Tag: leader

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3 John: Greet the friends by name

Read 3 John

The last of the short letters from John includes simple reminders to help us improve as ministers of the Gospel. This short narrative seems to be a very personal letter written to John’s friend, Gaius.

John begins with words of encouragement and appreciation for the way Gaius is leading the church. This is similar to his approach in Second John; namely, there is no “but” in reference to Gaius.

It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 3-4

I know we are not to seek earthly glory and honor, but those words must have been so comforting to Gaius. As we read the rest of the letter, we can sense the tension in the church, the strain Gaius must be feeling as their leader. John acknowledges the issue, supports Gaius, and declares he will not let the issue fade. John will confront Diotrephes.

Division by Diotrephes

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 3 John 9-10

Perhaps John wrote a letter that Diotrephes intercepted.  Commentors propose two schools of thought that drive Diotrephes: 1) church polity or 2) church doctrine. The first idea is that John is extending his reach too far as the overseer of churches. This is like a contemporary denomination leader trying to control a local church. We don’t have much to discuss regarding church doctrine or polity for that matter, but something has created a considerable division between John and Diotrephes.

The early church is exhibiting signs of struggle as the next generation begins to emerge. John certainly sees the concern and assures his family that he is aware of the problems. I suspect Diotrephes will be long gone if John were able to visit in person. His negative impact will continue to echo in the church if it goes unattended. John will address the nonsense.

What is the problem with Diotrephes? He loves to be first. More than that, he is spreading malicious nonsense about John and his leaders. It gets worse. He does not welcome other believers and encourages others to do the same. This is more than just a personality clash, but we don’t have many clues about the issues at hand.

Presently, there is much talk about Millenials in churches and businesses. As this demographic matures and takes positions of leadership, changes will be required. The question remains relevant today. How do we accept the “me” culture without losing the “we”? Was Diotrephes the first Millenial?

Conflict Resolution

John provides an incredible example of how leaders should lead leaders. The carefully chosen words support Gaius while addressing the need for intervention.

How do we resolve conflict given a great distance and lack of realtime communication? It’s not difficult to imagine the challenges facing John in ancient times. He had to employ emissaries to convey messages just like Paul used to communicate with distant churches. It was important to support the messenger to establish credibility. Referring to Demetrius, John wants those in the house church to listen.

We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. 3 John 12b

Closing

John’s kindness is remarkable. I hope we can learn from his pastoral care for Gaius and friends many miles away. Sometimes distance can be a friend. Not having immediate access to his cohorts means he has to take care, to choose his words wisely. But is this limited to distance? Shouldn’t we treat everyone with this much grace? I wonder what would happen if we were to end conversations with this:

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name. 3 John 14

Don’t miss the last phrase: Greet the friends there by name. I’m sure I’ve written about this before, but learning names is central to gaining the trust and respect of others. John begins his letter by showing his love and respect for Gaius — by name. He ends the letter by reminding us to do the same. I don’t have any problem remembering the names of my earthly children, brother, or sisters. Lord, help me remember the names of my spiritual family!

 

p.s., The following seems a bit out of place, but I didn’t want to lose the thought.

Prosperity Gospel?

I was surprised to read that some have used 3 John 2 as a foundation for their prosperity Gospel as if this were a license to accumulate wealth and material possessions.

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 2

I point this out not as my observation, but that from others who have taken this verse out of context and created their own personal movement. In my mind, everything about this verse (along with verse 1) is a simple greeting. The more literal translation it this:

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2

By carefully lifting “in all respects you may prosper” and engraving that in stone, it is possible to promote some form of prosperity gospel. In the infamous words of Forrest Gump, that’s all I have to say about that.

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2John: Walking in the Truth

Read 2 John

The book of Second John contains a mere 13 verses as labeled by those who divided the Bible neatly for us around 500 years ago. This short epistle manages to expose some controversy for some in the church these days. I’m not going to try to stir the pot intentionally. Instead, I prefer to read the letter as if it were written to someone John knew well and wanted to encourage. My prayer is that we learn how to lead well by recognizing those who are in the trenches in ministry doing the work Christ called them to do.

John is a senior pastor or perhaps a bishop by modern definition. He feels the burden of responsibility to preach the Gospel as he heard it from Christ first hand, and he presses into his role as a leader of churches across the land.

The commentators agree that Second John was written in light of First John. That sounds funny just writing it there, but the point they seem to make is the second letter is not only brief, but it’s also somewhat incomplete without being viewed in the context of John’s former writing. In other words, you need to read First John before reading Second John. Using this as a background, we recall the thurst of the first letter was to warn the church about those who are trying to divide it into factions that propose false doctrine. John used the term “liar” to identify those who would suggest that Jesus was not fully man and fully God. There were those in the church that were woefully misguided and were leading many astray.

