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MATT. 2:13-18 JESUS IS GOD’S SON: 

The Christmas story is so very appealing, isn’t it? - a baby born in a stable and lying in a manger, visited by, not one, but two sets of  mysterious strangers. Well, for far too many it seems to have no more significance than a Barbara Cartland historical romance. So completely have they missed the point if it! But for those who have the ears to hear …It is nothing less than news of a saviour from God's wrath. Try telling that to the crowds at the sales this weekend. These days we have no sense that our way of life offends God!

Our passage this morning moves us firmly away from the tinsel and the sentimentality of Christmas into the hard world, and particularly into the hostile world awaiting Jesus. Yes hostile. Matthew wants us to see clearly who Jesus is - Emmanuel, Saviour, Messiah: but the path ahead for Jesus isn’t going to be all triumph and glory and popularity. The twisted and rebellious hearts of men will see to that!

As we pick up the story in Matt.2:13 (p2) things have been so wonderfully perplexing for Mary and Joseph: angels speaking to them: the shepherds coming to see their new baby boy: and Wise Men who travelled from Persia to bring him costly presents. They even knelt down to worship their baby! How wonderful. But things are about to take a nasty turn! They are going to have to endure ...

1. AN UNEXPECTED HUMILIATION

King Herod had told the Wise Men to call on him on their way home, to tell him where to find Jesus. ‘So that I may pay him homage’ he said (v.8 end). But it was a trick: he was out to destroy Jesus. Being warned in a dream the Wise Men went home another way. But the threat was real. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to get his family away …‘13end’. There’s no time to be lost; delay may be fatal. So in the middle of the night they gather up such belongings as they can carry and escape, becoming refugees in Egypt v.14,15. What an unexpected humiliation for this simple innocent family! Is this what we would have expected to happen?

2. AN ASTONISHING PARALLEL

But even this is not outside God’s control! There is something deep and very significant going on here. Let me explain. 

In the OT God frequently refers to the nation of Israel as ‘his son’. For example, in Hosea 11:1 he says ‘When Israel was a child, I loved him and out of Egypt I called my son.’ - referring, of course to the Exodus -the biggest event in Israel’s history. Hence this astonishing parallel. See v.14,15. Matthew is telling us two things (1) this parallel demonstrates that Jesus is God’s Son and (2) that He is the personification of Old Israel. But what does that mean? Is it that just a theological nicety. No indeed! It goes to the heart of the Gospel. Jesus by His life and death succeeded where Israel failed. He fulfilled completely and perfectly all God’s moral demands declared to Israel. He did it on our behalf, so that through faith in Christ we can be reconciled to God.

3. A TERRIBLE JEALOUSY

Meanwhile back in Judea things are going from bad to worse. Herod, realising that his trick has failed, flies into a rage and orders all the children in and around Bethlehem under two to be slaughtered v.16. These children are the first victims of the battle that will rage, now that the Kingdom of God had come among the kingdom of rebellious humankind. We shall see it throughout Jesus’ life. Contrary to what we might expect, the Son of God is not welcome, not now, not then. Millions the world over have been happy to celebrate a Christmas devoid of acknowledging the Son of God. ‘But’ - to quote John ‘to all who receive him he gave the right to be the children of God’. 

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MATT. 5:13-16 THE KING’S AMBASSADORS 

This passage from Matt.5 is probably well known to you, but we musn’t let familiarity rob us of its impact. It is clearly about Christians being Christ’s ambassadors in the world. But the question is ‘What sort of world is Christ anticipating’? See vs.11,12: He speaks of a world that is opposed to Him - and to His followers. So our ambassadorial appointment isn’t, as it were, to the sunny climes of the Caribbean; but to Moscow during the Cold War. That’s why His first assertion in v.13 is dominated by a strong warning.

1. V.13 CHRISTIANS MUST BE AND REMAIN DISTINCTIVE.

Jesus uses the quality of salt as a preservative against decay, as a picture of the moral influence that we should be having on our bit of the world - where you and I, live and work and play. 
But there is another quality of salt - its flavour is distinctive. You know when something is salty. So are Christians to be - distinctive. Not wet, insipid and piously other-worldly: but full-blooded human beings who are different because they know God in their lives. How often has it happened that when a known believer joins a group it cleans up the conversation; profanity is withheld. A Christian will be distinctive at work when his/her language does not stoop to the level of others; when he does not join the sexual innuendo or she contributes to the destructive gossip. It challenges us to be honest when others lie: to work without sharp practices: to sell without deception. In a world of competitiveness, to work hard without treading on others. 
Peter says in 1 Peter 2:15 (LB) ‘It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power’

But please note that Jesus’ warning (13b) is very strong - we are in danger. The rock salt used in Palestine had an outer crust which was corrupted by the atmosphere. Perhaps it was leached by the sun? It was tasteless and thrown away. So, says Jesus, are believers who do not by self-discipline, keep themselves uncorrupted by the world (v.13). We must not succumb - we must not be leached of our flavour -  because, Jesus says, we will become worthless (to him?!).
But there’s more ..

2. CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE BOTH VISIBLE AND RADIANT 

Jesus goes on to say something really quite astonishing ‘You are the light of the world’. Really! How? Because light represents the results of knowing God through Jesus Christ. We are different. Think of two types of electric fire: the convector and the radiant. With the convector you cannot see the element - in any case it does not glow. But it does change the atmosphere. With the radiant fire though you can see and feel the effect of the element. We are to be like both types when we are around - changing the atmosphere and being seen and felt as Christians. Again, whereas salt works secretly, light is to be seen, shining openly and publicly. Like a city on a hill (v.14): God hasn’t lit us up with the truth for us only to hide it again (v.15) ‘under a basket‘. At work how often has the only Christian in the office, though sometimes mocked, become the one to whom others turn for help. I know from my own experience that being known as a Christian attracts those who are in need. When I was Dean of Faculty, there was the Head of Civil Engineering who had a handicapped wife. He wanted to talk and I discovered he was a closet Christian - so we prayed together. There was the Head of Mechanical Engineering whose wife developed breast cancer. He wanted to talk and talk. So there in my office I prayed with that frightened and heart-broken man. You see, I think Jesus is asking us here to be more openly Christian wherever we are. Is there somewhere you go/I go regularly, but we’ve never said anything gently but specifically Christian? 

So what’s it all for? To engender a persecution complex? Of course not! To satisfy our own ego? Certainly not! The purpose is to glorify God in a dark world (Read v.16). 

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What is going on in this passage? It seems to me that Christ's answer in v.3 of this chapter to John's question as to whether He is the One who was to come ('or do we look for another') continues to echo through the rest of the chapter. Matthew's purpose appears to be to show us aspects of the greatness or the majesty of Christ. This is something of course that we should never tire of hearing!

1. vs.20-24 POWERFUL DEEDS: DIVINE JUDGEMENT

In the previous verses Jesus has severely condemned his hearers for their carping criticism of John and now Him - vs18,19. Nothing pleases them. But now He turns to the cities of Galilee where He had preached and performed what He (3 times ) calls 'deeds of power' - v.20 ('most of'), 21,23. Though tinged with grief, His reproach is sharp. If the deeds that saw had been done in those proud and wicked gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon - and even in depraved Sodom (!) - they would have repented, but not you, you people of Chorazin, Bethdsaida and Capernaum. The Lord of the Universe has walked your streets, healed your sick, delivered your demon-possessed, taught you the truth about God (and you said how amazed you were to hear such authority), and invited you to enter the Kingdom of God. But you would not. This tragic situation reminds us of two things (1) just how deaf and blind people can be to Christ, and (2) that such careless wilful disregard for Christ will not go unpunished. [Illustration of man who said he believed death was not the end, but never went to church to find out more. Why?]

But Matthew does not want us to conclude that Jesus was an ineffective preacher or in any way was a failure at convincing people. So he now goes on to record something that Jesus said when the 72 disciples returned from their mission and reported such wonderful things happening (Luke 10:21). As a result we have a precious insight into the intimate relationship between Christ and His Father.

2. vs.25-27 UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP: SUPREME KNOWLEDGE

So who is His Father? No less than 'the Lord of heaven and earth' v. 25. In contrast to the unbelieving cites He is able to thank His Father that people have responded - but not the worldly wise, - the 'infants' - presumably meaning those who are ready to admit their need and dependence on God. 'These things' - things about the kingdom of heaven - may be hidden to those who beli3ve themselves to be wise and clever, but revealed to the humble in spirit. Of course, it is often true of real infants. Small children often understand more about he kingdom of God than do the faculty staff in our best universities. Because of His unique relationship with the Father, Jesus knows Him as no other does and can tell us and reveal Him to us. Christ knows! As a result Christ is able to make the most wonderful invitation 'Come to me'

3. vs. 28-30 WONDERFUL INVITATION: 'REST' FOR THE WEARY

To whom is Jesus issuing this lovely invitation? In the first instance, surely those who are burdened by the heavy loads the Pharisees were laying on them. Burdens of religious observance, of rules and regulations, of a dead religion. Jesus offers this invitation  to 'come' to any who believe that they must earn their acceptance by God. Any who are weighed down by their search for acceptance. The 'rest' of God is a big theme in the Bible: it began in Genesis and ends in Revelation: it is the rest offered to all those who put their trust in God: the rest of the promised land: the rest of knowing sins forgiven: the rest of heaven: the rest of which the Sabbath is a pre-figurement. "Come to me" says Jesus "and I will give you rest." Notice that while in vs.25 Jesus speaks of hiddenness to some and revealing to others, here He bids ALL to come. No-one is excluded. "Come to me". isn't that wonderful? We must carry together both the necessary revealing work of God and the universal appeal to all to "come".

