Category Archives: Encounter

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14. Brotherly Love

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Today, we are going to look at an Old Testament passage, which shows us the effect of a deep Godly compassion for fellow believers. We will follow these thoughts through next week in our next encounter with Jesus

Read the following passage and see what it has to tell us about love.

 2 Samuel 1:1,17-27

Photo by Alena Darmel: pexels.com

BACKGROUND TO BROTHERLY LOVE

Second Samuel chapter one is a record of a song David composed upon the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan in battle. David sang a song in memory of Saul and Jonathan, and he ordered his men to teach the song to everyone in Judah (2 Samuel 1:18).

To better understand this sad song we need a bit of background.

Settled in the Promised Land, for some time the children of Israel were governed by a series of judges. However, the nations around them were ruled by kings so they in effect went out on strike demanding that a king be appointed.

Samuel, who was both priest and judge, reluctantly took the matter to the Lord in prayer. The LORD answered: Samuel, do everything they want you to do. I am really the one they have rejected as their king (1 Samuel 8:7 CEV).

KING SAUL

Therefore, God revealed to Samuel that he was to anoint Saul son of Kish as Israel’s first king.

Initially, Saul was a godly king until, out of fear, he took upon himself the role of priest. Sometime later he disobeyed God’s instruction to “Go and attack the Amalekites! Destroy them and all their possessions ” (1 Samuel 15:3 CEV). Instead, Saul and his army let [King] Agag live, and they also spared the best sheep and cattle (Ibid. Verse 9).

Samuel informed King Saul, You refused to do what God told you, so God has decided that you can’t be king” (Ibid. Verse 23). The Lord chose David as king, although Saul remained in office for a while.

BROTHERLY LOVE

You are probably aware of the brotherly love that existed between David and Jonathan.  We read, When David came back from fighting Goliath (1 Samuel 17:57), David and Saul’s son Jonathan became best friends (1 Samuel 18:1) and David became one of Saul’s officers ( Ibid. Verse 5).

Jonathan liked David so much that they promised to always be loyal friends. As symbols of his love, Jonathan took off the robe that he was wearing and gave it to David. He also gave him his military clothes, his sword, his bow and arrows, and his belt. (1 Samuel 18:3,4 CEV).

David’s success in the battle aroused  Saul’s jealousy. After a particular battle they were welcomed back by the women singing, Saul has killed a thousand enemies; David has killed ten thousand enemies (Ibid. Verse 7)!!

From that time forward, Saul made numerous attempts to assassinate, David forcing him to go into exile. Scripture records how on two occasions David could have taken Saul’s life but his attitude was: Saul was appointed by God to be king and I have no right to dethrone him.

In light of the fact of David’s anointing as Saul’s successor, this is amazing.

DAVID’S SONG

Given this background, we can understand David’s sense of loss over Jonathan’s death. “Jonathan, I miss you most! I loved you like a brother. You were truly loyal to me, more faithful than a wife to her husband” (2 Samuel 1:26). But for David to include in this tribute song the words, It was easy to love Saul…(Ibid, Verse 23 CEV) to me is truly amazing.

Two important factors are revealed in this passage:

  1. It highlights the pure, brotherly love that David had for Jonathan. And no, this does not mean that theirs was a homosexual relationship, as some claim.
  2. And it displays David’s forgiving love for Saul, despite the hardships he experienced because of Saul’s jealousy.

How sincere and faithful is your love for your fellow believers?

How ready are you to forgive when others deliberately or unconsciously cause you deep heartache?

THE FRUITS OF BROTHERLY LOVE

We may never know the effect our love and friendship can have on someone else’s life. Click To Tweet

Many have come into a relationship with Jesus simply because a Christian showed them friendship and love, perhaps even when they didn’t feel it was deserved.

Jesus said This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples–when they see the love you have for each other.”( John 13:35 Msg)

Because we love Jesus we ought to be examples of brotherly, forgiving, love.

Andrew Lloyd Webber summed it up in the words of a song

“Love changes everything. Love will never let you be the same.”

In closing pray the following prayer, Lord what do you want me to do to demonstrate brotherly love for my fellow believers?

If you haven’t yet read the Introduction to Encounters with Jesus, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

Posted in Encounter

13. Make a Choice

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 Constantly throughout life, we are called upon to make a choice.

At times we get it right, but other times we make a wrong choice and have to suffer the consequences.

Can you think of a specific occasion when you made a wrong choice with dire consequences?

Image by Tumisu, from pixabay

FAR-REACHING CHOICES

Making a wrong choice can have far-reaching consequences.

  • An unwise choice of friendship could result in being led into unlawful activities.
  • Entering a business partnership with someone who is inclined to be involved in underhand business deals could land you in hot water.
  • Marriage to the wrong person could result in a very unhealthy, unhappy relationship.
  • A wrong career or job choice could cause dissatisfaction, frustration, or missing out on developing your God-given gifts.

Man’s inclination to make wrong choices has its roots right back in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve made a wrong choice when they decided to go with Satan’s advice and not observe God’s words of warning. As a consequence, sin was introduced into God’s perfect world. And as a result, the first couple were banished from the beautiful garden of Eden.

In our reading, we are introduced to a man who made a wrong choice. Read in your Bible, or follow along with this link.

Matthew 19: 16-26

RECAP

In this series of messages, we have been looking at people who had an encounter with Jesus which proved to be a life changer for them.

So far we have looked at:

In this session, we meet another unnamed man who made contact with the Messiah. In modern terms, one might call him John Doe.

What do we know about this man?

A CONCERNED MAN

This man had a very similar question to that raised by the lawyer. (Luke 10:25) “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?”  (Matthew 19:16b CEV)

Unlike the Sadducees who did not believe in life after death, this man sincerely believed that when this earthly life draws to a close eternal life awaits us. However, he also believed that eternal life was a reward that one received for having lived a good life.

So his question in effect was,” What good things do I need to do to be sure of eternal life?” He was looking to Jesus to provide him with a list of does and don’ts.

Unfortunately, there are many, both outside of, and also in the church, who are relying on living a good life to earn them a place in God’s kingdom.

ETERNAL LIFE

Paul reminds us in Ephesians,

“You were saved (for eternal life) by faith in God, . . .This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. (Ephesian 2:8,9 CEV)

Jesus picks up on the man’s use of the word ‘good’. “Why do you ask me about what is good?” No one can claim to be good. Don’t you know what the scriptures teach?

