"Do We Have Limited Vision?" (Mark 8:22-26)

Introduction

This passage starts out with yet another passionate request for Jesus to heal someone – in this case a person who had become blind. There were many diseases or infections at this time, that could severely affect people’s sight. And of course, with no welfare system, such people would easily become destitute. Therefore, naturally, out of compassion, and out of concern for this person’s future well-being, Jesus would heal him.

Yet, we notice that before and after this healing, Jesus took steps to heal this person quietly; for Jesus wanted to be known as far more than simply a healer – healing the sick actually being a ‘sign’ … a ‘sign’ of Jesus’ divinity, and of the broader nature of his incarnation. Jesus didn’t want more of the wrong sort of publicity.

And there was another reason why this healing was done outside the public gaze. The way this healing would play out, was designed to teach Jesus’ disciples an important lesson. This healing, which was more like … an acted out parable, had a much bigger story to tell. This healing, which happened behind the scenes, was very much about what the first disciples (and we that follow) needed to learn!

Background

In the previous passages leading up to this incident, Jesus’ disciples were continually unable to understand the meaning of what Jesus was doing and the words that he was saying. We should NOT judge them too much, because they were largely coming out of a rigid religious culture based on rules, which is very different in focus … to a spiritual movement based on grace. They lacked the reference points they needed to fully comprehend what Jesus was up to.

As they had left everything to follow Jesus, they clearly had received the first touch, but in at least some ways had stalled. We can be in this position as well, unless we consider the ways in which the teaching of Jesus touches everyday life. Without this deeper reflection and application of Jesus’ teaching, we tend to finish up … with only a series of propositions, and a narrow view of life. With only surface roots, we can be easily blown by the wind and distracted; yet we see in this passage how such possibilities can be remedied.

Story

Craig Greenfield tells the story of a man he knew who ran a strip club. This strip club owner became a Christian, and started attending a Bible study group. One day he came into his Bible study group, announcing, “God has been speaking to me”. He went on to say … he now understood … what he had been doing was not right – that he’d seen the error of his ways. His Bible study mates expected to hear that he now understood about the crass exploitation of vulnerable young women at his strip club, but what he said was … that he was going to stop watering down the drinks at the bar! Sometimes we learn slowly.

Ancient Healing

Jesus used traditional methods of applying what was believed to be therapeutic saliva, with a personal touch, to heal this blind man. Normally this would have been enough. The level of faith expressed here was NOT an issue and never mentioned. This reminds us that Jesus is free to act according to his own will and purposes … with whoever and whenever. So, as I’ve said, there’s something else being demonstrated here.

When Jesus asked this man what he could see, the response was about seeing people who looked more like trees walking. This reminds me of those ads featuring Fred Hollows, where, following his treatment, people gradually begin to see. Now, from where this particular man was coming from, i.e. complete blindness, even this partial sight was very good news … and you would celebrate this. But very soon, you would see the potential of this sort of healing power, and want to go the whole way towards perfect sight – wouldn’t you?!

There is here, built into this incident, the possible interpretation around those who initially accept Jesus, but don’t take the opportunity to move on toward fuller understanding. This is where the disciples of the time were at. You could consider that they were still in that space of considering what they wanted to get out of Jesus, rather than considering the bigger picture … of what it was supposed to mean for others … that they had come to faith – the greater purpose of their salvation.

When Jesus asks this man, “Can you see anything”, he neither answers “yes” or “no”! This is because he is in transition from blindness to full sight. It’s NOT that he can’t see at all, it’s that he just can’t see that well yet!

Jesus, by again touching this man on the eyes, demonstrated that there was bigger and better and fuller vision available. When the man came to look “intently” around him, we read of an equally remarkable outcome (to the first part of the miracle) – from a bit of a blur … “he saw everything clearly”! This lesson laid the groundwork for Jesus’ disciples to look deeper. As we know, they would still struggle to see, that is, until after the resurrection. But when they did see, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, they then turned the world right-side up.

