It's NOT About The Nail

It's NOT About The Nail.

It's NOT About The Nail.

Judges: God Gives Grace Even As We Deteriorate From Bad to Worse

Tim Keller identifies six key themes/truths about God in his new book "Judges For You":

1. God relentlessly offers his grace to people who do not deserve it, seek it, or even appreciate it after they've been saved by it.
2. God wants lordship over every area of our lives, not just some.
3. There is a tension between grace and law, between conditionality and unconditionality.
4. There is a need for continual spiritual renewal in our lives here on earth, and a way to make that a reality.
5. We need a true Savior, to which all human saviors point, through their flaws and strengths.
6. God is in charge, no matter what it looks like.

Grace is a major theme if not the singular most important theme throughout the Bible, both OT and NT. Judges is no exception. The people and their sins get worse and worse throughout the book. The judges (saviors/deliverers) are less and less admirable with each new judge. Yet God gives grace and never gives up.

Do Not Touch The Lord's Anointed

What does this mean? Usually, the popular understanding of this phrase is meant by church leaders and their supporters to caution anyone who dares to critique or criticize the preacher or church leader. Many preachers, evangelists and Bible teachers today teach that if anyone criticizes them, or finds fault with them in any way, or goes against their wishes, then that miserable sinner has "touched the Lord's anointed." They say, "If you criticize "servant(s) of God" who are "the Lord's anointed," you will face the wrath of Almighty God." It is meant as a threat to, "Shut up. Don't complain. Submit. Or else...." It is virtually saying that the Christian leader or clergy is "above the rest" and is untouchable by commoners, sinners and the laity, and implies that they are unaccountable and have a free pass.

Love God with All Your.... (Mark 12:30-31)

Do you love God? Do you love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mk 12:30-31)? What does this even mean?

This leaves no room whatsoever for loving God partially, or with loving God with only a part of ourselves. Jesus, quoting Dt 6:5 and Lev 19:18, emphatically emphasizes that loving God must be without any reservation, and that it must include loving those who are not a part of our family or inner circle. My wife will certainly be grieved and saddened greatly if I ever said or expressed to her that, "I love you sometimes, and I am faithful to you most of the time."

What does loving God with our entire being and our entire self mean?

Steps for Conflict Resolution in the Church (Mt 18:15-17)

The problem with the church is that it has people. That is why the church has conflicts and divisions. The need for biblical conflict resolution is always urgent and crucial. How might this happen? Jesus' recommended steps in Mt 18:15-17 is often cited. But Jesus did not give us these steps so that we can get rid of people who bother us, who sin against us or with whom we disagree! The purpose is not to get rid of but to gain!

The following principles/steps are suggested:

1. Strict confidentiality. "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you" (Mt 18:15a). This matter is private. Do not share the conflict with other church members. Do not gossip or slander that person, which is most destructive to the person and to the church. Deal directly only with the person involved.
2. Total Honesty. "...go and point out their fault" (Mt 18:15a). It is important to note that Christ commands the offended party who is responsible to go meet the person privately preferably as soon as possible. If it was up to us, we'd look for the one in the wrong to do something first. But Jesus places the responsibility squarely on the injured party. If you have been wronged, hurt, or sinned against, to you Jesus says "go." It is prudent to make observations, rather than accusations. Approaching the sinning brother should be done calmly and rationally with the spirit of Christian love and humility. Note that this is a divine imperative from Jesus. It is not optional for believers. These are not suggestions. These are not just words of advice. Every Christian, every elder, every pastor and every church court must strictly obey and follow Christ's instructions. No excuse is acceptable for violating this passage.
3. True Forgiveness. "If they listen to you, you have won them over" (Mt 18:15b). Real restoration requires complete forgiveness.
4. Proper Appeals. "But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses'" (Mt 18:16). If the two of them fail to resolve the conflict, the problem should be heard by one or two more individual witnesses. The purpose should not be to gang up on that person, or choose only people "on your side."
5. Severed Relationship. "If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector" (Mt 18:17). If the offended party is unrepentant and unable to live with the final resolution of the problem, the relationship must be severed. The church serves as the final authority. The purpose of the discipline is not to remove the irritant, but to restore the offended person by the grace of God and protect the purity of the church.

References:

1. The Lord's Conflict Resolution Plan.
2. The Most Misapplied Passage on Church Conflict.
3. Conflict Resolution in the Church: A Study of Matthew 18:15-16.
   

Einstein and Billy Graham

My brother sent me this interesting account. Billy Graham, now 94 years old, once shared a story about Albert Einstein.

As we know Einstein was one of the most brilliant men of recent times. In 2000, he was voted the Man of the Century by Time Magazine. With his unkempt hairdo and German accent, Einstein was instantly recognizable by everyone he met.

One day Einstein was traveling from Princeton by train. The conductor came to collect tickets. When he reached Einstein, Einstein was frantically patting his pockets and going through his papers looking for his ticket. The conductor recognized his famous passenger. Kindly he assured Mr. Einstein that he was sure that he had purchased a ticket and that it was not necessary for him to find it. Einstein however, continued to dig around, searching even more diligently for the absent ticket. The ticket was not in his luggage, pockets, or in his pile of papers.

