Jesus Knew His Place!

Mark 1:40-45  And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. (41) And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. (42) And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. (43) And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; (44) And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. (45) But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter. 

Our text today, like the last few days,  is focused on Jesus miraculously healing those that are sick; this time someone stricken of leprosy.  Leprosy was such a terrible disease because it was painful and very contagious and those stricken with it were cast out of their communities and banded together in small groups for support. More often than not leprosy was a painfully terminal illness.

This particular man had apparently seen Jesus healing many other people and was convinced that Jesus would be able to wipe out this dreaded disease.  In vrs 41 we find that Jesus was “moved with compassion” for him and healed him by touching him and speaking the simple command “Be Thou Clean”.  The next statement is crucial to separating Jesus from our modern day pretenders.  The Bible says that IMMEDIATELY the disease left him.  There was no need for further treatments.  There was no need for time to pass to allow for the miracle to take effect. The miracle took effect right there in front of them so it was provable to all those around. It was miraculous and immediate and provable.  That should be clue for us to compare to those that claim they can perform miracles today.

The part of this passage that I want to focus on today is vrs 44.  So many religious leaders today seem to behave like they are above the the rules and restrictions of others; whether biblically or civilly.  But Jesus, even though he was the Son of God and and God himself (John 1:1-3), he understood that he still was bound by certain regulations.  According to the law of Moses, the civil and religious law that Jesus lived under had certain requirements as it pertains to leprosy.  When someone was suspected to have contracted leprosy, they were required to have it verified by the priests  (Leviticus 13:9).  There was not governmental agency like we think of in our society, so the priests had that responsibility.  Once the person was affirmatively diagnosed, he was cast out of society. And when he confronted someone in public, the had to yell out ”Unclean, Unclean”!  If on the rare chance that a person recovered from this disease, they had to go back to the priests, and only through them, could it be verified and allow them to return to society (Leviticus 14:1-9). 

In vrs 44 Jesus tells the man to go and show himself to the priests and to perform the sacrifices that the law required.  Why did Jesus require this man to do this?  Jesus was certainly more knowledgeable than the priests were.  He knew that this man was clean far better than the priests could.  Simply, because Jesus knew his place and knew that the Law of Moses did not give him the authority to perform that act.  And so he followed the law that he was under!

Being a Christian, according to the Bible, gives us FREEDOM! (Rom 6:18)  That freedom is a NOT a freedom to make our own rules.  That freedom is a freedom FROM sin NOT a freedom to pick and choose which rules, laws and commandments that we choose to follow.  

Jesus knew his Place...Do We?

Reflecting His SON,  

Dennis Hogan

Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

1804 Sam Stewart Dr.

Radcliff, KY  40160

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 

their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Jesus Taught with Authority!

Mark 1:21-22 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. (22) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 

Oftentimes we hear comments made about the nature of Jesus’s teaching, Much has been said about his use of Parables and illustrations.  I have heard many comments about the innovative and unconventional nature of many of his messages and truths. Loving your enemies for instance (Matt 5:44).  Today we are going to focus on the characteristic that is mentioned in this passage. Here, the Bible tells us that there was something VERY distinctive....one might even say troubling about his teachings.  So much so that it caused those present to be Astonished!  The audience was amazed, taken back, almost to say in disbelief.  What was it that caused so much uproar when he spoke?  He taught as one that Had AUTHORITY!  What does it mean to “Speak with Authority”  Generally, It implies one of several characteristics, But When Jesus spoke with authority, I believe all of these Characteristics were present

1.  A Boldness (not cowering or timidity)

2.  Being an Expert  (Unprecedented knowledge and Wisdom)

3.  Dependable  (if he says it - you can COUNT on it)

4.  Having the Ability or Enforce What is Spoken

So...what does that mean...what’s the point to mention that he spoke with Authority?  When I read this phrase, It reminds me of an old TV Commercial for E.F. Hutton, the stock brokerage company. The tag line for everyone of their commercials is: “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen”, and because Jesus spoke with such authority, We OUGHT listen to him!  Not just casually hear...But REALLY Listen!

Some may be thinking....”all of this is ridiculously obvious”...  Of course we would listen to Jesus.  But do we really?  There is much of the religious world that likes the PRINCIPLES of what Jesus says,  But they turn right around and dismiss his commandments as irrelevant or out of date.  I think I can prove, that the words of Jesus are profound and ought to be followed meticulously.

