DID JESUS GET DISCOURAGED?

This question came to my mind while reading Luke 9.

Rather than test your recall, let me review some of the events in this chapter:

Ø Vs.12-17

After a period of teaching a crowd of over 5,000, Jesus suggests releasing them so that they can find shelter and food. His apostles respond: “We’re out in the middle of nowhere” [v.12  All quotes from The Message Bible unless otherwise noted].  Jesus responds: “You feed them.” They report that all they could round up was five loaves of bread and a couple of fish.  You know the rest of the story!  Do you suppose that Jesus was a bit disappointed in His apostles? 

Ø V.22

For the first time, Jesus tells His apostles: “It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive”  CRICKETS!  No questions! No shock!  Do you suppose that Jesus was a bit disappointed in His apostles?

Ø Vs.28-36

Jesus took Peter, James and John up to the top of a mountain. As Jesus prayed, “the appearance of His face changed and His clothes became blinding white.” Then Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus about what was soon going to happen in Jerusalem!  During this conversation, the apostles were asleep – probably a trancelike state – but as they came to, “they saw Jesus in His glory and the two men standing with Him.” Impulsive Peter immediately spoke up: “Master, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”  Do you suppose that Jesus was a bit disappointed with His apostles?

Ø Vs.37-43

“When they came down off the mountain the next day, a big crowd was there to meet them.”  A man had brought his demon-possessed son to be delivered, but the apostles had been unable to care for him. Jesus is CLEARLY disappointed with His apostles!  The emboldened demon created a fuss through the boy, but Jesus delivered him instantly! 

Ø V. 44

Jesus again speaks of His impending future: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into human hands.” But, “They didn’t get what He was saying.”  Do you suppose that Jesus was a bit disappointed with His apostles?

Ø V.46

In the next verse we learn that “They started arguing over which of them would be most famous. Do you suppose that Jesus was a bit disappointed with His apostles?

Ø Vs.49-50

Immediately after this, “John spoke up, ‘Master, we saw a man using Your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn’t of our group.’ Jesus said, ‘Don’t stop him. If he’s not an enemy, he’s an ally.’” Do you suppose that Jesus was a bit disappointed with His apostles?

Ø Vs.51-56

As they continued their journey toward Jerusalem – through Samaria – the locals refused them any measure of hospitality. “When the disciples James and John learned of it, they said, ‘Master, do You want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate them?’ Jesus turned on them: ‘Of course not!’”  Do you suppose that Jesus was a bit disappointed with His apostles?

Ø Vs.57-62

Along their trip to Jerusalem, three men approached Jesus at different times.

o   The first volunteered to go along with them wherever they went. Jesus informed him that they did not travel in luxury!

o   The next man that came along received the same call that Peter, Andrew, James and John had received: [Jesus speaking] “Follow Me.” But when the man asked for a few days to go and bury his father, Jesus responded: “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God” [v.60 NASB].

o   The third man stepped forward and said: “I’m ready to follow You, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home.”  [NASB]: “But Jesus said to him, No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”  Do you suppose that Jesus was a bit disappointed with His apostles?

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This was clearly a rough day for Jesus filled with lots of disappointments!

Yet, in the very next chapter, the Master selected seventy and sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he intended to go [10:1].

He gave them instructions:

ü Pray!

ü Be careful!

ü Travel light!

ü Don’t loiter!

ü Grant peace to those who offer you lodging!

ü Eat what they set before you!

ü Heal anyone who is sick!

ü If a town rejects you – move on!

ü Don’t be discouraged!  “The one who rejects you, rejects me” [v.16].

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Scholars and leaders who sought to encapsulate our purpose under God, stated clearly in The Westminster Shorter Catechism that MAN’S CHIEF END IS TO GLORIFY GOD AND ENJOY HIM FOREVER!

We did not come into being on our own!

And we are NOT simply the progeny of our parents!

God set all things in motion and observes each of us being formed in our mother’s wombs! 

Does God have a purpose for each of our lives?

Yes! God has a purpose for each life. The Bible teaches that every person is uniquely designed for a reason, and God’s purpose is not limited to a career or ministry but includes spiritual growth, relationships, and personal impact.