“Since the time of our ancestors, all of us have sinned.” (Ezra 9:7)

David the man after the heart of God humbly admitted,

“I have sinned and done wrong since the day I was born”. (Psalm 51:5)

Jesus added, “Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments.”

A CLEAN-LIVING MAN

In response to Jesus speaking about obeying the commandments, the man asks a further question. “Which ones?”

“Do not murder. Be faithful in marriage. Do not steal. Do not tell lies about others. Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself.” (Verses 18,19)

  • How do you score on these commandments?

With total confidence that he has lived a good life the man replied, “I have obeyed all of these. What else must I do?” Not a problem. I sincerely believe I can tick them all off, “What else must I do?”

Did you notice that Jesus had said nothing about the first five commandments which speak about one’s relationship with God?

  • Do not worship any god except me.
  • Do not make idols that look like anything in the sky or on earth or in the ocean under the earth.
  • Don’t bow down and worship idols. I am the LORD your God, and I demand all your love.
  • Do not misuse my name. I am the LORD your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name.
  • Remember that the Sabbath Day belongs to me. (Exodus 20:3-8)

This concerned clean-living man did not expect what came next, If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower.”

A RICH YOUNG MAN

This is not what he expected or wanted to hear, so we read,  “When the young man heard this, he was sad, because he was very rich.”

Commenting on this passage F B Meyer wrote, “Youth, with all its fervor and impetuosity, is very beautiful in itself and very dear to Christ. Here youth was combined with station, wealth, and noble character. It is not necessary that all should sell their goods, and distribute the proceeds. . . But it was necessary that the Master should prove to this young man that he was not fulfilling the Commandments quite so perfectly as he had supposed.”

Mark tells us, “When the man heard Jesus say this, he went away gloomy and sad because he was very rich.” (Mark 10:22)

WRONG CHOICE

The answer that Jesus gave was certainly not what he had expected, but it was what he needed – “Sell everything that you have and give to the poor… Then, come, follow me.”  (Verse 22) 

Rocked back on his heels. He “became very sad…” his wealth had become his god. To be saved and have eternal life he needed to turn his back on his wealth. He was confronted with a choice to change the focus of his life from his possessions to serving Jesus.

Unlike many others we have looked at who had an encounter with Jesus and whose  lifestyle changed dramatically, this concerned rich young man seemingly was less concerned about eternal life than the fortune he had amassed or perhaps inherited,

He was guilty of not observing the most important of the commandments, “Do not worship any god except me.”

THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMAND

A Pharisee who was an expert in the Jewish law once asked Jesus “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”

Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:36,37 CEV)

Two weeks ago under the title “Question time“, we noted in response to the lawyer’s question, which was similar to this young man’s question, Jesus responded, “What is written in the Scriptures?

The lawyer responded with those same words, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.” (Luke 10:26,27)

The young man certainly could not claim to have observed this command to any degree. His wealth had taken the place reserved for God in his life.

In our modern society, we may not create idols made of wood, stone, metal, etc., to worship. But take a look around. Do you have a statue of Buddha in your home? African ancestral masks? An ornament of a sacred cow bought as a souvenir on holiday? It is surprising what you can pick up unthinkingly. Because you don’t actually worship it, doesn’t make it safe. If it was created as an object of worship, it has no place in a Christian home.

It is also so easy to allow people, friendships, occupations, careers, activities, prospects, and sports, to become the focal point of our lives, leaving very little room for the things of God.

I wonder how many of us can honestly claim that we “Love the Lord your God with all [our] heart, soul, strength, and mind.” (Luke 10:26,27)

Is the Lord perhaps speaking to you about something that has been taking His place in your life?

Has He told you to remove it from its position of importance in your life, but you are finding this hard to do?

Close this session by confessing anything you have allowed to take the place in your life which should have been reserved for Jesus. Ask for His forgiveness. And invite the Holy Spirit to help you remove that idol, be it physical or not, from its position of importance.

Why not make a re’-commitment of your life to Jesus by joining in this song ‘ I surrender all’.

If you haven’t yet read the Introduction to Encounters with Jesus, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

Posted in Encounter

12. Déjà vu

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Several years back, I came across the word ‘déjà vu’ as the title of a daily devotion. There was also a movie on TV with the same title. I have to admit. I had no idea what the term meant.

Upon research, I found that déjà vu is a French word meaning, ‘a feeling of having experienced something that is actually happening now’. (Collins Paperback English Dictionary)

  • Have you had a déjà vu experience? Perhaps you visited some place for the first time, yet it was strangely familiar to you as if you had been there before.

Do you remember Simon Peter’s hurtful words? He denied the Lord, not just once but three times! 

After the 3rd time, the rooster crowed. And Peter “went outside and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75; Luke 22:62 GNB) What made it worse was that Jesus overheard those words of denial. (Luke 22:61)

Jesus was crucified soon after, so there was no way Peter could apologize. It was too late. Or was it?

Reading:- John 21:1-19

Read this story in your Bible, or click on the link above.

GO TO GALILEE

Our passage today is all about déjà vu. The reading records the 3rd reported resurrection appearance of Jesus to His disciples—actually his 4th to Peter. (Luke 24:34)

By this time Peter no longer doubted the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. This fact must have encouraged Peter, yet,  deep within, guilt and shame were eating him up. How could Jesus ever trust him again?

Most of Jesus’s resurrection appearances were around Jerusalem, and Jesus returned to heaven from just outside of Jerusalem. But the women returning from the tomb were told by Jesus,” “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10)

  • Have you ever wondered about the need for this trip to Galilee?

Those inner feelings of guilt that the disciples had experienced over Jesus’s arrest and crucifixion had to be dealt with. In particular, Peter needed inner healing from that dreadful denial of his Lord.

The disciples went to Galilee but Jesus delayed his appearance. When Jesus didn’t turn up, Peter behaved like many of us do. He couldn’t handle the inactivity, so he decided to go back to the familiar. “I’m going out to fish,” (John 21:3) he announced and six others joined him.

Their venture was a waste of their time. They fished all night, but never even caught a single minnow. That’s when Jesus showed up.

Image by jürgen Scheffler from Pixabay

DEJA VU

As they came closer to the shore, they spotted a man on the beach who called out, “Friends haven’t you any fish? Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” (Verses 5,6)

These were experienced fishermen who had been fishing all night! Then this guy comes along and tries to teach them their job! Who is he anyway? Yet, he spoke with an air of authority, so those tired fishermen did as he suggested. And what amazing results! “They were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” (Ibid. Verse 6)

This experience is so similar to a previous occasion when the disciples obeyed a similar command, that it must have created a sense of déjà vu. On that previous occasion “…they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break” (Luke 5:6).

