Tag Archives: Encounter

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18. Darkness to Light

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Can you imagine what it must be like to be born blind?

  • Unable to see the features of family and friends.
  • The beauty of the world in which God has placed us.
  • To miss out on the colors of the rainbow.

Dr. Sangster tells of the effect of the first successful cornea transplant in the 1940s.

He accompanied two people – a lady who had been born blind and her eye surgeon – to the Surrey Downs in England shortly before sunrise.

Gradually as the layers of bandage were peeled off the blind lady became sensitive to the light and got excited. Moments before sunrise, the last remaining bandage was removed, and she began to witness the glory of a sunrise for the first time.

“With tears streaming down her cheeks she exclaimed: ‘You’ve tried to describe it to me but I never imagined that anything could be so wonderful!’” (Your Quest for God’ by Richard A Bennett – pages 113,114)

The focus of this week’s session is on Jesus’ healing of a blind man.

We find the story in  John 9:1-11, 24-41

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko:

One day Jesus and his disciples encountered a man who had been blind since birth. Seeing him prompted the disciples to ask, “Teacher, why was this man born blind? Was it because he or his parents sinned?”

They saw his impediment as God’s judgment upon either the man himself or more likely his parents for some sin committed.

CLAIM EFFECTED

In responding to their question Jesus put into effect his claim from the previous chapter. “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” (John 8:12b CEV)

Jesus answered, No, it was not punishment for sin but rather an opportunity for you to witness a miracle.”

Jesus went on to point out that while here on earth He had to bring light into those areas of darkness. “While I am in the world, I am the light for the world.” (John 9:5 CEV)

They were about to witness Him bringing light into a life that had been clouded in darkness.

BLIND CURED

The cure for this man’s blindness was in Jesus’ actions. After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud and smeared it on the man’s eyes. Then he said, “Go and wash off the mud in Siloam Pool.” (John 9:6,7 CEV) Out of the dust of the ground and his saliva, Jesus formed clay which He placed on the man’s eyes.

‘The clay which the man found suddenly applied to his eyes awakened wonder, hope, expectation, and faith. It was a ladder by which he climbed from the pit of despair to the mount of joy.’ (F B MEYER) Click To Tweet

Jesus had done his bit but the man still had a part to play in his healing. He was still blind and had to make his shaky way or be assisted to the Pool of Siloam.

As F B Meyer put it, ‘The walk to Siloam was a further venture of faith.’ Only once he had washed his eyes was he able to see.

Often when we present a need to Jesus it is only when we play our part in faith do we receive the complete answer.

CONFUSION

The miracle had taken place but the man was faced with confused unbelief.

For years his friends and neighbors had witnessed him sitting alongside the path begging for a living. Now unexpectedly he was walking unassisted and they, “wondered if he really could be the same man.”

A discussion ensued. “Some of them said he was the same beggar. . . others said he only looked like him.”

  •  Try to recall an experience you had of looking at a person and thinking “I am sure I know you?”

CYNICAL

The witnesses to his healing were cynical. They couldn’t agree on whether this indeed was the former blind guy or not. He, spoke up “Come on folks, of course, I am that man.”

They responded, ‘You must be joking! Then how can you see?’

“Someone named Jesus made some mud and smeared it on my eyes. He told me to go and wash it off in Siloam Pool. When I did, I could see.” 

Unfortunately, this was not the only opposition this man would encounter. Later on in the chapter, we discover that the Pharisees cross-questioned the man about his healing.

They would not accept that healing had occurred, so they asked the man’s parents whether their son had been blind.

This is so often the case. When we experience a great blessing, our adversary immediately tries to rob us of that sense of blessing. He often uses others to sow seeds of doubt.

None so blind as those who will not see. Click To Tweet

The above phrase has its roots in the prophecy of Jeremiah. “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not” (Jeremiah 5:21 ESV).

CONFRONTATION

Getting no satisfaction from the parents, the Pharisees once again confronted the man formerly blind.

“Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner” (John 9:25 ESV). Again, we have this focus on sin.

