preparation for the kingdom

God has chosen some to sit next the Jesus when he reigns in his glorious kingdom. Those who are chosen must be prepared through a baptism of suffering (Mar 10:38-40). Indeed all who desire to be a part of the kingdom must take the role of a servant. They must forsake the economy of man that compels them to seek fame, fortune and power and lord it over others. Kingdom seekers are servants of God’s people and stewards of God’s gifts (Luk 19:26-27).

Adding to eternity

A religious young man asked Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus said, “Keep the commandments.” (Mat 19:17) That statement should have driven him to throw himself on the mercy of the court and receive the grace found in Christ. Instead, he claimed to have kept them. Rather than challenging his assertion, Jesus gives him the benefit of the doubt and urges him to take the next step, “If you want to be perfect, sell your possessions, give to the poor and follow me.” (Mat 19:21) None of us meet the minimum requirements. We are all dependent on Jesus for righteousness. However, if we trust Christ for your righteousness, we have an opportunity to build on that foundation. What we do with his gift of eternal life matters! Jesus said those who make sacrifices in the pursuit of him will, in addition to eternal life, be rewarded now and in the coming kingdom (Mat 19:28-30). Paul confirms this concept in 1Corinthians 3:10-15. No one can change the foundation of Jesus’ righteousness, salvation, eternal life. But we can build upon it and how we build determines reward in the Kingdom now and in the future.

The Kingdom among us

There is a physical kingdom of Jesus that is yet future. But there is also a form of the kingdom that exists right now, among us (Luk 17:21). The covert, leaven of the kingdom (Mat 13:33), exists among those who are truly seeking the kingdom right now. I wish I could say that the whole church was a part of the kingdom, but that is not the case. There are tares among the wheat (Mat 13:30). King Jesus is among those who are truly seeking (Mat 18:20). Find the kingdom seekers and you’ll find the kingdom. It’s not easy though. At this point the kingdom is more like a seed than a tree; inconspicuous, clandestine, secret, mysterious (Mat 13:31). Many are called but few are chosen (Mat 22:14). Does this pique your interest? Seek and you shall find (Mat 7:7).

Like sheep without a shepherd

There were a few times when Jesus was angry or deeply troubled. He was furious when the money changers occupied the temple. He mourned when he looked over an unrepentant Jerusalem. He was angry and wept when Martha and Mary struggled to believe (Joh 11:33). What frustrated Jesus the most was our faithlessness. He often lamented over our failure to grasp who he is. The “human condition,” fallen far short of our potential, moved him to anger and tears. Does your “human condition” frustrate you? Are you heartbroken, as Jesus was, over the faithless masses? Does this “holy discontent” lead you to action?

Eternity versus the Kingdom

Eternal life in heaven was not the disciple’s only goal. Nor was it Jesus’ only goal for his disciples. They both looked forward to the “Kingdom of God.” The requirement for eternal life is to believe in Jesus (Joh 3:16), but to enter the kingdom we must “work hard.” (Luk 13:24) Sometimes we mistake the Kingdom for life eternal, but it is a physical government that Jesus will set up on this earth. He will rule the nations with a rod of iron for a thousand years. The faithful will reign with him (Ps 2:9, Rev 20:4). The kingdom is not open is anyone who claims Jesus as savior. Jesus said that many will attempt to enter but they will fail (Luk 13:24, Mat 7:21-23). In the kingdom we will see the great reversal. The last will be first. The servant will rule. The poor will be rich. The humble will be exalted. Those who gave up their life on earth for God and his people (seeking the kingdom) will find their lives in the kingdom of God. (Mat 20:16, Mar 9:35, Luk 13:30, Mat 16:25, Luk 16:25, Mat 19:27-30).

Grading on a scale

Jesus said, “To him who is given much, much will be required.” The ignorant will be disciplined lightly, while those with full knowledge of the Master’s desires will incur a stricter judgment (Luk 12:47-48, Jam 3:1). To the Pharisee’s he said, “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty.” (Joh 9:41) We are each responsible to steward our own knowledge, blessings and gifts. We should be concerned with our own obedience and trust that God is the judge of others. We cannot bear the mantel of the Judge. Jesus said to Peter, “If I want John to remain until I come back, what is that to you? YOU FOLLOW ME.” (Joh 21:22)

It’s not what you know…

An ounce of doing is better than a pound of knowing. Jesus condemned the religious experts for “crushing people under unbearable burdens and failing to lift a finger to ease their burdens.” The goal of the apostle’s instruction is love (1Ti 1:5). If I speak with the tongues of men and angels but have not love, I’m a clanging symbol (1Co 13:1). The measure of maturity is not knowledge, but love. Jesus challenges us again and again to use our earthly wealth and talents to ease the burdens of others (Luk 11:40, 12:33). Store up treasures in heaven. The prestige of being an expert is nothing compared to the honor of being a servant.