Was Jesus rubbing salt into the wounds of Peter’s failure by re-enacting that previous miracle? Or was there more to it?

TIME FOR A SWIM

The Apostle John registered who the man on the beach was. He told Peter “It is the Lord!” (Ibid. Verse 7)

  • Do you remember a night, also on the Sea of Galilee, when Jesus walked across the sea to them? Remember how they thought He was a ghost?

On that occasion when Peter realized it was Jesus, he clambered out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he took his eyes off Jesus he began to sink.

Once again, Peter gets out of the boat to go to Jesus. But notice this time he doesn’t try walking on water! Perhaps he’d learned his lesson. He “jumped into the water” (Ibid. Verse 7) and probably swam ashore. I wonder if Peter, as he swam, recalled that previous occasion?

That so often happens, doesn’t it? We launch out in faith. It backfires—we mess up. Next time that situation re-occurs we make no attempt to exercise faith. We don’t want to blow it again. Yet, that very situation may be a God-given opportunity to help us get over our previous failure.

Photo by Malte Luk

A CHARCOAL FIRE.

When the disciples gather on the shore they find “a fire of burning coals…” Several versions speak of “a charcoal fire”. (John 21:9 CEV,GNB,ISV)

There is only one other occasion in the N.T. that mentions a “fire of burning coals” or “charcoal fire”. (John 18:18) At the High Priest’s house, after Jesus’ arrest. Peter’s 2nd and 3rd denials of Jesus took place as he was warming himself in front of a charcoal fire. He was standing at that same charcoal fire when the cock crowed.

Seeing the fire alongside the sea of Galilee must surely have evoked a sense of déjà vu in Peter. I’m sure Peter had a snapshot in his mind of that previous charcoal fire, and how he had cursed and sworn, “I don’t know the man!” (Matthew 26:72,74)

BREAKFAST IS READY

There’s that charcoal fire “with fish on it and some bread. “(John 21:9) Where did the fish come from? Not from the boat, they had only just landed. On at least two previous occasions, Jesus provided a crowd with a meal produced from a small quantity of fish and bread. Once again Jesus provides His disciples with a simple meal of fish and bread.

Why did Jesus reconstruct this sequence of events? —The miraculous catch of fish; The swim to the beach; The charcoal fire; And the meal of fish and bread. All déjà vu events geared to bring Peter’s worst memory to the surface. So that Jesus could help Peter deal with this lingering memory.

But it does not really help to be reminded of the hurt—the damage that’s been done. There needs to be a healing.

Maybe there’s an incident in your life when you let the Lord down. It has caused you deep hurt.  Even now, you remember it. So how does that help? It must be dealt with to bring healing.

RECEIVING HEALING

Jesus deliberately reconstructed a whole series of déjà vu events in order to bring the memory of Peter’s denials to the surface. After breakfast, Jesus singled Peter out and began His healing therapy.

  • How many times did Peter deny Jesus?

So Three times Jesus asks Peter the same question, “…do you truly love me?” (John 21:15,16,17)  Twice Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” (Ibid.15,16) The third time Peter responded, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” (John 21:17 The Message)

Three times Peter denied knowing Jesus. Three times he tells Jesus “I love you.” Click To Tweet

By this threefold challenge not only was Peter assured of his restoration, he was also re-commissioned by Jesus. In effect, Jesus said, “Love me… go and care for those I love.” And to cap it all Peter heard again those wonderful words, he first heard years before alongside that same Galilean Sea, “Follow me!” (John 21:19)

Peter went on to become a faithful and effective leader in the N. T. church. According to tradition, he was crucified like his Lord, but upside down.

BITTER MEMORIES

We’ve all failed our Lord. Like Peter we need the assurance that all is forgiven.

Just as Jesus went to amazing lengths to restore Peter as a disciple and re-instate his calling so too our Lord wants us to be assured of forgiveness and restoration. But until those hurtful memories of your failure are dealt with, you can never be the person that God intends you to be.

As we bring this session to a close go into a time of prayer now. Ask the Holy Spirit to pinpoint those areas where you need inner healing so that you may bring those hurts to Jesus.

Perhaps this message has opened up a deep wound, which needs more than just individual prayer to bring about complete healing. If that’s the case, please seek out a strong Christian whom you trust. Make an appointment to spend time with him or her. Share your pain and together seek healing from the Lord. “Again, I tell you the truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you”. (Matthew 18:19 New English Translation) God wants to heal those hurtful memories.

No past memory has the right to ruin your life. Click To Tweet

The Lord offers you His assurance, “Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)    I am the Lord that healeth thee.” (Exodus 15:26)

Some memories like that of Peter’s denials are hurtful, but the Lord also provides us with pleasant memories which are a source of encouragement. Listen to this song sung by the late Jim Reeves about those precious memories.

If you haven’t yet read the Introduction to Encounters with Jesus, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

 

 

 

Posted in Encounter

11. Question Time

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Throughout life, we constantly question people and situations. 

A lawyer once asked the most important question that one may ask in life. “Teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?”

Please read our passage for this week to get the background for this week’s study.

If you don’t have a Bible handy, read it here: – Luke 10:25-37

LAWYER’S QUESTION

“Teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?” “Well what do the scriptures teach,” Jesus responded.

He was a lawyer! He had studied God’s law! Therefore he knew the answer.

“The Scriptures say, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.’ They also say, ‘Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.’ ”

Jesus said, “You have given the right answer. If you do this, you will have eternal life.” (Luke 110:27,28 CEV)

But, like so many lawyers we read of, he tried to define the meaning of the terms used. “Who are my neighbours?” (Verse 29 CEV) 

This second question allowed Jesus to teach an important truth –

You cannot separate your relationship with God from your relationship with people. Click To Tweet

So the lawyer, in true lawyerly fashion, wanted to discuss the question. And so Jesus got down to a practical demonstration of the answer.

Photo by Sangeet Rao

A MAN IN A PIT

A man fell into a pit and discovered he couldn’t climb out.  However, it was alongside a busy road, and several people saw what had happened.

  • A Psychologist tried to help him figure out how he had come to fall in.

  • A Realist asked him if he was absolutely certain he couldn’t climb out.