It’s helpful to glance back at First John before going too far.

Now that we have some context, it’s easy enough to imagine John writing to someone who is on the frontline of a young church fighting to keep people focused. Let these words minister to those of you who are struggling to keep people focused on the Gospel message:

To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth 2 John 1:1

Two things immediately jump out to me: 1) this amazing lady and her children were chosen by God and 2) John and all of his leaders love what they’re doing.

Can you imagine getting a letter like that from someone you know is a great ministry leader? How about someone who personally knew Jesus Christ? I would be on my knees in a puddle of tears in no time. For those in leadership positions (which is just about everyone whether you know it or not), this is how we should address anyone who looks up to us. Begin by affirming God’s call in their life and reminding them they are deeply loved by the Father and by those of us who walk around in skin. You, my friend, are loved.

And…

The word “and” here is a crucial conjunction. John doesn’t begin with laudatory words followed by “but…” Not at all. He uses the word “and.” You can dive into the Greek via Long’s concordance at this point if you like, but don’t miss the point that John’s exhortation is a positive reminder.

And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. 2 John 1:5a

What is that command? Remember how Jesus summarized the 600+ rules of Jewish law?

I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 1:5b-6

Those of you that know me have heard me say over and over again that we should love one another with everything we’ve got. As John reminds us here, we should be known as a people that walk in love.

Why so much emphasis on love? There are a few reasons that come to mind. We could say Jesus said so, but I think it’s much deeper than that. Though many among us prefer a checklist to execute, this is a reminder that we should walk in love because that was precisely what Jesus demonstrated during His brief ministry on earth. Everywhere He went, people wanted to touch Him, to hear Him; to see Him was enough.

You may think I’m strange, but I don’t see Jesus walking around with a grin pasted on His face giving high-fives to everyone in His path. There was something about the manner with which He talked to people that oozed out the kind of love we’re supposed to emulate. It’s difficult to define, but it’s incredibly easy to see. John reminds this dear lady and all those in her house that this kind of love is required and it is a joy to embrace.

John’s warning is strong at this point. He wants her to know that many are going around misleading others.

I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 2 John 1:7-8

This is why we need to read Second John after First John. I the previous letter, John goes into more detail, so he doesn’t have to explain a lot here.

His guidance here is extreme:

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work. 2 John 1:10-11

The commentators’ perspective is helpful at this point. From what I’ve read from various sources, the custom of the early church was to invite traveling ministers into your house and take care of their basic needs. I can imagine people wandering from city to city and village to village as they proclaim the Gospel and spread the amazing news about Jesus. John draws the line here. Don’t endorse them in any way! Well, that doesn’t sound very loving, does it?

The NIV Application Commentary is helpful here:

These troubling verses should be viewed as “emergency regulations,” tied directly to the crisis at hand. They are directives from the battle zone, and they underscore the extreme danger the church is in when it not only tolerates, but actually invites into its ranks those whose teachings undermine traditional Christology.1

The early church was comprised of many house churches. The “rule” created here is put in place to keep disruptors from coming into your church and deceiving others. This is not a rule about shunning hospitality to strangers, not at all. The people John is referring to are seeking to disrupt the fellowship. They’re not merely wandering around looking for a bed and breakfast. John gives church leaders permission and authority to say no to those who would otherwise destroy the koinonia, the fellowship of believers.

Discerning who to say no to and who to tolerate is of utmost importance. John’s point is not trivial. He draws the line around those who deny the incarnation of Christ. The same would be true of those who are offended by the virgin birth or the reality of the resurrection. These are clearly inconsistent with the life and teaching of Jesus. But what about the current debate on sexuality? How about women in leadership?

We can quickly create a list of issues and apply the rule of locking the door, of saying you are not welcome here. Or we can just let anything go; every view is ok, right? No. That is not right. But herein lies the problem.

I want to suggest that we can love someone completely without agreeing with their theology. We can love someone who doesn’t know Jesus. We can love someone who worships a statue five times a day. We can absolutely love that person. But we must not let that person come in an teach in the church. This is truly black and white.

If it were only so easy to distinguish between the shades of gray, and so we don’t have all the clarity we might desire and the battles rage on. Our friends in the United Methodist Church are not so united anymore as a result of such fighting. Honestly, I think Screwtape is applauded when this happens.

John quickly closes his letter on a more positive note:

I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings. 2 John 1:12-13

In other words, there’s lots more to say, but for now, I hope you get the point.

It’s funny how I started this post suggesting this was a short letter, then commenced to writing thoughts that only scratch the surface of what is taught here. We have a lot to learn. God helps us first to love each other and give us discernment that makes you smile. Help us see those who are intent on destroying that which you have given us to manage — even Your church.