The man’s response was along the same lines as Jesus’s response to his disciples, ‘The issue is not about sin it’s about the miracle of healing, ‘I used to be blind, but now I can see!'” 

When they pressed him for details of what had happened, he put them on the mat, “Why do you want me to tell you again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”

That shook them and put them on the defensive. “You are that fellow’s disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spoke to Moses; as for that fellow, however, we do not even know where he comes from” (John 9:28b,29 GNB)!

Unfazed, by these religious hypocrites the man pointed out, “We know that God does not listen to sinners; he does listen to people who respect him and do what he wants them to do. Since the beginning of the world, nobody has ever heard of anyone giving sight to a person born blind. Unless this man came from God, he would not be able to do a thing” (John 9:30-33 GNB).

His opponents had no answer to this truth and shrugged it off with, “You were born and brought up in sin—and you are trying to teach us?” And they expelled him from the synagogue (John 9:34 GNB).

Isn’t it amazing? The man has just received the most amazing healing—and he gets expelled–excommunicated! Do we ever turn our backs on someone when they have received a blessing from God? My wife and I have both experienced times when we have been blessed, and our fellow Christians have rejected our experience. How about you? How sad. Let’s be on guard that we don’t fall into this trap.

COMMITMENT

But Jesus did not come into our world to merely bring physical healing. Yes, the man had been healed physically but he still needed spiritual healing. Jesus found the man and asked him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 

“Tell me who he is, sir, so that I can believe in him!” 

“He is the one who is talking with you now.” 

“I believe, Lord!” the man said, and knelt before Jesus. His healing was complete.

COMPLETE CURE

Having cured the formerly blind man both physically and spiritually Jesus then stated his mission on earth. “I came to this world to judge so that the blind should see and those who see should become blind.” 

Despite having been put in their place, some Pharisees challenged Jesus’s statement. “Surely you don’t mean that we are blind, too?” 

Jesus answered, “If you were blind, then you would not be guilty; but since you claim that you can see, this means that you are still guilty.” 

“None so blind as those who will not see”.

Jesus is still in the business of healing – physically, psychologically, mentally, and emotionally. But most definitely His greatest desire is to bring spiritual healing. To bring each of us into a relationship with the Father through belief in Him as our Saviour and Lord.

Paul reminds us, “You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord’s people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light,..” (Ephesians 5:8 GNB) He (God) rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, (Colossians 1:13 GNB)

Wherever there is an area of darkness in your life, Jesus wants to shed His light. Trust Him, follow His instructions and enjoy living in the light. Reflect on the words as you listen to the song Lord the light of your love is shining.

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

17. Was Martha a Workaholic?

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We have a saying, ‘Never judge a book by its cover.’

By this, we mean that what is observed on the outside does not necessarily give a clear picture of what is on the inside. Our passages in this session are about Martha a woman who on the outside was something of a workaholic, but where was her heart?

Read about it in Luke 10:38-41; John 11:1-7,17-27

Photo by Monstera

We look at two incidents in Jesus’ ministry involving Martha to try to see them from another perspective.

MEAL INVITATIONS

Jesus and His disciples did a fair amount of travelling around Galilee. They also made several trips to Jerusalem. On one occasion a teacher of the law offered to become a follower of Jesus. Jesus responded,  “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58 ESV).

So when folk like Matthew and Simon the Pharisee invited them to dinner, that was a very welcome gesture. In addition, there seems to have been a home in Bethany that served as a watering hole for the group as well.

MARTHA THE HOSTESS

In Luke 10 we read, “The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home” (Luke 10:38).

Martha immediately busied herself in the kitchen preparing the meal while her sister Mary settled down near Jesus to hear what he had to share.

Things were getting on top of Martha, yet her sister seemed oblivious to the difficulties. Eventually, she could take it no longer and she stormed into the room, “Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!” (Luke 10:40b)

Jesus’ response was unexpected, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41,42).