What Great Men Say About Themselves

Those who think they are great Christians would likely emphasize their own strengths, which inadvertently disparages others: "I thank God that I am not like nominal Sun Christians. I actively teach the Bible, disciple others and give much money to my church" (Lk 18:11-12). Surprisingly, this is not what great Christians say, suggest or think about themselves.

On his 70th birthday, pioneer missionary William Carey (regarded as the father of modern missions) wrote these remarkable words to one of his sons:

Stunningly Amazing Birds of Paradise

Majestic, mesmerizing and magnificent. This 5 min video shows some remarkable birds that exist only in the forests of New Guinea: Birds of Paradise. I was awestruck by their beauty and their majesty, which was stunningly mesmerizing and captivating. If you aspire to be an ornithologist, here are the 39 species captured in 4 min: The 39 Species.

A verse came to mind: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Ps 19:1).

I Am Having A Really Bad Day

I am having a bad day. [My friend Abraham Lincoln of Boston UBF gave the sermon at West Loop today with this title.] What do you do when you have a bad day? When Adam had a bad day he blamed his wife (Gen 3:12). When Cain had a bad day he committed fratricide (Gen 4:8). When Abram had a bad day, he complained about his childlessness (Gen 15:2-4). When the older son had a bad day, he angrily accused his gracious father for being unfair (Lk 15:29-30).

God (always) comes in grace.

Promises Of Blessing Despite Much Sin

Last Sun I completed preaching on what Jesus said to the Seven Churches in Revelation chapter 2-3. Briefly:

1. Ephesus was a loveless church. She was excellent in Bible study and Christian activities, but lacking in love (Rev 2:4). They spoke the truth very well, but their love was not evident (Eph 4:15).
2. Smyrna was a suffering church. She received no rebuke from Jesus because they were willing to suffer for their faith unto death (Rev 2:10b). They supremely valued Jesus and did not consider it a loss to lose their own lives.

Was It A Good Message/Sermon?

How does one assess how well a preacher or Bible teacher did in preaching and teaching the Bible?

A friend came up with these excellent questions which I thought would give good feedback to the preacher, messenger and/or Bible teacher.

On a scale of 1-10, how well did the message/sermon/preacher/Bible teacher:

1. Engage your mind and your intellect?
2. Bring you into the presence of God?
3. Change your life in any significant way?

Do You Argue, Disagree and Fight Fairly?

When someone says/writes something you are upset about or do not like or agree with, how do you respond? Look carefully at the diagram to the left and see at what level of the triangle you usually resort to. The lower levels are reactive, impulsive, defensive and offensive, while the higher levels are fair, well thought out and reasoned responses. Here is a detailed explanation of each level.

For instance, when arguing or disagreeing, do you say, write or think:

• "You're so stupid"? (This is the lowest level: Name Calling.)
• "You are unspiritual, proud, immature and jealous"? (Ad hominem [which means "Against the man"].)
• "I don't like the critical way you write/speak"? (Responding to Tone.)
• "I disagree"? (Contradiction.)

Are you a Diminisher or a Multiplier?

Genius or genius maker? Bono describes best the difference between a Diminisher and a Multiplier: "It has been said that after meeting with the great British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladston, you left feeling he was the smartest person in the world; but after meeting with his rival Benjamin Disraeli, you left thinking your were the smartest person." The former is a genius (a diminisher). The latter is a genius maker (a multiplier). Which person would you rather be?

How can you tell what type of person you are? Are you a multiplier or a diminisher?

Diminishers:

• Create stress.

2 Kinds of Leadership

Hierarchical (Authoritarian) Leadership	Shepherding (Christ-like) Leadership
"Over" others.	"Among" others.
Control others.	Respect others.
Elite.	Common.
Exclusive.	Inclusive.
Top down.	Bottom up.
Oppressive.	Liberating.
Based on position, rank, status, honorific titles.	Based on godly character.
Measured by prominence, external power and political influence.	Measured by humility and servitude.
Exploits their position to rule over others as "the older."	Shuns special reverence; regard themselves as "the younger."
Operates on a political chain-of-command social structure.	Flows from childlike meekness and sacrificial service.
Plants the fear of man.	Causes awe, wonder and freedom.

Reference: 

1. Shepherding Sheep (Mt 20:25-28).
2. Two Kinds of Shepherding.

Some Quotes for Reflection

Pride: "The more pride we have, the more other people's pride irritates us." C.S. Lewis

Love (not force): "The tremendous truth of Christianity is that the coercion of God is not of force but of love. God chose the dangerous way of love (not force or coercion), and love in the end will triumph." William Barclay

Rom 12:9: "Love must be without hypocrisy" (HCSB). "Let love be genuine" (ESV). "Love must be sincere" (NIV). "Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them" (NLT). "Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it" (MSG). "Let love be without dissimulation [deception]" (KJV).