 

  1. Guthrie, George H.. NIVAC Bundle 8: General Epistles, Revelation (The NIV Application Commentary). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
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1John: Whoever Does Not Love Does Not Know God

Read 1 John 4:7-21

We frequently hear reference to the “love chapter” as 1 Corinthians 13. This may be true, but after re-reading this passage, we might think differently about this assertion. The overwhelming theme of John’s thoughts here is love. Here are some phrases that grab my attention in today’s reading:

  • God is love.
  • God lives in us.
  • His love is complete in us.
  • He has given us His Spirit.
  • We rely on the love God has for us.
  • Whoever lives in love lives in God.
  • In this world, we are like Jesus.
  • There is no fear in love.
  • Anyone who loves God must also love his brother and sister.

That’s quite some list! Each item could be a book title (probably already published, but I’m not looking). In an attempt to unpack these powerful thoughts, let’s take a look at the bookends, then add the filling. Think about this like an Oreo cookie.

God is Love

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

Many years ago I led the worship team at Monument Community Presbyterian Church. One of the songs we sang too many times was based on these verses; well, it was precisely these two verses sang over and over again. The ending of the song was a rather cheesy tag: First John four seven and eight! I’ll never forget the passage as a result. Isn’t that part of the goal for songs?

The thought John is planting in our mind is simple and yet profound: God is love. The real kind of love. The type of love Paul talked about in his letter to the church in Corinth. It is possible to have this kind of love in our lives because we have the Spirit within us. I would venture to say it is not possible to have complete love for another without Christ, though the world would suggest otherwise.

I listened to an Andy Stanley sermon recently that suggested that Jesus offered both grace and truth at the same time. This might seem like a contradiction in our minds, but the great reality is that God’s love for us is both comforting and convicting at the same time. It’s both.

The other bookend in this passage tells us to do something.

Love our Brothers and Sisters

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:20-21

Did John call me a liar? That’s not very loving, is it? Truth doesn’t always come across as loving. Thinking back on the Stanley sermon mentioned above, when the Pharisees departed the scene and the woman caught in adultery was left alone with Jesus, He didn’t say, “there, there, it’s all good…” Instead, Jesus pointed out the truth of her sin and left her with this thought:

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:11

Read the whole story from John’s perspective or perhaps my blog post from last year. The last five words are key: Go and sin no more. The truth is, those Pharisees that just walked away were right; she was caught in the act of adultery. But Jesus looks beyond the sin into the eyes of the sinner. Grace remains. Leave your life of sin and chase after that which is of God.

It might be a challenge to love your brother and sister, but the truth is we must do both.

The Middle

If those are the bookends, the chocolate cookie part of the Oreo, what’s in the middle? I’m glad you asked! John tells us what we need to know at the beginning and end of his thought. In the middle, he provides some practical how-to steps.

To begin with, God showed us how to love by sending Jesus to live with us, to walk around in the flesh (see the previous post), and then to offer the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. That last step is not for us to repeat, per se; rather, it’s meant to drive home the significance of Christ’s earthly ministry. I’m sure you get that, but I didn’t want to leave that hanging out there!

With these events in mind, John tells us we should love one another. The resurrection of Jesus proved beyond a doubt that He was the Messiah. His promise of sending the Spirit was fulfilled in a few weeks after the first Easter. Here is our first how-to step:

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. 1 John 4:15-16

The evidence of acknowledging that Jesus is the Son of God is not a badge to wear or an inscription in the cover of a Bible given to us on that great and wonderful day when we publicly declared our faith. Those are good things, but the complete expression is demonstrated by acting like Jesus.

This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 1 John 4:17

I find this verse challenging and inspiring at the same time. We are like Jesus. I don’t know about you, but that just raised the standard a mile for me.

One last thought about the middle of this passage: fear.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Why would John bring up fear? Remember that all of John’s friends from the beginning of his ministry have been hunted down and killed for their faith. Martyrs for Christ. Another badge you should not seek to earn.

Our first-century leaders were seen as revolutionary. They were leading a cause that was counter-cultural. In a time when hostile takeovers were demonstrated by physically taking over areas of the world, killing all who stood in the way, and demanding submission, the disciples were preaching love.

Fear was likely the first thought that entered the mind of someone that encountered the early Christians. Fear of family rejection. Fear of social condemnation. Fear of being seen as one standing against the local authorities. Fear was real. John needed to make the point that love is far greater than fear.

So What?

I mentioned Oreo cookies as the metaphor for this post, but if you know me, you know that I don’t eat Oreos anymore. When I did, it was the double-stuffed Oreos. And then I would carefully remove the cookie parts and make double-double-stuff. I liked the creamy insides a lot more than the cookie outsides. There’s the rub.

