pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Jesus


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Authority

Reading: Matthew 21:23-27

Matthew 21:23b – “What kind of authority do you have for going these things? Who gave you this authority?”

As we delve into our gospel reading today and tomorrow, we begin with some context. We are in the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. The triumphal entry that we know as “Palm Sunday” started off the week. Large crowds cheered and shouted praises, identifying Jesus as “the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus proceeds to the temple, where he tips over tables and chairs, causing a ruckus in this “hideout for crooks.” Jesus then heals the blind and the lame right there in the temple. The children run around, continuing the excitement of the palm parade, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

The next day, as Jesus entered the temple, the religious leaders asked him, “What kind of authority do you have for going these things? Who gave you this authority?” Jesus sees right through their hypocrisy. They’re more concerned about maintaining their place of authority, the status quo, and the side hustle selling and buying in God’s house. Jesus turns their question back on them, substituting John the Baptist as the focus of where true authority comes from. The religious leaders are afraid to answer. Either answer will take away some of their earthly authority. So they act like politicians, saying what they need to say to maintain their status and power.

Even against those with real earthly power, Jesus stood on the power and truth of God. The religious leaders were not willing to accept Jesus for who he was because it would cost them socially, politically, and economically. When our faith and the actions that it leads us to cause us to be questioned, challenged… may we too stand firmly on God’s power and truth. This is the source of true authority.

Prayer: Lord God, when our faith has led us to stand or speak against an injustice or to give voice and power to the oppressed and marginalized, encourage and strengthen us when those with power over question or move against us. Be present to us in Spirit. Fill us with the words to speak and with the conviction to stand. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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To Love and Sacrifice…

Reading: Philippians 2:5-13

Philippians 2:7 – “But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings.”

Photo credit: Jean Wimnerlin

As we read on in Philippians 2 today, Paul uses an existing Christian hymn to illustrate what Jesus’ humility was like. This kind of humility is what we are to imitate. Jesus was fully God and therefore could have used his power to do anything. Placing himself on the throne and/or wiping away the Romans and the Jewish religious leaders would be examples of how Jesus could have exploited his power. It is how many in positions of power today would exploit or wield their power.

In verse 7 we read, “But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings.” Jesus emptied himself of his divinity to become fully human, to become like you and me. He stepped away from heaven and glory, setting aside the throne beside God, in order to give himself for us. Jesus became a “slave” to God’s will and way, revealing what true obedience to the Father looks like. In his ministry, he gave and gave and gave and gave himself away, always thinking of others, always “watching out for their own good.” And at the end of his earthly life, Jesus poured himself out even further, going to the cross to open the way of salvation to us. The depth of this pouring out is hard to understand. Why would Jesus pour himself out so completely? Love. The answer is love.

As hard as it is to wrap our heads around this depth of love and sacrifice, we are asked to imitate it. We’re charged with the task of loving and being like Jesus. Add to this challenge the fact that some days we simply do not feel like we can love at all, and it feels nearly impossible to love and sacrifice like Jesus did. Turning to verse 13, though, we get the good news: “God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.” Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, what great love you have for us that you would set aside the glory of heaven to come to this earth. And to take on flesh. We’d be deeply upset with these changes. But you lived into them, loving and giving of yourself in all ways possible. Walk with us, live in us, lead and guide us as we strive to imitate you, your love, and your sacrificial life. Amen.


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Deep Unity

Reading: Philippians 2:1-4

Philippians 2:2 – “Complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with one another.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

As we turn to our Epistle reading for this week, Paul invites the people that make up the church in Philippi to imitate Christ. He is writing to a group of people that he knows well. On his first missionary journey he founded a church there, sharing Jesus with them. He stopped in during his second missionary journey a few years later, offering further teaching and encouragement. Chapter 2 begins with an “if” statement. Having spent so much time with these folks, this is more of a reminder than a guess. Paul knows that they have been encouraged and comforted by their faith. He knows that they have shared food and other resources with one another.