Modern Application

We have more reference points than the first disciples did. We have the New Testament, and 20 centuries of discussion about what the life of Jesus on earth means, and how this knowledge should be applied. We know who Jesus is! Yet, we still have the need to have our eyes opened fully. Whether this takes a short time, or a longer time, this must be our desire. For otherwise, we see no better than an aimless world! This was the problem Judas had. We can, if we are not alert, leave discipleship behind, and slip back to unbelief.

Do we want to see people who look like trees walking, or do we want to see life as God sees life? Do we want to wonder what is happening, or be able to engage in solutions?? We don’t have to wait for the resurrection or the coming of the Holy Spirit! We have that already!! We just need to say, ‘Open the eyes of my heart, Lord’ or ‘Be thou my vision, Lord’ … and mean it! We can gain perfect (spiritual) sight!! Then, our various different seasons and experiences open further opportunities for new insight (and greater spiritual maturity)!

As we view our own lives, if Jesus asked us today, “Can you see anything”? or “What do you see”? … what would be our answer?? … and what would we need to actually see more clearly? What would a second touch of Jesus’ fingers on our eyes mean to us?? Are we still open enough, for long enough, for Jesus to touch our eyes again (as needed)? Do we want this? What would this mean?? Total sight is available in the hands of the Great Physician!

Ways of Seeing Better

1. Being able to remember well. If our eyes are open (and our mind is cleared of certain impediments), we will be better able to remember all of what Jesus has done for us, and all of what Jesus means to us. When challenges and difficulties come, we will quickly remember the value of the cross and resurrection to us, the power of the Holy Spirit given to us, and the answers to prayer that we have readily experienced. Jesus has taken away the guilt and shame attached to sin, and replaced this with a sense of acceptance and belonging. When those difficulties and challenges come [or even in those times where life seems to come easily], rather than returning to ‘worldly human type’ (as if we never knew Jesus after all) … resulting in fear and chaos, we will know that Jesus is with us (at our side), loving us, guiding us, carrying us, teaching us, prompting us, praying for us.

2. Being open for something new. Even though our memory is important, NOT everything we have learned in the past is necessarily right. We can’t afford to get bogged down uncritically in limited ideas and opinions, but rather be prepared to grow, develop, change, refine our ideas and expand our horizons. There is so much more light and truth to flow out from God’s Word (and our experience of prayer and of prayerful reflection) – that can all revolutionise our lives individually and together! That is why we have to get into the Bible, and not just privately, but in forums like our worship services and home groups, where we can discuss it, and learn together how to apply it. No one sees God’s truth all at once – we need to keep working on it. As William Barclay puts it, the riches of Christ Jesus are inexhaustible, and there is always more to learn about the infinite wonder and beauty of this Jesus.

[For example, when the people of Nineveh actually repented, Jonah the prophet/messenger, was unimpressed. Jonah would have preferred God to wipe them all out! Why?! Because Jonah was stuck in the mindset … that these people were horrible and hopeless and would never amount to anything. Jonah had NOT yet seen … how he should be deeply moved by the people of Nineveh’s dire situation. Jonah had a real problem with his spiritual eyesight. God (through a very confronting vision), challenged Jonah to change his attitude to this, and come to celebrate the potential for people’s lives to be turned around. This was the second touch that Jonah’s eyes needed! The book of Jonah closes in suspense (4:11), as to whether Jonah would get this, and grow in his knowledge of what God was about … or not!]

3. Being able to see that God is active. We need to be able to fully appreciate what God is doing around us and get involved with this. I see everyday how God is opening opportunities for people to be blessed and encouraged (by us). In the cafes, at the football and netball, down the street, around the neighbourhood, in that community group, as newcomers are welcomed, as money is raised for good causes, as fires are put out, as lost dogs are reunited with their family, as Rita Rodgers is picked up off the ground again. Do we really understand that God is up and about, presenting possibilities of His presence to people, and saying “come on Warren … get on board”! God’s hand is at work all the time … and everywhere (L Peabody).