The bookends of this story are incredibly important. We must recognize that God is love, then demonstrate our understanding by loving our brothers and sisters. That’s not a suggestion; it is what we must do.

Lord, help us to live out these words with confidence that You are working in our lives.

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1John: Obedience in Love

Read 1 John 2:3-11

Once again, John boldly points out the distinction between those walking in light versus darkness, liars, and truthtellers. The lesson is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. When we avoid speaking the truth in love, we fall into a trap. Sometimes this happens when we mistake being kind and considerate for truly being loving. We listen to the voice that encourages doubt by pointing out something that is true. The challenge, of course, is the second half of the equation: in love. If you love me, you will tell me when I’m about to walk into a buzzsaw with my eyes closed. Right? I think that’s what John is doing with this letter to his friends and fellow Christ followers. He’s reminding them of what they already know is true.

Before we jump in, I find myself asking this question, what was he responding to? Did he get a letter from a church member complaining about so and so? Or is this the third time someone visited him from the different church plants with the same issue? The church leaders must have told John there were problems and I think he sees a trend that needed to be addressed right away. His strong response is meant to get their attention.

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 1 John 2:3-4

If I were to ever preach on this passage, I think I’d title the sermon, Liar. I would unpack the idea of doing what He commands a bit, perhaps the part about making disciples. What do you think? If someone from stage asks you if you are actively making disciples of Jesus and you honestly answer negatively, where does that put you?

Regretfully, I have to confess that I would have been that person just a handful of years ago. I have memorized the verse that said go and make disciples, but I had not mobilized the passage. There’s a huge difference! From my incorrect vantage point,  making disciples was for the paid staff or something. My job was to pull off a great Sunday experience, someone else did the disciple-making. Am I the only one?

Before jumping off the deep end, make sure you read the rest of the story. It’s never too late to start.

5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6

Fortunately for us, we have the Word available to us in many forms. It must have been a lot harder for the first century Christians, but we have little excuse to miss His commands.

Oddly enough, it’s not new.

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 1 John 2:7

Sorry, you and I can’t claim we didn’t know. This is nothing new. John is merely reminding us of something we should already know.

Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:8

The “new” part of the command is that Jesus came as the true light to the world. When Jesus taught on love and hate, His words extended the old commands far deeper and wider than anyone ever imagined. The battle begins within the family of Christ.

But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. 1 John 2:11

What does it mean to hate a brother or sister? Some obvious answers come to mind immediately, but there are also many subtle thoughts as well.  The word darkness is repeated three times in that one verse five times in today’s reading. Perhaps this is something we should stop and consider. And I’m confident that John’s reference to brother or sister extends beyond the biological family to all of those that claim Jesus as Lord.

Thoughts that dwell in darkness are not from Christ. These are whispers from the chief of lies, the one who lives in darkness and runs from the light.

Hate is different from disagreement. Don’t fall into that trap. John doesn’t suggest we all agree on every little thing. Hate is much deeper; it is something that resides in the heart. You can’t have hate and love in the same heart. You have to have one or the other. The good news is this; Christ replaced our hearts! This is the great reminder from John.

Holy Spirit fill our hearts with Your love and chase away any darkness that blinds us. Help us to speak the truth in love and rid ourselves from all malice, anger, envy, and thoughts that are not from You.

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John: Jesus Appears

Read John 20:11-29

Jesus is resurrected! He is alive! Just like He said. He appears to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, then a special visit to Thomas. John recalls these moments with great fondness, almost playfully if that doesn’t sound too irreverent for you! Look at the interactions:

Mary Magdalene

Mary was the first one to arrive on the scene, even while it was still dark. Her loyalty and concern for how Jesus was buried seem to have earned her the spotlight. She was the first to discover the tomb and tell the disciples to come and see. Now she will be honored by being the first to see, touch, and hear the voice of the resurrected Savior of the world.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” John 20:13

This is a rare moment. Two angels appear to Mary and she is not the least bit frightened. She is mourning the death of someone she loved and now His body was taken. It’s interesting that she doesn’t accuse these two of taking His body. Then another man appears.

He 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.” John 20:15

Though she doesn’t accuse this man, she is beginning to wonder if they might know what was done with the body. Perhaps they saw others carrying it away. She’s far beyond any concern for herself, she simply wants to do what is right for her departed friend. Then she hears a familiar voice.

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). John 20:16

Yes! It is Jesus! She doesn’t just turn toward Him, she immediately hugs Him without reservation. The best I can do is imagine losing a daughter, then suddenly seeing her again. The embrace would be deep and strong, joy would flood my heart. Mary has this moment with Jesus before anyone else in the world. This is beyond amazing!

For some reason that’s not completely clear, Jesus tells her not to hold onto Him but dispatches her for the second time to tell the others what she has seen.