1.  He Spoke With Authority The World into Existence  (Genesis 1:1-3)

Clearly, by inspiration the Bible, undeniably states that NOTHING was made without Jesus, So clearly we can attribute the speaking of the world into existence to Jesus as well.  Just think of what is being said here as it pertains to our point.  With the power of a spoken word, God, Jesus SPOKE this world into existence in 6 individual days.  What Authority!.....What power!  So let me ask.  If he has such power in his spoken word, To bring everything we see into existence...Do we really think that he is not deadly serious about the commands and wishes that he informs us of in the Bible?

2.  He Spoke With Authority...Sins Forgiven  (Mark 2:3-12)

This aspect of his spoken word was probably the most troubling to the Jews.  In fact, they accused him of blasphemy for saying this man’s sins were forgiven.  Certainly today, if one made the claim that they could forgive sin, we too would think that it was blasphemous.  But Jesus didn’t halfheartedly or on a whim speak this man’s sins forgiven.  He didn’t spout off just to shock the crowd.  He didn’t say things just to see his name in the press, like a lot of politicians do.  He spoke with AUTHORITY!  Jesus knows that they are talking about him behind his back.  So he addresses their skepticism.  And to prove he wasn’t just make empty claims.  And he proved his authority on the matter, by too, being able to heal this man of an incurable crippling infirmity.  If Jesus speaks with such authority to forgive sins, why would we think that he didn’t truly mean what he says about what God wants?

3.  He Spoke With Authority...Evil Spirits Expelled  (Luke 4:33-36)

Notice the manner in which this unclean spirit cowers to the shear power of Jesus.  And with the simple strength of the Authority of his words of Jesus.  The demon obeys the word of Jesus!  I think this is one time that we can learn a valuable and positive lesson from Satan and his followers. They know not to rebel against the commands of Jesus.  And I think that is a lesson we all ought to follow.  When Jesus, speaks,  instead of justifying why it shouldn’t apply to us,  instead of trying to reason a so-called better way than his.  We ought to do just as this evil spirit did,  And follow the authority of Jesus.

4.  He Spoke With Authority...Storms Stilled  (Mark 4:36-41)

Don’t dismiss the seriousness of this storm because the disciples were just inexperienced and easily frightened.  Instead we know that at least 3 of these guys were experience fisherman which would be very accustomed to being on the sea in bad weather.  And they were literally afraid for their lives.  They even asked Jesus”  “Do you not care that we perish”.  They thought the storm would kill them.  But Jesus SPOKE with AUTHORITY and the storm ceased and the ocean stilled.  Notice too the ease with which he was able to control the storm.  He didn’t have to give it a long speech.  He didn’t have to yell over and over for it to pay attention.  He didn’t have to plead with the storm to go away.  He simply said “Peace be Still”.  Who would not agree with the power and authority when Jesus speaks?  So why do so many question him?  Why do so many dismiss his words as unimportant or irrelevant?

5.  He Spoke With Authority...Diseases Healed  (Luke 7:1-10)

Whereas we saw an earlier example where the friends of a sick man brought the sick person to Jesus, here we have a unique situation.  The Centurion was unable to bring the sick friend to him, And thought he was unworthy to have Jesus come to his house.  With out being present...without Jesus laying his hands on the sick person, Or doing any other miraculous act.  He requested that Jesus heal his friend with the command of his voice.  This man truly understood that Jesus spoke with Authority.  He realized that Jesus had the authority to speak but a word and his friend could be completely disease free.  And with the same power,  with the same authority,  Jesus speaks to us the will of God!  Will we heed to the authority of the word of Jesus?

I believe there will be many on the Day of Judgment that will be equally astonished.  They will be in disbelief that the things Jesus said, He actually meant!  Will you not listen to Jesus this day?

Reflecting His SON,  

Dennis Hogan

Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

1804 Sam Stewart Dr.

Radcliff, KY  40160

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 

their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Jesus Disciples Are...Imitators of Him!

Mark 8:34  And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 

This Characteristic of being Jesus’ disciple is the most literal to the word follower.  In this passage he commands his disciples to follow him.  What does it mean to follow?  I think Jesus’ use of this word is very much like the behaviors of playing the children’s game “Follow-the-Leader”.  If the leader stops and jumps up and down, then everyone behind is required to do the same thing in a manner that as closely mimics the leader as possible.  If the leader begins to run, then everyone else runs as well.  Notice in the game, three separate things are being followed

1.  The pathway or direction of the leader

2.  The Leader’s Specific actions

3.  The Leader’s particular mannerisms

This is exactly the concept that Jesus is intending to portray of his followers.  It is quite literally putting into action the teachings that  we have heard and learned.  Notice...