Not an Iota of Good

"...when men are judged by their natural endowments, not a iota of good will be found from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot..." John Calvin, Institutes, Book III, Chap 14, 1. (Jer 17:9; Gen 6:5; 8:21; Ps 94:11; 36:2; 14:2, 3; Gal 5:19)

Faith, Finances and Freedom (2 Corinthians 8:9)

2 Corinthians 8:9 "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."

(2 Cor 8:9 explains the way a person can become truly rich by being free from the entrapment, enslavement, and idolatry of money.) Perhaps even more than being a slave to sex and romance is the enslavement to money. In this sermon we consider: What is your view of money? Who owns your money? What should you do with your money? Is money your master who rules and controls you, or your slave whom you control and rule over? Let us examine what the Bible says about money in 3 parts:

1. Faith: Who owns your money? You?
2. Finances: What should you do with your money?
3. Freedom: Is money your master or your slave?

Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Churches

Reference: Hamilton Jr, James M. Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Churches (Preaching the Word). Wheaton: Crossway. 2012.
To get the weight and balance of the whole book, an overview of Revelation will prepare us for the immediate future, the distant future, and the eternal future. To understand the book's flow of thought, its structure, and the main points made in each section will help us rightly understand the smaller units of the book in context when we study them. So we'll look at

• the Opening (Rev 1:1–8)--a prologue 
• the Vision (Rev 1:9–22:9)--a body
• the Closing (Rev 22:10–21)--an epilogue

As we begin, let's ask the Lord to use this book to fire us with the same urgency we would have if it were Sep 10, 2001, and we had just learned what was going to happen the next morning. You would not rest with that information. So may it be with this information.

What's Goin' On In Heaven? (Revelation 4-5)

Revelation 4:1-5:14; Key Verse: Rev 4:2

"At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it."

Questions. What is God like? What happens in heaven? How does this apply to my life on earth?

Short answers : 1) God--who is on a throne in heaven--is sovereign; he rules the world. 2) All beings around God's throne are worshiping God. 3) All of life is worship. Why? If the book of Revelation has a single theme, then surely it is God and his greatness, which Rev 4-5 will show.

Pride and Ego (1 Cor 3:21 - 4:7)

1 Corinthians 3:21-4:7; Key Verse: 1 Cor 4:3-4

"I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me."

How do Michael Jordan and Madonna feel about their own monumental success and fame?

Longing for his glory days. In an interview in anticipation of his 50th birthday on Feb 17, 2013, Michael Jordan, the Hall of Famer, confesses, "I would give up everything now to go back and play the game of basketball." When asked how he replaces it, Jordan simply states, "You don't. You learn to live with it." Jordan has accomplished what most men can only dream of. Yet he seems to still be longing for his glory days of winning 6 NBA championships, being voted the Finals MVP all 6 times, being the only player in history to lead the NBA in scoring 10 times (7 consecutive, tied with Chamberlain), being voted the NBA's MVP 5 times, and the accolades, awards and records just keep piling upon themselves. Here and here are short summaries. Despite having accomplished and achieved all this, he still wishes he could go back and do all of it again. In his supercilious 2009 Hall of Fame speech, Jordan called the game of basketball his "refuge," the "place where I've gone when I needed to find comfort and peace." Three years later, the restlessness remains. (Source: Do you still want to be like Mike? When greatness meets emptiness. (Michael Jordan at 50) by Matt Smethurst.)

My "First" Blog Post from 2010

Nov 23, 2009 (I am posting this here for posterity because the website this was originally posted on is being discontinued. My original title was "The imperatives are based on the indicatives," which I subsequently changed. Though I had posted occasionally from 2009, I regard this as my "first" blog post.)

Ben Toh  //  The one Jesus loved 1st, husband of 1, father of 4, grand-father of 2, unrepentant Chicago sports fan of winning teams only, and bi-vocational: pastor and self-employed physician in Chicago.

Religion/Imperatives Versus the Gospel/Indicatives

Bryan Chapell said, "The imperatives are based on the indicatives and the order is not reversible." (Chapell is the President of Covenant Seminary and author of Christ-Centered Preaching. He gave a lecture at the Advance09 conference in Durham, North Carolina titled "Communicating the Gospel through Preaching.") Related post: Imperatives - Indicatives = Impossibilities

False Impression; False Self-Estimation (Rev 3:1-6): To the Church in Sardis

Revelation 3:1-6; Key Verse: Rev 3:1b (Exodus 32:15-35)

"I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead."

When Jesus speaks to the seven churches in Asia Minor, he usually commends these struggling churches before giving them a word of rebuke. Not so with the church in Sardis. (The city of Sardis is located some 50 miles to the east of Smyrna and just to the north of Philadelphia.) This congregation receives only a stern rebuke. "Wake up" (Rev 3:2). Jesus warns them, or else he will suddenly come upon them in judgment (Rev 3:3). Although the church in Sardis thinks it is alive, in reality it is near death (Rev 3:1b). This congregation has stopped preaching the gospel in order to make peace with the world. It is no longer a faithful witness to God's saving mercy in Jesus Christ. Therefore, this church must wake up and repent, or else face the wrath of Jesus Christ who is the Lord of his church (Rev 3:1a).

