Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry He often deviated from the established religious norms and spent time with those He wasn't supposed to. John's fourth chapter depicts two of those meetings when Jesus sits and talks with a Samaritan woman as well as when He heals the officials son.
For Jews in general, going through Samaria was taboo, but for a rabbi like Jesus to not only go through Samaria but also sit and talk with a single lady was unheard of. Jesus risked His reputation by sitting and talking to this Samaritan woman, as evidenced by the disciples reaction when they found Him. The cultural norms of human interaction, simply didn't keep Jesus from doing what He knew to be the work and mission of God.
So what work and mission does God have for us? And what cultural human norms keep us from actually accomplishing what God has put us on the earth to do?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 4 - John 3
It doesn't make sense.
Chapter three of John has the early leadership of the Jesus movement being questioned. Jesus is questioned in the middle of night by a Pharisee of the ruling council, mean while John the Baptist is questioned by his own followers. What happens when God moves and completely changes the fabric of humanity? Well there are lots of questions while humanity tries to catch up with the new movement of history.
Nicodemus, coming to Jesus in the middle of the night (possibly to keep other Pharisees from knowing what he is doing) comes and asks Jesus two very important questions. The first is how to enter into the Kingdom of God and the follow up is what does it mean to be born again. Apparently Nicodemus had heard Jesus speaking maybe during the day before and heard concepts and theology that was new to him, not only that but Jesus actually had the miracles to back up His authority to say these things.
John the Baptist on the other hand has some of is own followers come to him with questions. John's disciples were perplexed to the point of fighting amongst themselves because someone else was baptizing just down the river. Not only that but more people were going there than were coming to get baptized by John. These followers of John the Baptist knew their leader had been sent there by God and couldn't understand how someone else could have a more dynamic message.
What's interesting about these two encounters is the response by both leaders (John and Jesus) when asked about their ministries. Both of their responses lead to the same understanding for the questioner. 'Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but those who don't believe will suffer eternal wrath.' Not a very politically correct statement from these two leaders, but it's their response none the less.
What's happened recently in our culture has been a shift to the thought that there are many ways to God. That every religion, cult, and creed will eventually work it's way to the same God, the problem is that it isn't true. Jesus traveled a long way and had a bad stay if that were true. The fact is that everyone has a single decision to make. John and Jesus both knew what that decision was and were dedicated in explaining that message to those around them. Have you thought about that message?
The only way to God is through Jesus...
Chapter three of John has the early leadership of the Jesus movement being questioned. Jesus is questioned in the middle of night by a Pharisee of the ruling council, mean while John the Baptist is questioned by his own followers. What happens when God moves and completely changes the fabric of humanity? Well there are lots of questions while humanity tries to catch up with the new movement of history.
Nicodemus, coming to Jesus in the middle of the night (possibly to keep other Pharisees from knowing what he is doing) comes and asks Jesus two very important questions. The first is how to enter into the Kingdom of God and the follow up is what does it mean to be born again. Apparently Nicodemus had heard Jesus speaking maybe during the day before and heard concepts and theology that was new to him, not only that but Jesus actually had the miracles to back up His authority to say these things.
John the Baptist on the other hand has some of is own followers come to him with questions. John's disciples were perplexed to the point of fighting amongst themselves because someone else was baptizing just down the river. Not only that but more people were going there than were coming to get baptized by John. These followers of John the Baptist knew their leader had been sent there by God and couldn't understand how someone else could have a more dynamic message.
What's interesting about these two encounters is the response by both leaders (John and Jesus) when asked about their ministries. Both of their responses lead to the same understanding for the questioner. 'Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but those who don't believe will suffer eternal wrath.' Not a very politically correct statement from these two leaders, but it's their response none the less.
What's happened recently in our culture has been a shift to the thought that there are many ways to God. That every religion, cult, and creed will eventually work it's way to the same God, the problem is that it isn't true. Jesus traveled a long way and had a bad stay if that were true. The fact is that everyone has a single decision to make. John and Jesus both knew what that decision was and were dedicated in explaining that message to those around them. Have you thought about that message?
The only way to God is through Jesus...
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day 3 - John 2
The second chapter of John demonstrates something very profound about Jesus which in turn tells us something about God too. The first half of the chapter describes Jesus' first miracle, the turning of water into wine at the behest of Jesus' mother. The second part focuses on Jesus' arrival in the temple and His eventual destruction of the money changers and swindlers within it's gates.
These two stories are very unique and different. On one hand if shows us a Jesus who likes to have fun and has relationships with those in His community. The wedding was about to come to a screeching halt because the wine had run out. Yet Jesus' mother knew that Jesus could fix the problem and encourages Him to take action and keep this newly wed couple from embarrassment. The second story however demonstrates Jesus' anger as He raged against those that would desecrate the temple built for His Father. It says that Jesus fashioned together a whip from some cords and began flipping tables, throwing money around, herding animals out of the temple, and generally destroying the economic well being of the temple business. So what's up with Jesus?