Slippery Salvation

An expert in religious law asked Jesus, “What should I do to inherit eternal life.” Instead of giving him a simple formula, Jesus asked him how he interpreted the Law of Moses. In short he said, “Love God, love people.” Jesus was pleased with that answer (Luk 10:25-28). But even that distillation of the Law is easier said than done as Jesus illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luk 10:30-37). I think all of this is calculated to demonstrate our desperate need for a Savior. We cannot consistently love God and people. We will not always behave like the Good Samaritan. We must rely on the merits of another to justify ourselves (Rom 3:21-24).

Inclusive or exclusive?

Sometimes Jesus showed a very hard edge. He said to the potential follower who asked only to bid his family farewell, “Anyone who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luk 9:61-62) Then again He said, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!” (Joh 7:37-38) So did Jesus have very high standards for those allowed into the kingdom or was it simple belief that was required? Is there a higher standard for a disciple than there is for a believer? Is there a difference between “inheriting the kingdom” and “having eternal life” (Joh 3:16). Does Jesus have different requirements for different people or different expectations during different situations? The hardest questions lead to the most satisfying answers. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one.

Misplaced “if”

The father of the demoniac asked Jesus, “Help us, if you can.” Jesus said “Why do you say ‘if I can’?” Anything is possible ‘if you believe’.” (Mar 9:21-24) The man had misplaced his “if.” The variable for God to work is not his power, it is our faith. God’s power is constant. What changes is our trust. This man represents all of us. He responded, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast out the demon, Jesus said, “You don’t have enough faith.” (Mat 7:20) I suspect that could be said of all of us.

How do you know?

You may believe in Jesus for a number of reasons. You may be convinced by the historical record. You may have seen his transforming power at work in the life of someone close to you. But, ultimately, the reason you believe is because God revealed the truth to you. When Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus said that flesh and blood had not revealed this truth, but his Father in heaven (Mat 16:17). It was the internal witness, not the external evidence that convinced Peter. Even when a believer’s faith falters he will always here that still small voice saying, “this is my Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” (Mat 17:5)

Obsessed with bread

Most of us spend most of our time thinking about resources. We devote the bulk of our time to work to earn money to buy food and shelter (among other things). We try to store up enough to take care of ourselves when we can no longer work. All of life is a race for resources. Most wars are fought over resources (oil, water, land etc.) or the system for distributing resources (communism, capitalism). Jesus makes the point, again and again, that resources are not an issue with God. After feeding 5000 with five loaves and 4000 with seven loaves he asked, “Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread?” (Mat 16:11) Oh to free ourselves from this obsession with bread!

The Triune work of regeneration

If you belong to Jesus you will sense the irresistible call of the Father to come to him. The Father draws you to the source of eternal life. (Joh 6:63, 66) Eternal life has nothing to do with what blocks you check, what hoops you jump through, what rituals you perform or what religious laws you keep. Eternal life is gained by the Father’s drawing, the Spirit’s convincing and the Son’s sacrifice on your behalf. Once you sense His call, all other options are futile. You say with Peter, “Lord, to whom else would we go? You have words of eternal life.” (Joh 6:68)

The priority of ministry

Grieving for John the Baptist, Jesus was trying to find a quiet place to pray. The crowds beat him to it (Mat 14:13-14). Rather than getting angry and scolding them for their insensitivity, Jesus felt compassion. He fed them and healed them and bid them farewell before he finally found some time to be alone. The needs are never ending. The harvest is great. Jesus set aside a legitimate emotional need because the harvest was calling. People came first with Jesus. Do people come first with you?

Storm on the horizon

When Jesus sent His disciples to the towns of Israel, he said they would not finish before he returned (Mat 10:23). I believe this statement is prophetic. It is likely meant for those disciples sharing the kingdom in Israel just before the Lord’s return. Perhaps the 144,000 (Rev 7:4ff). Jesus goes on to describe very difficult conditions for believers prior to his return (Mat 10:24-42). We enjoy a period of relative peace and tolerance now, but a time is coming when our identity with Christ could cost us our lives. It is important to build our faith during these days of peace so that we will be strong in the days of persecution.