The Pharisees spoke of 'the yoke of the law'. Jesus speaks of another yoke - His yoke which is easy and light. The believer in Christ does not have a rule book but a teacher who is 'gentle and humble in heart'! 'Learn from me' He says. What does Jesus mean by His yoke being 'easy '? Is that true? Bishop Ryle (in his commentary on Matthew) said this "No doubt there is a cross to be carried, if we follow Christ; no doubt there are trials to be endured, and battles to be fought: but the comforts of the gospel far outweigh the cross.  ... Compared to the service of the world and sin, compared to the yoke of Jewish ceremonies, the bondage of human superstition, Christ's service is in the highest sense easy and light. His yoke is no more a burden than the feathers are to a bird." I think the rest of the NT encourages us to believe that God fashions the yoke for each of us, to fit us. Although for all of us the path of the Christian life has large similarities, also each of us has a different yoke made for us. Christ's yoke will not chafe us.

Christ's compassionate attitude here strongly reminds of the description of the servant in Is.42:3 'A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.'

This is our Christ. All praise to Him.  

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MARK 2:18 - 3:6 CHRIST CONFRONTS DEAD RELIGION

I am a great fan of the TV detective 'Morse'. One of the intriguing features of some of the episodes is that the creator of Morse, Colin Dexter, often plays a small part in it. But you have to watch very carefully; it is so easy to miss him.  Well, with our passage in Mark 2:18 - 3:6 we need to watch very carefully because it is very easy to miss, not just some small point which flits in and out, but the big issue with which Christ is engaged. Let's take a closer look.

1. CHRIST MAKES TWO STUPENDOUS CLAIMS.

In v.18 Jesus is questioned because his disciples were not fasting. It's likely that John's disciples were fasting because John was already in prison. But the Pharisees fasted twice a week because of rules they had invented (that's the first clue to the big issue). The OT Law only required fasting one day a year, but the Pharisees taught that Jews should fast every Monday and Thursday - a 100 fold increase. We'll return to this point . So how does Jesus answer? - v.19. He means , of course, that HIS presence is a time for rejoicing - not long faces. But what is this about him being the' bridegroom'? Again and again the OT refers to the relationship between God and Israel in terms odf the love between the bridegroom (God) and his bride (Israel). So here Jesus is actually identifying himself with God - the bridegroom! He is claiming divinity.

But there is more. In v.24 Jesus is again criticised because his disciples plucked corn of the Sabbath because they were hungry. The Pharisees had invented copious laws about what you could and could not do on the Sabbath.. So Jesus tries to change their perspective on the Sabbath - v.27. But what is really shocking is v.28! He cliams to be Lord of the Sabbath. But everyone knows God gave the Sabbath. So Jesus is again claiming to be the divine Lord. But it doesn't make him any friends.

 2. OPPOSITION TO CHRIST GROWS

Jesus' enemies are watching him. We are only in the second chapter of the Gospel and opposition is already mounting! Why?  When Jesus heals on the Sabbath (3:1- 5) the Pharisees act. The Herodians were a sect of aristocratic priests and wealthy Sadducees whom the Pharisees actually detested! - but they joined forces (v.6)  to oppose Jesus - why? Why do they all take such exception to Jesus and what he is saying?

3. SO HERE'S THE BIG ISSUE

They don't realise it , but their religion is dead! - and Jesus' ministry is confronting it. You see, although His ministry and his teaching was thoroughly grounded in the OT, Jesus had brought a new spirituality, a new relationship with God which is created, not by ceremony, religious observance, ritual or man-made traditions. What Jesus has brought won't mix with that sort of religiosity (vs.21,22). He has brought us a new way of enjoying the blessing of God. man-made religious observance may begin out of a desire to express devotion. We might, for example, applaud the Pharisees' teaching to fast twice a week or observe the Sabbath more strictly. But the danger for them and us, is they always become an end in themselves. So that we begin to put our trust in the wrong place. They can actually become obstacles to the development within us of a personal faith. This is principally because they draw out attention to what we do and away from what God has done. Why is that so important? Because it is the difference between 'natural religion' (us working our way to God) and 'the revealed religion of the Bible' (God reaching down to us). 

This is a great warning to us in our churches. Jesus wants us to know him personally not through religious practices. Can I substantiate that? Yes I can. On another similar occasion Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and quoted Is.29:13 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.' Wow! 

Jesus wants our believing, our living and our worshipping to be defined by what God has said- and nothing else.

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MARK 5:21-43 THE SON AND THE DAUGHTERS 

In Mark 5:21-43 this morning we are going to witness a remarkable advance in Mark’s disclosure of who Jesus is. If we know this story well, we must not let familiarity rob us of its impact. 
Jesus had just previously been at the southern end of the Sea of Galilee, but the people there had taken offence at what He did and effectively told Him ‘Please go away’. But now back across the Sea at Capernaum the first thing that happens is that, Jairus, a ruler of the Synagogue came to Him and movingly said ‘Please come’. We are going to see faith here. We are going to see the impact of Jesus escalate from amazement (v.20) to ‘complete astonishment’ (v.42). We are going to see the story move on from the blessing of a demoniac who lived among the tombs, to triumph over death itself. I believe Mark wants us to recognise three things:

1. THE HOPELESSNESS OF THE HUMAN CONDITION

Jairus is distraught. His daughter is in the final stage of her illness READ v.23. Luke tells us she is his only child. She is 12 yrs old but he calls her ‘little’ - an expression of tender affection; she is so defenceless against her illness. Death is awful - the suffering, the ending, the parting, the bereavement: but the death of a child is doubly so. He had helplessly watched her getting worse and worse: his heart is breaking. Jesus hated death too. When His friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept.
But there is another suffering person here too, this time chronically ill. v.25,26. For 12 years she had suffered this degrading haemorrhage. She was permanently unhealthy and listless from the blood-loss. It was a shameful disease that made her ritually unclean and anyone who came in touch with her. This is a scene of despair, helplessness and hopelessness. But Jesus is there! And so is faith! Jairus inv.23b and the woman in v.28

2. THE POWERFULNESS OF JESUS

In an act of faith we might regard as slightly superstitious the woman touches Jesus’ garment and is instantly healed v.29. But Jesus said to her READ v.34. Chronic illness healed just by touching the garment of this man  Jesus - who is this, then?
But calamity! While this is going on a message arrives for Jairus v.35. But Jesus responds v.36. He goes to Jairus’ house, puts out the mourners and v.40b-42. Hold on a minute, we’ve seen this man cure the sick, cast out demons, cleanse lepers and even calm a storm, but what is this?! Bringing this dead girl back to life? Can you imagine the scene? A moment ago she was a corpse, pale and lifeless, her parents distraught; now here she is walking around, full of life; her parents overwhelmed with joy. So who is this that can do such a thing? Only someone who is the source, the essence or the engine of life can do that! Here is God’s Son - on earth, revealed before our eyes. When as recorded in chapter 8, Jesus asks his disciples who they think He is, this event must have been the most persuasive thing they had witnessed. ’You are the Christ’. Such power - but it isn’t frightening power, is it? .. because we also see here

3. THE GENTLENESS OF JESUS

Note the compassion and gentleness of Jesus: to Jairus v.24a, to the woman vs.33,34, to the 12 yr old vs.41 and 43c. There have been many powerful people; there have been many gentle people, but no-one like this!

Jesus is the help of the helpless; the hope of the hopeless; life for the spiritually dead. What does Mark want us to do? To give our hearts to this wonderful Saviour. Have you done that? Could you do it more?

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MARK 8:11- 30 WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?

Have you ever had something drawn to your attention for the first time - and you've felt very foolish and wondered why you hadn't seen it before? I have. I remember realising for the first time that petrol stations with big signs Q8 must get their petrol from  KUWAIT. I don't know why I hadn't worked that one out long ago. 

In our passage, (which is a cracking passage) we are going to see how it first miraculously dawned on the disciples who Jesus really was. At least, it was the first time they had said it. 

1. A DESPERATE LACK OF UNDERSTANDING

Our passage opens with the Pharisees confronting Jesus - 8:11. They didn't want to believe, they wanted to get rid of him. It wasn't 'a sign' they really needed, but new hearts or open eyes to see the truth. Jesus refused to comply and walks out on them (very serious). But the situation isn't any better with the disciples.

They all go off in a boat (v.13b,14). Jesus is still thinking about the Pharisees and turns the conversation from bread to the dangers of spiritual blindness. v.15. What did he mean? The property of yeast, of course, is to permeate the dough unseen. The 'yeast of the Pharisees' was dead traditionalism. The yeast of Herod was putting worldly things first. Both harden the human heart against a true experience of Christ. It is going to take a miracle for the disciples to understand. In desperation Jesus says- v.17,18. You saw me feed the thousands like God providing manna in the wilderness and you STILL  don't get it, do you (v.21). How can understanding come to the disciples and us?

2. MIRACULOUS  SEEING vs.22-26 (but not all at once)

V.22 'Seeing' in the Bible is a metaphor for spiritual understanding. Jesus here miraculously gives a man his sight - but not all at once. (vs. 23-25).This pictures what happens in most of us as we come to faith. We do not understand everything at once. And it is always a miracle when understanding comes. This story tells us that it is Christ's work to open our eyes to 'see'. But Mark has very carefully crafted his account. For now he demonstrates how that happened with Peter.

3. AT LAST! THE REALISATION (vs.27- 30) (but its only a beginning)

We cannot over- estimate the importance of Christ's question in v.29. And on our reply to that question hangs our eternal salvation. From our answer flow all manner of consequences. Peter answered ' You are the Messiah.' The first miracle of understanding had come - the implications were going to be enormous. This man Jesus himself was the sign from heaven (8:11). We have to grasp the truth that the whole destiny of man is focussed onto this one man. 

For the disciples there was yet much more for them to understand. In only the next section of the chapter (vs.31 - 33) Peter shows that he has not yet understood what sort of Messiah Jesus is. He is like the blind man only partially cured. He has another great lesson to learn about this Messiah.

In the first 8 chapters of his Gospel, Mark has piled up evidence on evidence to help us see who this man Jesus is. Do you see?

