"The Way of the Cross" (Mark 8:27-34)

1.     Overview

(a)  Verse 31 gives us the first clear statement in Mark’s Gospel of where Jesus is heading.

(b) It is preceded by the conversation about who people are saying that Jesus is.

(c)  And it is followed by Peter’s reaction to what Jesus has said about his death, which is in turn followed by Jesus’ rebuke of Peter.

(d) So these verses not only inform us that Jesus knew where he was heading, but also reflect on how we might respond to this! Who do we say that Jesus is? Is this who Jesus really is? Can we possibly get it wrong? Are we thinking of “divine things” or “human things”; and why does this matter?? When Jesus chooses the cross, what significance does that have for us?

2.     To speak or not to speak

(a)  Verse 30 compared with verse 32a … why the silence, then the publicity?? This is explained by what follows. There was a real possibility of misrepresentation here. Even though Peter could identify Jesus as the “Messiah”, he clearly did not understand what this identification really meant. Verse 30 could be rendered, “Be quiet about this Messiah business, because you don’t understand it”!

(b) When we talk about Jesus, it would be good for us to know who we are talking about. Is it the convenient Jesus that we might conjure up for ourselves, or the real Jesus? Peter would need to learn to talk about Jesus, not in terms of power, but rather in terms of love.

(c)  We should hasten to add, that this was all part of a process for Peter, that culminated in a very positive beneficial way – soon Peter would know exactly what he was talking about. Sometimes though, to get where we need to be, we have to be confronted.

3.     The “Messiah” (v.29)

(a)  Peter to his credit was willing to speak up. Jesus asked all the disciples the question “Who do you say that I am?” – it was Peter who was prepared to answer. And he got it right, in a way. Peter said the religiously correct thing – he identified Jesus as the long-awaited ‘anointed one of God’. However he clearly did not understand what this title meant. Peter had fallen into the common belief that the “Messiah” would be a politically commanding figure who would automatically solve Israel’s national problems by over-throwing the Romans. Humanly thinking, this was the sort of “Messiah” Peter wanted. This would be a quick fix for Peter’s immediate concerns and desires. In this view of ‘Messiah-ship’ there was earthly power, which these disciples might just be able to share in (giving them special status). Thus Peter found it impossible to believe that Jesus would simply be killed. This is not how ‘leaving everything’ was meant to turn out. [And thus, the “rise again” bit … also did not resonate at all with Peter.]

(b) Peter lived on the edge and reacted! We would not doubt Peter’s love for Jesus, nor his sincerity as a disciple. It’s just that this suffering and death thing did not make any sense to him. ‘Great suffering’ … “pardon me”! “No, this can’t be”! But Peter had missed something! Prophets from seven centuries earlier, especially Isaiah, had talked about this “Messiah” (the One whom God would send) in terms of being a ‘suffering servant’. For example, Isaiah 53:5 … “But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed”. Why did Peter miss this? Maybe he wasn’t open for it.

(c)  First and foremost, Jesus would have deal with the depths of the human heart. Israel as a nation had been liberated many times, but still the human heart lagged behind where God would have it be. If the world was going to be better … if the will of God was going to be done on earth as it is in heaven … if injustice was going to be defeated, and if love was ever going to be the controlling dynamic, then the human heart would have to be changed. There would have to be spiritual transformation on mass. Thus there would have to be a new path toward repentance and forgiveness. Jesus’ way was not the way of privilege or status, but rather the way of the cross … the way of (costly) sacrificial service.

4.     The “rebuke” (v.33)

(a)  Let’s consider how Jesus responded to Peter’s objections. This was a strong ‘rebuke’ … brutal you might think – “Get behind me, Satan”! Clearly Peter’s words had impacted Jesus, with this level of response. [When anyone says something to me that takes me by surprise or presses one of my buttons, then there can be a bit of an edge to my immediate response.] We also read that Peter had the temerity to actually ‘take Jesus aside’ (v.32b) and tell him off. Matthew’s Gospel gives us more details of the words Peter used (16:22), “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you”. In Matthew’s telling of the incident, Jesus also calls Peter “a stumbling block” – “you are a stumbling block to me” (16:23). Not great … being seen as a hindrance like this! “Satan” is the opponent of God’s will – obstructing God’s best intentions – distracting people from the main game – seeking to disrupt God’s plans. As a disciple, this is not how Peter should have been described … far from it!