1 Peter 2:21  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 

There is a couple of key points that need to be emphasized.  First notice that Jesus’ life was lived in such a manner that it was INTENDED to be an example for us follow.  We are not to look at Jesus just as the Son of God that was the perfect and spotless lamb of God.  But equally he was human.  He endured the difficulties, disappointments, worries, shame, frustrations and temptation that we must endure.  And yet he endured in such a manner that if we emulate him, we will continually please God.  

But secondly,  Peter tells us that we are to follow in his STEPS.  Have you ever noticed that word?  We are not just to follow in a vague direction as him.  It is not good enough to have a similar philosophical outlook as Jesus.  We are to follow in his immediate footsteps.  That implies that we are to manage our life to imitate Jesus’ actions, behaviors and even our thoughts to such minute detail that we are walking in his very footprints.

Can we really call ourselves followers of Christ if behave, act and react in life in a manner that draws someone to think that we are not Christ like?  Certainly Not.  We therefore, as his disciples. MUST be CHRIST like.

Reflecting the SON,  

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

12 Hours of Jesus is a community focused effort to teach the world more about Jesus.  Our first event is May 10th in Radcliff Kentucky.

Website:  www.12hoursofjesus.org 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/12hoursofjesus

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 

their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Jesus Disciples Are...Moldable!

Matt. 4:18-20   And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (19) And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (20) And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 

Jesus, as a teacher and a religious leader was a revolutionary. In so many ways he went against traditional thinking. In his sermon on the mount, he taught several lessons that went against the nature of man.  For instance he taught his followers to “turn the other cheek”.  Likewise, in this passage we find a similar radical thought.  Instead of Jesus recruiting specialists to continue and spread his mission, he went to common, ordinary folks.  Here in Matt. 4, Jesus finds two “blue collar”, uneducated fisherman. They have no formal training in theology.  They are not accomplished public speakers.  They have no experience in changing the minds of masses of people.  But, ordinary, even uneducated people were the very kinds of people Jesus continually sought after and chose.  Notice very carefully what he tells them as he recruits them.  “I will make you to Be...”.  Jesus was able to take fisherman, tax collectors and other common people and revolutionized the world.  So what does that say about his disciples?  They must be willing to be molded, shaped and trained to be what God needs them to be.  There is something beautiful about this concept.  Too often, I have run across people thought they were not good enough to be a Christian.  And the reality is, that, in manner of speaking, they are right.

Romans 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

No one, because of the sin that we have committed...not a single human being, with the exception of Jesus himself, is deserving of ANYTHING from God.  But, when we are willing to be a followers or disciples of Jesus, HE will help us to be what God wants us to be. We do not have to be flawless in order to be a disciple, We don’t even have to fix ourselves first to become a follower of God. Jesus is will to take care of all of that.  But...we have to be willing to change and to be changed by Him.

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

That change or transformation must begin in our minds.  And eventually must transform our whole being.  But when we are willing to change and be changed, God can turn a fisherman into a world-class preacher.  He can turn a murderer into a missionary.  And he can turn what ever you are today...Into great things for his benefit.

Reflecting the SON,  

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

12 Hours of Jesus is a community focused effort to teach the world more about Jesus.  Our first event is May 10th in Radcliff Kentucky.

Website:  www.12hoursofjesus.org 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/12hoursofjesus

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 

their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Rich, Young and Still Needs to Be Saved!

KJV - Luke 18:18-25 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (19) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. (20) Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. (21) And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. (22) Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (23) And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. (24) And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (25) For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

NIV - Luke 18:18-25  A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  (19)  “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. (20) You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’’ (21)  “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.  (22)  When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  (23)  When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. (24) Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! (25) Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Salvation is NOT of our doing!

One thing that the world must realize is that we are unable to save ourselves!  We cannot refrain from sin enough to deserve salvation.  We cannot do enough good to earn salvation.  We cannot have enough money for God to feel inclined to save us.  We cannot be born into the right kind of family that will cause God to feel compelled to let be saved on our own.

So is the situation with this Rich Young Ruler.  This young man comes to Jesus inquiring about how to obtain eternal life.  I cannot help but wonder, by his ultimate reaction, if he didn’t come to Jesus with the expectation of being validated for his self-perceived stellar life.