Paul then invites them to lean even more into these blessings of the faith so that they can know and experience a deeper faith. He writes, “Complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with one another.” This community of faith will bring joy to their founder if they continue to grow in Christ, working together in their common mission and ministry. To live and be this way is essential as the world creeps in and as challenges arise – ridicule, persecution, isolation… If they stay united in Christ, having Jesus’ heart and mind, they will get through the hard times and the challenges, and they will be bonded together with stronger ties.

In verses 3 and 4, Paul focuses on the key to unity and to working together: humility. In times of challenge and trial, it is natural to first think of self-preservation and then to act on these instincts. Paul encourages another line of thought. He encourages those in the church to think of others first. Yes, you matter. But “watch out for what is better for others.” When we consistently put others before ourselves, we build bonds and relationships that can weather the worst of the inevitable challenges that will surely come. In this place of love, we become people willing to sacrifice for one another. From this place of deep unity, we can overcome all obstacles and we can do great things for Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of your love, draw us together. As we live together in faith, draw us deeper into relationship with one another. As our relationships deepen, Lord, create in us a desire to lift the other, to care for the other, to give of ourselves to benefit the other. Walk with us and work though us, O God, to build the kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.


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Generous

Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Matthew 20:16 – “So those who are last will be first. And those who are first will be last.”

Returning to the parable of the workers in the vineyard, today we focus on the landowner’s response to the grumbling of those who thought they were first. The landowner reminds them first of their agreement. They are asked to take what is theirs and to go. The landowner asserts that it is their right to give as they want to give. The parable itself ends with this question: “Or are you resentful because I’m generous?” As I read this ending today, I am reminded of connections to these stories of Jesus: the story of the rich man and Lazarus and the story of the thief on the cross.

Shifting from story teller to teacher, Jesus says, “So those who are last will be first. And those who are first will be last.” The ones who think they deserve more grace, more of God’s love, a better place at the table… will be and often are upset, disappointed, saddened when someone who hasn’t been as faithful, who hasn’t served as much, or who is clearly a greater sinner receives the same grace, love, forgiveness… from God. It is hard to reckon in our human hearts and minds that such as these might need to be lifted from “last” more than those who already know and receive God’s love…

There is also a call for us to be more like the landowner. In this life there are times when we can be generous with our money or with our time, talents, and other resources. Surely we’ll help a good friend in a time of need. But are we as quick to help that grumpy neighbor or that ornery co-worker? These who we see as “last” maybe should be “first” when it comes to the living out of our faith. And this would not primarily be for their benefit.

Prayer: Lord God, we are quick to receive when you love, forgive, encourage, or lift us up. We’re even grateful when a family member or good friend receives from you. Help us to be at least as grateful when one considered the least is also blessed. And with this gratitude, lead us to be generous with our love, grace, forgiveness… Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Comparing and Contrasting

Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Matthew 20:12 – “These who were hired last worked one hour, and they received the same pay as we did even though we had to work the whole day in the hot sun.”

We end our week with the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The story begins with a landowner hiring workers at 6 am. It is harvest time, so extra workers are needed. He agrees to pay them a denarion for a day’s labor – 12 hours. As work progresses throughout the day, the landowner keeps thinking he needs a few more workers to complete the harvest. So at 9 am, noon, 3 pm, and even at 5 pm he hires more workers. The landowner agrees to pay each group “whatever is right.” Some will work 9 hours, some 6, some 3, and some will work just 1 hour.

The work day ends and the landowner instructs his manager to give the workers their wages – starting with those who worked one hour. They and everybody else receives a denarion. Only the workers who actually agreed to work for a denarion are upset about their pay. They grumble against the landowner, saying, “These who were hired last worked one hour, and they received the same pay as we did even though we had to work the whole day in the hot sun.” This seems so unfair, so unjust in their minds.

At times we too can struggle with the grace, generosity, love… that God gives to others. By comparison we think we are more faithful, harder working, and, therefore, are more deserving of these free gifts from God. We grumble – always to ourselves and sometimes to God – about how unfair or unjust it all is. In these moments, may we remember that we are all on our own unique journeys of faith and that we all receive just what we need from our loving, generous, good God.

Prayer: Lord God, in those moments when we are tempted to compare and contrast ourselves with others, remind us first that we have an audience of one: you. And then remind us, O God, of the abundant love, grace, mercy, and more that you abundantly pour into our lives. Amen.