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LUKE 2:21- 35  A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES

We have a French Christian friend who always wishes us a "holy " Christmas. I think that's a very good way of putting it.  We are often so focussed on the accounts of Jesus' birth (quite right too!) that we tend to overlook what Luke tells us of the events in  Jesus' life over the first couple of months. So it is good for us now to consider Luke 2:21- 35. There is a great deal of significance in what happens: let's look at it under three headings:

1. JESUS THE TRUE ISRAELITE

Time moves on. The eighth day comes, when by the Jewish law since the day of Abraham (Gen.17:12), Jesus was to be circumcised (21a) - a sign and seal of his inclusion in the Old Covenant. Paul tells us in Gal.4:4 that Jesus was 'born under law, to redeem those under law'. It was an act of identification (passive obedience), as was his baptism later (active obedience). He was a true Jew and a true human being. One of us certainly, but with an inheritance of revelation peculiar to the Jews. It needed one of us to carry away our sin. But Luke concentrates on Jesus' naming (v.21>1:31). The angel had told Joseph to call him 'Jesus'. Why? Because, he said, 'He will save his people from their sins.' (Matt.1:21)

Then, 33 days later, again in accordance with the law, Jesus is taken to the Temple for his own presentation and Mary's purification. This act of presentation dated from the Passover when Israel's first born were redeemed from death by the shed blood of the lamb on the door post. When presenting him, Mary and Joseph would have paid a small but symbolic fee - called (would you believe it!) the 'ransom fee'. Of course, this is all bursting with meaning, especially the double meaning of it application to Jesus as the one who would pay our ransom (Mark 10:45). This act also obliged Jesus to keep the law and. of course, the wonderful thing is that he did keep it - perfectly, on our behalf! That perfect life made him the perfect sacrifice, and provided a perfect life to be reckoned to all those who put their trust in him. One last significance (for now): Jesus was the true Israelite in that he fulfilled all the requirements on OLD Israel perfectly: where they failed, he was successful. He is the NEW Israel.

2. SIMEON'S FAITHFUL INSIGHT

Now on to the scene comes Simeon (v.25) a truly remarkable man of faith. He was righteous and devout and waiting! Read vs.25b - 28. What a moment. The Spirit of God pointed him to the Son of God (the Spirit's normal work!). Simeon is so overcome he breaks into praise vs.29-32. He was ready to die now. But what insight he shows. Look at what he says "prepared in the sight of all people" >>v.10... "a light for revelation" - for whom? - the "Gentiles"! That's something most Jews had forgotten about. There was no place for the Gentiles when their Messiah came. But Simeon remembers God's promise to Abraham in Gen.12:3 (read it), then Is.42:6, then Is. 49:6 and then back to Luke 2:32. Israel had known the glory of God in their history: the appearing of Jesus was to be the greatest glory of all. But what would they do? Would they believe? In more sober vein Simeon goes on to sat that Jesus would be ...

3. JESUS THE GREAT DIVIDER

Read vs.33- 35. Simeon prophesises that it will not all be sweetness and light. Salvation will be purchased at enormous cost. A person's eternal destiny will be decide by their response to this Jesus.  Some will, by God's grace, believe; many will reject him (John 1:11) and even persecute those who do believe.  He will divide and a terrible division it is! No one can be neutral. His words and his works will be a sign (v.34) pointing to God, but will not be received by all.

But some, even in our own land, have not heard what Jesus came to do for them. We must not let ignorance be their downfall.

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We could hardly imagine a more tragic situation. This woman who walks with bowed head in the funeral cortege is already a widow and now her only son has died. Gone, is his care and support. But something is going to happen, the like of which she could never have imagined. It began when Jesus went up to her and said “Don’t cry”.

1. JESUS UNDERSTOOD HER SORROW (He understands ours)

Jesus has a large crowd with Him. He had healed their sick and restored their disabled. It would have been so easy for the crowd just to sweep Him past the funeral. But no! The Bible says “His heart was filled with pity”. He went over to the women and said “Don’t cry”. But then He did something quite extra-ordinary. Read vs.14,15. What does it mean?

 2. IT MEANS THAT JESUS MUST BE THE SOURCE OF TRUE LIFE

The Bible tells us that the onlookers were shocked. (What is this? - Who is this man?) Read v.16,17. No one else has ever done this. What this and other similar events in His life show us is that Jesus Christ is the source of a sort of life we do not have by natural birth. He called it eternal life. A new spiritual life we can have now through faith in Him which puts us in touch with God and which takes us to heaven in the end. .... One final point this account tells us

 3. JESUS WANTS TO HELP THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW HIM

It is clear that Jesus had never met the widow or her son before. But that didn’t stop Him giving them the best gift of all - new life. He said elsewhere “ I will never turn away anyone who comes to me” and “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest - rest for your souls.”

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The story of the healing of the ten lepers is simply told - just 9 verses is all it takes. At first glance it might be thought to be just a moral story about being thankful - just one of the ten lepers returned to thank Jesus for healing him. But there is much more to it than that. So let’s have a closer look: Luke 17:11-19 (p. ) I have three sub-headings for you 1. The separating disease 2. The unique saviour 3. The thankful worshipper.

The fate of those with leprosy in Bible times was truly miserable. The only way society could deal with it was by quarantine - compulsory isolation. Lepers were compelled to keep their distance from other people and forced to live outside the towns. Their whole lives were dominated by separation from normal life. But this characteristic of their lives, distasteful and uncomfortable as we might find it, is a reminder to us that all humankind has a separating disease - a disease that separates us from God and is much more deadly. Isaiah says to Israel 59:1,2 and Paul in Eph. 2:12 says and later in 4:17,18 speaking about those who do not acknowledge Christ, he says .... But the glorious truth is that Jesus came to remove that separation - and of course that’s exactly what happens in the healing of the lepers - showing Him to be....

There are about two dozen accounts of healing in the gospels: all very different. Sometimes Jesus heals by touch, sometimes without any contact, sometimes at a distance. Here, apparently He simply calls out to the men, as they called to Him v.12-14. Here, we see the uniqueness of Jesus - for He combined utter compassion with utter power. There have been many very powerful people in the world, but they have had little compassion. We only have to think of what some of them did in the last century. Their power corrupted them. And there have fortunately been people of great compassion - Mother Teresa being the finest example of our times. But she did not have the power to do what Jesus could do (no doubt she wished she had!) and He wasn’t corrupted by it. So in Jesus of Nazareth we see both the compassion of God and the power of God. But there is yet one more facet of this story to see.

3. THE THANKFUL WORSHIPPER

The strength of this final point is heightened by asking "why did Luke record this story at this particular point in his gospel?" The strange thing is that Luke includes it towards the end of a long record, beginning back in chapter 11, which is almost completely devoted to Jesus’ WORDS rather than His deeds. So why this action story here? Throughout these chapters the disciples and the Pharisees have been listening to the wisest man who ever lived - words of life and salvation - words of wisdom from heaven itself. So what does Luke want us to do? He wants us to be like the one with a heartfelt response, returned praising God, to thank Christ and to fall at His feet in homage. Not to be like the other nine who simply went on their way, but to fall at His feet and worship Him.

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JOHN 6:41-52: LIVING BREAD FROM HEAVEN

Do you know what is the most important question in all theology? It is “How can the moral God of the universe relate to human individuals, and how can human individuals relate to the moral God of the universe?” Would you expect the answer to such a profound question to be trivial and easy to understand? No, of course not! We desperately need help to be able to begin to understand it. That’s why we need the revelation of the whole Bible. That’s why we sometimes find the teaching of Jesus perplexing. But the amazing thing is that we can understand enough. Now how does that happen?

In John 6:41-52 we are in the middle of perplexing teaching from Jesus directly related to our theological question. Jesus is teaching that He is (a) ‘the bread of life’ and (b) ‘from heaven’ see vs. 35 and 38. He means that He has been sent to tells us the answer to our question AND is Himself the source of all new, true spiritual life by which we may relate to the moral God of heaven - He calls it ‘eternal life’ v.40.

1. AN INADEQUATE VIEW OF JESUS

In vs.41,42 we are told that the Jews - probably leaders of the Capernaum synagogue and others like them, objected to what Jesus had said READ IT. There seem to have been two possible themes to this objection: first, that there could be anything supernatural about Jesus - ‘we know his mother and father’ and second, that therefore he had no right to speak to them like this! Who did he think he was? How possibly could this ‘man’ be from heaven? This inadequate view of Jesus, cut them off from understanding what He was saying, and is the crux of unbelief in every generation. Jesus tells them that their objection to Him shows clearly that God isn’t at work in them - not yet anyway! vs.43, 44a.

There is no doubt that Jesus teaches here that it is necessary for God the Father to draw people to Jesus; see again v.44a. And in v.45 He drives it home by quoting Isaiah - READ 45a - adding that the Father’s work is always effective 45b. So here is part of the answer about how God relates to us and we to Him. He must draw us. Now we must not let our difficulties with understanding Election (God‘s gracious choosing), deprive us of being assured that God IS at work calling and drawing.

Firstly, surely, looking back, those who believe can recognise signs of God’s drawing us. We would never have made it to belief on our own - would we?

Secondly, it reassures us that God is still drawing people to Christ. Are we beseeching Him to draw our relatives and friends - for the Scriptures seem to teach us that our prayers are incorporated into God’s electing process.

In v.48 Jesus returns to His bread theme READ but reveals two more things of paramount importance.

Returning to the example of the manna in the wilderness, Jesus points out in v.49 that those who ate the manna, eventually died naturally. But goes on in the next verse (50) to say that the bread from heaven results in not dying READ. He then in v.51 makes an addition to the description of Himself as bread - do you see it? - ‘living bread’. See how Jesus is building the answer to how we relate to God?

But then comes the final surprise in this passage - 51c. To be our living bread he is going to have to give His flesh (meaning ‘his life‘). He doesn’t say how, yet. But we know how, don’t we?