As we continue this discussion, we must make this clarification.  Jesus of course, has not died as of yet and so both Jesus and this Rich Young Ruler is living under the Old Law of Moses.  Jesus was asked a specific question about a specific individual’s circumstances and so Jesus gives his answer based upon those circumstances at that time.  We must not assume that the answer he gave in this rich young ruler’s context specifically applies to us as we are now under the Law of Christ.  With that said some real principles apply.

When asking what must I do to inherit eternal life, Jesus gives him an answer that would apply to a Jew under the Law of Moses:  Keep the Commandments.  I feel certain that at this point the young man feels pretty good about himself.  The young man tells Jesus that he has kept all of them from his youth.  At this point, Jesus throws him a curveball.  While the young man is ready to be given his stamped ticket into heaven, Jesus simply sees him as a candidate for being a follower.  

The young man wasn’t done because he had kept the law of Moses, instead, he had just begun.  Jesus tells him to do 4 additional things.  Things that he was unwilling to do.

1.  Sell All that he has.

2.  Distribute those monies to the Poor.

3.  Come to Jesus.

4.  Follow Jesus.

The first two items throws off a lot of people.  Some tend to think that everyone has to do this in order to be a Christian.  But those two things are not told to anyone else anywhere else in the Bible.  Remember, Jesus had the ability to read the hearts and minds of people and so I think it is clear that Jesus taking a principle that he tells to everyone and specifying it to this particular individual.  

Matthew 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Jesus knew that this man’s riches was the most important thing in his life, so instead of generalizing the command of deny thyself,  he made it very specific to him.  However, this principle still applies to us.  We must deny ourselves of whatever will get in the way of us serving our savior with our all.

One of the things that we must see in Jesus’ instruction is that when asked: What must I do?  Jesus did not chastise him because there was nothing to do.  Jesus requires the PROPER response to his sacrifice and ultimate gift.  We cannot save ourselves by our own actions...good or bad.  But we must not think that it eliminates our responsibility to serve him in whatever manner he requests from us

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Every person that desires to come to Jesus MUST come to him.   So what does it mean to “Come to Jesus”?  That is a long detailed series of lessons so I will generalize.  By its very nature, to “Come” to Jesus, we must first leave where you are and go to where he is.  We CANNOT become followers by remaining in the sinful life that we have previously lived.  We must be willing to forsake that old life.  In short, in order to come to Jesus, we MUST:

1.  Believe (John 3:16)

2.  Repent  (Luke 13:3)

3.  Confess Jesus  (Matt 10:32-33)

4.  Be Baptized  (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16)

Lastly, we must FOLLOW Jesus.  When I read this, I cannot help but think of the children’s game “Follow the Leader”.  In that game, the followers are to mimic EVERY movement, gesture, direction and destination of the Leader.  Jesus is our leader and we must be willing to conform our lives to match EVERY characteristics of our Savior.

The Rich young ruler was unwilling to be the follower of Jesus.  Let us not fall into that same trap!

Reflecting His SON,  

Dennis Hogan

Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

1804 Sam Stewart Dr.

Radcliff, KY  40160

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 

their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

What...There’s a Cost?

Luke 14:28-33 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  (29) Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,  (30) Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.  (31) Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?  (32) Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. (33) So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

In the two verses preceding our passage today, Jesus was talking about what it means to be his disciple.  Jesus said that we must be willing to put God first (Luke 14:26) , and that we must be willing to bear our cross for him (Luke 14:27).

In our text today, Jesus says that we must count the cost of being his disciple.  Many may be appalled at the concept that I even suggest that there could be a cost to us.  Keep in mind, however, that I didn’t say that....Jesus did!  To further support his position, Jesus gives two examples.  

First, he asks, who would start a building project without counting the cost of the overall project to determine whether you have the means to be able finish it?  Responsible people do not make major purchases without understanding the overall, long-term costs of such an endeavor.  Then secondly, he asks, what king goes to make war with another country without having the planning and understanding if the battle can be won.  One does not start a fight only to lose!  If losing is a greater probability, Jesus says the smart thing to do is to send an ambassador and work out the peace and not start that war.

The point that Jesus is making is that we must count the cost of Christianity BEFORE becoming his disciple!  So what is the cost?  Jesus said in the two previous verses that we need to love him more than father, mother, spouse, child or siblings.  There is a cost associated with that.  He went on to day that we must be willing to take up our cross.  There are costs associated with that as well.  

Jesus wants us to follow him.  He desires it so much that he was willing to die to make our lives better.  However, just because he paid the ultimate price, does not mean there is no price for us to pay.  It is minuscule compared to what he did.  But a cost is still there none the less.  He does not want us to make a half-hearted attempt, only to quit mid way.  Instead, we need to count the cost.  When we realize that what he has to offer is far superior to the world, we need to deny ourselves and submit our will to his.