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Together

Reading: Philippians 1:21-30

Philippians 1:27 – “Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.”

Paul writes the letter to the Philippians from prison in Rome. He awaits trial before Caesar. He has found opportunities to share Christ even there. His example of faithful witness has led other believers to speak more boldly and with greater courage. Paul hopes that this continues to be the case for him and for his ministry. And in this dire situation, there is no fear of death. There is no desperation to continue living this life. There is hope.

In verse 21 Paul expresses his wrestling with life, faith, and death: “Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better.” Yes, part of Paul longs to go to heaven, to see Jesus Christ face to face once again. As he unpacks this tension, Paul comes to understand that it is better for him to “stay in this world for your sake.” Through his ministry, the gospel is spreading. He is still effective. People in Rome, Philippi, and other communities are “progressing” in their faith and are finding joy in Christ.

Paul then shifts from himself to his fellow believers in verses 27-30. His summary statement comes in verse 27: “Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” Paul is referring here to living like Jesus in their/our public, visible life. He is encouraging believers to allow their faith to be evident – not just in church but everywhere, all the time. The apostle is also stressing the importance of unity in the community of faith. We are to be unified with “one mind and spirit” (of Christ.) Living a connected faith, they and we are able to “stand firm” and together to experience the “privilege” of both believing in and suffering for Christ. The walk of faith is not always easy. But together – with Jesus Christ and with one another – we can experience the joys and the growth in our faith that come with striving forward side by side, day by day. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder to live a public, active faith. It is in community that we find the opportunity to practice grace, mercy, forgiveness, welcome… Work in and through us, O God, drawing others into a relationship with Jesus and into our communities of faith, where support, encouragement, connection, and accountability are found. Amen.


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Extravagant Forgiveness

Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 18:26 – “Please be patient with me, and I’ll pay you back.”

Photo credit: Ben White

Our gospel story begins with what Peter thought was a generous offer of forgiveness. The number Peter placed on forgiving was seven times. The accepted norm in the Jewish religion was four. But Jesus’ response blows Peter’s offer out of the water. Jesus expands forgiveness, telling Peter that we must forgive up to 77 times. This is an extravagant amount of forgiveness – one so vast that we really cannot wrap our heads around it. To illustrate the need to forgive again and again and again and… Jesus tells a story. He begins with these words: “The kingdom of heaven is like…”

One day the king starts settling accounts. A servant is brought before him that owes “ten thousand bags of gold.” This would be worth millions upon millions of dollars today – a vast amount of money. The servant falls down and begs, saying, “Please be patient with me, and I’ll pay you back.” The king shoots right past patience, landing instead on compassion. The debt is forgiven. This extravagant amount of forgiveness is one we struggle to wrap our head around. It is almost unimaginable.

This man then goes out and runs into a fellow servant that owes him 100 coins – a relatively very, very small amount. He harshly demands repayment. The servant falls down and begs, saying, “Please be patient with me, and I’ll pay you back.” There is no patience. The second servant is thrown into jail. It’s hard labor until the debt is repaid. Their fellow servants are “deeply offended.” The king is informed and he hauls the first servant back in. He is reprimanded for his lack of grace and is thrown into debtor’s prison, basically forever. Jesus brings the story home with this reminder: “My heavenly father will also do the same with you if you don’t forgive a brother or sister from the heart.” Yes, Lord. May we be people of grace and forgiveness.

Prayer: Lord God, we experience such grace from you. We should be gushing grace back out into the world. Yet as abundant as your grace is with us, we can be pretty stingy with ours. Lord, open our hearts to the generosity of grace that is demanded in the kingdom of heaven as it is here on earth. Thank you. Amen.


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Living for Jesus

Reading: Romans 14:7-12

Romans 14:12 – “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

Pressing on in Romans 14, Paul declares that we do not live or die for ourselves. While this becomes truer and truer the longer we walk with Christ, there was a time in my life and probably in your life when this was not the reality. Even though I grew up in the church, during my late teen and college years I lived for self. My time, energies, and priorities were focused on pleasure, desires, and other things of this world. Over time, though, God drew me back into relationship and reoriented my focus. Yes, there are still days when that old self rises up and I become less than God created me to be. But now I am quicker to hear the Spirit that has always been there, drawing me back to God.

