Tag: ministry

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Practice Hospitality

The NIV translation of Romans 12:13 is quite appealing:

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

I love the idea that we are to practice hospitality. Years ago, I wanted to publish a magazine with the title, Practicing Parents. I kept the domain name for years, but alas, I never followed through on the idea. The concept came during the time we owned a Montessori School, and I interacted with lots and lots of parents. What I came to realize quite quickly was the term practice not only applies to doctors; it applies to parents as well. As much as we know, learn, and experience, it’s a constant reminder that we’re always improving. We’re practicing.

So it’s wonderful to think about the idea of practicing hospitality. We won’t always get it right, but that should not prevent us from trying one thing, then another. The simple idea here is to share with those in need. I would add, share with intentionality, not accidentally.

Bible Gateway’s online version of this verse is in a paragraph labeled Love in Action. It’s just a few verses to encourage and exhort; a great reminder to those who serve the least, the lost, and the lonely.

Love in Action

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

This morning I got to see this in action at Clean Start, a ministry that provides showers and laundry service for people living on the streets or without amenities we often take for granted. No cameras or spotlights were involved, just beautiful volunteers caring for those who have so little. Watching Norene hug someone who was beaten up a few nights ago touch my heart. Her sincere concern for Tanya was evident. Just one example of love in action that happens without fanfare.

Now it’s your turn. May God bless you in immeasurable ways for loving others with sincerity. I pray for opportunities today, and I hope we won’t miss that which is right in front of us.

 

 

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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 Has the Son Has Life

Read 1 John 5:5-12

Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5

Have you ever considered the idea that you should overcome the world? In just a few verses, John plants the seed that we can move beyond worldly vices and issues. Perhaps that’s an understatement. John conveys the imagery that those who are born of God, those who have been adopted into His family, have overcome the world — past tense. This isn’t up for debate. But what does it mean? I’m glad you asked!

The world in this context is an artifact of our brokenness, our lustful desire for things of this world: money, power, fame, sex, drugs, food, possessions, and all the trappings that go along with these things. When we were reborn in Christ, we gained the power to move beyond all of these worldly desires. As we read in the verses just before the one above, our loyalty has shifted from chasing personal pleasure to a deep joy for loving God. The only barrier we have to leap over is one of belief in Jesus.

Water and Blood

John’s explanation of who Jesus is includes the phrase “water and blood” three times in the next three verses:

6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 1 John 5:6-8

The strength of John’s apologetic argument here is that three witnesses testify in complete agreement — Jesus is the One who fulfilled the prophecies in water and blood, but what does that mean? And why use this phrase three times?

There are at least two essential facets to discuss. I’ll take the easiest first, then dive into the second.

In Judaism, there is a requirement for two or three witnesses for any trial (see Deuteronomy 19:15). The mere fact that the reference for witnesses is way back in Deuteronomy is important to consider. This wasn’t just a law; this was part of their life for literally hundreds of years. Unlike our self-contained world of internet browsers and secured homes, the people of John’s day lived in community. Each person’s actions were visible, or at least they had a much greater opportunity to be seen by others. John makes the point that there are three who come forward as witnesses. Case closed, in his mind.

The water represents Jesus’ baptism, and the blood points to His crucifixion. These two bookends are vitally important. Historians tell us that John is writing to his congregation to dispel heretics of his day, namely the Gnostics. This group denied the incarnation of Jesus. Incarnation is significant, even if it’s hard to understand! Jesus was both God and human at the same time. The Gnostics maintained that the Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism, but left Him at Golgatha. From their point of view, Jesus was a man before baptism and upon crucifixion.

The NIV Study Bible notes help explain the importance:

Throughout this letter John has been insisting that Jesus Christ is God as well as man (1:1-4; 4:2, 5:5). He now asserts that is was this God-man Jesus Christ who came into our world, was baptized and dies. Jesus was the Son of God not only at his baptism, but also at his death (v. 6b). This truth is extremely important, because, if Jesus dies only as a man, his sacrificial atonement (2:2, 4:10) would not have been sufficient to take away the guilt of human sin.

I can’t begin to understand the motivation behind the Gnostics point of view except to consider they simply could not believe Jesus was who He claimed. They created a doctrine to support their flawed belief, and many were being drawn to this perspective. As humans, we tend to listen to those we can see and hear before we latch onto faith in that which is unseen. John puts it this way:

We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 1 John 5:9

Before we cross our arms and say, “the Bible said so,” we need to remember that John was an eyewitness to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Those that speak against the incarnation of Jesus and the sufficiency of His sacrifice did not know Jesus the way John knew Him. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, John knew there was something incredibly special about Jesus, but once he had breakfast on the beach (John 21:12, Luke 24:40-43, Acts 10:41), he was radically changed.