In effect, Jesus said, “Martha your focus at the moment is wrong. Now is not the time to focus on material food but on spiritual food.” Jesus was not accusing her of being unspiritual but that she was missing out on the best. She was opting for second best.

Who can blame her? We all face situations where we opt for what we think is best when we should be checking out what the Lord has to say on the subject.

Are you opting for God's best for your life or going along with what is really second best? Click To Tweet

MARTHA’S CONCERN

The opening verses of John 11 inform us that; “… Lazarus was sick. … So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick’” (John 11:1,3).

Having witnessed Jesus’s miracles, Mary and Martha believed Jesus could heal their brother. They knew He loved this family and understood the anxiety of the sisters Yet … “he stayed where he was for two more days” v6.

That seems so uncaring, Why the delay?

       1. Jesus’ life was in danger. Opposition from the religious leaders was growing in intensity. Jesus  and His disciples had withdrawn to an area on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

Bethany, the village of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus was just over 3 km east of Jerusalem, near enough for Jesus and His disciples to be in danger. When two days later Jesus announced “Let us go back to Judea,” His disciples reacted, “But Rabbi, a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there!”

So Jesus could have sent back the message, ‘Sorry! But our lives are in danger we can’t take the risk.”

  1. Jesus knew what the sisters didn’t know. Jesus’ response to the news was, “This sickness will not end in death … it is for God’s glory.”

He told his disciples two days later “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up. When the disciples failed to grasp what he was saying “He told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead’” (John 11:14).

TIME SEQUENCE

It seems that Jesus knew that He would be too late. Think about the time sequence:

  • Jesus received the message of Lazarus’ illness.

  • Two days later Jesus said, “Let us go back to Judea.”

  • Yet when they arrived in Bethany, “Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.”

The distance between the Jordan and Bethany was in the region of 30 km, a journey on foot of a day or more. Simple arithmetic shows that by the time that Jesus received the message Lazarus may have already died.

MARTHA’S FAITH TESTED

When Jesus and His disciples arrived in Bethany, he showed His caring concern for both sisters. But we will focus on Martha.

Martha took the initiative, “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him” v20. 

Although practical and down-to-earth, as we have seen, Martha was also a woman of faith. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” She sincerely believed that Jesus would have healed her brother, more than that she believed that there was still hope,  “I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” ( v21, 22.)

RESURRECTED

“Martha, do you believe that Lazarus will be raised to life?

Martha’s faith seemed to waver, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 

That gave Jesus the opportunity to test whether she really believed in the resurrection. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

She responded with a profession of faith, “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world” v27.

To the amazement and joy of everyone, Jesus raised Lazarus back to an extended period of life. We too enjoy a period of life here on earth, but through faith in the resurrected Christ, we have more to look forward to—life eternal.

MARTHA THE SERVER

One last thought. In John 12:1,2 we read, “Six days before Passover Jesus went back to Bethany, where he had raised Lazarus from death.” A meal had been prepared for Jesus. Martha was doing the serving, and Lazarus himself was there. We once again find Martha serving a meal.

This indicates that Martha’s God-given gift would seem to have been service—In his list of the Motivational Gifts Paul wrote, “If we can serve others, we should serve” (Romans 12:7 CEV). And serve is what Martha did—par excellence.

Jesus really cared. Martha needed to be encouraged in her faith, while her sister Mary needed to be comforted in her sorrow. As Jesus’s representatives, when tragedy strikes we need to come alongside and give whatever support is needed. We also need to remember that people are different and their needs differ. Very often, if we are gifted in one area, we expect the same level of involvement from others. Martha was a server. Mary was not.

Do you know what gift or gifts God has given you for the building up of His Kingdom here on earth? Then concentrate on perfecting them. But don’t expect others to do the same. We need to help and serve one another, but not expect the same standard from others when operating in our gifts.

If you’re not sure, I strongly recommend you look for the book by Don and Katie Fortune,  Discover Your God-Given Gifts. It transformed my life and ministry as well as my wife’s.

Sing along with the choir, praying the words as you go.

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

16. Are You a Leaky Christian?

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Water is life. One may be able to fast for long periods but one must drink or die of dehydration.