Reflecting His SON,  

Dennis Hogan

Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

1804 Sam Stewart Dr.

Radcliff, KY  40160

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 

their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Jesus...Not Too Good for Anyone!

Luke 5:27-32 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. (28) And he left all, rose up, and followed him. (29) And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. (30) But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? (31) And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. (32) I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. 

Jesus certainly did things in an unusual way didn’t he?  

If you wanted to start a new religion, who would you try and recruit for your core ambassadors?  What is the best kind of person that would continue your message into the future?  Would you choose the most educated, well spoken and influential citizens or the dredges of society?  I for one certainly wouldn’t trust people like Tax collectors or ordinary fisherman...and I would be wrong!

In our text this morning, we find that Jesus approaches a publican or tax collector named Levi.  Our distain for tax collectors today does not even begin to approach the hatred that they had for them in Jesus time.  The reason is that the Roman government recruited people from respective societies to collect taxes from their own people.  This made tax collectors traitors in the eyes of their peers.

Jesus had the audacity to not only approach Levi but actually asked Levi to follow him.  Jesus wanted a despised Tax Collector?  Yes he did.  In verse 29 we get a hint of why Jesus did this. 

Luke 5:29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. 

Levi was so appreciative of his being picked by Jesus that he threw a great feast and invited his friends.  Levi wanted to share his new find with his those that were important to him.  Are we like Levi?  Are we too thrilled that Jesus is willing to pick us that we are excited to share him with our friends?  If not why not?

When the religious leaders of the day saw that Jesus was ‘stooping into the gutter’ to eat and socialize with ‘such people’, they were outraged!  They thought that if Jesus was trying to promote himself as a leader that he should be trying to endear himself to them instead of tax collectors and such.  Jesus...why on earth would you want to eat and drink with SINNERS?

But Jesus’ response says it all!

Luke 5:31-32 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. (32) I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Because Jesus is a spiritual doctor and his mission is to heal those that are sick!  It is the tax collectors and sinners of the world that will sooner acknowledge their sin than those that perceive they have no problems, like the scribes and pharisees.

I for one am SO thankful that Jesus stoops down into the gutter to try and relate to the sinners of the world.  If he didn’t, I couldn’t have ever been saved.  I am SO thankful that Jesus was not too good for me!

They Forsook All and Followed Him!

Luke 5:1-11 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, (2) And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. (3) And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. (4) Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. (5) And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (6) And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. (7) And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. (8) When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. (9) For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: (10) And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. (11) And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. 

This story has always interested me because of my passion for fishing.  I have gone out more times than I care to remember and spent hours to come up empty.  But I didn’t have Jesus to assist me!

Jesus had been in the immediate area because a crowd of people followed him to hear him preach.  In order to be in a vantage point so everyone could hear and see him, Jesus convinced Peter to launch his ship out a bit from shore so he can preach from the lake.

After the preaching was concluded, Jesus suggest that they go on back out and fish again.  The manner in which they fish is anything but recreational.  It is hard work and they had already been out all night, so Peter was less than thrilled at the thought of going back out.  But Peter had a reaction to Jesus that we all need to have.

Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

From a human perspective, there may be lots of reasons why the will of God may seem to be inconvenient.  From our logical perspective, some things he wants from us may not make any sense.  But this example demonstrates WHY we should suck it up and do what he says.  Peter was the expert here, but he did not know what he was talking about for 2 simple reasons.

1.  God ALWAYS has a better perspective than we do

2.  Go is in control of things that we cannot consider.

So even if something in God’s word seems strange, odd, or downright illogical, we need to follow the lead of Peter... “Nevertheless...I will DOT IT!”

When Peter and the others submitted to the will of Jesus, they were enormously rewarded.  They took in so many fishes that two boats were filled to the point that they began to sink.

Peter’s reaction is again is worth following.

Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.  

Due to this unusual miracle, Peter realizes that he is in the presence of Greatness.  So much so that he quickly sees himself as undeserving due to his sin.  This encounter changes his life forever.  For the text says that when he gets to shore, they forsook all and followed Jesus!

When we see what Jesus can do to our lives, we again ought to follow the lead of Peter and follow Jesus!

What’s the Point of Looking?

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 

Yesterday, we discussed James 1:22....being DOERS of the word and not hearers only.  But in verses 23-25, James continues this thought and so shall we.