John’s Gospel account is very different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, in many ways he zeroes in on a much shorter timeframe of Jesus’ ministry to help us focus on the significance and the reality of who Jesus really was. When John talks about God’s testimony here, he has no doubt that Jesus was fully God and fully man, the Son of God. This makes me jump back to Job 40 where God finally speaks. Job gets it. How about us?

John summarizes his point rather bluntly:

Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 1 John 5:10

There are only two groups of people in the world: those who believe and those who do not. There is no in-between.

The conclusion is amazing:

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:12

Which side of the line do you stand? How about the person sitting next to you?

Eternal life is not ours to offer or give to anyone — the choice belongs to God, and it is between God and every individual on earth. Those of us who have made the choice to accept Christ have the honor to be His witnesses. We get to lean on the shoulders of John, Paul, Luke, and others. We don’t quote the Bible at a non-believer; rather, we learn from those who have gone before us so we can love people better.

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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: Light, Darkness, Sin, and Forgiveness

Read 1 John 1:5-2:2

John set the stage in the preamble to his brief letter; now he dives right into the problem of sin. While the topic is undoubtedly timeless, it is essential to consider those who would be reading this letter in the first century. Their view of God is probably a lot different than ours, but He is the same. And so we bounce back and forth from ancient to modern, an exercise that’s worth the effort. I’m trying to read the letter from both perspectives to get a better understanding of how this applies to us today.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

The idea of light versus darkness is significant. When John wrote this letter, there were no light switches. Even in our modern age, bad things tend to happen more frequently in the dark of night than in broad daylight, though the latter is possible. I’m hoping to have a Ride-Along with our local police department soon, 12 hours of darkness to learn about our city from the dark side.

God is light, not a statue or some engraved image. In this instance, the right answer begins with, because Jesus said so. John will explain a bit further, but he recalls one of the major themes Jesus made clear during His earthly ministry. Light is pure. It’s not possible to have darkness within the light. Sure, are brighter than others, but the presence of light eliminates darkness.

Fellowship With God

The concept of being in fellowship with God is incredible. If we fully believe that He is the creator of the universe, immortal, invincible, all powerful, all knowing, how can we casually read over this next verse?

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:6-7

Would you like to have fellowship with God? Honestly, outside of the walls of the church or circle of Christian friends, what does that mean? In my mind, the concept of fellowship is a two-way street. We are each contributing our part to the relationship. It’s a mutual friendship. Honestly, that’s elevating me way above what I deserve, but this is what Jesus said He wanted.

We have the opportunity to walk in the light, to do what is right by following His example. John’s not afraid to call us out, though. If we put on the badge that claims we are following Christ but continue sinning, we are lying. We are liars. The truth is not in us. The fellowship will not last if we say one thing while doing another.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

Brothers and sisters, do not be deceived. Hear this amazing news that John preached over and over again:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I’ve often though our Catholic friends were onto something when they created the confessional. I’m not sure how it works, but the idea of being able to speak our sins out loud to a human that cares about our relationship with Christ is a beautiful thought. The key, however, isn’t found in our earthly relatives. Jesus is faithful and just and forgives our sins. He went to the cross to bear the burden and purify us.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2

The whole world is put back in harmony with God through the blood of Jesus. We can enjoy fellowship when we follow His commands. The idea of koinonia can become real, and when it does, people will want to be a part of the family. They will go out of their way to figure out what we’re up to and how to get in on the action. Not by our elaborate productions, but by our love. We’ll see this theme of love unfold in John’s writing to the early church.

Lord help us to be a body of believers that love each other, that confesses to one another, that forgives and moves forward. Teach us how to love the way you showed us. And we will give You all the glory!

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John: Peter is Reinstated by Jesus

Read John 21:15-25

Breakfast on the beach with Jesus continues from the previous story. The early morning fishing expedition that seemed like a rout turned out to be fantastic because of Jesus. That shouldn’t be surprising. When Jesus is in the middle of anything we do, we should expect amazing results. This time is no different. This time, however, we get a bonus.

Peter is sitting next to His master, or perhaps Jesus walks up to Peter to begin the conversation.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15

In this compelling question, Peter is asked to examine his heart. Think about it, what are these? Jesus is there with Peter looking at the spectacular catch of fish. On the one hand, if he could do this every day, he could become quite wealthy. But Jesus asks him a question that cuts through the trappings of success and fortune. Do you love Jesus more than success and money?