  • An Optimist tried to cheer him up, “Don’t worry, it could have been worse.”

  • A Pessimist glanced at the sky and warned him there was a storm coming.

  • A Rich man took out his cheque book and offered to buy him a clean set of clothes once he got out of the pit.

  • An Insurance agent asked whether he had taken out accident insurance.

  • A Receiver of Revenue questioned whether his tax assessments were up to date.

  • The local Reporter requested an exclusive on the man’s story entitled, “My experiences in the pit.”

  • A Mathematician took the measurements of the pit in order to work out the exact size of the problem.

  • A Geologist brought his camera to photograph the strata of soil revealed on the sides of the pit.

  • The Town Planner wanted to know whether the plans for the pit had been approved.

  • A Fearful person wouldn’t even go near the pit at any price.

  • A Procrastinator offered to come back the next day to see if the man still needed help.

  • The Social Worker brought him some beef stew and a bottle of water.

However, Jesus came, bent over, reached down, and pulled the man out of the pit.

THE NEIGHBOUR IN NEED

In our reading, Jesus tells a story of a man in trouble. In His story, Jesus spoke about some uncomfortable realities which incidentally are still problems today—Racial discrimination, Violence, Crime, and Genocide to name a few.

There are several characters in Jesus’ story:- 

The Victim—Jesus calls him a neighbour with a need.

All we know about him is that he was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. He may have been making a business trip. He might have been on the way to visit family or friends. Perhaps he was returning home after a visit to the temple. We don’t know.

What we do know is that he was mugged. He was the victim of the type of violence of which we are only too aware today. He was robbed of his possessions, beaten up, and left for dead.

Like the man many have needs but, not everyone is the victim of a physical attack. Folk face financial problems, loneliness, heartache, ill health, and a fear of the future, amongst other things.

  • When aware of such needs are you asking the question, “What can I do to help this person out of their pit? Or are you standing by and making comments, like the people in the illustration?

PERPETRATORS

 The Robbers—They saw the victim as someone they could exploit.

  • They did not see him as a human being, created in the image of God.
  • They were not concerned about his well-being.
  • It did not matter to them how he suffered or whether he lived through the experience.
  • Their attitude was, “What’s yours can be ours so we’ll take it.”

Sadly, our world is still full of such people. The media constantly reports on their activities: hijacks, rape, murder, bank heists, muggings, bombings, and the list goes on.

But we can victimize and cause harm in other ways: ridicule, gossip, slander, catty comments, and unkind words. We may never know what harm we do to people with cruel and thoughtless words. We rob them of their self-image, their feelings of worth, and their pride in who they are.

You cannot separate your relationship with God from your relationship with people.

POSSIBLE RESCUERS

The Priest and the Levite

Jericho was a priestly city. The priests and temple staff (Levites) would have traveled that road frequently. They were “religious” people. One would expect them to come to the poor man’s rescue. But, for the priest and the Levite, the man was a nuisance to be avoided.

They probably had sound reasons for passing by on the other side: –

  • They could have suspected a trap set by the robbers. We know all about that in South Africa.
  • They were busy men perhaps with urgent religious duties awaiting their attention in Jericho.
  • They may have come from serving in the temple and felt, “I’ve already done my bit! Let someone else come to his rescue!”
  • The Priest may have thought, “I’ll leave it to the Levite following behind me. He has more time!”
  • By the same token, the Levite may have raised the question, “If the priest didn’t do anything to help why should I?”

A FRIEND INDEED

 The Good Samaritan

Jesus’s Jewish audience, including the lawyer, would have been startled when he chose a Samaritan as the hero of the story. Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. The Jews regarded them as the scum of the earth. They called them dogs. A Samaritan was the last person they would expect to help a Jew. Yet Jesus chose him and in the story, he lays aside racial and religious prejudices to help a Jewish victim.

The Samaritan showed his concern in four ways: 

He showed compassion

—“He felt sorry for him.” (Verse 33b CEV)

This is the way God feels about you and me. When we show others compassion, we treat them the way God treats us.

He made contact with the injured man

He didn’t just say something encouraging. As far as we know, he didn’t even offer to pray. He got off his donkey, put his plans on hold, and did all he could to help the injured man.

Words are often not enough. Prayer is certainly all-important. But sometimes we need to set aside our plans, get off our high horses, and make contact with people who are hurting.

At personal risk, he cared for the man

He gave him first aid, bathed the wounds with oil, and bandaged them. Then he went the extra mile. He took the man to the inn at his own expense. He did far more than he had to.

THE COST OF CARING

Sometimes our neighbours need more than compassion, and contact. They need us to show caring love in meaningful practical ways.

His helpful action cost him dearly.

  • It cost him time on the road, where he too was vulnerable to attack, and he probably had to overnight at the nearest inn.
  • Comfort. Caring for this man was an inconvenience. He put the man on his donkey, so he had to walk.
  • Financially. He paid the bill and committed himself to further payment should it be necessary.

What did he stand to gain? Nothing! – Except, the joy that comes when we love and serve others without thought of any reward.

I started with an illustration about a lot of different types of people, and their responses to a man in trouble. Let’s add another line to this illustration.

“The readers of this blog went and found a ladder, and helped the man out of the pit.”

Are you aware of someone who is in a pit right now? Someone with a need?

What does the Lord want you to do about it?

Remember? You cannot separate your relationship with God from your relationship with people.

The following song sums up what it means to be a good Samaritan. Servant Song

If you haven’t yet read the Introduction to Encounters with Jesus, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

Posted in Encounter

10. A Discourteous Host

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                                                                               Photo by Henri Mathieu-Saint-Laurent

Being the host of a special event carries great responsibility.

Read Luke 7:36-50

DINNER INVITATION

Jesus received a dinner invitation from a rather discourteous host— a Pharisee named Simon. Note: This is a different host, woman, and message from the one we looked at last session. In Bible times VIP homes took the form of a hollow square built around an open courtyard. When a Rabbi was invited to a meal, townsfolk could enter the courtyard to listen in on the pearls of wisdom but not partake of the meal.

Three basic courtesies for a guest applied:-

  • The host placed his hands on the guest’s shoulder and gave him the kiss of peace – a mark of respect never omitted when the guest was a distinguished Rabbi.
  • The roads were dusty, and everyone wore sandals, so cool water was always poured over the guest’s feet to cleanse and comfort them.
  • A drop of fragrant oil of roses was placed on the guest’s head.