(b) Peter here was actually behaving like the ‘devil’ had previously when tempting Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11). This ‘devil’ was seeking to disrupt and divert Jesus from adhering to the plans and ministry set before him by God. Jesus also successfully resisted this temptation, saying, “Away with you, Satan”. The rebuke for Peter was not quite as strong as this, but not far away. Peter wanted Jesus to fit into his own desires and expectations (which would not include suffering and death). Peter may have liked things the way they were … not thinking of the big picture at all.

(c)  So Jesus was saying, ‘Don’t get in the way’! ‘Get with the program’! Disciples of Jesus need to be on the same page as Jesus. The horse has bolted, and there is now only one way! Jesus was saying that Peter could not be in ‘front’ with his own agenda, for he would get in the way, but rather needed to fall in “behind” his leader … where he could follow and learn! To “set our mind on divine things” is not ‘airy-fairy head in the clouds stuff’ … far from it. “Setting our minds on divine things” is to try to see everyday life from God’s perspective, asking ourselves what God might be seeking to achieve.

(d) With what sort of emotions did Jesus say this to Peter??? Ridicule … NO! Anger/frustration … maybe a bit!?! Disappointment … probably! Love … CERTAINLY! Understanding/compassion/concern – yes! Jesus understands what it is like to be us!! And we remember how Jesus lovingly restored Peter to ministry following his resurrection.

(e)  We should also note that this message wasn’t for Peter alone. The verse begins, “But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter …”. Peter’s views could have been representative of all the disciples of the time. Is there anything here for us? Is there any ways in which we oppose Jesus? Do we at all oppose his will? Do we live contrary to his ways? Do we make a bad name for Jesus? When we identify Jesus as our “Messiah” – is this authentic? Could we ever be a hindrance … maybe even through apathy or indifference!?!

5.     The ‘compulsion’ (v.31)

(a)  We can look at the death of Jesus in a number of ways. We can see it as an injustice or a crime … committed by the Romans in league with corrupt Jewish officials on the basis of trumped up charges. Isaiah 53 (v.8a) brings this out too: “By a perversion of justice he was taken away”. This certainly leads us to see Jesus’ death as an innocent sacrifice, for he was guilty of nothing. We can also see this as the inevitable outcome of Jesus upsetting the status quo like he did. But of course there was far more to Jesus’ death than this. This is best captured by John’s Gospel (10:18a): “No one takes it [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord”. Jesus here buys into the greatest outpouring of love of all time.

(b) There is a little three letter word in the Greek text – “dei” – that is crucial here (verse 31). It is generally translated as “must”. This word indicates necessity – it “behoves” me. Jesus is compelled to act in this way … not forced; there is a strong motivation to take this path. This was according to ‘Divine will’, and would also fulfil the Scriptures (as they had always pointed toward the merciful activity of God). God was seeking to set things right – giving humanity every opportunity – bringing forward the ‘new covenant’.

(c)  So we can look at the cross (and the torture that led up to it) as something horrific … for it was. And we can also think of the reasons why it happened – beyond just the mindless political corruption … to the general declining human condition … to our own sin. But we can also see the cross as something glorious … for what it represented – Divine self-sacrifice, unparalleled self-giving, astonishing love; and also for what it achieved – my forgiveness and your forgiveness. Jesus endured suffering so that all people of all nations could be redeemed. Suffering is never good in itself, however can lead to positive outcomes, not necessarily personally, but in the big picture of what God seeks.

6.     Being on the Way of the Cross (v.34)

(a)  Verse 34 points out that our way is also ‘the way of the cross’. To say that we “take up our cross and follow Jesus” must have a direct connection to the way Jesus approached his cross. Jesus acknowledged that going down God’s path of compassionate self-giving love likely involved suffering. This should not surprise us. This should not deter us. Following someone like Jesus would most likely, in most situations in this world, be counter to the norm, and thus draw some negative reaction.

(b) People might just not quite get us because of our priorities. We might just cast a little bit of a contrast when it comes to forgiveness, peace-making, reconciliation, compassion, gentleness; or just by being positive, hopeful, encouraging and generous. We should be known for addressing injustice, abuse and cruelty like Jesus did, but this may not lead to winning a popularity contest. Having said this, integrity does often gain respect.

(c)  Where the Jesus way is lived with integrity and sincerity, there will many positive and joyous outcomes. This happened time and time again in the Gospels, as people responded to and connected with Jesus. And happily this happens today as people have their lives transformed because they come to know Jesus.

(d) We are then left with the call to the disciples (and any potential follower) to “deny themselves” in this participation in the ‘way of the cross’. What does that mean? In this context, to “deny ourselves” is to see God’s agenda as primary. And as already said, “Setting our minds on divine things” is to try to see everyday life from God’s perspective, asking ourselves what God might be seeking to achieve (through all our interactions and relationships on a daily basis). The more we focus on these “divine things”, the more we are drawn into the life of God!!!