Why would we ever doubt that our new worship centre will be filled one day!? Why would we consider certain doors to be closed? We might find ourselves thinking that no one is interested in our message – I think we need to put that thought aside! Why wouldn’t God be ‘out and about’ seeking to connect with people who He loves so much (and regrets being estranged from). After all, he connected with us! The hunger and thirst is already being created – the harvest is plentiful! And, the product … that is, the Gospel … is really incredible! So heads up … let’s be expectant for who God will bring across our path. 

Instead of only being consumers - where we live … only thinking about what living here (in this beautiful setting) gives us - we should be thinking about how we can cultivate the soil i.e. preparing the community for the seeds of the Gospel! 

4. Being patient with other people. We can easily judge, get frustrated, and break fellowship with people … when they disappoint us in a variety of ways. However, as much as we may try at times, we can never fully walk in their shoes nor fully know what they have endured in their lives. To see others with clear vision, is to accept that they are on a journey, they are a work in progress (like we ourselves are), and that what we should really look for … is the person they could be … with Jesus fully released in their lives. People cannot necessarily be as faithful, available and teachable … now … as we would like them to be. What a difference it could make, if our minds were set on encouragement, love, prayer and relationship building – keeping the faith that God can do amazing things and thereby radically change lives. Rather than bemoaning any lack of commitment, we should be eagerly waiting for surprises how people eventually step up!

Conclusion

Sometimes we only see with limited vision – seeing people and events around us … as somewhat incidental – there is a bit of a blur … people looking like trees walking – people being seen in an abstract rather than a personal way. What we need to see well, are events around us that are shaping the very history in which we live; people who are lost, lonely, struggling, suffering, seeking; and a God who is actively moving through all this – providing signs of His loving presence and availability, responding to the prayers of His faithful people, reaching out to people with grace, and inviting us to partner with Him in being like Jesus – putting flesh and bones around God’s love.

Sometimes, with all the suffering and tragedy in the world, we may doubt this … we may doubt God’s presence. Yet, this is our prompt to remember all of what God has done in the past, resist negativity and defensiveness, get on the front foot, and live for Jesus. This is our prompt to reflect on what often happens when tragedy strikes. There is so much good being done in community, when people in human solidarity (irrespective of faith) rush to help others in need. We see this when people are drastically affected through drought, fire, earthquake and flood – and people respond with compassion, sacrificial service and practical support.

We should be able to attribute this to a, largely unseen, yet, really good God. God can work wonders; which we will be able to see with eyes wide open! It is fortunate for us, that God perseveres in seeking to touch our eyes, on a continual basis … so that we might see clearly, that we might have adequate vision – to fully follow Jesus in this life (and into the next)! As Paul wrote to the Philippians (1:6), “I am confident of this, that the One who began a good work among you, will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ”. God wants to give us the strength, courage AND CLARITY that we need … through which to persevere and to thrive (in following Jesus). This is my prayer for you, and for me. Amen!

"What Do We Value Most?" (Matthew 13:44-46)

Prelude

The Church of Jesus Christ should really be kicking goals! We have the best news to give, and the most effective power source to draw from. Therefore, at times, we will need to assess whether we are having the impact we should. It shouldn’t really matter what the cultural or political climate is, because the One who is with us … is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4)!

It should be apparent and obvious to all, that the church has ‘treasure’ within … ‘treasure’ of great value. I’m not, of course, referring to buildings or any other material assets, but rather talking about the finest of ‘fine pearls’ – Jesus. Looking at these two parables of Jesus, our level of impact, or the difference we make for good, likely depends upon what we value most! Do we value Jesus and the work of his kingdom highly enough?