Living (or dying) for Christ is the focus of a life lived in faith. All that we think, say, and do becomes focused on pleasing God and bringing God the glory. As Paul continues to work to combat the judging going on in the church in Rome, he reminds them and us that “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” While this is very true, as we walk with Christ, we find that our “motivation” is not fear of condemnation, but is the joy and peace, the hope and contentment found in living for and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With these as the outcomes of living for Jesus, the temptations of this world fade. So when judgment or desire or another sin rises up, the Spirit that lives within us has greater voice and more power. Thanks be to God for the power and presence within us!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your grace that brings us back into your presence when we fall short. Thank you for your love that pursues us when we are lost in our sin. And thank you, Lord, for your steadfastness. You are always there for us. Amen.


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Present Always

Reading: Matthew 18:18-20

Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”

Continuing in Matthew 18 today, Jesus emphasizes the power of his presence. We experience Christ’s presence when we gather in his name, working together to reconcile a broken relationship. We are extending Christ’s presence when we seek to rebuild connection and when we continue to pursue wholeness even when the other person is resistant. In today’s reading we learn that because Jesus is with us in the reconciliation process, our decisions and actions are guided by the Holy Spirit’s presence. There is divine support for our decisions made and for our actions taken under the guidance and direction of Christ’s Spirit.

Jesus assures us that these things decided upon and prayed over in his name will be done by God. God will do God’s will reflective of our thinking, speaking, acting, and praying according to God’s will. When our efforts at conflict resolution include holy conferencing, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and a desire to restore and redeem what was broken, then God will work in and through us to bring healing and wholeness to our relationships and to our communities of faith. Unity is God’s plan.

Jesus reminds us of this unity in verse 20, saying, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.” As we undertake the holy work of reconciliation, Jesus is present in Spirit. And Jesus is present when we gather for worship, when we come together in fellowship, when we enter into a time of study or prayer as a small group, when we serve a meal to a school staff or to folks struggling with poverty… Yes, Jesus is always present to us when we gather in his name. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful for your Spirit that leads and guides us in all of life. We are especially grateful for the Spirit’s presence in our times of conflict and hurt. In these uncomfortable and often tense situations, lead and guide us to be people of love and grace, mercy and forgiveness, kindness and compassion. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Put on Christ

Reading: Romans 13:11-14

Romans 13:14 – “Dress yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t plan to indulge your selfish desires.”

As we press on in Romans 13, Paul adds the “why” and the “how” to the call to live out our obligation to love. In verse 11 and the first part of verse 12, Paul declares that “the hour has already come.” Whether talking about Jesus’ return or about the fact that one has professed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Paul states, “our salvation is nearer than when we first had faith.” Indeed – each day lived is one day closer to heaven. This is Paul’s “why.” As we do not know our last day, it is important to love well each and every day.

In the rest of verse 12 through verse 14, Paul addresses the “how” of fulfilling our obligation to love. Paul focuses mostly on their/our struggles. “Behave appropriately” sums up Paul’s instruction on holy and righteous living. He lists several “actions that belong to the darkness.” Maybe some of these resonate with you. Maybe your struggles with sin are in other areas. Many of our battles change as mature in our faith, but others remain constant “thorns” in our side.

Paul closes his thoughts with these instructions: “Dress yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t plan to indulge your selfish desires.” This image connects into the imagery of baptism. Entering the waters, one takes off the old self, repenting of sin. Emerging from the waters, one is cleansed, made new in Christ. If we daily clothe ourselves in Christ, we are making an intentional choice to live a good and holy life. This means we are not planning to satisfy our selfish wants. To close, John Wesley noted this concerning verse 14: “The apostle does not say, Put on purity and sobriety, peacefulness and benevolence; but he says all of this and a thousand times more at once, in saying, Put on Christ.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for bringing us one day closer to being with you in your glory. Walk with us today, leading and guiding us to step even closer this day. Keep us on your path. Guide us so that we do not stray. Lead us to daily clothe ourselves in Christ, empowering us to love you and all of our neighbors. Amen.