"Sharing in God's Resources" (Isaiah 40:25-31)

INTRODUCTION

Is our Christianity working for us?

Do we sense that we are really following Jesus?

Are we growing … growing into the likeness of Christ Jesus?

Is this “new life” we are living, or just a bit of a reordered “old life”?

Are we just doing appearance management?

Are there relationship tensions in your life?

Do feelings of spirituality come and go?

Does your strength waver?

If these questions resonate at all with us, then we should come to this scripture in Isaiah and really meditate upon it.

Doubts had been expressed about God’s capacity to help us, and such doubts were addressed in very elaborate language.

Sometimes life is harder than at other times. Also, some people do have a harder journey than others.

However, having Jesus in our lives, should be making a tangible difference.

This should be our witness today to all those we encounter!

The faith that we profess should be working in reality?

The ancient people of Israel often found themselves pressured, threatened, or separated from their land … forced to live in exile in a foreign country.

Often before and during their times of trial they doubted God … doubting God’s capacities to help them and liberate them.

[On another tangent, after deliverance from trials the people of Israel often then took God for granted! Also these people sometimes confused what they wanted with what they needed according to God’s purposes for them.]

It’s okay, quite human, to doubt God – but what do we do with our doubts?

Dwell on them? Let them persist and grow? Or take them to God (and to God’s Word) … take them into prayer?

When so-called doubting Thomas resolved his doubts, how did he respond to Jesus???

“My Lord and my God” (John 20:28)!

The prophet Isaiah related God’s Word on this:

God is incomparable – no one or thing can do anything for us like God can.

Have a look around you! “Lift up your eyes on high and see” (v.26a). Lift your vision. God is mighty.

God doesn’t miss anything … from the biggest elements of the universe, to a bird fluttering in a tree – to the deepest needs of a human soul.

We might at times feel disregarded, or removed from God’s gaze.

Is it possible that my complicated situation has escaped God?

Has God not seen my need? Could God have possibly forgotten me?

What can we say about that? What does God say?

We are reminded about what we have experienced in the past.

We are reminded about those good things we have been taught (v.28).

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

The “everlasting God”! There is no time when God is not aware of us … seeing us … caring for us.

The “Creator of the ends of the earth”!! There is no place hidden from God’s view.

God is there, God is here; wanting to show us something, wanting to teach us something.

“God does not faint nor grow weary”!

God has a high level of investment in how our lives turn out.

So, God never loses sight of us; God never tires from his interest in us.

God knows our frailty, and loves us intensely. God holds his arms out to us.

“God’s understanding is unsearchable [or, immeasurable, unlimited, outstanding, perfect, awesome]”!

We can’t quite fathom it all – but we can say that God’s understanding is awesome!!

So … there is certainly no deficiency in God’s resources, availability or knowledge.

What does this mean for us?

God can lift us up when we fall down.

When we feel weak, God is still strong. God can bring us through the most challenging trial.

This means the way we look at things can be completely changed from the negative towards the positive.

This can lift our heads. This can un-hunch our shoulders (because our burdens become lighter).

This can bring smiles to our faces. This can mean that we can glide slightly above the ground.

Jesus, our Saviour, took our most pressing burden … the burden of sin, guilt and shame … upon himself on the cross.

Jesus continues to help carry our earthly burdens (as our greatest friend).

What was it that Jesus said (totally consistent with the God Isaiah teaches us about)?

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

It’s like when we go hiking and our pack just weighs that little bit too much. A bigger stronger friend might take over our pack for a bit, while we recover our equilibrium.

Again and again in the Gospels, Jesus came alongside people and caringly addressed their needs and burdens – physical sight through to spiritual sight; debilitating illnesses and destructive demons; addictions to certain behavioural patterns or simply to money. Jesus helped people with every known problem.

Even the most youthful of us, even the most mature of us, even the most confident of us, even the most faith-filled of us, will grow weary in our human capacities, and will find a challenge or two to be very testing; but what can we do?? What does verse 31 say???

“Wait for the Lord”, or, “wait on the Lord”!!??!!

With what result???

Renewed strength, the capacity to fly, the ability to persevere and keep going forward (and run the race with joy).

“If you want to fly like an eagle, don’t hang around with turkeys”!?!

Well we shouldn’t take this too far, but accept the main point.

We should not live according to a very low common denominator – just what everybody else is doing or taking to be normal.

God is seeking to take us to new places – the ways of “heaven” we might say.