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. John 20:18

I imagine the darted back to the tomb and found it quite empty, no sign of gardener or angels, but now their hope was beginning to ignite. I’m completely convinced that they believed Mary. (We’ll discuss Thomas separately!) But what should they do next? His body is gone, Mary has seen Him and even had a conversation, however brief, with Jesus. This is fantastic! Actually, it’s beyond words.

The Disciples

They return to the room. In my imagination I see them telling Mary to repeat the story over and over again. “Tell it again, Mary, tell us exactly what He said!” The excitement is beyond belief. Jesus doesn’t make them wait too long, but He does make them wait as they kept themselves hidden in 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!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20

Overjoyed indeed. It’s all starting to make sense…well, a little sense that is.

Doubting Thomas

Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples. When they told him they had seen the risen savior, he had doubts. I’m sure I would have had doubts as well. Even if we talk about impossible events in our wildest imagination, actually seeing it come true is another thing altogether. John’s sense of humor is not the least bit impaired.

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.” John 20:26-27

I think Jesus had some fun with Thomas. Most of my life I’ve heard these words to Thomas as a rebuke, words spoken with force, even a condescending tone. Perhaps a Gandolf moment if that makes any sense. In my old age, I see things differently.

God created us and wants us to live a life of joy. He created music and art to stir our hearts and He created laughter and play. I’m not suggesting this was overly playful, nor that He was laughing at Thomas, but I honestly think that Jesus loved this man Thomas and spoke these words as a friend would spur on another friend. You can take or leave that for all it’s worth. The God I read about is the One who went out of His way to show His love for all of us. He is all-powerful, no doubt, but His love is even stronger. Now Thomas knows. And soon he will fully engage in the mission of telling the world.

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

Again, I want to encourage you to read the words of Jesus from a perspective of encouragement and not a scolding demand. So many more will be asked to believe in Jesus without seeing Him. Jesus said He was going to ascend to the Father. He taught them just a few days ago that He was leaving them while sending the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. They’re not going to see Him, but they are going to tell the world. How could they not!!

Last Sunday, Theresa spoke and gave us a beautiful portrait of how Jesus sees us. She used the woman at the well to emphasize how Jesus sees beyond our outward appearances and looks straight at the heart. “I see you,” she said. It’s true. Jesus sees you and me beyond addiction, failures, and mistakes. He sees us beyond fancy clothing, cars, and opulent houses. He sees us when we’re down and when we’re flying high. And He saw Thomas.

Jesus is risen, just as He said! It’s the last day of January. Let’s celebrate Easter today and every day! Let your joy be complete in Christ Jesus!!

 

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John: The Empty Tomb

Read John 20:1-10

The pain of the events leading up to the mock trial, the insanity of Jewish leaders and the crowd they mustered, Pilate’s capitulation, and the soldier’s mechanical actions that led to the death of their beloved. Three years went by in a flash. Now He was dead and buried.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. John 20:1

To make matters worse, someone had the audacity to steal the body. He was gone. The guards had their story, not covered by John probably because it was irrelevant! No one truly expected this to happen. Seriously, if we didn’t know the story, we would not skip over these verses so quickly. John’s account is so brief we can easily miss the magnitude of the moment.

Mary’s reaction is highlighted by John. She didn’t need to investigate, she needed help.

So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” John 20:2

Peter and John are together, probably with the other disciples. I can only imagine that Peter spent hours grieving with his brothers in Christ. I’m sure he told them about his denials and the ominous, echoing rooster that tortured his mind. His brothers consoled him, at least in my mind. They were together and the women that supported their ministry knew it.

Peter and John take off running for the tomb. I have no idea how far, but apparently John was the better runner! He got to the gravesite first, but Peter didn’t stop when he arrived.

Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. John 20:6-7

His heart was beating wildly in his chest, Peter wasn’t going to stop. He was no longer afraid of what people would say. Jesus was dead, anyway, so it really didn’t matter. What could they do to him now? John finally stepped into the tomb as well. Confused. Perhaps angry. I think they were drained. Knees weak. Breathing was difficult.

In hindsight John adds this parenthetical comment:

(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) John 20:9

What else could they do?

the disciples went back to where they were staying. John 20:10

Yes, I know there’s much more to the story, but for this moment may I suggest we pause and slip into Peter and John’s sandals and meditate. Let the emotions of this moment make a mark in my heart, O Lord.

I know I can’t bear the pain they felt, nor would I really want to if somehow I could, but I do want to sense the weight of the moment. If I could, then perhaps my heart would truly break for those who are far from Christ. If I could look into the faces of the eleven men and a number of women that filled that small space, maybe then I would be able to hear Your voice. Perhaps even my heart would break for the least, the lost, and the lonely.