Yet, none of these was observed.

DISCOURTEOUS HOST

In the Middle East, the guests did not sit, but reclined,  on couches, at a low table resting on one elbow with their feet stretched out behind them; during the meal the sandals were removed. Simon was a Pharisee, most Pharisees hated Jesus—Why then had he invited Jesus to his home?

  • Like Nicodemus, Simon could have been a secret disciple. However, his discourtesy towards his “guest” does not indicate a relationship with Jesus.
  • Similarly, it could be that Simon had invited Jesus, intending to try to get evidence against Jesus on behalf of his colleagues. This doesn’t seem likely—Would Jesus’ enemy address Him respectfully as Rabbi or Teacher? (Verse 40)
  • In fact, the most likely answer is that Simon wanted to give the appearance that he was an acquaintance of this popular preacher and miracle worker. So with a rather patronizing attitude, he had invited Jesus to dinner, but out of disdain, he omitted the usual courtesies.

DISTURBING GUEST

Into this setting came a gatecrasher—a prostitute who had quite a reputation in the town. She had probably heard about Jesus. So she joined the crowds that had gathered at Simon’s home. As an unwelcome looker on she stood on the outskirts of the crowd. However,  prompted by an inner voice she ventured into the courtyard. Like all Jewish women, she wore a vial of expensive concentrated perfume around her neck. She generally used it to seduce men.  As she drew closer to Jesus she had an irrepressible desire to pour this costly perfume on Jesus’s feet. But, her emotions got the best of her – the tears began to flow, dropping in large drops onto his feet.  Now his feet were all wet!  So she knelt at his feet close enough to use her hair to dry his feet.

SCANDALOUS

For a Jewish woman to appear in public with her hair unbound was an act of immodesty. On her wedding day, a girl bound up her hair and would never appear in public with it unbound. The fact that this woman loosed her long hair in public showed that she was not concerned about what “the people thought”. Then she kissed his feet. Finally, she humbly poured out the contents of her vial upon His feet, not on His head as a token of submission.

REACTION

It’s not difficult to imagine the reaction of those present – “Can you believe it, this woman is trying to seduce Jesus, in public.  Has she no pride?”  Our human tendency is, to sum up, and judge people by outward appearances, without trying to understand the motivation behind their actions.

  • Instead of loving the undesirable, we usually label them.
  • Instead of caring, we criticize.
  • Instead of coming alongside them, we keep our distance.
  • How would you react if someone like this woman were to gatecrash your special event?

– Frog march her out the door? – Phone the police?

CONSIDERATE MONEY LENDER

Simon was scandalized – that she, of all people, was present and made such a public display of herself. He wasn’t concerned about her motivation—he felt no compassion towards her – he did not see a woman desperately in the need of forgiveness. The very fact that Jesus even allowed this outcast of society to touch him proved to Simon that Jesus was no prophet – a true prophet of God would have recognized this woman for what she was.

Jesus intervened, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”  “Tell me teacher,.,” Simon didn’t anticipate what followed.  Jesus told him a short story about two debtors who owed a moneylender different amounts of money. Neither could repay the debt. The moneylender out of a generous heart decided to cancel both debts, “…which of them will love him more?  Jesus asked. “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled”, was Simon’s response.

HUMBLED HOST

What Simon had lacked in common courtesy this “sinner” had humbly demonstrated through her actions: –

  • Simon had made no provision for his guest’s feet to be washed – she had washed his feet with her tears and dried them with her hair;
  • Simon had not given his special guest a kiss of peace – she had kissed Jesus’ feet constantly;
  • Simon had not anointed his guest’s head with oil – she had poured out her perfume all over Jesus’ feet.

A Pharisaic attitude like that of Simon shuts us off from God – I’m a good person. Lord, – I do not steal, I do not kill, I do not tell lies, I do not commit adultery, and I do not covert. Lord, I live a good clean life.”

Francis of Assisi once said, “There is nowhere a more wretched and more miserable sinner than I.”

The greatest of sins is to be unconscious of one's sin. Click To Tweet

WONDERFUL WORDS

Jesus then spoke the most wonderful words, a sinner could ever hear, “Your sins are forgiven.” Her flowing tears and many kisses showed a real desire to be forgiven – to be different. Her long hair and perfume once used to lure her lovers were used to demonstrate her complete surrender of herself to the Saviour. She was not concerned about what the people thought or even this Pharisee; her one desire was to see the warm,  look of tender compassion in Jesus’s eyes and to hear His wonderful words of forgiveness. “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you, go in peace.”

A hardened criminal in a Japanese prison once picked up a copy of the Bible and began to read the story of the trial of Jesus. He remained unmoved by what he read, until he came to our Lord’s words, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they do.”  He was stabbed to the heart by those words. Later he said, “Through this simple sentence of gracious pardon, I was led into the truth of Christianity.”

BLINDED HOST

Simon only saw an outcast of society who was causing him a great deal of embarrassment. Jesus saw a woman with a deep need – a woman who had led despicable life – but a woman who wanted to be different – a woman in need of salvation. Never judge a man's actions until you know his motives. Click To Tweet The Sioux Indians of the U S A have a prayer, “Great Spirit, help me never to judge another until I have walked in his moccasins for two weeks.”

Jesus’ reaction to this woman teaches us not to take things at face value. This next week before passing judgment – Try to understand what motivates a person to do what they do. – Be prepared to make allowances for the fact that you don’t know where others are coming from.  – Look for opportunities to meet the needs of others when they become apparent to you.  – Be constantly open to being used as a channel through which God can bless others.

How we handle the out-of-the-ordinary situations that we encounter in life often reveals just how deeply we are committed to Christ. That outcast of society heard the most wonderful words in all the world. Why not sing along with the choir as they sing about the Wonderful words of life?

If you haven’t yet read the Introduction to Encounters with Jesus, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.    

Posted in Encounter

9. A cost to worship!

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Does worship have a cost?

For King David,  true worship had a cost.

 King David was instructed by the prophet Gad to “Go to the threshing place that belongs to Araunah and build an altar there for the Lord.” (2 Samuel 24:18 CEV)

David explained to Araunah that by building an altar at his threshing place, God would bring to an end a fatal epidemic.

I wonder what God is telling us about the COVID-19 pandemic and the monkeypox outbreak?

Araunah generously offered to give David his threshing place, along with the oxen and the wood for the sacrifice.