James ended verse 22 by saying that if we are hearers only we deceive ourselves.  In verse 23-24 he elaborates that concept by offering an illustration to support his statement.

James 1:23-24 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 

For most of us, what is the LAST thing that we do before we walk out of the door to go into public?  If you are like me, you look at the mirror.  Why do we do that?  Because it is the final look!  The last inspection!  We want to make sure that everything is properly done; that we have not forgotten something.  It gives us one last chance in case we find that something is lacking.

Now, here really is the crux of this point...What if we find something wrong?  For instance, what if we look in the mirror and realized that men, we didn’t shave our face or ladies, you didn’t put on your make-up?  What if you look in the mirror and see that there is a big coffee stain on your shirt?  What do you do?

Really we have one of two options:

1.  You can say.....”aah, no big deal, that interviewer won’t mind that big stain”

2.  You go and fix the problem that you found in the mirror.

If you go with option number 1.....If you see a problem and choose not to fix it...Why did you look?  What was the point?  Isn’t the WHOLE point of looking in the mirror, right before you walk out the door, to make sure everything is RIGHT?  

That is exactly the illustration that James is making as it pertains to our spiritual lives. If we look in the “Perfect Law of Liberty”, the Bible, and see that our lives do not measure up, What do we do?  Will we go away and say to ourselves ”aah, no big deal, God won’t mind that sin”?  If we react that way, we are the forgetful hearers that James is warning us about.  If we walk away without changing the problem, we are deceiving ourselves by thinking that reading the Bible is having any benefit to us.

The alternative of course is that we do as the text suggests and be Doers of the word.  We see the problem in our lives and we make the proper adjustments to make things right.  Remember what James said in verse 21 from a couple of days ago?

James 1:21 ...and receive with MEEKNESS the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 

James said that we should receive with humility or meekness the word of God.  If we look at Bible and say to ourselves that we are not going to change, that is not receiving it with humility, it is REJECTING it with ARROGANCE.

In James’ last statement, he said that if we do what we find in the word of God, we will be blessed in our deeds.  There is a real benefit, to US, for changing our coffee stained shirts before we walk out the door.  Likewise, there is a REAL benefit to both us and God if we look into the word of God, recognize that there is a problem and become DOERS of what we read, by making the proper changes in our lives.

Do You REALLY Want to Know?

John 10:24-31 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. (25) Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. (26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. (30) I and my Father are one. (31) Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Knowledge is a curious thing. I would say, that if you asked 100 people if they wanted to gain additional knowledge, 100 people would say... ”Absolutely”. Come on...who would not want to be better educated, smarter or wiser? Honestly, many people of those 100.

Everybody has the opportunity to gain additional knowledge everyday. Whether it is reading a book, taking a class or simply gaining knowledge from a mentor, additional knowledge is at our finger tips. So again, how many people truly take advantage of that knowledge? I would say VERY few.

So if all of us, at least on the surface, want additional knowledge, why do so few act upon it? That is a discussion much to large for this venue. However, we can speculate about a few. Some may not have time (ie. do not CHOOSE to make time for it). Some may conclude that what they are doing or have scheduled in a day is more important than gaining additional knowledge.

Furthermore, some may fear additional knowledge. If one has a particular way of thinking established, additional knowledge may upset that apple cart and cause great stress.

That is what is happening in our text today. Some Jews approach Jesus and say...and I paraphrasing of course... “Quit beating around the bush and tell us PLAINLY if you are the Messiah.” They are wanting to gain additional knowledge and quite frankly about the most important subject known to man...right?.

Are they REALLY? These Jews are like the 100 that say they want additional knowledge but don’t in fact.

Jesus response to them is very telling. He says that you have the information. I have told you many times before. I have lots of followers or sheep that are currently following me because they had enough information to know.

These people have seen Jesus’ miracles and have heard him speak countless times because they were trying to catch him in a mistake. They probably had more information than the average follower. But all of the information in the world would not change their mind from what they WANTED TO BELIEVE!

How many of us fall into this trap? How many of us ACT like we want to learn all we can about Jesus, what he teaches, and what he wants from us, but in the long run, we dismiss it just like they did. Too often, people that profess they follow Jesus have this sam mind set. They hear what he teaches in the Bible, then dismiss it because it does not fit with what they want to believe.

To truly follow Jesus, we Must Deny ourselves of what we want and submit to the will of God. Jesus did not say it would be easy, but he did inform us it would be worth it.

Do You REALLY Want to Know what Jesus says?