Is He bipolar?
What's interesting is that Christians (myself included) and even those outside of the church usually prefer one aspect of Jesus over the other. There are some in the church that only seem to see Jesus as the fun guy at a party. The guy who loves everyone and is easily the funnest person to be around at the party. There are others that only see the wrath, justice and holiness of God. They see Jesus as the warrior, ready to attack and root out the sin in people's lives and warning people of their coming judgement in hell.
First let me say that if you believe one of these things you're right that's exactly who Jesus is, however Jesus is both. Not only does he love unconditionally and want everyone included in the celebration, He also cannot stand for sin and actions of unholiness.
It's only when we see Jesus as both the lover and the warrior that we see a clearer picture of Him.
These two stories are very unique and different. On one hand if shows us a Jesus who likes to have fun and has relationships with those in His community. The wedding was about to come to a screeching halt because the wine had run out. Yet Jesus' mother knew that Jesus could fix the problem and encourages Him to take action and keep this newly wed couple from embarrassment. The second story however demonstrates Jesus' anger as He raged against those that would desecrate the temple built for His Father. It says that Jesus fashioned together a whip from some cords and began flipping tables, throwing money around, herding animals out of the temple, and generally destroying the economic well being of the temple business. So what's up with Jesus?
Is He bipolar?
What's interesting is that Christians (myself included) and even those outside of the church usually prefer one aspect of Jesus over the other. There are some in the church that only seem to see Jesus as the fun guy at a party. The guy who loves everyone and is easily the funnest person to be around at the party. There are others that only see the wrath, justice and holiness of God. They see Jesus as the warrior, ready to attack and root out the sin in people's lives and warning people of their coming judgement in hell.
First let me say that if you believe one of these things you're right that's exactly who Jesus is, however Jesus is both. Not only does he love unconditionally and want everyone included in the celebration, He also cannot stand for sin and actions of unholiness.
It's only when we see Jesus as both the lover and the warrior that we see a clearer picture of Him.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 2 - John 1:35-51
Jesus steps into our brokenness and restores our humanity.
John the Baptist is standing there talking to two of his disciples when all of the sudden Jesus passes by them along the road. How could Andrew resist? This was his chance to literally follow the creator of the universe in the flesh... hopefully John doesn't mind (he doesn't). Andrew turns from his conversation with John and hurries to catch up to Jesus. Jesus hears the pitter patter of feet coming up behind Him and turns to see Andrew coming up along side Him. Andrew wonders if there is any way he can simply see where the creator of the universe is staying for the night and Jesus does him one better and asks him to join Him on an adventure. And thus starts the gathering of the twelve disciples.
I love this passage because Jesus takes the drop outs and puts them in the head of the class. Andrew, Cephas (Peter), Philip and Nathanael, all are called into the new movement that Jesus is starting. What's interesting is the way each of them are called. As stated above, Andrew seems to simply want to get as close as he can to Jesus. Simon is called and immediately Jesus changes his name to Cephas (Peter). Philip is simply 'found' and told to follow Jesus. Finally Nathanael is slightly apprehensive at first wondering if anything good can come from Nazareth, however Jesus puts those worries to rest and looks deep into Nathanael's heart.
We see these men and see four things:
Someone wanting to belong.
Someone needing a new start.
Someone willing to follow.
And someone looking for wonder.
The amazing part of this story is that these men are you and I. We need a place to belong in a world of disconnectedness. A place to start fresh when life has become hostile. A leader who knows us and is worth following. And something mysterious that continues to make us wonder everyday.
We need Jesus.
John the Baptist is standing there talking to two of his disciples when all of the sudden Jesus passes by them along the road. How could Andrew resist? This was his chance to literally follow the creator of the universe in the flesh... hopefully John doesn't mind (he doesn't). Andrew turns from his conversation with John and hurries to catch up to Jesus. Jesus hears the pitter patter of feet coming up behind Him and turns to see Andrew coming up along side Him. Andrew wonders if there is any way he can simply see where the creator of the universe is staying for the night and Jesus does him one better and asks him to join Him on an adventure. And thus starts the gathering of the twelve disciples.
I love this passage because Jesus takes the drop outs and puts them in the head of the class. Andrew, Cephas (Peter), Philip and Nathanael, all are called into the new movement that Jesus is starting. What's interesting is the way each of them are called. As stated above, Andrew seems to simply want to get as close as he can to Jesus. Simon is called and immediately Jesus changes his name to Cephas (Peter). Philip is simply 'found' and told to follow Jesus. Finally Nathanael is slightly apprehensive at first wondering if anything good can come from Nazareth, however Jesus puts those worries to rest and looks deep into Nathanael's heart.
We see these men and see four things:
Someone wanting to belong.