Jeremiah 1:5 [GW] states:

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart.”

Ephesians 2:10 [NIV]

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

GOD’S PURPOSE IS TO CONFORM US TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, AND TO FULFILL HIS WILL IN OUR LIVES!

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How are you doing at this? 

Do you suppose that Jesus has been disappointed in you?

Are you diligent about pursuing God’s purpose for your life?

Are you consulting with Him daily about how He might like to direct your path?

Are you taking advantage of the situations He may be placing you in to extend His purposes into another person’s life?

Let’s face it! We could all do better. Let’s pray about it:

King of the Universe: Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

I easily forget that You formed me in my mother’s womb!

I wander frequently, thinking that I’m a free agent who controls my own destiny!

But my freedom is to be directed by You!

I do have a free will, but I also have surrendered my life into Your hands!

I want to be of service to You!

Your path is the best path for me to take!

Honoring You will lead me to the deepest satisfaction and joy!

 

You are the Potter.

I am the clay!

My life is in Your hands!

 

You will:

Make me lie down in green pastures,

lead me beside the still waters,

restore my soul,

guide me in paths of righteousness,

always be with me,

comfort me,

prepare a table before me -  even in the presence of my enemies,

anoint my head with oil,

cause my cup to overflow,

characterize my life by goodness and unfailing kindness,

AND

You will welcome me ultimately into the house of the Lord FOREVER!

 

Because of ALL THIS,

I once again surrender myself to You and Your purposes!

Have Your own way, Lord!

Amen.

AND THEY ALL FELL DOWN!

We know from reading the Gospels of the gut-wrenching agony that Jesus went through in the Garden of Gethsemane. Add to the turmoil of His surrender to His Father's will the fact that His closest followers grossly disappointed Him by repeatedly falling asleep instead of praying.

Jesus prayed that night - all night - in a way that is difficult for us to imagine. The scripture tells us that He prayed so earnestly that He was sweating! Luke reports that "Sweat, wrung from Him like drops of blood, poured off His face" [Luke 22: 44 All quotes from The Message Bible unless otherwise noted].

Yet, what is most important for us to realize is that by the time "Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed - carrying lanterns, torches and swords" [John 18:3] - Jesus had it all settled and was completely calm!
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When I was young, we would occasionally hear older believers talk about "praying through". This phrase was used to describe a pressing situation where they clearly needed a deep assurance from God! The use of the phrase indicated that the person had prayed much and fervently until God had given them a sense of assurance that He had all things under His control! [I haven't heard that phrase used in many decades!]
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Jesus had clearly prayed through that evening and had the settled assurance He needed from His Father! He had surrendered: "Not My will but Yours be done" [Luke 22:42].

As a result, He was filled with peace and calm! Let's pick up the dialogue from the point when Judas arrives:

"Jesus, knowing by now everything that was coming down on him, went out and met them. He said, 'Who are you after?'

They answered, 'Jesus the Nazarene.'

He said, 'That's me.' [TM]

...when He said to them, 'I am He,' they drew back and fell to the ground." [NASB]

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Isn't it interesting that when we read passages like this - IF we read them - we simply roll over these words and fail to catch the impact of what we have read?

Roman soldiers and the temple guards who accompanied them FELL TO THE GROUND AS THOUGH THEY HAD BEEN PUSHED BY AN UNSEEN FORCE!

All at the simple words spoken by Jesus: "I AM He!"

Don't miss the irony of those words: "I AM!" Sound familiar?

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Matthew describes the next moments that John omits:

"Then they came on Him - grabbed Him and roughed Him up. One of those with Jesus pulled his sword and, taking a swing at the Chief Priest's servant, cut off his ear.

Jesus said, 'Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don't you realize that I am able right now to call my Father, and twelve companies...of fighting angels would be here, battle ready" [Matthew 26:50-53]?

By the way, Luke - the consummate researcher and also physician - reports in his Gospel that Jesus then turned to the man who had lost his ear AND HEALED HIM!

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Don't you want to live this way?

Don't you want to sustain an intimate relationship with the Sovereign God of the Universe?