Can you recall when you desperately needed water to quench your thirst?

Pexels – Photo by MART PRODUCTION

The story of the nameless woman at Jacob’s well, who lived in the little village of Sychar in Samaria, is only found in John’s gospel.

Read her story in John 4:1-30,39

BACKGROUND:

In Jesus’ day, Palestine comprised Galilee in the North and Judea in the South. Between the two was the territory of Samaria. From Judea to Galilee,  normally took about 3 days if you walked. However, there was enmity between the Jews and the Samaritans so Jews normally skirted around Samaria taking approximately 6 days.

In 722 BC the King of Assyria captured the northern kingdom of Israel which included Samaria. He took some of the Israelites living there captive to Assyria & brought people from Babylon to live in Samaria. Intermarriage with the Israelites resulted in the orthodox Jews regarding them as an unclean hybrid race.

When the Israelites were released from captivity, the Samaritans offered to help them rebuild their cities and their temple. However, no way would they allow this despised mixed breed race to assist. Instead, the Jews encouraged them to build a temple for themselves on a mountain, Mt Gerizim.

LIVING WATER

In biblical times there were no large dams, their main water supply came from deep underground springs referred to as living water.

Jesus opted on this occasion to take the shorter route to Galilee. He and his disciples stopped at Jacob’s well on the outskirts of the village of Sychar. Jesus sat at the well but sent the disciples to buy food. At about noon a woman arrived.

Generally, the women came to draw water either in the early morning or evening. Having been married to five husbands, this woman was regarded as an adulterous, loose-living woman. But…

  • Perhaps her husbands had all died! The death rate of men was high, due to disease, crime, and war.
  • Maybe, they had divorced her. Divorce was extremely easy for men. A wife could be divorced for going outside with her hair unbound! Or perhaps speaking to any man other than her husband.
  • How often don’t you and I jump to the wrong conclusion because we don’t know all the facts?

Whatever, she was currently living with a man with whom she was not married, so maybe things weren’t all that simple!

The real issue is that this woman felt rejected, thirsty, and lonely and she came across someone  who cared—Jesus.

THIRSTY 

Jews and Samaritans tended to steer clear of one another. Yet this Jewish Rabbi asked her, a Samaritan woman for a drink. “Sir, You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?”

Jesus effectively said to her, “If you knew who I am, you wouldn’t want to talk politics! I can give you Living water.”

She thought Jesus was talking about the fresh water at the very bottom of the well, but Jesus had the water of the Spirit in mind.

Jesus added, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  (John 4:13b, 14) Jesus’ offer sounded great. It would save her having to make those tiresome daily trips to fetch water.

Note that Jesus didn’t condemn her wrong thinking. Instead, he gave her an instruction – ‘Go and fetch your husband.

“Well umm err… I don’t have a husband.”

“You’re right. You’ve had five husbands . . .”

LET’S GET RELIGIOUS

“Sir . . . I can see you’re a prophet!” (Let’s get away from lifestyle, let’s rather talk about worship.)

According to Jews, true worship could only take place at the temple in Jerusalem. However, the Samaritans were not permitted to worship there. Mount Gerizim, was their sacred mountain.  “Rabbi, Tell me which is the correct place to worship God. Jerusalem or Mt Gerizim?”

Jesus responded, “You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:22-24)

The woman tried to give the impression that she was religious by speaking about the promised Messiah who would come. Jesus responded, “I who speaks to you am He!”

Woah! That must have rocked the woman back on her heels!

AMAZING NEWS

The disciples returned, and the woman couldn’t wait to tell others. She rushed off to the village, leaving her water jar behind. “Come and see this man who told me everything I ever did! … Could this be the Christ?”

This despised woman was transformed with a glow on her face. Folk who usually gossiped about her accepted her invitation to meet Jesus and, “Many believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony.” Yet all she did was run back to the village and share what Jesus had done for her.

When Jesus and the disciples departed two days later, the townsfolk told the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said: … now we know that this man is really the Saviour of the World.”