I’m just guessing that Jesus let the thought linger for some time before asking again. After all, the three denials from a few days ago took some time to unravel Peter.

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” John 21:16

Peter doesn’t hesitate, though it’s unlikely he understands or appreciates the significance of the question.

The third time hurts. I think Peter is exasperated when he responds:

“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” John 21:17

Jesus finally elaborates.

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:17b-19

Peter thought about the words of his Master and accepted their significance. However, his humanity continues to appear. Here is one of the things I love about the way John crafts the story. Peter looks around at the men enjoying the feast and picks out John.

“Lord, what about him?” John 21:21

Seriously Peter, what are you thinking? Jesus’ reply gives us some great insight to consider:

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:22

In a meeting a few weeks ago, a friend who has an amazing post-incarceration ministry gave me some great advice: stay in your lane. The John in my personal story knows firsthand what it’s like to be distracted by others. They can lead you into trouble, to be sure, but worse, they can cause you to take your eyes off of the One who is calling your name.

When Jesus calls you and me, He is calling us as our Lord and Master. If we follow this story, we would be wise to do that which Jesus is calling us to do. Whatever that is and wherever that leads.

Hear the words of Jesus:

Do you love me?

Feed my lambs.

Take care of my sheep.

Feed my sheep.

Follow me.

One More Thing

Before we close the chapter and the Gospel according to John, we have one last reminder (this is really the last reminder).

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25

As we ponder the words of Jesus, our Lord, our Master, consider the words from this old hymn:

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

May the words inspire you to love all those around you from the greatest to the least.

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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: Grief Will Turn to Joy

Read John 16:16-33

The disciples still don’t quite understand what Jesus is telling them. While they have faith that one day it will all make sense, at this point in the story they are following without knowing what will come next. Jesus explains that He will go away and come back in “a little while.” Those who knew Him best couldn’t fully understand what this meant. He sees their grief, their pain. His response is soothing for my soul and I pray it will minister to you.

How long is “a little while?” Please don’t ask me to put add an appointment on my calendar for what this means! I’m with the disciples:

They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” John 16:18

In my wild imagination, I see John sitting there alone with paper and quill as the Holy Spirit reminds him of the hours leading to Jesus’ betrayal and arrest. With perfect clarity, John recalls the moment when they were struggling to get their minds around the concept. Just how long is a little while? It’s troubling and Jesus knows it.

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. John 16:20-21

Jesus chooses to compare their experience to a woman giving birth to a child. When I first read this I thought it was odd that He would use such an analogy, but then I thought about it a bit more. It’s a perfect comparison. As a husband and father, I know my wife endured labor and delivery for our four children. I was there for 3 of the 4 deliveries (thanks to the military) and watched as she withstood the pain associated with delivering our beautiful daughters.

I know it was hard, but I can’t actually know the pain. Very soon they will watch Jesus endure the cross. Their pain will be great, they would know grief like never before. In my imagination I see tears forming in their eyes. They’re listening to their Master and have an intuitive sense that He is speaking words of finality. They are beginning to sense a heaviness they can’t bear alone.

Here’s the key point I hope you’ll appreciate here: Jesus doesn’t shy away from grief. He doesn’t shrug it off as a useless emotion that hides a lack of faith, knowledge, or wisdom. Grief is a human emotion that Jesus, God Incarnate, knows and understands. One of the many reasons He came and walked on earth in human form.

Instead of telling them to simply paste a smile on and quote Paul with words like, “all things God works for the good,” Jesus embraces their grief. He wades into the turbulent water and holds His brothers tight, then gives them this amazing promise:

Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

My prayer is that my words help to highlight the significance of this incredible promise:

no one will take away your joy

Keep on reading, Jesus isn’t done yet!

Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:23-24

Jesus tells His closest friends on earth that He’s leaving and though they will grieve on that day, this is the best possible scenario for building His kingdom on earth. Have you ever asked yourself this question: Is my joy complete? If not, why is that? Have I heard, yet refuse to fully believe? Take a few minutes to wrestle with that thought for a while, then read the rest of this passage.

Not only did He promise the Advocate would come, but He also gives them this rather impossible idea:

In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. John 16:26-27

God the Father loves you because you have loved Jesus.

This is amazing and wonderful, but John’s memory isn’t quite complete. I’m thinking that Jesus saw their faces light up, their tears wiped away. They get it! They have no doubt they love Jesus. They’ve been doing ministry with Him for the past three years. Yes! This is great! Their response is predictable:

This makes us believe that you came from God. John 16:30

Oops! Who said that! John didn’t point a finger, but my guess is either Peter or Thomas let the words slip out. Jesus looks at them with one of those expressions that said, “Oh, I see, now you believe…hmmm”

From the high to the low, Jesus has some final words in this section to keep them humble, to keep us all humble.