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JOHN 6:52-60: THE ESSENCE OF FAITH

In previous sections of this chapter we have encountered Jesus making assertions which go right the heart of his ministry eg v.35 (partly harking back to 4:13,14). He went on to claim that he had (1) been sent (2) from heaven by the Father v.38 - attracting the incredulous response of his hearers v.42. Jesus re-stated his claims in vs.48, 51a again asserting that he is ‘the bread of life’ or ‘living bread’ that gives life - but further adding at the end of v.51 that he is going to give his flesh (his body) for the world. This was new. His hearers must have been astounded at all this and it is clear they did not yet understand. Now in tonight’s passage the Jews ask the inevitable question v. 52. But when Jesus answers them, he would appear at first sight to merely complicate the issue. Read vs. 53- 57

In his answer, rather than abandoning the imagery he is using, Jesus takes it further. If eating his flesh seemed impossible, then drinking his blood as well appeared quite absurd. This addition would have been particularly offensive to the listening Jews. But they missed the point because they had forgotten what the OT said that blood represented in Lev.17:11. Here was a clue and they missed it! So what does Jesus mean? We have seen before that in this passage Jesus is talking about ‘believing’ v.28 . Jesus is teaching what it means to have faith - not as an ‘add-on’ but as a life-changing abiding in Christ.

Helpfully we can note that v.53 (READ) is the fourth time in John’s Gospel that he records a special idiom in Hebrew called a ‘mashal’¹. A mashal is an apparently paradoxical saying, an obscure and yet telling remark, which contains a vital truth, and is designed to capture the attention of the hearers, (which it did in each case); (1) 1:15 (2) 2:19 (3) 3:3. Now here in 6:53. All four carry an intensely important spiritual truth.

So what does Jesus mean? When we eat and drink, what we take into our mouths and stomachs become an integral assimilated part of us. The constituents and chemicals of the food are used, for example, to build muscles and create new tissue. They become unrecognisably part of our flesh and bone. We assimilate the food, it sustains and nourishes our body. Calvin comments “faith alone, so to say, is the mouth and stomach of the soul”. Thus Jesus vividly tells us what the essence of believing in him is. He is saying ‘The person who receives me by faith, who continually takes to himself my death on his behalf as the only basis for eternal life, abides in me and I in him; and he will be perpetually spiritually sustained and nourished. He who spiritually digests me as the true bread of life will live for ever.’ (Hendriksen commentary on John p. 242-244). Now, the use of this imagery has suggested to some that there is a connection here with Holy Communion. So let’s ask the question

First we note, very significantly, that John makes no connection between this teaching and the Last Supper although he was there. This passage is not about Holy Communion, but Holy Communion points to the spiritual teaching about faith in this passage. Calvin rightly points out that while Holy Communion is the outward sign, Jesus’ teaching here in John 6 is about the spiritual reality. We must get this the right way round! Far too many people in church appear to regard the act of receiving holy communion as the inward reality. So what Jesus teaches must never be limited to the outward sign. For one thing, what Jesus is talking about is not a periodic observance but a continuing perpetual state. Participation in Holy Communion is not the vital issue, the perpetual state is.

Rev. Rico Tice (of All Souls’ Langham Place, London) tells the story of when as a young minister he visited a lady in her home to give her Holy Communion. He gently introduced the meaning, explaining that Jesus died in our place so that we could be forgiven. The lady objected that she thought that Jesus taking her place was a horrible idea. Rico therefore expressed doubt as to whether she should take the Communion. At this the lady insisted and Rico felt that he had no choice. But what did the lady think Holy Communion was for? Sadly she appeared to have no inner reality. Did she think that having Communion would save her - even supposing she understood that she needed saving? What has the Church done to permit this erroneous view of Holy Communion?

But let us be clear that Jesus has been teaching us about the reality of faith and abiding in him.

1. Henricksen; Commentary on John, Banner of Truth, p. 243

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JOHN 17:6-19  CHRIST PRAYS FOR HIS DISCIPLES

We have just read part of what is commonly called ‘Christ’s high-priestly prayer’. It is well known to many of us. Temple called it ‘perhaps the most sacred passage in the four gospels’. But what is it about? It seems to split into three sections: 1-5 Jesus prays for himself; 6-19 Jesus prays for his disciples; 20-26 Jesus prays for all believers. But what is the theme throughout that we must not miss? (Unity?) The answer? ‘MISSION’ - God‘s mission to the world. See v.4 ‘on earth’; v.11 ‘still in the world’; v.18 ‘sent into the world’; v.21b ‘so that the world may believe’. Christ’s mission was mission; so is it for the disciples and all believers. We must hold on to this theme as we look at our passage -Jesus prays for his disciples 6-19.

1. Vs.6-10 GOD’S PLAN FOR MISSION FOCUSES ON THE DISCIPLES

In v.4 Jesus declares that he has finished his Father’s work. And what is there to show for it? This small company of shaky believers who are about to forsake him! God has no other plan! But see vs.6, 9. Jesus confirms that God has called them for this task. They are weak and by no means perfect, but v.7a they ‘know’ > what? … 7b and v.8 ‘have received …know … have believed’ …what? …‘that I came from you’ ‘that you sent me’. God has called them and they are convinced who Jesus is and that He has spoken the Father’s words! It is His words that have convinced them v.8! (And us?) No doubt Jesus’s miracles contributed initially, but it is what He said that convinced them. V.10b -what an encouragement to us all. 

2. Vs.11-19 WHAT THE DISCIPLES WILL NEED FOR MISSION

Jesus goes on, v.11 READ. So what does He pray for? 
1) Protection: they have two foes -the hatred of the world v.14 and the devil v.15. -whom Peter called ‘that roaring lion, prowling round, looking for someone to devour’. How much do we pray against the evil one? They will be protected by God’s name (v.11b). (Prov.18:10 ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.’) (2) Unity: 11b. In the context of spiritual attack. They will need to stand together in adversity in and for the truth v.17. (And so do we). 
(3) Abiding Joy: 13 It is astounding that Jesus can speak of ‘my joy’ when he is faced with the most appalling suffering. But this is the very type of joy - a steely confidence- that he wants them to have (And us). A joy that - like his peace- surpasses human understanding. It is to be joy in full measure ‘made complete’. Is 55:11,12 READ That there can be joy in the midst of adversity is something the world will never understand.
(4) Dedication 17-19 This is to be God’s work. The world is a threatening place but that’s where Christ wants them to be (And us) vs.14,15. Moreover he sends them there (And us) in mission 14a. They will not replace Jesus any more than Jesus replaced the Father v.18 Jesus mission will be accomplished through them. The mission of the church is no less than the continuation of Christ’s mission. So, says Jesus, set them apart in and by the truth they have to declare v.17. His words - light confronting darkness. Paul says he is ‘set apart for the Gospel of God’ (Rom.1:1) Milne: To be a disciple is to be a missionary.


With much acknowledgement to Milne ‘The Message of John’ The Bible Speaks Today, IVP 1993, pp.236-247, very helpful indeed.

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MATTHEW. 6:19-34 TRUE OBEDIENCE

Whenever Jesus Christ teaches us about anything, He usually turns our natural thinking on its head! And that’s what will happen this morning as we continue our series in the Sermon on the Mount, in Matt.6:19-34 (p.6). But before we examine these verses, I want us to understand something very important about the people Jesus is addressing. The clue is at the end of v.30 ‘- you of little faith’. He is talking to those who have faith enough to trust God for their salvation (they have entered the Kingdom of God), but apparently not faith enough to trust God for their living! Is that you and me? He is saying, ‘Don’t you understand that belonging to the Kingdom of God changes everything!’ 

1. Vs.19-24 Don’t Value Possessions Higher than Godliness

In words that make us feel uncomfortable, Jesus exhorts us not to go after earthly possessions, and instead to store up treasure in heaven. But what does that mean? On one hand it’s plain enough - this world puts great value on status, wealth and success, and the acquisition of the latest comfort, luxury or item of technology - of amassing money or goods. We are reminded of the story Jesus told of the rich farmer who built bigger and bigger barns and then suddenly died. God’s verdict on him was ‘You fool’ and Jesus adds ‘He stored things up for himself, but was not rich towards God.’ The comparison, of course, is between things that are temporary and things that will last. Treasure in heaven is as Peter describes it ‘an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading kept in heaven for you.’ But it is also a comparison between things that are self-serving and things that are sacrificially serving God and others. But what are our ‘treasures in heaven’? As believers we already have - a full pardon from God; our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of life; our heavenly Father loves us unreservedly and answers our prayers; a welcome awaits us into not only the mansions of heaven, but also the very heart of our Saviour; the promise of full and complete peace, satisfaction and joy for ever. How could we be so ungrateful for all that, as to live for any other purpose than to adorn those things, by godly living. Recent TV programmes have shown us young children demanding expensive designer clothes; and families addicted to spending on fancy holidays, clothes and flashy cars. It is clear that modern materialism has many people by the throat. ‘But not you’ says Jesus. This doesn’t mean that Christians shouldn’t earn high salaries, or invest wisely, but we must not be captivated by money. We must use it for godly purposes.

In vs.22,23 depicting the eye as the route into our souls, Jesus exhorts us not to let our hearts, minds and wills be gripped by the thinking of the world and finally in v.24 states it plainly ‘You cannot serve both God and wealth’. No spiritual ‘sitting on the fence‘.

2. Vs.25-34 So Serve the Kingdom and Trust God

‘Therefore, I tell you’ says Jesus, ‘read v.25.…’ Look at the birds and the flowers‘, He says, - the fussless way they glorify God - He cares for them. Aren’t you of more value to God than birds and flowers? By all means we should plan our lives as good stewards of what we have, but we mustn’t become overly-concerned with the necessities of life. We should just get on with life - as the birds and flowers do. Do we not trust God who has redeemed us to provide for us? Are we saying that having saved us at great cost, our heavenly Father will now desert us? Demonstrate it then !…V.33 read … In Col.3:1-3 Paul says ….
This is authentic spirituality.

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WHY DID JESUS COME? - A Carol Service Sermon

There is a huge razzmatazz surrounding Christmas, but if we succeed in pushing through the jungle of parties, shopping ‘til we‘re dropping, over-spending and big meals to find the almost-hidden meaning of it all, what do we find? 