It’s cold outside. I know people are sleeping on the ground. You know people sleeping behind dumpsters. Sure, they’ve made mistakes, battle mental giants and perhaps addictions, but they are people.

Perhaps worse, it’s cold inside. Hearts of stone that need to melt. Warm our hearts O Lord, and show us what we should do next. Please be patient as I stumble and fall, still chasing demons that haunt me from the past, failures that I hold onto. One by one, show me how to wrestle them to the ground, then release them to You.

The tomb is empty. What happens next was impossible.

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John: Jesus Crucified

Read John 19:16-42

If you think my previous post regarding Pilate’s problem exonerated his actions, make sure you read the first part of this passage carefully.

19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 22Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” John 19:19-22

Pilate gave orders to have the sign posted and translated to make sure everyone could read it, “What I have written, I have written.” He was not an innocent political puppet. He twisted the knife himself.

I’m not gloating in the least; I’m actually very sad for his words and actions. The soldiers follow orders. Just another day at their post in Jerusalem. I wonder if this was one of “those” assignments you get in the military, one of the despised places where you have to deal with super religious people.

John records very few words from Jesus during His crucifixion. I think it’s because he is overcome with emotion as he watches his friend, his master, his savior brutally tortured as a public spectacle. He recalls the moment when Jesus somehow had the strength to speak to His earthly mother Mary:

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” John 19:26-27a

John, the disciple whom He loved, was not far away, not hidden or in the shadows. He was there within eyesight of Jesus. He heard Jesus pass the baton to him, to take care of His mother. Obviously, Joseph is no longer with us. He must have died some time ago as he is not mentioned at all during Jesus’ years of ministry. As the eldest son in their family, Jesus assumed the role of patriarch. This made good sense, but it’s interesting that Jesus picked John to take His role. We know that James, the brother of Jesus, was somewhere and based on words John recorded earlier, he wasn’t the only sibling. So why pass the mantle to John?

John’s response is definitive. He will do as his master asked.

From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:27b

The Death of Jesus

As I mentioned earlier, John provided few words, perhaps the least required, to document the agonizing event.

28Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30

Let there be no doubt, Virginia, the body of Jesus was no longer alive, He was fully dead. Once again, Pilate enters the scene to expedite the savage spectacle by having the soldiers remove the carcasses from the wooden structures. I know that sounds crass, but I think that’s how they viewed their jobs. These weren’t people, these were less than humans that deserved to be brutally beaten in an effort to teach the public a lesson. Beyond sad.

The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. John 19:35

The man who saw it. I’m pretty sure this is John, once again diverting attention from himself to that which is more important.

he testifies so that you also may believe.

Later, as Luke records, when Jesus “opens their minds to the Scriptures“ they will understand the precise reason for each action that happened on this day. John will add his notes to highlight the most significant points.

The Burial of Jesus

We’re not quite done with Pilate. Once again, there is interaction with the governor. This time a wealthy Jew who hid his relationship with Jesus somehow approached Pilate:

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. John 19:38

Joseph came with Nicodemus. Remember his interaction with Jesus back in chapter 3? Make sure you look at the additional comment I added to this post based on a video I watched by Rich Mullins.

Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. John 19:40

It was certainly Jewish customs that motivated them to wrap the body of Jesus, but it’s odd that these two prominent men would do the work. They would certainly be declared unclean by touching a dead body and thus be self-eliminated from any of the Passover feasts.

I don’t think they even gave that one thought. They took care of the one they loved without regard to rules or regulations. They stepped across the line of comfort and tradition and did what was right. There was no show, no spectacle or scene for those to see. John comforted Mary as best he knew how while their friends, Joseph and Nicodemus, took care of the difficult business of laying Jesus’s body in a tomb.

The end. So they thought.

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John: Pilate’s Problem

Read John 18:28-19:16

I’m writing this post the day after International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2019. Honestly, I didn’t know there was such an event, but I am certainly moved to remember the atrocities committed against our Jewish brothers, sisters, moms, and dads. They weren’t killed by some supernatural phenomena, each person was corralled and killed by another human being, one who was out of touch with reality. I don’t want to be one of those who forgets; I’m sure you don’t either. Here’s an article from NPR that covered the story.

Perhaps you’re asking, why would I bring this up in light of the reading set before us today? I might be going out on a shaky limb, but the Roman occupation during the days of Jesus seems to bear the fingerprint of the Nazi invasion centuries later. Not the same, I get that but look at the DNA. More to the point, look at the common soldier or regiment commander that was “just doing his job.” This is Pilate’s problem.