We are not to be defined by negative judgements {ours or others}, rather we are to be defined by what God is doing in our lives (or, who we are becoming = ‘the reward’).

When do you feel you are flying? Not as often as you want to!?!

What does it mean to “wait for the Lord”, or wait on God?

·        Often translated in terms of “hope” and “trust”; so,

·        It is to acknowledge that God is the centre of our best future

·        It is to accept that God has our best interests at heart

·        It is (absolutely) to have trust in God on a constant basis – it takes focus and faith for trust to become our default position

·        It is to put all our hope in God for the present and the future

·        It is to see trials and difficulties, no matter how regrettable, as opportunities to learn and grow (and deepen your relationship with God)

·        It is to know that, even if we can’t see it (clearly) now, we will surely see it in due course

·        It means that we faithfully continue the journey while God answers our prayers

·        It means to have a patient expectation that God will be present.

NB. This is all the very opposite of worry and frantic activity!!

What does it mean to have our strength renewed?

·        New coping mechanisms

·        New energy, enthusiasm, motivation

·        New effectiveness, influence

·        New faith

My moment of understanding!!

Verse 31c relating back to verse 28c “He does not faint or grow weary”.

·        Receiving the capacities of God

·        Sharing in God’s resources

·        Replacing or exchanging our old worn out strength with God’s ever-resilient effectiveness

·        This is a giving God … engaging with our frailty and weakness to provide fresh strength

What do I need to do?

1.     Wait upon God i.e. trust God completely, (patiently) knowing that He is present with me

2.     Focus on God, and not so much on my problem areas; and seek wise counsel when I run into blockages

3.     Share life with good friends – tell my stories, hear their stories, and find out more about this giving God who wants us to fly like eagles

4.     Don’t allow myself to stall, constantly hesitating for everything to fall into place (or to be resolved) – embrace the journey, live in the present, without retreating

5.     Worship God with all I have … in the company of other believers.

"Change: being transformed" (John 21:15-25)

1.     What strikes you in this passage? We'll ask some questions referring to various aspects of this text.

     2.     The threefold question (of Jesus) … “Do you love me?”

Ø Comes in response to Peter’s three denials (John 18:17,25-7). Peter’s denials could be forgiven, but it was in Peter’s best interests for Jesus to approach this situation in a way where Peter could forgive himself and thereby move on. This would help Peter move beyond his deflated feelings of disappointment and defeat. Being given the opportunity to express both regret and love three times over, allowed Peter to be fully liberated from his three denials. Proper repentance is about a strategy to move forward … leaving behind the behaviour or attitudes or mistakes that have been problematical, sinful and destructive. Repentance is about change i.e. being transformed … being more like Jesus … being more fully human (in the image of God). So we are repeatedly asked the question: do we love God – do we really love God – do we completely love God?

Ø Peter’s denials were not going to be pushed under the carpet and ignored – they couldn’t be; for eventually the negative impact of these would be bound to rear its ugly head at some point. No one can live properly in denial. What was required for Peter was a facing up to his mistakes, transforming forgiveness, and a way of leaving them behind and moving forward. Jesus didn’t throw these denials back into Peter’s face … Jesus was much more creative and pastoral than that. Jesus just required three ever-increasingly-sincere statements of commitment (again for Peter’s benefit, but also for the benefit of the Kingdom of God and the mission of the Church to come). If the world needs the church {can we say yes to this}, then what the church needs is repentant liberated growing people. The Body of Christ on earth needs to be healthy.

Ø But let us feel the emotion of the moment and the love for Peter that lies behind Jesus’ questioning. First and foremost, there is a desperate desire in Jesus for Peter to move on from past mistakes toward future possibilities.

     3.     Who or what are the “these” (v.15)?

Ø ‘Do you love me more than these things/people?’, e.g. the boats and the nets – the tools of the fishing business – representative of any distraction or adverse attraction; his friends / the other disciples

Ø Or, ‘Do you love me more than these people love me?’

Ø Ultimately, I think this is about not limiting our love of Jesus in any way, but rather allowing this love for Jesus to reach its height. Does our love for Jesus supersede everything else?

     4.     The threefold response (of Peter) … “Yes, Lord …”

Ø I reckon this was an emotional time for Peter. It can be hard to say that you love someone like this, especially when you feel that you have let them down. And then it could be that frustration built in Peter when the question was asked the second time, let alone the third. But then when Peter came to terms with the need for the multiple questioning, and understood the source of his frustration, guilt and shame, then he would be more ready to really mean what he was saying. Jesus was deliberately (for Peter’s own benefit) taking him to the edge.