A FULL CUP

The Samaritan woman belonged to a despised race—She may have been a loose-living woman—she certainly was not popular. But she met the Saviour and she was completely transformed. Those who despised her came to accept her testimony.

  1. Has your spiritual cup ever been filled? Or have you perhaps never really established contact with the source of living water—Jesus?
  2. Were you once a fresh bubbling believer but your life today lacks that sparkle?  You’re no longer enjoying your walk with the Lord.
  3. Are you perhaps judgmental like the people of Sychar? Your cup is full of the “right way” to do things. You disapprove of so much that is happening in the church these days.
  4. Or are you faithfully walking with the Lord. You love Him yet you long to be more effective.

Wherever you find yourself today, the same Jesus who offered that woman living water desires to fill you so that you need never thirst again.

The greatest need of the church, and the thing which, above all others, believers ought to seek for with one mind and with their whole heart, is to be filled with the Spirit of God. Andrew Murray Click To Tweet

LEAKY?

No matter how great our experiences with Jesus have been, if we don’t stop to top up, we will eventually run dry.

The late Dwight L Moody was once asked why he urged Christians to be filled constantly with the Holy Spirit. “Well,” he said, “I need a continual infilling because I leak!”

We are going to end this session with the words of a song Fill my cup Lord, which you may know. Please make it the prayer of your heart.

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

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.

 

Posted in Encounter

3. Dinner Invitation

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Do you recall getting an unexpected invitation to some special celebration dinner?

TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER TWELVE YEARS

This photo was taken here in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, during an unexpected bonus when our daughter and son-in-law came to visit all the way from Montenegro, and our niece, nephew, and lovely great-nieces were on holiday from Northern Ireland. What a special moment!

Our passage of scripture is all about an unexpected dinner invitation.

Reading: Matthew 9:1-13

SCENE SETTER

When Jesus’ hometown, Nazareth, rejected his ministry, He moved to Capernaum where he made his home base. (Matthew 4:13-16)

One day, some men brought a paralysed man on a mat to Jesus.  Jesus assured the paralysed man, “Take heart your sins are forgiven.“

Some teachers of the law immediately accused Jesus of blasphemy. Jesus asked them if it was easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven” than to say, “Get up and walk.” Then He went on to make an amazing claim, “the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.“

Jesus has God-given authority to forgive your sins and mine.

SOUL RESPONSIBILITY

The Rev Peter Marshall a Presbyterian minister, during the early part of the last century had the honour of being chaplain to the President of the United States.

“One night a friend questioned Peter Marshall about whether he really thought we shall ever have to stand before God on Judgement Day and hear the roll call of our sins.

“Yes!” the Bible makes it quite clear.” Peter answered promptly. “Someday, somewhere, somehow, there will be an accounting for each of us.”

He paused and seemed lost in thought as he stirred his third cup of tea. “I think I may have to go through the agony of hearing all my sins recited in the presence of God.”

But I believe it will be like this – Jesus will come over and lay His hand across my shoulder and say to God, “Yes! All these things are true, but I am here to cover up for Peter. He is sorry for all his sins, and by a transaction made between us, I am now solely responsible for them.” (‘A Man called Peter.’ – Catherine Marshall)

Doesn’t that sound amazing?

A PUBLICAN

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Capernaum they encountered a tax collector at his booth. Several of the older bible translations such as the American Standard Version and King James Version, label him as a publican.

A publican is generally a ‘keeper of a public house’ (Collins English Dictionary). We may regard a public house as a pub or tavern. But in biblical terms, it referred to someone fulfilling a public office such as that of a tax collector.

Though a Jew, he had a Greek name: Matthew. The gospel writer Mark calls him Levi son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:13). So it is possible that he was a brother to James son of Alphaeus who became one of the 12 apostles. (Matthew 10:3)

COMMITMENT

Jesus simply said, Follow me and Matthew got up and followed him.

  • What do you think were the implications of his decision to follow Christ?