Do I sympathize with Pilate? No. Please don’t get me wrong. He had the opportunity to dismiss Jesus and the Jews for their irrelevant arguments. Pilate could have simply ignored their request. Those who were in charge at Auschwitz could have ignored their orders as well if they were willing to put their own lives on the line. In my mind, there were two kinds of Nazi soldiers, those who were relieved when the Allied Troops liberated the camps and those who were angry. Both were wrong to do what they did, but I can understand the former much better than the latter group.

John’s narrative invites us to see Pilate as one who was trying to avoid doing what the Jews wanted. Look at these verses:

  • Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” — John 18:31
  • “I find no basis for a charge against him…” [Bible]John 18:38[/bible]
  • “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” John 19:4
  • As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him. John 19:6
  • From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting John 19:12
  • Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. John 19:16

The tension in this story is immense. The Jewish leaders finally got up the nerve to act on Judas’ betrayal, they were not about to back down now. The mock trial by Annas and Caiaphas are done, they march Jesus to the governor’s palace. As we read the beginning of the passage today, take note of their Jewish leaders’ concern for their laws above the life of Jesus:

By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. John 18:18

These men handed Jesus over to be killed, then went home to celebrate God’s provision — The Passover. In their minds, somehow, they remained clean. To be clear, they presented Jesus to Pilate for one purpose: to have Him killed by crucifixion. There was no other reason for their actions. Pilate knew this quite clearly.

John records the interaction between Pilate and Jesus in the following verses. I’m confident there were many that heard the exchange and talked about it for days, perhaps to try and void themselves of guilt. That’s just my guess, but I don’t think I’m out of bounds.

Take a moment and read John 18:33-37. Pay particular attention to the conclusion and Pilate’s question that follows:

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. John 18:37-38

What is Truth?

Now we know the core issue, the root cause of the problem. Pilate can’t recognize truth when it is right in front of him. Neither could the Nazi commanders. Neither can the Planned Parenthood staff. While these groups are easily recognizable, the question really is this: can we see the truth? How about the 3rd-grade teacher that everybody loves? The pastor of the successful church down the road? Have we become so comfortable that we might join the masses that shout:

“No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising. John 18:40

And when we see Him paraded in front of us, would we react as expected? Will we puff up our chests and show the world how mighty we are?

And they slapped him in the face. John 19:3

This is profound. These people looked in the eyes of Jesus, stood within an arm’s reach of Him then took the initiative to raise their hand with a swift motion to slap Him in the face. No puppet strings attached. In their distorted minds, this somehow made sense.

Caught up in the moment, anonymous faces in the sea of people, they completely lost control of their humanity, let alone any memory of the One who healed the lame.

As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” John 19:6

In our world, we will find such disdain for human life and dignity expressed in many forms. It might be disguised as a law passed in New York or a gunshot in the dark of night, but evil is alive and well. As I safely press the button that opens the gate to my neighborhood, lock the door to the garage as the door closes, I wonder if I’m safe or if I’m just sticking my head in the sand.

On one hand, I don’t want to be blinded by the evil that is present, but on the other, I don’t want to be consumed by it either. Where’s the balance? If I pray like Elisha to have my eyes opened, do I really want to see? His servant was able to see the host of those that surrounded Elisha. My fear is we would only see evil. Ah, that’s the word: fear. As Elisha might say, why are we so afraid?

Why was Pilate so afraid? How about the Nazi captain at Auschwitz? What is the Planned Parenthood physician thinking about? They are all blind and it is our mission to reveal the truth that we absolutely know is real. Don’t we?

Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” John 19:10-11

The headlines read, Pilate Killed Three on a Hill. It was a story that ran in the back of the paper. It wasn’t news. Like the obits, they rarely make the front page. Just another day in the life of a Roman conqueror. But this wasn’t the end of the story. The greater sin was committed by those who knew better.

My prayer for you, if you’ve actually read to this point, is that you will recognize the truth when you see it, that I would know as well. We have Jesus with us, The Advocate lives in us. Elisha had the ability to see it all around.

Lord open our eyes to see that Your strength far outweighs the evil that invades our world. Let us be audaciously courageous! Remind us daily that Your power is far greater than that of the Deceiver.

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John: Jesus Arrested

Read John 18:1-14

Chapters 18 and 19 of John’s gospel rather briefly cover the events of Jesus’s arrest, mock trial by Jewish leaders, interaction with Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, and burial. We begin with John’s version of the events surrounding His arrest. It’s pretty different from the Synoptics.

I Am He

In typical fashion, Jesus neither hides nor avoids confrontation. After the incredible prayer recorded in the last chapter, Jesus heads to a favorite spot, a place the disciples knew well. Including Judas. The stage is set and Judas shows up on time. Of course, Jesus is not surprised, but the disciples had no idea what was going on. As we make our way through the beginning of these two chapters, John recorded the phrase “I Am he” three times in just four verses:

  • They’re looking for Jesus of Nazareth, He says “I am he” – [Bible]John 18:5[/bible]
  • John repeats the phrase in the next verse – John 18:6
  • The soldiers repeat they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, so Jesus provides an answer and a demand.