We find a newly-born baby boy, lying in an animal feeding-trough, in a stable, in an obscure town called Bethlehem. And even more strangely, at the time, it is recorded that angels appeared and declared Him to be ‘the Saviour - Christ the Lord’. How extraordinary! So what’s it all about; why was He born; and how much does it really matter? In later years, what did He say and do, that makes Him so significant? 

The New Testament makes it clear that Jesus Christ came to do two things of unparalleled importance; first, to tell us about the Kingdom of Heaven, and second, to die for us! Listen to what Jesus said ‘I must preach the good news about the Kingdom of God ...because that is why I was sent’. And at another time He said ‘I did not come to be served but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.’ So what do we in church tonight know about the Good News of the Kingdom or about Jesus dying for us as a ransom?

Last Tuesday I had a call from a company offering cheaper phone calls. The chap doing the selling told me his name was Ray. So when he’d finished his business I said ‘Ray, how do you feel about Christmas’. ‘I love it’ he relied ‘I’ll be spending it with my two grown-up sons’. I said ‘Don’t forget that Christmas is about the coming of Jesus Christ.’ ‘Oh’ he said, ‘I’m not the sort to forget there’s a religious side to it.’ So I said ‘Ray, do you know that Jesus Christ came to die for you, so that you can go to heaven?’ ‘No’ he said ‘ I didn’t know that’. Do all of us here tonight, know that? It’s possible to know there is something religious or spiritual about Christmas, but still to miss what that really is. 

In later years when he was preaching Jesus did not always say happy things. He spoke of life and death, and warned that many would refuse to listen to His Good News. One day He spoke of the true life that He came to give, and said with great sadness ‘Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.’ And again, stressing God’s ultimate standard for goodness He said ‘I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken’. On our own then, we haven’t a hope, have we?

In effect, Jesus warned us that unless we do something about it, we are all on a collision course with the judgement of God. This is because we have rebelled against God’s right as our Creator, to rule over our lives. By our actions and attitudes, effectively we are continually telling God to stay out of our lives! Most of the time we just ignore Him - as if He did not exist and had not communicated to us. 

Jesus said that the greatest commandments were to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ and ‘your neighbour as yourself’. So have we done it? No - we haven’t come remotely close to it! So we need a Saviour from the judgement of God. John wrote this ‘God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.’

Whatever we think our greatest need is, God knew we needed a Saviour. So He sent His own Son to die for our forgiveness. Writing 700 years earlier Isaiah prophesied ‘We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.’ 

So when the man Jesus Christ, shown to be the Son of God by His words and His miracles, went willingly to the Cross and died, it was to pay the penalty for our rebellion and to ransom us back for God.

Listen to what Paul the Apostle wrote to those who have gladly accepted the sacrifice Jesus made for them ‘God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son he loves, who bought our freedom with His blood and forgave us all our sins’. Jesus said ‘I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.’ 

So this is why Jesus came. Don’t let the apparent simplicity and weakness of a new-born child deceive you. He was and is the Saviour each of us needs.

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MAUNDAY THURSDAY COMMUNION - MARK 14:1-26

There were two plans afoot that night - one of destruction, and the other of salvation. The chief priests, with the help of their agent insider, Judas, were scheming to destroy this trouble-maker Jesus.v.1b They hated him because He threatened their religious traditions. Only the presence of so many visitors for the Feast in Jerusalem prevented an open arrest. But interwoven with this wicked scheme was the most astonishing divine plan of God for the salvation of those who see Jesus very differently. For them He is no threat at all, but the very divine messenger from God promised from so long ago, who brought us good news of the Kingdom of God. 

The disciples were, of course, blissfully unaware of the history- changing events that were about to overtake them. They were no doubt looking forward to the Passover meal later that day, and asked Jesus where He wanted to eat it. Jesus, with what appears to be divinely-determined insight, gave two of them instructions of where to find it. Even here the mystery begins to alert us that perhaps something special is going on - who ever heard of a man carrying a water jar? - let alone a room furnished with couches ready and awaiting them! 

So evening came. Jesus and the disciples reclined about the table and the long established Passover meal began. It was highly ritualised and very symbolic; consisting of four stages in which, for example, unleavened bread was broken and passed round; bitter herbs - twice dipped in salt were eaten ( to recall the suffering of Israel), and cups of diluted wine were drunk. But this evening, the familiar proceedings were interrupted by two quite unexpected developments. 

First, Jesus drops a bombshell - one of them is going to betray him! [vs.18]. This was the first indication that something quite out of the ordinary and even terrible was going to happen. The disciples were baffled. But the two interwoven plans - one by the Devil and the other by God - were unfolding. And God always wins.

The second thing Jesus did was to tell them something very surprising; something they couldn’t possibly have understood at the time, but only later when it had all happened. He told them, in effect, that some of what they had been doing in that meal over the centuries was pointing to Him, although they hadn’t realised it. Read vs.22-25. We mustn’t let familiarity rob us of the shock of that! All these years breaking this bread has looked forward to Jesus’ broken body. All these years this shared cup of wine has pointed ahead to His shed blood. But what is this all about - broken body!? shed blood!? This is the Messiah isn’t it?

But God’s plan, from before the world began, for the salvation of his people from all nations, will be fulfilled with absolute and complete precision. Over a thousand years before, at the inauguration of the Passover, a perfect sacrificed lamb had turned death away and delivered God’s People from slavery. Now, at this Passover time, the time it had always been pointing to, God’s own Son would sacrifice himself, so that those who believe in Him will be delivered from slavery to the law of sin and death. 

As we remember now, on the eve of the Day we recall Christ’s sacrifice, we should be struck with feelings of both horror and wonder. ‘Horror’ - that we and our rebellion against God are the reason why God’s Son sacrificed Himself to save us, and ‘wonder’ - that He went willingly to the Cross, because He loved us so much! 

But this chapter has a bit of a puzzle in it. After starting to tell us about the plot, Mark the writer breaks into the story with this account of the meal at the house of Simon the leper vs. 3-9. This meal was interrupted by a woman who was so overcome with love for Jesus that she anointed him with perfume worth almost a year’s salary! Perhaps Mark is asking us the question ‘There is so much more that this woman did not know would happen, but her love was already so great. What are we going to do to show our devotion to Christ?’


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THE DIVISIVENESS OF JESUS - MATT. 10:5-42

I heard once of a chap who kept a stone as a pet. Yes! an S-T-O-N-E! He lived in a flat where live pets weren’t allowed, so he kept this stone on his bedside table. It was a very pretty stone -multicoloured - attractive. He used to polish it and stroke it and sometimes (he had to admit) even speak to it. It was just very comforting to know it was there. 
            Sadly, that’s how some people regard their Christian faith - just comforting to know its there. But if that is ever how we are tempted to feel, then passages like this one in Matthew 10 are going to be a terrible shock. For, apart from other disturbing things it says, in v.34 we find Jesus saying READ. It suddenly confronts us with the idea that we are into something a lot bigger than just feeling comforted! In fact, by simply being Christians, we are involved in a ‘War of the Worlds‘. We are caught up in the conflict between the world of human warped values, self-interest and corrupted power where God is ignored, and the world of the Kingdom of God where Jesus reigns. And the first world (of human values) just hates the second - so much, it tortured and murdered its founder! 

1. - Leads to Outright Opposition and even persecution

What Jesus is telling us is that His message will divide the world, between believers and rejecters, and there will be consequences- sometimes horrific. When Jesus sends out the 12 disciples on mission, he warns them - v.16a -18. Of course that sort of thing did happen to some of them; and persecution is widespread abroad today. I don’t know if you read something like the Barnabas Fund Prayer Diary, but it contains news of large numbers of reports of atrocities inflicted on Christians - just because they’re Christians. eg. some months ago came the report from North Korea, that the police executed a Christian family which refused to deny Christ by making them lie down while a road-roller was run over them! Only yesterday (28/5/05) two bombs went off in a Christian town in Indonesia and killed 21. 
            But the division is becoming more obvious in our own country (the UK). Increasingly, we cannot be openly Christian in what we say and do. In King’s Lynn (a small town in the County of Norfolk, East Anglia) there is a Christian hostel which cares for 18 homeless young people. The value of its work has been recognised by a grant of £150,000 a year from Norfolk County Council. But now they have been told that unless they remove the Bibles from the rooms, stop saying grace before meals, and relax their rules about alcohol and drugs, the grant will cease. It seems people don’t want goodness, if its Christian. 
            Paul Diamond, a Christian barrister, who advises many Christian organisations in the UK, was recently taken to the High Court by fellow members of the Bar Council, for writing in support of a Christian whom he thought had been badly treated by the courts. Reassuringly, the judge was of a mind to throw it out, but it just shows what happens when someone stands up for Christians - even in the UK!
            The UK Government is intent on bringing-in the new law on incitement to religious hatred. We don’t want to incite religious hatred - of course not - but where will this law lead? Well, the State of Victoria in Australia has already passed such a law. Currently a man in prison there for sexually abusing two teenage girls, and who says he is a witch, has taken out a writ to stop an Alpha (Christian basics) Course in his prison, on the grounds that it offends him! 
            In Matt.10, Jesus is telling us not to be surprised by all this, but to be prepared for it. It is a reflection of the cosmic conflict between God and His rebellious creation. Read vs.24,25. But it can get really close to home…

2. - Extends even to the Disruption of Families

Read vs. 21,22. Converts from other religions are often rejected by their families, even put in mortal danger. But even in our decent British families there may be antagonism because of our Christian stand. I know there are members of this church who suffer continual cynical- even spiteful- comments by close members of their own family. And young people from unbelieving homes who become Christians often suffer hurtful ridicule. Opposition can come right into our living rooms. 

3. - and all the malice that may follow, are not to be Feared

But Jesus gives us five reasons why we should not be fearful.
(1) We are forewarned - v.16-23
(2) God knows and we will be vindicated on judgement day - vs.26, 29-31 
(3) At crucial times we will have special help vs.19,20 
(4) The displeasure of God is more to be feared than the opposition of men v.28 
(5) We are to look beyond it to Christ Himself vs.32 and 40. Surely THIS is what helped those N. Korean Christians to go to such a horrible death. Not self pity but their knowledge of Christ - knowing they would be with Him.