Don't you want to have a relationship with Him that calms you in the midst of anxiety and storms?

Don't you want to maintain a spirit of peace when everyone around you is losing it?

Don't you want to heal and help, rather than do harm?

YOU CAN HAVE ALL THIS BY LETTING JESUS BE THE LORD OF YOUR LIFE AND COMMITTING YOURSELF TO KNOWING HIM THROUGH THE SPIRIT AND THROUGH HIS WORD!

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If you have 4 1/2 minutes to spare, maybe you'd like to listen to the following recording by John Michael Talbot: "Humble Thyself In the Sight of the Lord"?

John Michael Talbot is an American Catholic musician, author, and founder of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, renowned as a pioneer of contemporary Christian music. A multi-platinum, Grammy and Dove Award-winning artist with over 50 albums, his contemplative, Scripture-based songs have influenced Catholic and ecumenical worship worldwide. 

ALL THE DISCIPLES CUT AND RAN!

In John 13-16, we find Jesus giving His final teaching message to His apostles (minus Judas). Much of what He shares in this late evening session is new information that He has not mentioned before! There seems to be an urgency in His delivery as He recognizes that this is His final lesson before His crucifixion!

He concludes this teaching time by emphasizing the fact that He came into this world directly from His Father! We celebrated that a little over two months ago! Now, however, Jesus wants them to understand that He will soon be returning to His Father!

Here are His words: [John 16:28 All quotes from The Message Bible unless otherwise noted]

"First, I left the Father and arrived in the world; now I leave the world and travel to the Father."

The response of the eleven is noteworthy:

"His disciples said, 'Finally! You're giving it to us straight, in plain talk - no more figures of speech. Now we know that you know everything - it all comes together in you. You won't have to put up with our questions anymore. We're convinced you came from God.'"
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Words are easily spoken! As we read this, we breathe a sigh of relief! "Ahhh, they finally GET IT!"

And then Jesus continues to speak and our assurance wilts:

"Do you finally believe?"

"In fact, you're about to make a run for it - saving your own skins and abandoning me." [vs. 31-32]

Jesus knows that in a very short time, He will be arrested in the very garden where they are talking. He also knows that in that moment, His followers will flee into the darkness to save their lives - LEAVING JESUS TO BE ARRESTED!!!

But before this happens, Jesus prays very specifically for the apostles. It's an intimate prayer! It's opening words are:

"Father, it's time."

Jesus surrenders Himself to His Father! His heart breaks with compassion! He prays for His followers, even "those also who believe in Me through their word" - THAT'S US!
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John does not tell us about the apostles fleeing into the darkness that night - perhaps he was too ashamed to admit it?

Matthew, however, does admit it [26:56]: "Then all the disciples cut and ran."

So does another younger man who has apparently been quietly following them - eavesdropping on these precious teaching moments. We can deduce that his name was John Mark - who later associated closely with Peter and gave us the Gospel of Mark [probably the first gospel to be written].

Without identifying himself, he tells his story in his own gospel account: [Mark 14:50-52]

"All the disciples cut and ran. A young man was following along. All he had on was a bedsheet. Some of the men grabbed him but he got away, running off naked, leaving them holding the sheet."

JESUS KNEW ALL ALONG THAT THEY WOULD ABANDON HIM! And yet, He loved them and prayed for them!
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That's grace! Amazing grace!

Thank Him today for His patience with you!

We have all denied Him at one point or another!

We have all failed Him or refused to obey His commandments.

We have all chosen sin over obedience!

And yet - HE LOVES US STILL!

Thanks be to God, our gracious Lord, and the Holy Spirit! Amen!

IS HE YOUR LORD?

It is such a blessing for us to have four different versions of the gospel!  We get to read about many of the episodes in Jesus’ life – often from several different perspectives.  Comparing these can be fascinating and revealing! 

Since we’re closing in on our celebration of the resurrection, I thought it might be good to look at a particular exchange that took place during the Lord’s Supper.  All four gospels tell us about this evening meal, but Matthew gives us information that is unique from the others.

Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.”    [For accuracy, this is from the NASB – Matthew 26:20-25]

In comparing the other gospels, we get a much deeper picture of the events of this evening.  It was obviously a powerful time as Jesus conveyed some of His last teaching to these men [see John 13-17 for the most comprehensive and detailed teaching.]

These were sacred moments filled with passion and likely very emotional in nature.  This – and the night of prayer that followed – was the last time that Jesus would be with these devoted followers!  He knew it, but they were not clearly aware of this fact. 

Jesus knew that He had a betrayer in His midst, and He knew who it was.  It was time to release Judas to negotiate with the Pharisees for the betrayal.  All of the gospels report that after this particular exchange – JUDAS LEFT!

Words are so important!  In the above passage, Jesus makes it clear that “one of you will betray Me.”  Matthew wants us to know that the group was immediately grieved!  How could this be true? Yet the Master had said it – so it must be true!  Who would do such a thing?  Who among us – His closest followers – would betray Him?

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As a counselor, I find it very interesting that “they each…began to say to Him, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’”

Why would these men- who had been called out of other trades to become fishers of men – ask this question?  These were men who had briefly been empowered to heal and cast out demons, These were men who had seen incredible miracles and witnessed remarkable healings.  They had been there when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead – just a few weeks earlier!  Why would they ask: "Surely I wouldn't betray You, would I, Lord?"

These deeply devoted, faithful following, completely committed men had to ask the question: “Lord, is it I?” [KJV].  In spite of the fact that they had been following Him for at least two years, apparently each one of them asked that evening if they were the one who would betray Him! 

 

Dr. Haddon Robinson was a highly respected preacher/leader/teacher in the Christian community.  He served as professor and president at several different theological seminaries.  He was a regular contributor on the ‘Discover the Word’ radio program for twenty years. I was a frequent listener because of his responses and perspectives.  His obituary describes him as “one of the world’s foremost experts in Biblical preaching.”  One day on the radio broadcast I heard him say, “If people knew the thoughts that cross through my mind on any given day, they wouldn’t listen to a word I say.” 

 

 

I frequently type out prayers in the early morning hours of my day. These are VERY PRIVATE prayers that are only between me and God!  I confess my sins and call on Him for help in reforming me. I spare no details. It’s raw. I am painfully open and honest with Him.  Remarkably, it’s a healing process for me. It helps me to remember how corrupt I am and how dependent on His grace I am!  And when my devotional time is over - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I delete the document.

 

The biblical accounts are clear in making us aware that all twelve apostles asked Jesus: “Surely not I, Lord?” [TM]. Doesn’t this indicate that each one of them had some sense that it could – possibly – be them. It’s always been surprising to me that Peter didn’t bellow out: “Well, it won’t be me, that’s for sure!”

But he didn’t. Even brash Peter needed to know if it would be him.

A little later in the meal Jesus tells them – after Judas’ departure – that “Tonight you will all stumble in your faith on account of me…” At that point, Peter does speak out: “Everyone else may stumble in their faith because of you, but I will not.”  We all know how that ended.

All of us who love and serve Jesus lament our personal weakness.  It’s painful to admit that we fail, doubt and sin. We want to be faithful and true, but this sinful nature is hard to harness.  All of us – without fail – are dependent on the marvelous grace of our loving Lord! 

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But let’s make one more observation before we leave this pregnant passage.

We’ve already made the point that each of the twelve asked Jesus “Is it I…”

However, if you look closely at Matthew’s record [above], you’ll see that Judas’ response was slightly different than the response of the others. 

Eleven apostles asked, “Is it I, Lord?”

But Judas asked, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” [vs.25 NASB].

Notice the difference!  It’s a very significant one! To eleven apostles Jesus was Lord! To one apostle – He was just ‘Rabbi’.

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How about you today?  Is Jesus Lord for you, or just a great, influential teacher?

The difference is MASSIVE!  If He’s just your teacher, you have NO ASSURANCE of making Heaven!  To have the kind of peace and assurance of making it to Heaven – He must be your LORD!!!!!

The implications of this are enormous!  To make Him your Lord means that you totally submit to Him.  It has been noticed elsewhere that it is not possible to say ‘No, Lord.”  When someone is our Lord, the answer is ALWAYS YES!!!!!!