I read this week the words of Thomas Oden, who asked the following confronting questions. Jesus was raised from the dead – so what!? The Bible is true – so what!? You can have a relationship with God – so what!? His point being … that unless these things: (i) the resurrected life of Jesus, (ii) the wisdom of the Scriptures, and (iii) the saving and transforming power of forgiveness, are all lived out, then what point is there to them. Those beliefs that we form, and come to hold dear, only really mean something if they grow the kingdom of God on earth.

Introduction

The parables that Jesus told, draw a comparison between something from everyday life (in this case treasure-finding and pearl-hunting) and some spiritual truth that needed to be explained or illuminated – comparing something that was well-known to something not so clear. These parables were NOT just nice stories, but they were carefully designed to evoke a response. In coming to understand and apply parables like these, Jesus’ disciples would be better able to both live and share the Gospel in the face of the world.

Finding Treasure

The first parable here is about “treasure” hidden in a field, and how this explains something about the “kingdom of heaven” (which is Matthew’s chosen term for what is generally known as the “kingdom of God”). Who knows how long this “treasure” has been buried in this field!? Someone at some time … thought it was a good idea to bury treasure on this land. As there were no banks as such, money or valuable goods had to be stored somewhere. It could have been there a long time, previously hidden but never reclaimed.

If we were to spiritualise this, we might consider that this “treasure” had always been there ... implanted in the earth. Part of this “treasure” would the knowledge of God's benevolent and careful creation, the fact of God's constant availability and patience, and the fact of God's plans of human redemption. This “treasure” has always been there ... to be sought and to be found.

Through the life of Jesus on earth, this “treasure” has been placed within our reach that we might find it. Yet this “treasure” is NOT always obvious, and it doesn’t claim us against our will. There needs to be some element of need or faith expressed. In a way Jesus is quite unassuming, and needs to be introduced to people. Jesus comes gently riding on a donkey, NOT charging in on a horse.

In this first parable, when someone went about ploughing up this field, they turned up a jar or a strongbox of some sort … containing very valuable items worth quite a tidy sum. We might sense their excitement. And then, curiously, they re-hid it back somewhere in this field. Normally it would have been ‘finders keepers’, but the prevailing cultural backdrop here … was that if a hired-worker found such a “treasure” on their employer’s land, such “treasure” would automatically be owned by whoever owns the land.

This is why this person, re-buried the “treasure”, and then proceeded, such was its value to him, to do whatever he could to purchase this field … likely at great expense. Then he could … ‘re-discover’ the “treasure”! It might be that we stumble upon some spiritual “treasure”, or have it pointed out to us. When we actually come to understand its tremendous value, and see how this “treasure” will change our life completely, we become more likely to consider taking the ‘plunge’ to gain it. When we work out that it is actually affordable, especially as we trade-in all the unnecessary clutter in our lives – then we certainly would go after this “treasure”.

Seeking Pearls

Or, it could be, like we have it in the second parable, that because of the way we feel about our life, we go off on a major search for “fine pearls”; and then when we find a particular “pearl” of great value, we would give up anything and everything that would stand in the way of us possessing it. In using the image of a “fine pearl of great value”, Jesus is drawing on what was seen as the most satisfying thing in the world! Once you have discovered such a “pearl” as this, there is no need to search any longer. There might be other pearls, but nothing that compares with this one!

Sometimes there is a long journey toward faith, and sometimes it happens very quickly – the important thing is to get there; and once there, we need to be able to appreciate the full value of what has been gained. And NO sacrifice is seen as too great (or really any sacrifice at all) … to have gained the “treasure” or the “pearl”. D A Carson writes: “The kingdom of heaven is worth infinitely more than the cost of discipleship, and those who know where the treasure lies, joyfully abandon everything else to secure it”.

The Kingdom of God

Gaining the “treasure” and the “pearl”, spiritually speaking, is like receiving the "kingdom of God", which is the realm in which God is honoured above all else ... where God's will is wholly embraced and implemented. Ultimately, the “kingdom of God” became evident with the coming of Jesus. Because Jesus perfectly performed God’s will, the “kingdom of God” is closely identified with him. Jesus could say that the “kingdom of God” was near, because he, Jesus, was near (Mark 1:15).