Love Without Discernment (Rev 2:18-29): To the Church in Thyatira

Revelation 2:18-29; Key Verse: Rev 2:25, 28 (1 Kings 16:29-33)

"...hold on to what you have until I come." "I will also give the morning star."


Loving more but tolerating false teaching. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Jesus commends the Ephesians for persevering in sound doctrine (Rev 2:2-3). But Jesus also rebukes the Ephesian church for losing their first love (Rev 2:4)–their love for the brethren. The church in Thyatira has the opposite problem. Indeed, Jesus commends the congregation in Thyatira because their love for their fellow Christians has increased (Rev 2:19). But Jesus also rebukes this church for tolerating false teaching within their midst (Rev 2:20). Unlike Ephesus that shows discernment without love, the Christians of Thyatira are loving but not discerning.

Remaining True to Jesus Yet Compromising and Defiled (Rev 2:12-17): To the Church in Pergamum

Revelation 2:12-17; Key Verse: Rev 2:13a, 14a (See Num 25:1-9; 31:16)

"I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me...Nevertheless, I have a few things against you..."

Like the church in Smyrna, the church in Pergamum faces intense persecution from the God-hating Roman empire and their fellow Jews. But the church in Pergamum also faces an enemy from within, a seductress who entices God's people to commit spiritual adultery.

The Poverty of Riches (Rev 3:14-22): To the Church in Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-22; Key Verse: Rev 3:16 (See Hosea 12:1-14)

"So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

What a completely inaccurate self-assessment. The church in Laodicea thinks of itself as wealthy, very well-off, and without any apparent needs (Rev 3:17a). But the reality is far different. While this congregation may have an exalted opinion of itself, Jesus describes this church in completely different terms: "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked" (Rev 3:17b). This church is lukewarm and is about to be spit out of Christ's mouth (Rev 3:16). This is the only church about which Jesus has nothing good to say. Sardis also received no word of praise, though they had a few undefiled Christians (Rev 3:4). To Laodicea Jesus must express his love in unmitigated reproof and discipline (Rev 3:19).

Keeping God's Word With Little Strength (Rev 3:7-13): To the Church in Philadelphia

Revelation 3:7-13; Key Verse: 3:8 (See also Isaiah 22:20-25)

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."

After the prologue (Rev 1:1-8), the opening section concerns John's vision of the resurrected Christ who walks in the midst of his church (Rev 1:12-16). This first vision includes the 7 letters addressed by Christ to the 7 churches scattered throughout western Asia Minor. In each letter Jesus reveals an aspect of himself in his post-resurrection glory as described in the vision John saw (Rev 1:12-20). Jesus does this to reinforce the point that he is the head and Lord of his church who walks among them and is always with them. Next, Jesus speaks directly to the churches, promising blessing for faithfulness, protection from danger, and warns them of their need to repent when they are unfaithful. He commends 5 of them with 2 receiving no commendation (Sardis and Laodicea). He rebukes 5 of them with 2 receiving none (Smyrna and Philadelphia). Jesus commands Christians in these churches to repent lest they face immediate judgment. Yet, all 7 letters end with a promise from God to all those who are faithful and who overcome through faith in him. Despite the efforts of those who oppose the gospel and seek to harm them, Jesus promises all those who are his that they will overcome.

The Riches of Poverty (Rev 2:8-11): To the Church in Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11; Key Verse: Rev 2:10b (Zechariah 3:1-9)

"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown" (NIV, 2011). "I will give you the crown of life" (NIV, 1984).

Seven letters speaking to churches through out the church age. In Revelation chapters 2-3, Jesus addresses 7 letters to historical churches scattered throughout western Asia Minor.

Discernment Without Love (Rev 2:1-7): Letter to the Church in Ephesus

Revelation 2:1-7; Key Verse: Rev 2:4 (Exodus 25:31-40)

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first" (NIV, 2011). "You have forsaken your first love" (NIV, 1984).

Last year (2012), while I was in Manila, I preached 3 sermons on Revelation:

• The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:1-20).
• Christian, Listen Up! (Rev 2:1-3:22)
• What Is Heaven Like? (Rev 21:1-22:5)

Each message to a church is what the Spirit says to all churches.