“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:31-33

With those words, John puts the quill down. When he picks it up again we will hear a prayer that I think is the most significant prayer in the Bible. That’s the next chapter. For now, how did these words make you feel? The rollercoaster ride from grief to complete joy comes to a sudden halt with the idea that they will be scattered, they will abandon Jesus at just the wrong time.

I don’t know about you, but I’m worn out chasing these thoughts going up and down. In essence, Jesus tells us that we are loved, we will have complete joy in Him, in spite of our faults and mistakes. Yes, we are all sinners, but He knows that. Take heart! Jesus has overcome the world. He has all the grace you need this day.

Lord, may we fall into your arms each and every day knowing that you see our missteps and love us anyway. I pray that we would believe and in that belief, our joy would be complete. I’m completely confident that when that joy enters our hearts, the world will want in on the action. When they ask, give us the strength, courage, and humility to point them to Jesus.

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John: Unless I Go, the Advocate Will Not Come

Read John 16:4-15

In the previous post, we made a special note about the timing of the message. Jesus waited until the time was right to tell the Eleven this important revelation. The disciples have to know something significant is going on. We don’t have such caveats elsewhere.

I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. John 16:4

“Their time” refers to those who will absolutely oppose what the disciples are doing. Have no doubt guys, there are extremely difficult times to come in your near future.

As a retired military guy, I can recall similar words of assurance as we sent squadrons into battle during Operation Desert Storm. We didn’t know how it was going to turn out. The threat of chemical warfare made everyone very tense. One of the things the military does as you line up to board the aircraft is a legal check: make sure your will is updated. We literally have attorneys available because we don’t know who is coming back. This is the feeling I get when I imagine Jesus talking to His disciples. Somber and yet assured.

Jesus continues to offer words of assurance:

I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. John 16:4-5

Essentially, Jesus, the commander is telling them: You’re about to go into a battle where I will not be present in this physical form. Back to the military reference, we train and equip soldiers, sailors, and airmen for battle, but the burden is on the shoulders of the few who actually engage in the fight.

Jesus asks a rhetorical question as He anticipates their thoughts. Their concern is not so much about where He is going, they trust Him completely. The problem that Jesus is addressing is their heavy hearts. He knows they’re troubled. For the last 1,000 days they’ve been doing ministry together, now He’s leaving. This is difficult on many levels.

None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.  John 16:5-7

I have to imagine that they struggled with the notion that it was better for them to have the Advocate rather than Jesus in person. I’m with the disciples! I’d rather have Jesus standing in front of me any day! Or would I? Am I so selfish that I want to position Jesus in the middle of my little world? Well, the truthful answer is definitely yes, I want to have Him to myself, my “personal” Lord and savior. It takes some incredible maturity and faith to accept what Jesus is saying here. He has to go away to allow the Holy Spirit to complete His mission.

This is all new information for the disciples and it’s new information for many people we meet in our daily walk. When the Holy Spirit comes, they will be equipped beyond their wildest imagination, but read this carefully:

8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. John 16:8-10

He is not coming to comfort you so much as paint a bullseye on your chest. From this point forward, we stand in the crosshairs of the world because we will have the dubious honor of exposing sin, righteousness, and judgment. Fellas, it’s about to get real here. Don’t expect a warm welcome to the synagogue in the future. When we talk about sin in God’s eyes, they won’t get it, yet that is what we must do.

Once we receive the Spirit, our eyes are opened to the truth that most cannot see or believe. The world will do its best to convince us otherwise. Perhaps it’s done a good job up to this point. If we buy into what the world is selling, it’s time to change our way of thinking.

Jesus recognizes their minds are full of questions and overburdened with thoughts. Perhaps their eyes are beginning to glaze over as they think about the endless possibilities.

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:12-15

Whew! That’s enough to process for one conversation, but I know Jesus hasn’t finished yet. John continues writing words of remembrance, carefully crafted words of assurance. I hope you’ll take some time and let these words challenge you personally while ministering to you fully.

Jesus knows about the battle that lies ahead. Rest assured the outcome is what He wants if we will lean on Him and trust Him completely. This is for my benefit, to be sure, but I’m already in the family. My focus is on those who find this difficult to believe and who have not been able to grasp the truth presented here. It helps to know the Advocate resides in me and those who have been adopted. The offer is on the table. Not my words or my guarantee: His.

 

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