But David responded, “No, I insist on paying for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24 NIV)

Photo by Elina Fairytale

Open your Bibles and read: – John 11:55 – 12:11

SCENE SETTER

In our passage, we read that for Jesus, Calvary was drawing near. At a special sitting of the Jewish Sanhedrin the religious leaders “ …plotted to take [Jesus’s] life.” ( John 11:53) As the Passover Feast drew near Jews from all over the Roman Empire flocked to Jerusalem. Many asked, “What do you think? Isn’t He coming to the feast at all? ”  (John 11:56b NIV)

The Jewish leaders had given instructions that if anyone knew where Jesus was they should report it. (John 11:57)

DINNER INVITATION.

Therefore, Jesus’s life was in grave danger. Moreover, a few days before the Feast of Passover Jesus was to attend a meal arranged in His honor in Bethany of all places!(Matthew 26:2; Mark 14:1). Bethany was only just over 3 km from Jerusalem.

  • Surely the host, Simon the leper, was aware of the danger that Jesus faced. (Matthew 26:6)
  • Yet amazingly, Jesus accepted the invitation knowing that the religious leaders were out to get him.

Furthermore, His special friends, Martha and Mary were involved. Martha in her usual role of serving the meal. Their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, was the focus of much attention.

Mary, thankful for Jesus having restored her brother to life, became distressed that so much attention was being given to her brother instead of to Jesus. How could she focus attention on Jesus?

COSTLY PERFUME 

She went home and found an alabaster jar containing liquid nard. (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3) Jar in hand she returned to Simon’s home, where she broke the jar allowing the liquid to flow over Jesus’s head, down his beard, and onto his garments. (Matthew 26:7) She also poured some of it onto his feet. Then she wiped his feet with her long flowing hair. (John 12:3)

What did this lavish demonstration of gratitude cost her?

  1. The Financial cost

  • Alabaster jars were carved, from translucent gypsum – beautiful but very expensive.
  • Spikenard was a fragrant ointment obtained from a rare plant grown in India, also very expensive.

The amount that Mary used was worth “more than a year’s wages.” (Mark 14:5 NIV – Open Bible footnote) A small fortune in anyone’s money.

  • When last did you give someone a gift worth more than your annual income?

We are so quick to condemn extravagance.

A general attitude in church circles often is “Can it be done for less money? A colleague once mentioned the reaction of a senior minister to a congregation’s desire to build a 1000-seater church. The senior minister’s reaction was “None of our churches can seat that many.”  Yet the proposed site for that church was in an area of tremendous population growth.

Think of your own church building. Does it have a beautiful new piano? Or is it someone’s cast off when they bought a new one?

  • Have you ever thought about what it cost to build Solomon’s Temple?

170 metric tons of gold;  340 metric tons of silver;  620 metric tons of bronze;  3400 metric tons of iron. As well as precious stones. (1 Chronicles 29:7,8)

Sacrifice is only that which is given after the heart has given all that it can spare.” Source unknown Click To Tweet

  • Is your giving to the Lord is truly sacrificial?

But I’m not only talking about money. The cost to Mary was more than just money.

  1. A Future Cost

She had treasured that expensive perfume for two possible future purposes:

  • This expensive perfume may have been saved as part of her dowry for her wedding day.
  • Alternatively, it may have been put aside to assure herself of a proper burial.

Both Matthew and Mark quote Jesus’s words, “She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” (Matthew 26:12, Mark 14:8)  So it would appear that this particular perfume was often used in burials.

  • Are you willing to allow Jesus to influence your plans for the future?

  1. The Femininity Cost

Throughout history, women have given a great deal of attention to their hair.  Paul wrote that a woman’s hair is her glory. “ …if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.” (1 Corinthians 11:15) Yet, Mary used her hair to dry Jesus’ feet! – She laid aside her feminine pride.

  • What takes preference in your life—personal pride or honoring Jesus?
  1. The price of Fear 

Fear of embarrassment plagues us all. We don’t like to be the center of the amusement or the scorn of a group of people. Mary may have been concerned about ‘what will people think?’ What will the people think? is often a deterrent to our launching out in faith.

I’m sure that Mary was fearful as she returned to Simon’s home with her alabaster jar of perfume. “Am I doing the right thing? How will Simon’s guests react? But she overcame her fear of embarrassment believing that Jesus would accept her love gift.

Nothing can happen but what God ordains; and therefore why should we fear? - Charles Haddon Spurgeon Click To Tweet

REACTION

Her actions electrified the atmosphere in that home. There were mixed reactions.

  • Those present were appalled at her having made an exhibition of herself.
  • Even Jesus’ disciples were indignant at her wastefulness.
  • The disciple’s treasurer, Judas Iscariot, felt that it would have been better if she had given them the equivalent value in money. (John 12:4)
  • Only Jesus had a good word to say about her costly demonstration of love.

Paul wrote “ …I urge you … to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1 NIV)  Jesus’ comment, “all over the world, the people will remember what she has done,” indicates that Mary’s actions represented a spiritual act of worship, pleasing to Jesus.  (Mark 14:9 CEV)

Jesus related Mary’s costly gift to the price that He would soon pay for you and me. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” (Matthew 26:12)

ONE LAST THOUGHT

John tells us “The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3 CEV)

  • Jesus certainly would have smelled of its fragrance.
  • No way could Mary have avoided getting the perfume on herself.
  • The smell got into the clothing of all close to Jesus.

For some time after they had left Simon’s home people who heard of the incident would have been able to know, “He/she was in the presence of Jesus.”

Mary’s gift of gratitude for bringing her brother back to life was a Christ-centered, sacrificial, uninhibited worship of our Lord. And it spilled over.

Surely we have much more to be grateful for –

  • We are assured of eternal life through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
  • We have a far greater motivation to offer to God Christ-centered, Spirit-led, sacrificial, uninhibited worship.

When Moses returned from Mt Sinai his face was aglow from having been in God’s presence.

“Moses came down from Mount Sinai, carrying the Ten Commandments. His face was shining brightly because the LORD had been speaking to him. But Moses did not know at first that his face was shining. When Aaron and the others looked at Moses, they saw that his face was shining, and they were afraid to go near him. The face of Moses kept shining, and after he had spoken with the people, he covered his face with a veil.” (Exodus 34:29,30, 33 CEV)

Just a thought. When did people last look at you and realise, “(S)he had been in the presence of Jesus?

We need to practice offering sacrificial worship, then the fragrance of Jesus’ presence will touch our lives and others will realize that we have spent time in His presence.