Revelation 2:1-3:22 (Questions)

The Son of Man Speaks to His Churches (Rev 2:1-3:22)

Discernment Without Love: Have You Forsaken Your First Love?Revelation 2:1-7; Key Verse: Rev 2:4 (To the "Loveless" Church in Ephesus)

1. Who "holds the seven stars in His right hand" and "walks among the seven golden lampstands" (Rev 2:1)? What are the seven stars and seven golden lampstands (Rev 1:20)?
2. What did the church in Ephesus have going for it (Rev 2:2-3)? What did Jesus have against them (Rev 2:4)? What does this mean? Is it hard to keep your first love for God? What causes you to lose it? What was it like in the early days of your relationship with Jesus?
(When were you most excited about Jesus? What influences contributed to you living a life on fire for Christ? What decisions did you make then? How does a couple's first love for one another relate to our first love for Christ? Why does the "first love" tend to grow cold? Are you still doing the things you did in the early days or your courtship? Do feelings follow actions or the other way around? How do we stay on fire for Christ? Help each other stay on fire for Christ?)

The Words Moses Spoke (Deuteronomy 1:1-46)

Deuteronomy 1:1-46; Key Verse: Deut 1:1

"These are the words Moses spoke..."

What is Deuteronomy about? Moses speaking/preaching/teaching God's word to his people for the last time. Deuteronomy consists primarily of speeches/"sermons" (three of them) that Moses gave to the Israelites shortly before he handed over the leadership to Joshua. Like a senior pastor after having led his congregation for 40 years and who is about to pass on the baton, Moses gave his prophetic farewell sermon for the last time as their senior pastor and leader. It is his last will and testament given to all Israel east of the Jordan on the plains of Moab (Deut 1:5), just before their entrance into the Promised Land. Moses' aim in his final speeches is to ensure that the people will remain faithful to God; his speeches would prepare them to conquer Canaan and then live faithful lives in their new land. (A few key verses are Deut 6:5; 10:12-13; 30:19-20.)

Shepherds (Christian Leaders) Are Not To Lord Over Others (Mt 20:25-28)

Matthew 20:21, 25-28 (Mark 10:37, 42-45; Luke 22:24-27)
Key Verse: Mt 20:25-26 (Mk 10:42-43; Lk 22:25-26)

"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you."

"You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you."

"The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that."

Theme: What is Christ-like Christian leadership like? It is interesting that Jesus' answer begins with a resounding negation.

The God Who Becomes A Human Being (John 1:1-18)

John 1:1-18; Key Verse: Jn 1:14a, 18

"The Word became flesh..." "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known." (NIV 2011) ("No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known." [NIV 1984])

What is God like? Who is God? How can I know God?

Jesus' Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17)

If the Scriptures are thought of as the Temple of God, then John 13-17 would be the Holy of Holies. John 13-17 are known as Jesus' upper room discourse, where Jesus lays his heart bare before his disciples and speaks his most intimate thoughts to them just before his crucifixion. In effect, these were his last words, for within hours he would be hanging on the cross.

In his discourse he taught the very nature of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit; that he is not a helpless victim of evil and betrayal, but that God, who is in sovereign control, is fulfilling His plan all along from eternity past to bring about his plan of world redemption and restoration.

A Friend's Love (John 21:1-25)

John 21:1-25; Key Verse: Jn 21:16,17

"Do you love me?"

How does a friend love? How does Jesus--the friend of sinners (Mt 11:19)--love?

Last week we considered the ABCD or the four ways/goals regarding what it means to follow Jesus. To be a Christ follower requires:

• Accountability. Gather Nathans to call us to be accountable (Heb 3:13). Being a Nathan to others (2 Tim 2:2).
• Basic Christianity: Love God (Dt 6:5). Live for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). Jesus is Lord (1 Cor 12:3).
• Conformity to Christ (Rom 8:29) in church, community, campus, college, city, country, cosmos.
• Developing a whole life mission statement/a singular life goal and passion (Phil 3:10, 14; Ac 20:24).
  

To expand on what following Jesus practically looks like, each Christian needs to intentionally and continually:

• Connect to God: Worship.
• Connect to Church: Nurture (in community).
• Connect to the World: Witness.
• Connect to Culture: Contextualization.

West Loop's Flexible Internship (John 21:19, 22): Follow Me

John 21:18-25; Key Verse: Jn 21:19b, 22b

"Then he (Jesus) said to him (Peter), 'Follow me!'” "You must follow me."

Twice in the Gospels, Jesus said to Peter, "Follow me": First, when Jesus first met Peter three years earlier (Mt 4:19; Mk 1:17); second, after his Passion (Jn 21:19, 22). To Peter, following Jesus involved martyrdom (Jn 21:18-19). To John, following Jesus involved living to a ripe old age and writing John's Gospel (Jn 21:22-23). Following Jesus took quite different paths for both of Jesus' disciples.

How do we Christians follow Jesus today? This is a proposal for a flexible internship/mentorship program initiated at the level of a local church community, such as West Loop Church, which may help us lay the ground work for a Christ follower to follow Jesus all the days of our lives.

Before Believing Vs. After Believing (John 20:1-31)

John 20:1-31; Key Verse: Jn 20:31

"...that you may believe...and...have life in his name."

Questions: What is the difference between before and after one believes? Are you truly a believer?