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” John 18:8-9

Peter’s reaction is aggressive and brazen, he cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus. John joins Matthew and Mark by not resolving the issue; only Luke did, “And he touched the man’s ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51).

Before we move on, it’s interesting to note that when Jesus said, “I am he,” the soldiers withdrew and fell to the ground, as if He was a warrior of some kind. I wonder what Judas told them before they got there.

Jesus takes charge and calms everyone down.

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” John 18:11

In a phrase, Jesus tries to remind them that He knew this was going to happen, it’s the story He tried to tell them from the beginning. Now they’re seeing it played out in front of their eyes.

The entourage that surrounds Jesus is impressive. You would think they’ve finally caught an escaped felon or notorious murderer they way they handle this situation.

Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. John 18:12-13

It took a detachment of soldiers, a commander, and some Jewish officials to oversee His arrest in the middle of the night. I once heard a retired Navy Captain explain the significance of the timing of His arrest. He explained it was the third watch, between midnight and 3 a.m. when the group showed up to arrest Jesus. Few were out and about at that time of night. Remember, there were no streetlights. This was a dark hour of the night.

I can only assume they bound Jesus because it was procedural, that’s just how they arrested people. He was first seen by Annas, a man of great influence for sure, but not actually in charge of anything at the time. Not much has changed in our modern age. Often people in positions of authority, Caiaphas in this story, are under the influence of others. They may hold the title and position, but others are calling the shots. So we see the same here. I wonder how much we have grown as a society, other than technology.

John reminds us of the prophetic words of Caiaphas:

Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people. John 18:14

Prophetic indeed, but not the way Caiaphas thought. In his mind, killing Jesus would squash the rebellion. He was misled and misguided along with many others. Not many details are offered in John’s gospel writing. Perhaps this is to underscore the idea that there really wasn’t much worth writing about. Their accusations were unfounded and their intentions well known.

Lord, help us to be better people, to lead well. Forgive us for biases that cause us to miss that which is right in front of our eyes. Thank you for your words here as we read the story. Help us to feel the weight.

 

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John: Jesus Prays for All Believers

Read John 17:20-26

And then this happened. Jesus, the Son of God, the great I Am, prays that we would all be in unity with Him. He who was with God at the beginning, who ministered with these men, lets them know His heartfelt desire to be one with us all. Jesus prays for us. I hope you’ll take the time to read this passage and let the words sink into your heart. Hear now the words of Jesus.

20 My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

Jesus prays that we may all be one, that we would all hear the message and cross the line of faith. The message must be presented and received for someone to believe. In other words, we must do something. Like any form of communication, it’s a two-sided coin: both sides are required.

When we accept Christ we are adopted into His royal family. That’s the promise we’ve all heard. This adoption comes with a promise along with great responsibility. This past week we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and heard many quotes from this incredible leader. One of my favorites is this:

Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

We have a responsibility to serve the body of Christ, to spread the message of the gospel, and invite others to join this family. The greatness we should seek begins with serving others. Sure, we need to tend to ourselves, but I believe that complete heart-change only happens when we serve others.

When we serve, with Jesus at the center, we will be unified in such a beautiful way that the world will stand up and take notice. The world will know what true love is all about. Far beyond physical attraction, true love can only be found in glorifying God with all we do.

Jesus appeals to God the Father on our behalf. He draws us to Himself.

Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. John 17:24

Even though the world is confused, we must be strong. Even when the world takes our earthly life away, we must be steadfast. Even in the face of opposition, slander, malice, evil of all sorts, we must continue to seek His glory first. Don’t expect the world to understand, much less appreciate what we’re doing.

Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them. John 17:25-26

Jesus promises to continue to make God known so that love will spread throughout the world.

We know this promise is true. It’s hard to imagine that at one point in time only eleven men heard this prayer. Standing there with Jesus, no one could believe that the world would be completely changed by a handful of mismatched men that called themselves disciples, brothers in faith. They had no Bible, they didn’t need one. They would soon be ejected from the synagogues, so they had little access to scripture. But their message was backed by conviction and fueled by the promise that Jesus made to continue with them in love.

No one bothered to ask how this would happen. We’ll see later that once the Holy Spirit came upon them, they would become unstoppable.

Lord, I hope and pray that we would take this prayer to heart and join in the unstoppable force that You put in motion some 2,000 years ago. Remind us, Holy Spirit, that You are alive and well in our daily walk. Inspire us to move in places that only make sense to You. And we will be sure to give you the glory! Amen.

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