Why not end this session by joining in this beautiful song of worship?

If you haven’t yet read the Introduction to Encounters with Jesus, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

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Posted in Encounter

8. Are You a Doubting Thomas?

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First impressions of people often produce doubt about their character.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Several years back a popular TV series was “Style by Jury”.  

A jury of 9 persons hidden behind a one-way glass was asked to give their first impressions of an unattractive person being interviewed by the program presenter.

That unattractive lady was given a weeklong makeover and then viewed by a new jury. The change that had taken place during that week was so stunning that the new jury gave a completely different first impression.

According to Mindtools.com, ‘It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanour, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed. These first impressions can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo, making those first encounters extremely important, for they set the tone for all the relationships that follow.

  • Are you conscious of judging people based on your first impression? It sounds as if we all do it to one degree or another.
  • Have you been or known a doubting Thomas?

It’s so easy to harbor a wrong impression of a person based on their reactions to a particular situation.

Doubting Thomas

Image by prettysleepy1 from Pixabay

Readings:  John 20:24-29

CLICK ON READ then return here.

MALIGNED

Our passage focuses on one of Jesus’s disciples who since that very first Easter has been severely judged. SO much so that even today, people refer to him as Doubting Thomas. Yet Jesus originally obviously saw something good in him and chose him as one of the twelve. (Matthew 10:3)

Thomas, is also known as Didymus which means ‘twin’. However the Bible does not mention him having a twin brother or sister. He was one of the twelve, but it’s only in the gospel of John that we get further information about him.

DOUBTING THOMAS

On the night after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to a group of disciples locked behind closed doors. For some reason, Thomas was not present at the time. When he heard that he had missed out, he made that statement which has dubbed him a ‘doubting Thomas’ ever since… “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”

Thomas was honest enough to put his doubts into words. Even as Christians, we all experience doubt at times. Is that not true? How about: Doubts

  • about our salvation
  • about the Lord’s willingness to forgive our sin
  • about God’s ability to meet our every need
  • about our ability to carry out God’s will for our life

Have you ever experienced any of these?

Doubts can be valuable if they are recognized and confessed… and if they force a man to search deeper and longer for answers.— Neil Strand 'Cover to cover God's people. Click To Tweet

  • What might be some of the reasons for Thomas missing out on that occasion?

EXCUSES

How quick we are to find excuses when we’ve let the side down.

“Old Father Morris had noticed a falling off in his little village prayer meeting. Later when he had a reasonable-sized audience he took the opportunity to tell them about this meeting of the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection.

“But Thomas was not with them,” he said in a sorrowful voice. “Why? What possible reason could he have had for staying away?

“Perhaps, [he] had got cold-hearted, and was afraid they would ask him to open in prayer; or perhaps…” Father Morris looked directly at the farmers, “he was afraid the roads were bad; or perhaps … he thought a shower was on its way.”

He went on to list some of the possible excuses the audience had for missing the prayer meeting and then added, “But only think what Thomas lost, for in the middle of the meeting the Lord Jesus came and stood among them.” (Adapted from “Thomas” ‘Cover to cover God’s people’ page 337)

  • Can you think of a time when you witnessed something great and thought, “I wish XX had been here?
  • Have you been a doubting Thomas when others believed?

After Jesus’s departure, I’m sure the other disciples commented, “I wish Thomas was here.”

RETURN VISIT

A week later Jesus made another unexpected appearance and this time Thomas was present. Jesus graciously allowed Thomas to prove for himself that Jesus was indeed alive.

Jesus did not condemn Thomas for his attitude. Instead He was prepared to meet the disciple’s terms. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”

His doubts removed, Thomas made a statement no other disciple had made before, “My Master! My God!” The disciples had addressed Jesus as ‘Teacher’; ‘Messiah’; ‘Son of God’; ‘Son of the living God’ but there’s no record of any of them say, ‘my God‘ as Thomas did on this occasion.

Two previous stories involving Thomas give us a better picture of the true character of this disciple.

1. FACING DANGER

Early on in His ministry after Jesus claimed, “I and the Father are one” the Jews accused our Lord of blasphemy, (John  10:33) and were prepared to stone Him as prescribed by the Law of Moses. (Leviticus 24:16)

Jesus and His disciples then retreated to the eastern side of the Jordan River. Later upon hearing of Lazarus’ death, despite the danger of returning to the Jerusalem vicinity, Jesus was prepared to return to Martha & Mary in Bethany. In response to Jesus’ sharing His intention with the disciples, Thomas announced, “Come along. We might as well die with him.” (John 11:16)

Labeled a doubter, Thomas, showed his loyalty by being prepared to die at his Lord’s side.

A large church was packed to capacity when two men in black entered. One man took up a position halfway down the middle aisle while the other remained near the main door. Simultaneously they both produced automatic weapons and the man in the aisle announced, “Anyone who is not prepared to die for Jesus is free to leave.”

Church members, choir members, some deacons, and the assistant pastor all beat a hasty retreat until only the pastor and about twenty people remained in the church. The men then laid down their weapons and announced, “Pastor you may proceed with the service these people mean business.”

2. CONFUSED

During the week between His triumphal entry on Palm Sunday and the Last Supper Jesus taught the disciples about his imminent departure for heaven and said, “You know where I am going and how to get there.” (John 14:4 TLB)

Thomas disagreed, saying they did not know where he was going. This prompted Jesus to respond with that wonderful truth, “I am the way, the truth and the life without me no-one can go to the father.” (John 14:6 CEV)

Thomas was not being disrespectful, he was simply asking for clarification on a misunderstanding.

  • Do you believe that it is disrespectful to question God about things that to you seem wrong?

Thomas was not afraid to ask searching or probing questions of the Lord, and nor should we be.

MINISTRY

Church history and tradition indicate that the man labeled as a doubter traveled to many countries sharing the good news about Jesus possibly even as far as India where he is believed to have been martyred for his faith.

There is no doubt that Thomas was a strong believer and a powerful missionary used to the glory of God.

Was he any more doubting than any of the other disciples? He doubted  where the others didn’t, but then they had seen the resurrected Christ. Yet we also know that even after seeing the risen Christ, some of the disciples still doubted.

Matthew records for us, “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:16,17)

DOUBTFUL

While here on earth our faith can never be perfect, there will always be those times when doubt will creep in. Don’t panic! We don’t lose our salvation because doubt creeps in. Thomas did not cease being a disciple because he entertained doubt about Jesus’ resurrection. Nor will we.