Last week, from Jn 19:1-42, we examined Pilate's words of mockery and ridicule when he said of Jesus, "Behold, the man" (Jn 19:5). After being flogged, spit at, struck in the face, and humiliated, Jesus appeared like a beaten man, yet he was a real man, in contrast to counterfeit men like Pilate and the religious leaders. Jesus the man, had supreme power but abnegated it (he had nothing to prove), while counterfeit men, who were conferred with power, embellished it and abused it to cause the death of Jesus, which is the greatest injustice ever perpetrated by man. When we behold the man Jesus Christ who died brutally in our place, strangely our hearts are warmed and inclined toward the God who loves us at great cost to himself. Today's text, Jn 20:1-31 records what happened after Jesus rose from the dead.

Jesus promises the believer a life that is abundant and full (Jn 10:10b). In Jn 20:1-29, we meet those who are transitioning from before believing into true believers: Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and Thomas. Let us consider the process of believing in two parts:

I. Before Believing (Jn 20:1-15; 19; 24-25): The dawning light is approaching.

1. Clueless from not understanding Scripture (Peter and John): Before believing, Scripture will not be understood (Jn 20:9).
   
2. Sorrow (Mary): Before believing, our "attachments" blind us from seeing Jesus (Jn 20:14).
   
3. Fear (the disciples): Before believing, our undying desire to be the "greatest" binds us in fear (Jn 20:19).
   
4. Doubt (Thomas): Before believing, our skepticism and unreasonable demands keep us in doubt (Jn 20:25).
   
(Transition) The process of believing (Jn 20:16; 19-20; 26-27): Meeting Jesus who rose from the dead.


II. After Believing (Jn 20:17-18; 21-23; 28-31): Your grief will turn to joy (Jn 16:20).

1. Purpose: After believing, sorrow and despondency is transformed to excitement and purpose (Jn 20:17-18).
   
2. Peace: After believing, fear vanishes and is replaced by a peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7).
   
3. Commissioning/Calling: After believing, we have the conviction of receiving a commissioning from Jesus (Jn 20:21).
4. Confession: After believing we confess from our hearts that Jesus is our Lord and God (Jn 20:28).
5. Blessedness: After believing, we experience the blessedness of being accepted by God in spite of ourselves (Jn 20:29).
6. Life: After believing, we live the life that is truly life (Jn 20:31; 10:10b).
I. Before Believing (Jn 20:1-15; 19; 24-25)

Grave clothes present but no body. Mary, along with other women (Mt 28:1; Mk 16:1-2; Lk 24:1), went to the tomb early Sun morning with the intention of anointing Jesus' dead body (Mk 16:1; Lk 24:1). When she saw the stone removed from the entrance she assumed that it was stolen by grave robbers (cf. Mt 28:11-15), a common crime. She ran to tell Peter and John (Jn 20:1-2), who themselves ran to the tomb with John outrunning Peter probably because he was younger (Jn 20:3-4). John looked in and saw the strips of linen lying there but hesitated to go in, while Peter went in and saw the strips of linen as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head, with the cloth folded up by itself, separate from the linen (Jn 20:5-7). Jesus' resurrection body apparently passed through his grave-clothes, in much the same way that he later appeared in a locked room (Jn 20:19, 26). The neat appearance of what was observed was not the scene of a body being stolen. The fact that two men saw it (Jn 20:8) makes their evidence admissible in a Jewish court (Dt 19:15).

Clueless: The disciples saw the empty tomb and could not understand Scripture. When John finally went into the tomb to look, he saw (the neat linen grave clothes with no body) and believed (Jn 20:8). What he and Peter believed was not that Jesus had risen from the dead (Jn 20:9), but that the linen grave clothes were there without the corpse, and that the tomb was empty. That they did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead (Jn 20:9) proves that the disciples did not fabricate a story to fit their preconceived notions of what was predicted. Rather, they were confronted with certain facts, which they were initially unable to relate to Scripture. Only later, aided by the Spirit (Jn 14:26; 16:13), were they able to do so. Before meeting Jesus and without the Spirit's illumination, even the privileged disciples who spent three years with Jesus were unable to understand what the Scripture plainly said. Before believing, Scripture will not be understood.

Sorrow: Crying over her loss. The disciples went back to where they were staying (Jn 20:10), but "Mary stood outside the tomb crying" (Jn 20:11). While weeping, she bent over and looked into the tomb and "saw two angels in white seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot" (Jn 20:12). When asked why she was crying, she said, “They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put him” (Jn 20:13). "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus" (Jn 20:14). Jesus asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him” (Jn 20:15). Jesus' two rhetorical questions suggests that it was a mild rebuke for she had no reason to cry, and that she should reflect on the kind of Messiah she was expecting. Is she looking for a dead or living Messiah? Mary's sorrow and tears over losing good Jesus blinded her from recognizing Jesus. Jesus also said, “Do not hold on to me..." (Jn 20:17a). Before believing, our "attachments" blind us from seeing Jesus. What might you not want to let go of? Past sin? Past practices, traditions, experiences?