The Apostles heeded this warning. In Acts 5:41 when they were condemned to a flogging they ‘rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ.’ Let’s pray that we might be the same.
 

Acknowledgements to: D.A.Carson When Jesus confronts the World, IVP 1990, © 1987 Baker Book House Co., ISBN 0-85110-783-4. (This is a commentary on Matt. chaps 8-10)

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MATT. 12:46-50 ARE YOU IN JESUS’ FAMILY?

Millions of people today are engaged in drawing-up their family trees. Social analysts say that we are all insecure and want to know who we are; to feel our roots and where we belong. So who are we? Who are you? Who am I? Where are our roots? Where do we really belong? In our passage this morning, we find Jesus Christ telling us that he has two families; a natural one and a spiritual one. 

1. JESUS HAS A NEW SPIRITUAL FAMILY

The scene could hardly have been simpler. Jesus is teaching in a house which is crowded with those eager to hear him. His mother and brothers turn up at the door, apparently because they are worried about him (see Mark's gospel). But, without in any way denigrating his natural family, (I'm sure he loved them to bits), Jesus takes the opportunity to declare a wonderful and beautiful truth that reaches down to us today. Read vs. 47-50. He had a new family; new mother and brothers and sisters.  Don’t you find that comforting and re-assuring? Especially if you are alone, or you and your wider natural family are not on good terms, or they taunt you about your faith. Think about who it is, that Jesus is calling ‘his mother and brothers and sisters‘. His disciples were weak, lacking in understanding (they didn't even understand when he taught them in parables); he once said they were ‘of little faith’; and one day they would desert him; yet he was not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Isn’t that just great? Perhaps you feel weak and lacking in understanding: Jesus is not ashamed to call you his brother or sister.  But …

2. WHO IS IN JESUS’ SPIRITUAL FAMILY? 

He tells us, see v.50. Note first the 'whoever' . This is wonderfully inclusive. No accident of birth, race, nation or social background excludes any one from his family. But what does it mean to ‘do the will of my Father in heaven’? Fortunately we know the answer to this from Jesus' own mouth.  It is recorded in John 6 that when some men asked Jesus what they should do, (quote) ‘to do what God wants’ (unquote) (which is actually the same question), Jesus did replied ‘believe in the one he has sent, meaning ‘himself’! So all who hear and respond to Jesus’ call to repent and believe, become part of his spiritual family- his mother and brothers and sisters. Perhaps we could think of Jesus as our 'Big Brother'. So what is it like to have Jesus Christ as our ‘big brother’?

3. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING OVER US

The words ‘Big Brother‘, of course, can have very negative connotations - ‘Big Brother is watching you’ was the sinister catch phrase of George Orwell’s book ‘1984’. On TV, Big Brother means snooping cameras watching every detail of the life a captured group of people. All in the name of entertainment. But put all that out of your mind: Jesus our wonderful ‘Big Brother’ is nothing like that. 
        Jesus said he was our shepherd, knowing each of us by name! So it is not as a crowd or a congregation that Jesus knows us, but as an individual with a name - John, Peter, Brenda ... When he speaks to his Father about us, he uses our name - 'Father I want to talk to you about John this morning..'  He leads us to green pastures and refreshing waters, and through the darkest ravine without fear. When I preach from Psalm 23 at a funeral, I tell people that the 'valley of the shadow of death' isn't a broad green valley with rolling hills each side. It is a ravine, into which the sun never reaches; where rocks fall on us without warning; where we cannot see round the next bend. But Jesus is holding our hand as we go, so the we do not fear.
        When one of us (his sheep) is lost, Jesus tells us, he leaves the 99 and searches through scrub and mountain paths, down cliff sides, until we are found and safely returned to the flock. 
        He cares for the little ones - ‘let the little children come to me’ he said, 'for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.' Jesus is the brother who looks out for us. 
        Using the picture of the school play ground, He is the ‘Big Brother’ who protects us from the bullies; from the bullies of life, our selfishness inside, and the world outside: He constantly checks-up to see that everyone in the family is OK. 
        When one rebels and goes his own way, he longingly watches day and night, night and day for his return, welcoming him with a hug and a kiss and a banquet. 
        He is our ‘champion‘, who like his ancestor David, has destroyed the great giant ‘death‘, so that we need not fear when we cross-over into eternity. 
        And yet his love is biased. Biased? Yes, biased to the downcast and the outcast, the weak and the fearful. 
        As Isaiah put it, he did not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smouldering wick. He released those imprisoned in damaged bodies and restored the spiritually wounded.
        He said ‘Come to me, all of you that are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest … for I am gentle and humble in heart’. 
        He touched the un-touchable: the onlookers fell back and gasped as he placed his hand on the lepers. He noticed the un-noticeable; when that poor woman who had been bleeding for 12 years secretly touched the hem of his garment, he noticed her. Nobody else did, but he did and reassured her. A meeting she would never forget. He loved the un-lovable. When he met the demented men on the other side of the Lake; men deformed and ugly through there lunacy, probably frothing at the mouth because of their dementia, he loved and pitied them, and drove out their demons.                                                                                              He opposed the self-righteous and self-justifying who prayed 'I thank you I am not like that other man', but upheld the humble - who prayed 'God be merciful to me, a sinner'. 
        He had greater power than the world’s greatest ruler, but held it in hands gloved in kindness, gentleness and grace. 
        When a tax-collector met him, he was so overcome by Christ’s goodness that he paid back four-times every penny that he had swindled from others. 
        And in probably the most moving account in all the Gospels, when a prostitute was so overwhelmed by the purity of his love for her, when she knew he did not lust for her body but loved her for her heart, the tears flooded from her eyes so that she was able to bath his feet in her tears, and wipe them dry with her hair. 
        And at the end of his life, as the One who could summon the hosts of heaven to his defence, instead, as your representative and mine, he trod the lonely path to the Cross, so that we could be forgiven and live with him in paradise.

So, do you know this Jesus for yourself? If you do, then let yourself be embraced and engulfed by his love and care. If not yet, then know that He is just longing to welcome you into his family; to be your ‘Big Brother’. He said 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.’ And ‘Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.’ Perhaps you have one time said 'I would love to know God like that, but he would never have me!' Yes, he will!

He says ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.’ He will not force his way in; you must open the door. But to eat with someone in the Bible is the epitome of intimacy. That's how well he wants to know you.

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MATT. 25:31-46 THE COMING OF THE SON - JUDGEMENT!

This morning we complete our Advent series in Matt.25 with this portentous passage in vs.31-46. Jesus has been teaching us to be ready for His Second Coming: now he tells us, in a poetic parable, what will be the big issue on that Day. What will God be looking for in us on that Day? Understanding this will underline for us the importance of Christ’s First Coming and the peril the world is in at His Second Coming. There are some parts of this sermon I don’t want to preach, but I cannot deny what Christ says!

1. JESUS CHRIST IS THE GLORIOUS JUDGE

First I want to draw you attention to the pre-eminence of Jesus. Look over vs.31,32a. Not a manger this time, but a throne, with stunning glory and all the angels of heaven! The baby in the stable has become the Judge of everyone who has ever lived. He is the perfect judge because He has been one of us and died for us! Wouldn’t this surprise the crowds doing their Christmas shopping? (I imagine myself going down to ASDA, finding the PA microphone and announcing 'Ladies and Gentleman this is to advise you that Jesus Christ -the baby in the manger- will one day be your judge' - and then quickly escape before Security tries to grab me!) 

2. A WONDERFUL INVITATION AND A TERRIFYING DISMISSAL

But this is the Day of Reckoning. In vs.32b,33 Jesus the King separates the sheep and the goats, as every shepherd did at the end of the day. There is a stark contrast between the words spoken to each group. 

First, v.34 READ - what a wonderful invitation. But who are these people? V.37 tells us they are ‘the righteous’ which means those who live by faith, whose purpose in life is to serve Christ. For them, awaits a glorious inheritance.

But, see what he says to the others v. 41 READ - What terrifying words! So who are these? These are ‘the accursed’ - because they have rejected, spurned, or just plain ignored the Saviour-Son sent by God. They didn’t want Christ in their lives now, so sadly they will live without him in eternity! God gives them want they want! He will judge them by what they have done, but tragically there will be no place for them in Christ’s presence, only overwhelming regret. Deciding whether or not to submit to Christ is not a game; it is deadly serious.

3. THE ISSUE AT STAKE

So on what basis does Christ declare someone to be a sheep or a goat? See vs.35,36. The ‘Righteous’ are astonished v.37-39. Then Christ tells them what he means v.40 - ‘the least of these who are members of my family’. In chap.12 we learnt that Jesus’ family (his ‘brothers and sisters and mother’) are those who believe in Him. So these members of his family who are hungry and thirsty and homeless and naked and sick and in prison must be poor and persecuted Christians. And there are thousands of them today!
    The ‘Righteous’ care about these persecuted fellow believers. They pray for them, generously give their money and write to heads of state appealing for justice. It has just never occurred to them that in doing this, they were actually doing it to Christ Himself. 
    But sadly the goats haven’t lived for Christ at all; so they are not concerned about his persecuted family. Thus by applying this test ( Christ could have chosen another) Jesus has shown that the big issue is people’s relationship to HIM. 
    Being ‘good’ by worldly standards simply isn’t enough. The Bible teaches that everyone in the world is in danger because we have refused God’s right to rule over us. That is why the coming of Jesus as Saviour is so monumentally important, and ignored at terrible peril. Without Him every one of us stands condemned. Hear John 3:18. God did not send his glorious and only Son to suffer and die, so that men and women could ignore him without fear of condemnation!? But for everyone who does believe in Him the condemnation is removed. That’s the issue. That’s what Christmas offers us - the opportunity for forgiveness and the prospect of heaven.
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MATT.13:31-33 INCONSPICUOUS YET IRREPRESSIBLE GROWTH

I don’t know about you but I find it very easy to become depressed about the progress of the Gospel in the times in which we live. In the West, few seem interested - materialism is rife, while the organised church is largely compromised and in decline. In much of the rest of the world, Christians are being persecuted and even killed. What hope is there that the message of Christ will survive and even be triumphant in the end? 