A touch of faith

Of all the people who came into physical contact with Jesus that day, only one touched in faith. Those pressing in around him had their problems, I’m sure. Only one deliberately reached out believing He could heal her. (Luk 8:42-46) How many times is Jesus in our midst and we fail to realize it because our hearts are not right. Scripture suggests that this is the case more often than not. Are you deliberate in your approach to Jesus or are you one of the crowd swarming around Him, but failing to realize the power available to you?

The facts of farming

Jesus said that most of the seed would not survive (Mat 13:18-23). The devil prevents some from germinating. The hostile environment, persecution, worries, and wealth kills about another portion. The farmer does not understand what causes some seed to germinate and prosper (Mar 4:27), but he keeps on sowing in faith. Among the crop there will always be weeds. The weeds must be tolerated until the harvest (Mat 13:28-29) lest while pulling weeds we damage the crop. Farming is a tough business requiring persistence, patience and faith. I’m glad I’m in the ministry ;)

Filling vs. Cleaning

Many people approach their relationship with God through religion, all the while ignoring or quenching the still small voice of the Holy Spirit (Mar 3:28-29). Jesus delivered stern warnings to people who relied on religion. He compared them to someone who exercises an evil spirit from their lives and then attempts to put his own house in order. Because they don’t fill the void, the spirit returns with his buddies and the religious person is worse off than before. Before he was an obvious sinner, now he is a self-righteous hypocrite. Knowing God is not so much about “cleaning up” as it is about “filling up.” If you are so filled with the Holy Spirit, pursuing his calling and purpose for you, then the rest of your life will fall in line. Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the deeds of the flesh (Gal 5:16). Your life in Christ should be a pursuit of the positive rather than an avoidance of the negative. Seek first His kingdom and all these things shall be added to you (Mat 6:33).

Different faces of faith

Faith is not a matter of nationality, vocation, gender, or religion. Jesus found great faith in a Roman Centurion (Mat 8:10), while John, the Jewish prophet, doubted (Mat 11:3). On the other hand John demonstrated his faith by abstaining from luxury, fine food and alcohol while Jesus feasted and enjoyed wine. Both were manifestations of wisdom (Mat 11:18-19). Finally, the religious Pharisee’s faith was found wanting compared to the immoral woman’s trust in Jesus (Luk 7:47-48). Believers can’t be stereotyped. Faith is a state of mind found in all walks of life. How do you demonstrate your faith, or lack thereof?

Myopia

Perspective is critical. How we see things makes all the difference (Mat 6:22-23). If you see things through eyes of faith, then you will be filled with light. If you see things only from an earthly perspective, then you are limited to this sad and darkened world. You must take your eyes off of the world and gaze into heaven (Mat 6:19-20). Until you do this, you cannot teach others how to live (Luk 6:39). Until you correct your perspective, you can’t see to help others with theirs (Mat 7:4-5). The only way to share the gospel is to live the gospel (Luk 6:43-45).

Speaking order into chaos

Jesus’ ministry was demanding and unpredictable. It seemed like it was out of control. People were pushing and shoving to see him, demanding healing, or shrieking and convulsing (Mar 3:10-11). If I were Jesus, I would have found a new job immediately! But into this chaos Jesus speaks the Sermon on the Mount. It must have seemed futile to him. He must have questioned whether anyone was even listening. We know that someone was listening. In fact they were listening well enough to record his message. Jesus’ verbal “constitution of the kingdom” (Mat 5,6,7) shaped Western Civilization. You never know what a difference your actions will make. Stay salty, be light, preach the word in season and out of season (2Ti 4:2).

Comfortably sick

Jesus asked a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years, “Do you want to be well?” (Joh 5:5-6) That may seem like a no-brainer, but it is a question we should all ask ourselves. Most of us have so adapted to our dysfunction that we could not function without it. Perhaps all of us would readily give up a physical ailment, but we cling to our spiritual infirmities. We are convinced that anger is better than forgiveness. We don’t believe there is satisfaction apart from sin. We’re sure that we have adapted to survive in our culture and giving up those adaptations would leave us defenseless. Do want to be well?