Fear. On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:19) Why were the disciples filled with fear? It was because their human hopes were unfulfilled. Their nationalistic hope was that Jesus would have redeemed Israel (Lk 24:21; Ac 1:5). Their personal hope was to be the greatest (Mt 18:1; Mk 9:34; Lk 22:24). Before believing, our undying desire to be the greatest, binds us in fear--the fear that others will have a bigger piece of the pie.

Doubt. Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:24-25). In his previous appearances (Jn 11:16; 14:5) Thomas has been less a doubter than a loyal but pessimistic and perhaps somewhat obtuse disciple (which may be why I like him!). Despite the excited testimony of all the other 10 disciples, Thomas remains unconvinced. He demands not only a palpable sign but the most personal and concrete evidence that the person whom he knew had been killed in a specific fashion had indeed been raised from the dead. Before believing, our skepticism and unreasonable demands keeps us in doubt and limbo.

(Transition) The Process of Believing (Jn 20:16; 19-20; 26-28)

Hearing our shepherd's voice. Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Whatever the cause of her blindness, the single word "Mary," spoken as Jesus had always uttered it, was enough to remove it, and Mary recognizes the voice of Jesus (Jn 10:3-4). Anguish and despair are instantly swallowed up by astonishment and delight. She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Knowing that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead. On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord (Jn 20:19-20).

Being loved and embraced in spite of our unreasonable demands. A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:26-28)

II. After Believing (Jn 20:17-18; 21-23; 28-31)

What happens after one believes? What are the results of being a believer? Jesus said, "your grief will turn to joy" (Jn 16:20).

Purpose. Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her” (Jn 20:17-18). When blinded by her sorrow, Mary was crying and weeping over losing good Jesus, and desperate to cling to her past recollection of Jesus. But after believing that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead, life and excitement replaced her sorrow. Jesus became a man of sorrows and carried her sorrows (Isa 53:3-4), so that she can be a woman of joy and purpose. By believing, she was transformed from a woman of sorrow to a woman of purpose with a clear excited testimony, "I have seen the Lord!" After believing, sorrow is transformed to joy and purpose.

Peace. Twice, Jesus said, "Peace be with you" (Jn 20:19,21). The Hebrew is "shalom aleichem." This was surely a welcomed greeting from Jesus, since the disciples may have expected a rebuke for having abandoned him at the time of his arrest, trial and crucifixion. "Shalom" has the comprehensive meaning of completeness, wholeness, security, peace, both with God and people. Before the cross, Jesus had promised to give to his disciples his peace (Jn 14:27; 16:33). Now after his resurrection from the dead, Jesus fulfills his promise. When they saw that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead, they rejoiced (Jn 20:20). After believing, fear is replaced with a peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7). In contrast, living with anxiety is like living as an unbeliever.

Commissioning/Calling. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (Jn 20:21-23). Each of the Four Gospels includes a commission from the risen Jesus (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-18; Lk 24:44-53). These verses serve as the Johannine "Great Commission."


• Jesus, the Sent One (Jn 3:16-17) has now become the Sender, commissioning his followers to serve as his messengers and representatives (Jn 17:18). All three persons of the Godhead are involved in this commissioning: as the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus sends his disciples (Jn 20:21b), equipping them with the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22). Our key verse, Jn 20:31 explains that Christians are commissioned not just to help people to believe, but to understand that by believing they may have and live the life that God intended for them, a life that is abundant and full.
  
• When Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” it is best understood as a foretaste of what would happen when the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost (Ac 2:1-4). This does not mean that the Holy Spirit had no presence in the disciples’ lives prior to this point. The gift of the Holy Spirit suggests that He is essential for the performance of the task given to the disciples.
  
• Forgiving sins (Jn 20:23) is not that individual Christians or churches have authority on their own to forgive or not forgive people, but rather that as the church proclaims the gospel message of forgiveness of sins in the power of the Holy Spirit, it proclaims that those who believe in Jesus have their sins forgiven, and that those who do not believe in him do not have their sins forgiven.
How do you know that you are truly a believer? After believing, one has the conviction of receiving a commissioning from Jesus. Are you living randomly without much thought or reflection, or are you living your life in an intentional way because you have received a royal commissioning?

Confession. When Thomas felt Jesus' love and embrace of his unreasonable demand and skepticism (Jn 20:27), he was so overcome with awe and reverence that he immediately uttered his confession: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) The speed with which Thomas' pessimistic unbelief was transformed into joyful faith is consistent with the experience of the other witnesses (Jn 20:16, 20). This is probably the clearest and simplest confession of the deity of Christ to be found in the NT. The two highest words, "Lord" (Gk. Kyrios; and used in the Greek translation of the OT for the divine name "Yahweh"), and "God" (Gk. Theos) are used together and addressed to Jesus in recognition of His glory. Thomas’s statement is a clear confession of his newly found faith in Jesus as his Lord and God. John’s entire purpose in writing this book is that all readers come to confess Jesus as their Lord and God in the same way that Thomas did. Jesus accepts this worship without hesitation. After believing we confess from our hearts that Jesus is our Lord and God.