Someone needing a new start.
Someone willing to follow.
And someone looking for wonder.
The amazing part of this story is that these men are you and I. We need a place to belong in a world of disconnectedness. A place to start fresh when life has become hostile. A leader who knows us and is worth following. And something mysterious that continues to make us wonder everyday.
We need Jesus.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 1 - John 1:1-34
As I read this passage certain things stick out to me, probably because I have heard this passage so many times. In youth group, myself and several other students actually memorized this passage by doing a reader's theater centering on the first 34 verses. We used this theater for various trips, church functions and other events, and I still remember a solid portion of it to this day.
One of the things that strikes me from this passage is this character John, or rather John the Baptist. This passage begins talking about the 'Word', which later is revealed to be Jesus by the end of the passage. However, in the middle we find this conversation about who isn't God, who isn't the Messiah, and who John really is in the story. Verse 19 shows John there baptizing people, when all of the sudden the Priests and Levites are sent in to figure out who this guy is that is baptizing individuals. They ask him several questions:
"Who are you?" (v.21)
"Are you Elijah?" (v.21)
"Are you a prophet?" (v.21)
"What do you say about yourself?" (v. 22)
and finally,
"Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the People?" (v. 25)
The Priests and Levites are in effect asking where he gets his authority from. If John the Baptist was a prophet, if he was Elijah, if he was the Christ, then they could understand his actions. The fact is though, John wasn't any of those things. John was, well John. John was simply a guy doing what God had called him to do, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord (v. 23).'" God had called an ordinary man to do something extraordinary. His authority wasn't through titles but through the one who sent him.
So the question is, what has God sent me (you) to do? God has given us the authority, the talents, and the knowledge to do great things, not for your glory but for His. While John knew what he was called to do, he also knew not to take the credit for himself, but to turn the attention and the focus to someone far greater and more powerful than he, the priests, the Levites and the Jews ever could have imagined. Who interestingly shows up on the next day? Jesus.
One of the things that strikes me from this passage is this character John, or rather John the Baptist. This passage begins talking about the 'Word', which later is revealed to be Jesus by the end of the passage. However, in the middle we find this conversation about who isn't God, who isn't the Messiah, and who John really is in the story. Verse 19 shows John there baptizing people, when all of the sudden the Priests and Levites are sent in to figure out who this guy is that is baptizing individuals. They ask him several questions:
"Who are you?" (v.21)
"Are you Elijah?" (v.21)
"Are you a prophet?" (v.21)
"What do you say about yourself?" (v. 22)
and finally,
"Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the People?" (v. 25)
The Priests and Levites are in effect asking where he gets his authority from. If John the Baptist was a prophet, if he was Elijah, if he was the Christ, then they could understand his actions. The fact is though, John wasn't any of those things. John was, well John. John was simply a guy doing what God had called him to do, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord (v. 23).'" God had called an ordinary man to do something extraordinary. His authority wasn't through titles but through the one who sent him.
So the question is, what has God sent me (you) to do? God has given us the authority, the talents, and the knowledge to do great things, not for your glory but for His. While John knew what he was called to do, he also knew not to take the credit for himself, but to turn the attention and the focus to someone far greater and more powerful than he, the priests, the Levites and the Jews ever could have imagined. Who interestingly shows up on the next day? Jesus.
Starting Lent
As you can see over the last several months I haven't been using my blog with any consistency or for any real purpose. Life has been moving fairly quickly, and I simply haven't had the time to really focus on this very much, however I want to change that. Today starts the forty days leading up to Easter known as Lent.
Traditionally people decide to give things up for Lent, but I want to try and take something up for lent. Specifically my blog. So my plan, little as it may be, is to follow my church's "40 Days of Prayer" booklet, which is a tool to help our congregation pray more through the time of Lent. So every day there 'should' (assuming I do it.. everyone else seems to have issues keeping their Lent promises) be a post on the passage for the day, and a quick thought from me.
Traditionally people decide to give things up for Lent, but I want to try and take something up for lent. Specifically my blog. So my plan, little as it may be, is to follow my church's "40 Days of Prayer" booklet, which is a tool to help our congregation pray more through the time of Lent. So every day there 'should' (assuming I do it.. everyone else seems to have issues keeping their Lent promises) be a post on the passage for the day, and a quick thought from me.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Accepting the Rejected
Accepting the rejected is hard.
It requires sacrifice.
Other people might think of you differently, in a bad way.
Yet, that is
exactly
what Christ
has called
us to do.
What would church look like if we actually accepted the rejects of society? What if church was known as a place where the rejected found refuge? What if it did what it was trained to...
It requires sacrifice.
Other people might think of you differently, in a bad way.
Yet, that is
exactly
what Christ
has called
us to do.
What would church look like if we actually accepted the rejects of society? What if church was known as a place where the rejected found refuge? What if it did what it was trained to...
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