This morning, in Matt.13:31-33, we find two of Jesus’ parables which will help to return our confidence that the Kingdom of Heaven is at work even in our day. Let’s read the first parable again in vs.31,32. What is this mustard seed?

1. THE MESSAGE OF THE KINGDOM SEEMS SO WEAK

The Christian message was born in weakness. Its author, Jesus Christ, was ‘despised and rejected by men’ (‘Isaiah’): crucified. All this was yet to happen (these vs. are prophetic); but Jesus left behind only a small band of believers, his ‘little flock’. Paul refers to the message of a crucified saviour as ‘a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to [everyone else]’. So this is the mustard seed in our parable: the gospel of the Kingdom - seemingly so small and weak. But Jesus tells us that this seed will grow into a tree: that’s what mustard seeds in Palestine do, even today. A ‘tree’ in the OT is often an image of a power of world significance. So what began with an unjust death and a small band of fearful men in Jerusalem, is going to end with the gathered multitude from all the nations. Listen to Rev.7:9,10. Note too how the birds nest among the branches of this tree. This is OT imagery too, speaking of safety for those who recognise their need of God. Listen to Ps.104:10-13 (p.566). The Kingdom of heaven is not an abstract idea: to belong to it, is to have the path to paradise at your feet. So despite appearances…

2. THE KINGDOM IS GROWING AND WILL GO ON GROWING 

…because it is God’s work. In countries where Christians are persecuted, the Kingdom is still growing. So as well as praying for these tormented Christians, we can gain encouragement from their faithfulness and fortitude. In the West, still, wherever the message of the crucified Christ is faithfully declared and explained, people are turning to him; one by one, two by two. Its not spectacular; but all over the place the tree is growing. It is as if Christ is telling us ‘don’t despair, have patience, keep praying, keep exercising faith, keep working, the Kingdom will grow and not fail.’ And what is more ….

3. THE KINGDOM WILL GO ON DOING ITS HIDDEN WORK

That’s the meaning of the second parable - of the yeast. READ v.33. Three measures is a huge amount of flour. But the point is, the yeast works secretly and transforms the whole batch! Like the yeast in the flour, the work of the Kingdom is most often not dramatic or paraded in public, but hidden. This pictures people coming to Christ in a quiet and fuss-less way. Also it portrays Christ’s followers taking the characteristics of the Kingdom with them into every human experience and circumstance; where it will gradually but surely bring light into darkness; healing for the deepest of hurts; reconciliation in the face of breakdown, love instead of bitterness; honesty instead of deceit; truth instead of falsehood; kindness in place of envy, . 

The Kingdom of heaven is growing in the hearts of men and women and children: sometimes unseen, but bringing assurance of salvation from God and changed lives lived for Christ.

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JOHN 8:31-59: TAKING JESUS SERIOUSLY

Although our passage contains some well known verses - like 32, 36 and 58, I had not before realised just how important this section is. I have really been quite stunned by it. For here we actually see a representative group of humankind arguing with God! It demonstrates the enormous gulf between man’s understanding and God’s understanding. It seems that Jesus is talking to some people who had initially wanted to follow him v.31. But it soon transpires that they have not really understood what it meant to believe in him. So what’s the problem?

1. We must take Jesus’ ‘Word’ Seriously.

I want to show you first how strongly Jesus’ ‘word’ figures in this passage. Note v.31b [read]. Then 37c, 43, and 51. And this ‘word’ brings fruit - truth and freedom. See 31b & 32, and 36. Of course, by ‘his word’ he means ‘his message’ - which through repentance and forgiveness brings truth and freedom to those who believe. So why are these people so resistant - why are most people so resistant to Jesus’ ‘word’?

2. We don’t take Jesus seriously when we don’t understand how desperate our need is.

The people Jesus is speaking to are Jews; they had a tremendous sense of their own spiritual importance. They were the ‘People of God’, weren’t they? - a holy nation, God’s treasured possession? So when Jesus says that his truth will make them free (v.32), they object strongly v.33. They were not like the heathen, burdened by the worship of idols; they were free from all that. So how dare Jesus imply they weren’t free? But this is typical of all human nature. Until we listen to Jesus we all think we’re free. Jesus puts his finger on the issue in v.34. He doesn’t mean ‘commits ‘a’ sin’: he means everyone who is subject to the rule and penalty of sin. Everyone is a slave to it. ‘Oh, no I‘m not!’ everyone says. ‘I’m not a slave to anything’. But humankind is so addicted to self-centredness; so skilled at justifying ourselves; so deluded about our weaknesses - that we think we are free when we are not. (Reminded of Land of Hope and Glory - ‘mother of the free; Britons never, never never shall be slaves!’) Well, we are relatively free politically , but we are not spiritually free from sin and the condemnation of God. We are like the heavy smoker who says ‘I can give it up any time I like, if I want to’. The problem is, he is so addicted - he doesn’t really want to. That’s what we are like with sin; we are addicted to it and can’t give it up. As someone has said ‘no amount of contrary evidence seems to disturb humanity’s good opinion of itself’. There is only one person who can rescue us vs.35,36. But why Jesus?

3. We don’t take Jesus seriously when we fail to understand who he really is. 

Jesus’ hearers are beginning to get angry: they repeat what they think is their trump card v.39. To which Jesus replies v. 39b,40. The argument heats up vs.41 - 43 and 45 - 47. Then the Jews use the most abusive insult they can think of v.48. Jesus replies vs.49-53b. They are hardening their hearts to Him. In desperation they ask ‘Who do you claim to be?’ v.53. Jesus says ..vs.54- 57 (v.56 probably an insight at the birth of Isaac). So Jesus answers their question (58) clearly, but they cannot bear it! His word - his message - could bring them forgiveness but they were too blind to see it. I hope we are not too blind.

Footnote: so what does John do next? He tells us about a blind man seeing.

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MATTHEW 13:53 to 14:12 STUMBLING IN BLINDNESS AND IGNORANCE

Its been quite a week for ‘faith’. There’s been the furore over BA stopping a check-in clerk wearing a cross. Friday’s Times contained a letter from 8 bishops and 7 others, complaining about the growing persecution of Christian Unions in our universities. This week it was revealed that the Government are forcing through the infamous Sexual Orientation Regulations by the back door, via Northern Ireland where they have direct rule. We seem to have been overtaken by a terrifying blindness. 

But such blindness to what is good and true is not new. In our passage in Matt.13:54-end, this morning, we find even Jesus Christ Himself being rejected by the blindness of the very people He grew up with. 

1. HIS OWN PEOPLE WERE TOO PREJUDICED

In his Gospel, Matthew’s message is that Jesus has come to fulfil the Kingdom of Heaven promised in the OT. 4:23 says ‘Jesus went throughout Galilee preaching the good news of the Kingdom’. Here in chapter 13 so far, Matthew has recorded 7 of Jesus’s parables about the Kingdom, which He teaches with complete authority. But alongside this revelation of the Kingdom there is a growing opposition to Jesus and all He stands for.

So Jesus returns to Nazareth, where he grew up, and preaches in the synagogue. They are astounded by what He has to say v.54-56. But instead of trying to work out what it all meant, they hardened their hearts to Him. They took offence at Him! v.57 (cf 11:6) Their unbelief shuts them off from Him (v.58). How could they be so blind? It is a prime example of what Jesus said in 13:14ff. I hope that doesn’t describe any of us. We are reminded of John 1:11,12. 

But opposition to the Kingdom is found among the ruling elite of Israel as well.

2. THE POWER-PEOPLE FELT TOO THREATENED

This time (14:1-12) it isn’t Jesus at the receiving end, but John the Baptist. He is already dead, murdered at Herod’s command - vs.3-12 are a flash-back, telling us how it happened. Herod was both cruel and weak. He knew John to be ‘a righteous and holy man’ (Mark), but he had John killed because of a stupid promise at a drunken feast. This death by illegal execution foreshadowed what would happen to Jesus. To kill John was to attack the same Kingdom Jesus was proclaiming. Herod is now afraid that in Jesus, John has come back to haunt him. Such abject and culpable ignorance! The Pharisees had decided long ago that Jesus had to go (12:14).

3. BUT WE MUST UNDERSTAND AND MAKE HIM OUR KING

But we must not be like any of this! We mustn’t allow familiarity with things about Jesus to stop us actually making Him our personal Saviour and King - so that we know for certain that we are safely and securely a member of His Kingdom. Sadly, it is possible even for church-going people to have a sub-Christian faith in which Jesus does not appear to have a major place at all. Could it be, that for any of us, our Jesus is too small? 

We must not allow hardness of heart to come between Him and us - perhaps because we can‘t get all our philosophical questions answered. 

We must not underestimate the importance of Jesus Christ! He is personal - worthy of love, reverence, worship and our utter commitment. He is cosmic - He is God’s last word to us, and all mankind will be judged by Him. He is critical - He is the only Saviour - we will perish without Him. We must not allow anything to prevent us from seeing Him as He really is and submitting to Him as King. I hope you’ve done that? 

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WHO IS THIS JESUS? MATTHEW 17:1-13

This week we have celebrated the birth of a baby, named Jesus, born in a stable, in Bethlehem, an obscure village in Palestine, 2000 years ago. What an extraordinary thing that is! Why are we so interested in it? Babies are being born all the time: why so much attention to this one? Because, here in this vulnerable infant is embodied not only God’s message to the world - which could have been declared by a human prophet - but also God himself. What a remarkable claim that is!

This morning we are going to press the fast-forward button and examine an episode in Jesus’ life which will demonstrate what we claim. Let’s turn to the passage Alex read for us in Matthew 17 (p.17).

Read v.1 Luke tells us they had gone to pray, but the most dramatic thing imaginable happens.