Matthew had a lucrative job. Employed by the Roman authorities to collect taxes from the people—his own people—you can count on it that he submitted a certain amount regularly to his bosses. But you can also be sure that he took his own cut.

Yet when Jesus invited him to become a follower, he didn’t hesitate. He left his tax booth immediately. Perhaps more than any of the other disciples, Matthew had a better grasp of the cost of following Jesus. Yet he did not hesitate. 

The disciples’ Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James, and John could go back to fishing, (John 21:2) as they did after Jesus’ resurrection, but Matthew burnt his bridges. There was no way he would get his job back.

DISCIPLESHIP’S COST

  • Are you a follower of Jesus?
  • What has it cost you to become a follower of Jesus?

Some who have taken that step have been cut off from family and regarded as dead. Others have lost their lives.

I recently read a novel that deals with this very thing. A Muslim converted to Christianity who dared not return to his hometown for fear of being murdered by his own family. And this is not unique.

In my ministry, I witnessed the opposite. The son of a couple in one of my congregations fell for a Jehovah’s Witness lass. Leaders of that sect ordered him to become a member before their marriage and to have nothing more to do with his family. He refused to even chat with me. His family was devastated.

Initially, the other disciples would probably have been wary of Matthew. Jews who served the Roman authorities were generally despised by their fellow Jews.

INVITATION TO DINNER

Matthew was so excited about becoming a follower that he did an amazing thing. He set up a dinner at his home, to which he invited Jesus. He also invited his fellow tax collectors, and many others who had a bad reputation, to dinner to meet Jesus.

Not the kind of thing that I would have done. I think I would want to allow my associates and friends to gradually get the message that I had become a Jesus follower.

  • How about you? When you opened your life to Jesus did you make sure your friends, your family, your schoolmates or workmates know what you had done?

RELIGIOUS REACTION

There are always troublemakers around, no matter what group you may be part of. Unfortunately even in Christian circles.

Somehow, the Pharisees soon got wind of this gathering and confronted Jesus’ disciples, Why, does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?

I like the way Eugene Peterson puts it in The Message,

“What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy, with crooks and riff-raff?” (Matthew 9:11b The Message)

Jesus overheard and responded, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick?” (Matthew 9:11b The Message) He added “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9;13b NIV)

So Matthew responded unhesitatingly to Jesus’ invitation and held a dinner to give his colleagues and cronies an opportunity to hear Jesus.

  • Ever considered inviting unsaved friends to dinner?

TWO CHANGES

  • What major changes do you think happened in his life as a result of his decision?

I can think of two significant changes.

  1. He received a new life. Not only did he join a particular group of people. He belonged to a person – the Son of God. The despised tax collector had become an accepted person. Initially a follower of Jesus, later one of the 12 apostles.

When you opened your life to Jesus and decided to follow Him, you became a new person – one of His disciples.

  1. Matthew had a new purpose in life. The only tool from his old way of life that he was able to use for Jesus, was his pen. God appointed him as one of the record keepers of the group. Matthew was a keen observer throughout Jesus’ ministry and kept a record of the wonderful events of that ministry, which subsequently became the Gospel of Matthew.

WORK IN PROGRESS

Each of us is a work in progress. At the time of our birth, God gave us certain characteristics and abilities. When we put our trust in Jesus we received the Holy Spirit into our lives.  As we allow the Spirit to have greater control He uses those very God-given characteristics and capabilities for the work of Christ’s kingdom.

  • How are you using your God-given characteristic and capabilities to the glory of God? Are you using them?

In the eyes of many, Matthew was a nobody, a traitor to his own, but then he met Jesus, and his life was entirely transformed. You may feel like a nobody. You may feel that your life is going nowhere. But Jesus wants to make a difference in your life.

Jesus wants to use whatever you are prepared to offer him to make a difference in your life and in the lives of those you come into contact with.

You may not be able to invite unsaved friends to dinner, but what can you do to bridge the gap between them and Jesus?

As you listen to this beautiful song, identify with the words sung by Bill Gaither and the congregation, “I have decided to follow Jesus.”

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