Thomas’ experience teaches us that when we struggle with doubt, with Jesus’ help we can break through to a stronger faith and become fruitful followers of the Master.

What is causing you fearful doubts? Hand those doubts over to Jesus. Ask Him to remove doubt and fill you with His amazing assurance, His awesome peace, and His power to be His witness in this dark world of ours.

BEFORE YOU GO:

Click on this link and watch and listen to this challenging and beautiful song: Thomas’s Song.

If you haven’t yet read the Introduction to Encounters with Jesus, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.

 

Posted in Encounter

7. The Need to Belong

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Where are you going?  This is a question that we are often asked throughout our lives.

Dr. Albert Einstein, the great physicist, was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of each passenger.

When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached into his vest pocket. He couldn’t find his ticket, so he reached into his other pocket. It wasn’t there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn’t find it.

The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.” Einstein nodded appreciatively.

The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

The conductor rushed back and said, “Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry. I know who you are. No problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.”

Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.” (Sermon lllustrations contributed by Christian Cheong)

In the Bible we read of a man who found himself in a similar situation, not knowing where he was going. He lacked the assurance that he belonged to God.

Readings: – John 3:1-10 CEV

That sense of belonging – Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

DO I BELONG?

Nicodemus.  Was a Jewish religious leader. Yet he didn’t feel he belonged to God. He sensed that Jesus, the preacher from Galilee, could help him. But he was afraid of what his colleagues, who were strongly opposed to Jesus’ ministry, might think. So, Nicodemus visited Jesus one night when the crowds had gone home and his colleagues would not be around.

He was seeking an answer to a variation of our question,  How can I be sure of where I’m going?

As a spiritual leader and a teacher amongst the Jews, like many others he was looking for their coming Messiah and the setting up of God’s Kingdom. He wanted assurance that he would be a citizen of that kingdom when the time came.

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

He opened the conversation with a bit of small talk, “Sir, we know that God has sent you to teach us. You could not work these miracles unless God were with you.” (John 3:2 CEV)

Before Nicodemus could even pose his question, Jesus knew what was on the man’s mind. He got right to the root of the problem. “You must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom.” (John 3:3 CEV)

Note—Jesus didn’t say “Nicodemus as a Pharisee and a Jewish leader you have nothing to worry about, you have automatically qualified to become a citizen of God’s kingdom. No! Jesus made it clear that certain steps had to be taken before one could have that assurance. “Before you can get into God’s kingdom; you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit.” (John 3:5 CEV)

A SECOND BIRTH?

Jesus emphasis was that where everyone on this earth has been born of water. Our mother’s waters broke at our birth. But to get into God’s kingdom one needs a second birth. “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!” (John 3:3 CEV)

Nicodemus was understandably confused. It’s just not possible for us to re-enter our mother’s womb and be born a second time. Some of us may also get confused by religious terminology: – you must be born from above – born again – saved – converted.

Jesus’ comment was down to earth. “I tell you for certain that before you can get into God’s kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit…. Only God’s Spirit can change you into a child of God.” (John 3:5,6 CEV)

We were all born physically but we also need to be born spiritually. But it’s not something that we do it’s something the Holy Spirit does when we enter into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus.

HOW TO BELONG

Jesus explained that if Nicodemus wanted to know for sure that he belonged to God, he needed to stop relying on the old traditions and move into a definite relationship with God.

The gospel writer John tells us, “Some, however, did receive him [Jesus] and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God’s children.” (John 1:12 GNB) John indicates that a relationship with God requires two important steps on our part;

  1. We must believe that Jesus is the one God sent to take the punishment for our sin.
  2. But we must also receive Jesus into our lives as Saviour and Lord. We do this by thanking Him for dying on the cruel cross as our substitute and inviting Him to take control of our life.

The passage does not tell us that Nicodemus took those two important steps, so how do we know that he was converted? a.k.a. born again?

Two further passages of scripture reveal that the direction of his life was changed.

NICODEMUS SPEAKS UP

Jesus’s popularity was growing rapidly so the temple guards were sent out by the priests and Pharisees to arrest Him. They returned empty-handed with the excuse, “No one has ever spoken like that man!” (John 7:46 CEV)

This brought about a heated debate. ‘These people who don’t know the Law are under God’s curse anyway”‘ (John 7:49 CEV). Nicodemus, who was a member of the council spoke up, ‘”Our Law doesn’t let us condemn people before we hear what they have to say. We cannot judge them before we know what they have done.”‘ (John 7:51 CEV)

Nicodemus was no longer prepared to go with the flow. Instead, he openly confronted his religious colleagues with their judgmental attitude towards Jesus.

AT JESUS’ BURIAL

The clearest evidence of the change in Nicodemus is seen at the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. After Jesus’ death on the cross, Nicodemus showed that he belonged to Jesus’s band of disciples by being involved in His burial.

“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. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.  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 19:38-41 CEV)

God is looking for folk who are more than churchgoers. He wants us to become His children and know that we belong in His heavenly family.

A PLACE TO BELONG.

Church leaders in Minneapolis, USA met for a brainstorming exercise, to compile a statement of purpose. They were looking for something free from religious jargon but geared to the people who attended their church.

After much debate, they came up with the church’s new slogan – ‘A place to belong, a place to become.’ (Rick Warren – ‘The purpose driven life.’)

A Christian community that seeks to help people to have a sense of belonging and a realization of what they can become for God, is always going to attract newcomers.

'A place to belong, a place to become.' Rick Warren Click To Tweet

Belief only becomes true faith when you and I accept that Jesus died on the cross as the penalty for our sin. We enter into a relationship with Jesus, by receiving Him—inviting Him to take over control of our lives.

Where are you going?

Like Nicodemus and Dr. Einstein, are you uncertain of your destination?

Do you lack that feeling of belonging?

Do you need to take steps to enter into a real relationship with God through Jesus?

God, through His amazing grace, sent Jesus into our world so that each one of us can know for certain that our final destination is heaven and we can have that sense of belonging.

To have that assurance you need to believe Jesus is your Saviour and you need to receive Him into your life as Lord.

Whether you have already done this, or if it’s a first time move, how about joining in this well-known hymn. As you sing, feel yourself handing your whole self—body and spirit, over to Jesus.

If you haven’t yet read the Introduction to Encounters with Jesus, please do. It will benefit you throughout this series of studies.