We know that Jesus is referring here … not to any static set place, but rather to his kingdom activity on earth, kingdom activity that he was seeking to draw his disciples into with him. In short, it is having a place, and a part to play, in God’s kingdom … that is of the greatest value!

In Matthew’s account, Jesus has moved from the ‘sermon on the mount’ with all its spiritual and ethical teaching, to living this out in the presence of his disciples. To be part of the “kingdom” requires us to follow Jesus (from the here and now into eternity). As Jesus embodies the “kingdom of God, so can we! Through the life and ministry of Jesus, we can experience “treasure” of the greatest value. But we need to value this “treasure” for the full worth of what it can bring! J Jeremias wrote of the “Kingdom”: “All else seems valueless, compared with that surpassing worth”. Such a joyous discovery as this, needs to penetrate our innermost being.

Value

So, this all begs the question … what do we value most? Is it something material or physical? Or is it something spiritual? Is it Jesus’ kingdom work? Are we concerned about where our energies are going? Are we concerned for the sort of person we are becoming? Are we concerned with finding our full potential as a member of God's church? Are we concerned for how we are fulfilling God's commission to make disciples (and for considering how this is best achieved together in our particular context)?

According to one commentator, “The Kingdom of God is worth the sacrifice of all else, however good, in order to gain the best” (G E P Cox). But how does that work out in real life today? We have families to raise, jobs to do, money to earn. We have other life-giving interests and pursuits. We rightly need to put energy toward building relationships with the people around us.

Actually, none of this needs to be separate to our Kingdom goals, rather these concerns can fit completely within them.

We want to build relationships that are God-honouring. We want to influence our family toward God's ways, and fully utilise God's resources to be a good parent, grandparent, aunty, uncle, brother or sister. We want to be the sort of employee or tradesperson or boss ... that does a good job and sets a good example ... an example that ultimately points to Jesus. And we would want to be a good steward of any and all of God's resources and blessings that come to us. Whatever we are doing we want to be a good witness to Jesus.

If we have a “Kingdom” mindset, it all fits together well! Colossians 3:17 reads: “Whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”. But it does start with intentionally placing high value on Jesus!

Living the Kingdom Life

All of life is indivisibly part of our Christian walk. N.T. Wright says, “What you do in the present—by painting, preaching, singing, sewing, praying, teaching, building hospitals, digging wells, campaigning for justice, writing poems, caring for the needy, loving your neighbour as yourself—will last into God’s future. These activities are not simply ways of making the present life a little less beastly, a little more bearable, until the day when we leave it behind altogether; they are part of what we may call building for God’s kingdom.”

We need to consider how all the different aspects of our lives fit into the primary and eternal value of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, we should probably be in the habit of asking ourselves the question: How does this activity help us reach our full potential as a member of God’s kingdom? And then another question: Where does this activity fit into making other disciples for the Kingdom? To ask these questions shows that, in reality, we do value highly God’s kingdom.

This may lead to a few lifestyle tweaks here and there, or, in some cases, a bit of a shift in focus or priorities or in the use of resources. For some, over the years, it has lead to either a change of career, a change of location, or both. Henri Nouwen observes that, “A real spiritual life … makes us so alert and aware of the world around us, that all that is, and [all that] happens, becomes part of our contemplation and meditation, and invites us to a free and fearless response.

So for everything in life … to fall into the right place for us, and for the more difficult and challenging times … to actually make sense, we need to put first things first. We need to know what is of greatest value! This is the starting point. Otherwise, we may just be sticking spiritual band-aids on ourselves, that are ultimately insufficient to cover gapping wounds, or working like headless chooks for little outcome.