Blessedness. Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (Jn 20:29; also 1 Pet 1:8-9). The first part is a confirmation and commendation of Thomas' faith; it is not depreciated, but rather his step of faith that led to his unrestrained confession. The second part is a beatitude, where Jesus pronounces a blessing on the coming-to-faith of those who cannot see but who will believe through the word of believers (Jn 17:20).. John's Gospel reports only one other beatitude (Jn 13:17), and like most beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12), both strike a note of admonition. The word "blessed" (makarios) does not simply declare "happy" to those who meet the conditions, but pronounces them accepted by God. After believing, we experience the blessedness of being accepted/approved by God in spite of ourselves.

Life. "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (Jn 20:30-31). Here John states plainly that he composed his book with one explicit purpose--that you may believe. In these verses, John’s purpose statement and conclusion of the Gospel rehearse the major themes of the Gospel:

• the Christ (Jn 1:41).
• Son of God (Jn 1:34).
• believe (Jn 1:1:12-13).
• life (Jn 1:4; 3:15-16; 6:35; 11:25; 14:6; 17:3).

John's primary purpose is evangelism. This not only expresses the purpose of the book, but is the shortest summary of Johannine theology. The stated goal "that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God" is interpreted by some commentators to mean that John the Evangelist intends by his book to establish the faith of Christians, rather than to bring non-Christians to faith. But other commentators argue that John's primary purpose is evangelism. Surely, both views are "right." Throughout the history of the church this Gospel has served not only as a means for reaching unbelievers but as a means for instructing, edifying and comforting believers.

The greatest sign. It is possible that (miraculous) signs refers only to the miracles reported in John 2-12. But John placed his conclusion here eight chapters later, and after the farewell Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17) and after Jesus' arrest, trial, death and resurrection (John 18-20). This suggests that the greatest sign of them all is the death, resurrection and exaltation of the incarnate Word, the significance of which has been carefully set forth in the farewell discourse.

Believing is not an end in itself. John writes his Gospel so that we may believe certain propositional truths, especially the truth about who Jesus is (Jn 20:31). But such faith is not an end in itself. It is directed toward the goal of personal, eschatological salvation: "that by believing you may have life in his name" As has been so throughout church history, this is still the purpose of this book today, and at the heart of the Christian mission (Jn 20:21).

After believing (in who Jesus is and what Jesus did on the Cross), we live and experience the life that is truly life.

Conclusion: Before believing, Peter and John were clueless, Mary was sorrowful, the disciples were fearful and Thomas was a doubter. But after meeting Jesus personally and believing, their lives were transformed forever. Their grief was turned to joy. As a result of meeting the risen Jesus, they began to live the life that is truly life. As a result of meeting Jesus, they became believers whose lives can never ever be the same again. Are you a believer?

Questions:

1. On Sun morning, why did Mary go to the tomb (Mk 16:1; Lk 24:1)? What did she notice (Jn 20:1; Mt 28:2)? Do (Jn 20:2a)? Conclude (Jn 20:2b; Mt 28:11-15)? What did Peter and John do? See (Jn 20:3-7)? Believe? Not understand (Jn 20:8-9; Lk 24:26-27, 44-47)? What do you learn about the disciples (Jn 20:19)?
   
2. Why did Mary stay at the tomb (Jn 20:10-13, 15b)? Not recognize Jesus (Jn 20:14)? What is implied by Jesus' question (Jn 20:15a)? How did Mary recognize Jesus (Jn 20:16)? What does Jesus' message mean (Jn 20:17; 1:14; 17:5)? How was Mary changed (Jn 20:18)?
   
3. What does Jesus' appearance to his disciples behind locked doors tell about him (Jn 20:19, 26; 21:9; Lk 24:39; 41-43; 1 Cor 15:42-44)? Why did he show them his hands and side (Jn 20:20a)? How did they respond (Jn 20:20b)?
4. How was his greeting more than a greeting (Jn 20:19b, 21a; 14:26; 16:33; Rom 5:1; Eph 2:14-17)? What did Jesus commission them to do (Jn 20:21b-23; 17:18; Mt 28:19-20; Lk 24:47)? How might this Johannine "Great Commission" be the mission of the church?
   
5. What was Thomas' "unreasonable" demand (Jn 20:24-25)? How did Jesus comply and instruct him (Jn 20:26-27; 2 Tim 2:13)? What is the meaning of Thomas' confession (Jn 20:28; 1:1, 18)? Who are the blessed (Jn 20:29; 1 Pet 1:8; 2 Cor 5:7)?
6. From John's purpose statement (Jn 20:30-31), what are the signs? The major themes in John's Gospel (Jn 1:12-13, 41, 49; 3:16; 17:3)? What might be the greatest sign of all?

Reference:

Carson, D.A. The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 1991. IV. Jesus' Self-Disclosure in His Cross and Exaltation (Jn 13:1-20:31), F. The Resurrection of Jesus (Jn 20:1-31). 631-663.