1. He is the man with the right to heaven‘s glory.

Read v.2. Luke says His clothes ‘flashed like lightning’. What’s happening? We’ve read something like this before. When Moses came down from meeting God on Mount Sinai (Ex 34) his face was ‘radiant’ with reflected glory from being with God. But this isn’t reflected glory - this is the real thing! Christ’s own heavenly glory! Peter, who was there, later wrote ‘we were eye-witnesses of his majesty .. when we were with him on the sacred mountain.’(1 Pet.1:16-18) In Phil.2 Paul declares that Jesus was by nature God and equal with God, but for us became a servant. John, who was also there, says - John 1:14.

But there is more.. Read v.3 - according to Luke - also in glorious splendour. In some way miraculously recognisable. Not a vision - seen with human eyes.

2. He is the final act in God’s plan of salvation.

The disciples were terror-struck; but we must not miss the significance of who these two were. Here stood the representatives of the Law and the Prophets, the two great pillars of the Old Testament. They talked with Jesus. Their presence confirmed that Jesus was the One to whom the entire OT pointed. Listen to Jesus after his resurrection in Luke 24:27. Moses and Elijah were saluting their divine successor, and encouraging him for the suffering that was soon to come. Luke tells us they spoke to Jesus about his coming ‘exodus’ - meaning his death. The original ‘Exodus’ was an escape from slavery for God’s people. Christ’s death delivers all who believe - as Paul put it ‘Christ Jesus … set me free from the law of sin and death’.

But there is one more act to this drama.

3. He is God’s obedient Son whom we should listen to.

Read v.5. For the second time in his life, Jesus hears the affirmation of his Father. The first time was at his baptism. Now he faces the suffering of the Cross, obedient to his Father’s will. Peter says - in the same passage as before ‘he received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the majestic Glory, saying “This is my Son, my beloved, [Ps.2] with whom I am well pleased [Is.42]” ’.

Do you see how this event demonstrates who Jesus is? He has cosmic significance because he is from the glory of heaven. He is God’s Son: God wants us to relate to him through Jesus Christ. He is the pinnacle of God’s salvation plan, we must turn to him. In him the Kingdom of God has come amongst us. We must put Christ at the centre of our lives. [Comment about this] God Himself tells us we should listen to him. I urge you and me to do that more and more in 2008.

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JESUS IS RAISED - JOHN 20:1-18

JOHN 21 RIGHT! LET THE MISSION BEGIN! [JESUS RESTORES PETER]

1. A VERY REMINISCENT MIRACLE.

2. THE RESTORATION OF PETER.

JOHN 14:1-14: Thomas's Question: Jesus' Answer

1. Thomas is not alone

2. Understanding Jesus

3. Finding the Way

LUKE 4:31-44 THE POWER OF JESUS IS REVEALED

LUKE 5:12-26 PARDON AND POWER

It is not difficult, is it, to imagine the excitement in Zechariah’s home that day? Elizabeth had given birth to their long-awaited miracle baby. They had thought it would never happen. Their neighbours and relatives were thrilled for them. No doubt taking round cards, cakes and casseroles. But the fuss over what he was to be called - ‘John’ - to their surprise - reminds us that he is even more special than they thought. Because an angel had appeared to Zechariah to tell him of the special work John was to do. Look back to vs.13-17. No wonder the onlookers were awestruck - vs. 65,66

This isn’t the only occasion in this chapter when an angel appears to announce a miraculous event. The other is to Mary to tell her she is going to bear ‘the Son of the Most High’! Four times Luke records the activity of the Holy Spirit: Zechariah’s son is to be filled with the Holy Spirit; Mary’s son is to be born by the power of the Holy Spirit; Elizabeth greets Mary with a cry inspired by the Holy Spirit; and in our passage Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit to prophesy. Luke, the sober, careful historian, cannot escape the supernatural beginnings of Christianity. The Christian message is supernatural! Some people don’t think the supernatural exists: others seek it but in the wrong place; they have to go to Bethlehem and Calvary!

So Zechariah responds to John’s birth with this outburst of thankfulness and praise (68-79). Benedictus. It is a song of hope. Hope is tremendously important. Life without hope is mean and diminished, isn’t it? John Piper in his book ‘God is the Gospel’ gives a striking illustration. Imagine a Prisoner of War camp. It has two compounds. In the inner one are the most important prisoners. They are ill-treated, filthy, lice-ridden, in rags, dejected and in total despair. Then one day, the outer prisoners notice a difference. The inner prisoners have washed and combed their hair; they’ve mended their clothes; they’ve even paraded with backs straight and heads held high! The outer prisoners are astonished. One of them snatches a few moments at the wire - ‘What’s going on?’ He’s told someone’s smuggled in a radio. The news is that their forces are winning the war and are only 50 miles away. Rescue is at hand. It’s time to be alert and ready. ‘Hope’ had transformed these defeated and despairing men. See the point?

So it was with Zechariah: the news that their Messiah-Rescuer was imminent, was life-changing. And what about us? We need to wake up and realise afresh the hope in which we stand - the promise of eternal life and seeing the glory of God. In Rom. 5:2 Paul says .. ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ . Is the hope we have in Christ transforming us?

So let’s listen to Zechariah: This is the last prophecy of the old order, the first of the new order. Threshold of the Christ era

68: the time has come! Past tense - as good as achieved already. Paul says ‘God has raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places.’ Past tense again! (Eph 2:6)

69 - still in Mary’s womb; but one day he is going to hang on a cross and face-down the forces of evil, and rise from the dead, and one day return to judge the world!

71 - Rom. 8:2 ‘the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free for the law of sin and death’

v.74,75 - we are saved to serve God - without fear. But how can we be that confident before God? By allowing God to remove our moral guilt through faith in Christ >> v.77 - through forgiving our sins. Then >>78 … ..‘the dawn from on high ….. .

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LUKE 2:21-38 GOOD NEWS FOR TWO OLD PEOPLE

Growing old isn’t much fun! There’s so much about it that’s so frustrating. I’ve read somewhere that people in their sixties can have as many as 6 health problems they are consulting their doctor about. (Perhaps we should pause while you count how many you have?) I was 75 last week and I have 5, so I‘m no doing too badly. I know someone of 72 who reckons he picks up a new consultant every year.

Then, there’s ‘ageism’. Marian and I were walking down Threadneedle St in the City of London (we’d been to a conference at St Helen’s) when a man in his 30’s came hurrying towards us. As he rushed past he said [now what was it he said? Pretend to have forgotten: the hearers get the point] Oh yes, I remember, he said ’Out of the way geriatrics!’ which was rather rude.

But there is no ageism with God. I want to point out to you something we might easily miss: in our passage today it is two old people who witness to who Jesus is. Despite whatever ailments they may have had, Simeon and Anna were spiritually alive and alert! Simeon and the 84 yr-old widow Anna are two further witnesses that Luke has called to testify to who this new baby is. From the rough shepherds out in the countryside, he has moved to the temple in the city: from a host of angels to two devout old saints.

1. Recognising the Saviour we desperately need

Mary and Joseph have brought their 6 week-old baby to the temple for Mary’s purification after childbirth, and to present Jesus their firstborn to God, as the law of Moses required (v.23). Of course, that this male baby of all babies is dedicated as Holy to God is an understatement. He was the one who in later years when people heard him talk, said ‘No man ever spoke like this man’.

Simeon, described as righteous and devout, and Anna, also devoted to God, came into the temple. Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.. Simeon and Anna were both passionately watching for there Rescuer. I wonder if we are watching for Jesus’ second coming as keenly as they were for His first? Or is our faith much weaker than theirs?

By divine prompting Simeon recognises the baby Jesus and bursts into song vs. 29-32. (Known as the nunc dimittis, this used to be in every Anglican evening service.) Simeon recognised Jesus not only as the Messiah but as the Saviour of the world - vs.30-31. Notice - no one is excluded. Not Jew not gentile. But also neither young nor old. No one can be too young or too old to put their faith In Christ.

Jesus the Christ is the Saviour we all desperately need (young and old). None of us can face God on Judgement Day without personally submitting to Christ: otherwise we will perish. What does John 3:16 say? ‘.. whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.’ It’s perish on our own, or live, by faith in Christ.

2. Letting the light of Jesus dispel our confusion

Simeon also speaks of Jesus as a light (v.32) - He has revealed to us how to escape the darkness of sin, condemnation and death, and instead to enter his kingdom of light. He said ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ Are any of us still wandering around in the dark? Are we/you confused about life after death? Well, we can’t go on like that; its too dangerous. We’ve got to sort it out and do something about it. After all, none of us knows when …. You know what I mean.

3. Asking Him to be our personal Saviour

We have to make a decision. Did you notice how Simeon told Mary that men would be divided about her Son? v.34,35a. What are your ‘inner thoughts’? Do you want to ‘rise’ (with Christ) or ‘fall’ (without him)? Have you claimed him yet as your personal Saviour and Lord?

You know, the greatest danger is not unbelief but ‘drift’ - knowing about it, but making no decision: just meandering-on, never bringing our minds to bear on it: perhaps for years. So how do we clinch it? If someone were to ask us ‘Are you sure you’re going to heaven?’- how can we say ‘Yes, I’m sure’ instead of ‘I hope so’? We must deliberately pray and ask Jesus to be our personal Saviour; to forgive our sins and take us for His own; to pledge that we will serve Him for what remains of our lives. When we do that, God answers with assurance in our hearts that all is well. Drifting is over. Do you know that re-assurance? Or are you still drifting? Please don’t.

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(with acknowledgements to Rev. Paul Williams of Fulwood Church, Sheffield for the title and one idea)

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LUKE 4:31-44 ‘THE POWERFUL SON OF GOD - God's Kingdom Revealed'

1. Jesus wants us to engage our minds

2. Jesus wants us to recognise his awesome authority

3. Jesus wants us to belong to His kingdom

LUKE 6:12-26: ‘The Great Reversal’

1. Jesus calls all sorts of ordinary people

2. Called to serve Him, not a set of rules

3. Yet called to an upside-down way of life

LUKE 6:43-49: WORKING IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST

1. Belonging to Christ’s Kingdom is active not passive

2. God expects a crop of good fruit

3. While we build on the unshakable foundation