It has never worked well … to want a little of Jesus and a lot of the world. We actually need all of Jesus, and then we can enjoy the best of the world (or at least participate in the great experiences that God has for us). And, by the way, this often means riding the many waves of life ... being tossed around toward spiritual maturity.

A Free & Fearless Response!

That famous prayer, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth … as it [already] is in heaven” – needs to be brought into reality. This prayer that the disciples were taught as their model prayer, is also their calling – they are to be, and we are to be, part of the answer, together, to this central prayer. Deep prayer naturally leads us to deep engagement, and … deep engagement in relationships … naturally leads us back to prayer, so that we might draw on all the resources of God.

The world today, even elements of where we live, is far removed from the ideal of God’s kingdom. If we value the Kingdom highly, and therefore value highly the possibilities of seeing people discover this kingdom, then we will begin to see changes – in small things and in big things. Circumstances, misadventures and certain behaviours have led to big gaps between peoples’ lives and God’s best for them. Isaiah (58:12), saw this 28 centuries ago, when he described the possibility of God’s people being “repairers of the breach” – that “breach or gap” that sits between people and their Creator God; and also described God’s people as “restorers of streets to live in”.

Let me encourage you to simply value Jesus the most. Jesus not only saves us from negativity and defeat, but also enlivens us with hope and purpose. Jesus gives us his peace, and makes us people that can truly help other people. Let us never underestimate the power we can have for good. From a simple word of encouragement to a random act of kindness - such things can radically change another person's experience of life.

Sometimes our fallible humanness can get in the way, and we can have a detrimental effect. Sometimes our joy diminishes. Sometimes our self-control is NOT evident. But if we value Jesus the most, we will be on the right track … to bring blessing to others … more often than not! The big encouragement here is … that it’s NOT so much about our capacities, but rather the amount that we allow God to work in our lives, and how this is seen publicly – our brokenness being progressively healed, which is a journey other people can connect with, and see much hope within. This is about the way we can point to Jesus.

It could be, even a bit unconsciously, that we are going through the motions a bit. The big problem with this is ... that we might miss our particular calling – the important role we are to play in God's kingdom and his church ... the particular functional part of the body we are to perform ... the gifts we may potentially have above and beyond our natural talents. We are all witnesses toward the goal of making disciples, yet within this, we have unique roles to play.

These gifts and roles need to be discerned, and can only come to fruition through a close relationship with Jesus. Living in the full value of God’s Kingdom also means that we maximise our community life in the church, where those gifts of the Holy Spirit are put into practice. Then this community life is allowed to spill out into the neighbourhood, where we do life together. Then all of those extra activities that we enjoy … can be given their full kingdom purpose.

Our Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to see people as you saw them – as sheep without a shepherd; help us, today, NOT to wander past the fields that are so ripe for harvest; help us keep our eyes open for all those around us who are hurting, and for all those who are seeking a solution for their heart-felt needs. Help us to go after the “treasure” and the “finest pearl” – to value Your Kingdom above all else – to receive all the resources we need – so that, as a result, everything we do honours you … and blesses many other people. Amen!

"Showing Self Control" (John 13:1-5, 1 Peter 2:21-25)

Introduction

When we think about unity, or the church working together as one, there would be ways in which this could easily be disrupted. One of these would be any lack of self-control! For there to be unity of purpose and a sense of oneness, each of us needs to bring under God’s control those areas of our lives that would otherwise tend to rub up against other people.

We clearly appreciate diversity and different backgrounds and personality types. Yet sometimes different ways of going about things, or a particular emphasis on a certain thing, can cause at least some mild friction. A loss of oneness … through a lack of self-control … can simply be a very bad look! We want to make sure that out light is bright and clear, not dull and diffused. We want to make sure that our hope is resounding, not debatable.

Self-control doesn’t come easily. Even when we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, it doesn’t come overnight. This is why we need the Holy Spirit to be streaming through our life – as self-control is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Self-control is produced as we give ourselves over to the possibility of change; the new tree we are becoming producing much better fruit than the old tree from before.