If you want to live a life free of chronic repentance [such as described above], you must learn to say “Yes, Lord!” consistently!

Right now might be a good time to start practicing this. 

Hymn written by Julia H. Johnston in 1911:

1 Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

2 Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross. [Refrain]

3 Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]

4 Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]

JESUS' LAST WEEK

We're moving through Lent and approaching the most important celebration of the Christian faith!  If ever there was a time for believers to be engaged in His Word - now is the time!  

Are you aware that His last week before being crucified is the focus of the gospel writers?  Here's the breakdown:

• A third of Matthew, from Matthew 21-28
• A third of Mark, from Mark 11-16
• A quarter of Luke, from Luke 19-24
• Nearly half of John, from John 12-20

I just finished reading Matthew 18.  In this chapter alone, Jesus raised the topic of His impending death three times!  

1. After His transfiguration on the mountain, He tells Peter, James and John:  "Don't tell anyone what happened here, not until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." [v.9 All quotes from The Voice Bible unless otherwise noted]
2. Immediately after this - rather than ask about His comment about His death - the three leading apostles ask a question about Elijah - who they had just seen with Jesus on the mountaintop.  Jesus tells them that John the Baptist was Elijah, "so he was arrested and killed...for the Son of Man, too, will be arrested and killed at the hands of people who do not see Him for who He is."  [v.12]
3. After healing a young boy who had been possessed by a demon, the disciples wondered why they had been unable to heal him.  Jesus addressed their lack of faith and then says: "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.  They will kill Him, and on the third day, He will be resurrected..."  [vs.22-23]

We're mystified that He could speak so clearly to them, but they simply didn't seem to hear Him!  I don't have any good answers to this query.  Was the Holy Spirit blocking them from full understanding, yet later this same Spirit would bring their memories back so that they could share it with others and us?  Or were they so enraptured with Jesus and the thrill of being His closest associates that they just didn't want to hear anything that hinted of His leaving them?  

But, really, are we any different?  In spite of the rich tradition of Lent that has come to us through the development of the ages, do we really focus on our faith as a result?  As mentioned earlier, a third of our gospels focus on Jesus' last week on earth;  are we reading these chapter during this seven week period?  

Indeed, are we doing anything to focus our faith and desire for greater understanding as we approach this high, holy day?  

If you are - and I'm certain some are - then may God bless you with deeper understanding and a growing love and depth of gratitude!  If you're a woman, then receive this Shabbat blessing:  “May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.”  

If you don't know these women, their stories are told in the book of Genesis!

If you're a man, then receive this Shabbat blessing:  "May you be like Ephraim and Manasseh."  These were Joseph's sons who became two of the most powerful tribes in Israel.  [See Genesis 48:1-9]

If you have not been making a focus on your faith this Lenten season, it's not too late!  Select one of those passages from above [the bullet points] and start reading.  Find a time and place that will allow you a few minutes of solitude and let Him grow your faith!  

THE PRICE OF OUR SALVATION!

I know that it's still two full weeks before Ash Wednesday, but my Bible reading schedule had me consider Matthew 27:27-56 this morning.  

How can you read this without being impacted with the pathos of these hours?

Pilate, having washed his hands of the manipulations of the priests and religious leaders, turned Barabbas loose and handed Jesus over to the soldiers to be crucified.

• the soldiers mock Him
• they strip Him
• they place a red robe on Him
• then comes the crown of thorns
• they place a stick in His hand (as a mock scepter for the King of the Jews)
• then, laughter, mocking and abuse

Next, Jesus is forced to carry His cross.  Unable to do so, Simon of Cyrene is strong-armed into carrying it for Jesus.

At the place of the crucifixion, He is offered a drink to help kill the pain;  He refused it.

In one sentence, Matthew reports that they nailed Him to the cross and gambled over His garments. We can be thankful that he spared us the details of this gruesome process.

They place a placard reading:  THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Then, two criminals are crucified, one on each side of Jesus.

The crowd now jeers and mocks Jesus.  

The high priests, religion scholars and leaders join in the mockery.

Even the criminals mock Him!