Self-control is listed last in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). There might be a reason for this! Love, joy and peace; patience, kindness and generosity; faithfulness and gentleness … these are all easily imagined. Yet, without self-control, are any of these really possible?! Dan Reiland writes: “Love [at the head of the list] may be the engine that pulls the locomotive, but self-control is what keeps it on the tracks”.

What does self-control mean, and how can we show it? 

Perhaps we would often answer ‘controlling anger’, and NOT striking back, but I reckon, to be successful in this, there needs to be some other groundwork done here (especially in the way that we think).

Under Pressure

Self-control is at it hardest, when we are put under considerable pressure. This pressure may come from tiredness, external challenges, relationship issues, personal opposition, ill-health, or any particular pressing difficulty. This is when we tend to draw back, raise our defences, push people away, and think in isolation. A lack of self-control, at the very least, can lead to indulging in gossip, or speaking hurtful words; and, at the very worst, can lead to unspeakable violence.

We shouldn’t just be reactive, seeking to show self-control whenever we are put under pressure. As I just said, there is often much groundwork to be done, so that self-control, in combination with the other eight fruit, becomes a natural output of our lives. As always, if we want to see how life should work, we go to the ultimate example – Jesus. Self-control may actually be about simply doing what is good and what is right … following in the way of Jesus!

The Ultimate Example

At the beginning of John chapter 13, we see Jesus under the pressure of impending betrayal. This is the passage where Jesus washes his disciples’ feet – but I just wanted to highlight … the peace and confidence through which Jesus dealt with his situation. There was serious opposition being launched against Jesus, and it was to be one of his friends, Judas, who would strike him a very painful blow. Jesus had invested generously in Judas, as he had in all the others, giving Judas such love and attention, and giving his life purpose.

But Judas still had significant vulnerabilities (around the issues of money and power it would seem). Judas could just NOT get to that line of complete surrender to Jesus, and thus became ripe for the picking. Judas was recruited for the other team. If that happened to you (like it happened to Jesus), how would feel – I know how I would feel! How would you react? At the very least your equilibrium would likely be upset, and your focus shifted. But not Jesus! 

Jesus was already facing a cruel and unjust death, let alone one of his friends aiding and abetting this. Yet we read that Jesus DIDN’T divert one millimetre from his ministry – NOT the slightest diversion from expressing love to others … those he considered, in a truly Godlike way, as his “own” – Jesus would “love them to the end” (v 1b). In the face of all that was ahead, Jesus took of his coat, put on an apron, poured water into a basin, and began to wash and dry his disciples’ feet (vs 4-5). Culturally, this was one of the most menial tasks, normally delegated to the lowliest of (Gentile) slaves. But NOT this day! Jesus didn’t hesitate – even against the shock and protests that he would do this.

And, we can assume that Jesus tenderly washed and dried Judas’ feet as well, as he moved around the group. This was NOT in any last minute attempt to change Judas’ mind, for it seems that the die was cast. This was simply out of compassion for Judas, and regret … that things had come to this. Despite everything thrown at Jesus – from verbal insults to physical torture; from misunderstanding to criticism; from rejection to slander – nothing diverted Jesus, and thus we see the perfect example of self-control.

Jesus’ life was all about doing God’s will, establishing the Kingdom of God, and seeing the lost and broken redeemed to their Loving Creator. Personal offence would NOT divert him! For Jesus, there is no anxiety about his status or identity or place in the world – he does not have to prove anything to anybody (Ken Manley). Jesus is simply being who he was called to be. We see all this expressed in 1^st Peter chapter 2. Jesus has set us the example of how to deal with suffering – despite his perfection and his perfect ministry of love to the world, he endured much suffering.

Yet, when he was abused, he did NOT abuse back … nor did he threaten retribution. We know that from the cross, Jesus even forgave those who put him there (just like he washed Judas’ feet). Jesus actually died to try to stop this very human pattern of vengeance. His hope was that we would now be able to trust God … that he would right the wrongs around us. Jesus also had the hope that because our wounds were healed through his mercy, we might stop wounding each other.

How Do We Show Self Control?

Sometimes through a change in our thinking about life. 

Self-control means:

1. Knowing that we are highly valued by God, accepted through grace, and that we ultimately belong to God.
2. Being settled in our inner spirit, knowing who we are in Christ, and who we are becoming through the Holy Spirit; being confident in the path we are travelling, and the goals we are pursuing.
3. Never acting as if there is no God, i.e. overdoing it … trying to do everything, including what God is already doing.
4. Getting enough rest from our labours, which includes sleep, exercise, recreation, fun, prayer, worship.

5. Accepting that the primary way of expressing our love for God is through loving our neighbour.
6. Understanding that there is a bigger picture and a greater good, and that we are an interconnected part of something much bigger than just ourselves. This means that we sometimes need to get beyond our personal agendas, preferences and ambitions, to embrace community decision-making which seeks the common good (both inside and beyond our own tribe).
7. Fully factoring in the opinions and needs of others, giving them at least an equal footing to our own opinions and needs.
8. Not giving ourselves over to laxity or excess – putting our own health at risk; or putting others’ safety at risk e.g. speeding, mobile phone use in car.

9. Seeking only what we need, and what God wants us to have; and NOT those things that do or should belong to others. This means to consciously reject jealousy, envy and greed.
10. Thinking ‘encouragement’ first – what will build up another person, or give more courage to the community of faith. This would also include allowing others to express themselves and their gifts, and be encouraged in doing so.
11. Treating all people with respect – no overpowering, no manipulation, no seeking favour.
12. Working toward reconciliation, rather than allowing relationships to slip away.

13. Choosing words carefully and wisely, having first fully listened to, or tried to understand, another person. Proverbs 12:18 reads: “Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing”; and, 21:23 reads: “To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble”.

CASE IN POINT: A terrible scene on our news last week. A man charged after random act of violence given bail. I agree he shouldn’t have gotten bail (on the basis of him being a real danger to society). We feel aggrieved … we feel for the victim. How do we talk about this? We can utter an opinion. But, do we join in with the maddening throng? Or, rather respond soberly? Otherwise we will simply feed into and spread defensiveness, fear, acrimony and antagonism – negative community vibes.

14. Not allowing pressure, criticism, setbacks and difficulties to unduly disrupt or compromise how we react to others. Proverbs 19:11 reads: “Those with good sense are slow to anger, and it is their glory to overlook an offense”.
15. Sticking to our word and our commitments, even when these become more difficult. There are probably softer options, but are these going to lead to God’s best for you?!
16. Simply do what is good and right … following Jesus.

Conclusion

Even Jesus, in his incarnated humanness, could NOT handle all this alone. We read how Jesus handled his stress (in 1 Peter 2:23b): “[Jesus] entrusted himself to the One who judges justly”. God knows all and sees all – God has a perfect view. Jesus here gives us an example of our need to depend on God (and trust in God for everything). We are not only being saved, but God has a vital interest in how we are progressing. This reminds us again of our need of the Holy Spirit, if we are to develop self-control anywhere near the level we require. It’s always been about our partnership with God – we do our part (make ourselves available), and God does God’s part (transforming us into the image of Jesus) – all so that we can truly bless others.

God knows us well … perfectly well! God knows our motivations and the purity of our heart. Even when others doubt us or criticise us, God can vindicate us, if not in this world, certainly in the bigger picture of His eternal Kingdom. We are on the right journey, we have the truth of God’s grace and God’s Word in our lives. And, in this process of being saved (refer verse 25), we are returning to our “shepherd and guardian”, in whom we find our security and sense of well-being. God knows us, and has our back. This is the place to dwell … with our “shepherd and guardian” … if we are to fully experience the fruit of self-control. Amen.