Ø When Jesus asked Peter the third time, we read that Peter was “hurt”. This is because he had now been fully confronted with the depth of his inner turmoil; but at the same time, this also meant that he could understand the full depth of his need. Peter states that he knows that Jesus knows him entirely (v.17b … “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you”) – Jesus truly knows all his motivations, faults and capacities; and yes, Peter does love Jesus (more than anything and everything else), and he is sincerely sorry that he let Jesus down. Peter will no longer be defined by his denials, but rather as a forgiven person who has learned and grown much out of adversity.

Ø How hard is it for us to say publicly that we love Jesus? What does it take?? Humility, courage, faith, actual love???

Ø How do we love Jesus more? Three suggestions: embrace Jesus in the Gospels; embrace Jesus in (collective) worship; embrace Jesus in our everyday thoughts – where do we find Jesus in this situation?

     5.     The threefold call (from Jesus) … “Feed my sheep”

Ø A repentant and life-changing response to Jesus leads not just to forgiveness and salvation, but also to a call to exercise ministry … a ministry in Jesus’ name … a ministry to other people. We were designed to be socially interactive people, who would care for one another. Those of us who have been able to experience grace and connect with God, have a special call to share that grace with others who live without such an appreciation of this grace. Love for God naturally leads to love for neighbour. This is about opening up possibilities of faith in others. So, if anyone is resisting Jesus or refusing to change where clearly necessary, this is diminishing ministry to others.

Ø Jesus is the ‘great shepherd of the sheep’. Jesus had earlier said, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). So Jesus' disciples, then and now, are to “feed” and “tend” to the lambs and sheep (the youngest and the oldest, and all in between). To “feed” is to provide nourishment – things that will allow for or promote growth (which would include the teachings and disciplines required to grow). To “tend” is to look after, to care for, to nurture and encourage. The shepherd’s main responsibilities were to make sure their sheep were kept safe and had something to eat – that they were in a ‘good pasture’. In all this, our love for God will be proven (and solidified) through our love for others.

Ø Jesus takes this idea of shepherding just about as far as you could! He had said previously, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Who are Jesus’ sheep, we wonder??? Jesus goes on, “I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd” (John 10:14-16). Jesus sees his herd in a very inclusive way … all people are potentially his children – if they just might hear his voice … if they just might be fed and tended!

     6.     From self-control to Spirit-control (v.18)

Ø Once we were able “to go wherever we wished” (v.18a), now we follow Jesus. Or at least this is our invitation! As we read the gospel, whichever one, we are invited to follow Jesus. We read what Jesus said and taught, and how he interacted with people. We can even place ourselves into the incidents where Jesus is involved, and experience what Jesus wants to do for us (& us in service of him). Then, as we receive a ministry from Jesus, we are invited to follow Jesus. Tough notion!?! I’m challenged by this notion every single day. This may even “take us where we do not wish to go” (v.18b) – places that otherwise we would not choose. [Mark 8:34 – “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”. Tough notion indeed … for the “cross” is the way of suffering!]

Ø Well even in our ongoing humanness, following Jesus has been made possible. How? Through the forgiveness gained at the foot of the cross, and the new life available in identifying with Jesus’ resurrection. When Jesus says, “Do you love me (more than these)”, we can reply in the affirmative. [Mark 8:35 – “For those who want to save their life will lose it … those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it”.]

Ø This is a movement from ‘I am God’ towards ‘God is God’. Even when Peter made that remarkable statement concerning the identity of Jesus … “You are the Christ, Son of the Living God” (Mark 8:29), he quickly tried to define what this would mean according to his own agenda {Peter could not possibly accept that this would mean that Jesus would die}. How did Jesus respond to this?? “Get behind me, Satan … for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things” (Mark 8:33) – for even though Peter said the right words, he was still (maybe inadvertently) preferring to define Jesus’ ministry through his own lens. Then, later, when the going got tough, when Jesus had been arrested and was on trial, when it was suggested on three separate occasions that Peter was a friend of this Jesus, he denied even knowing Jesus – for fear of what would happen to him. Fear comes out of a lack of faith , or should we say, fear is the result of an unwillingness or inability to apply faith. This despite previous confident predictions that Peter would lay down his life if necessary for Jesus (John 13:37). {Before being too critical, we might wonder what we would have done in Peter’s situation?}

Ø Later, despite experiencing the resurrected Jesus, an uncertain and guilt-ridden Peter went back to fishing {and interestingly the other disciples followed him} (John 21:3). Peter had a sense of failure in letting Jesus down. The cock had crowed and Peter was shattered (John 18:27). Then we have this encounter! What a difference Jesus would make here. Peter was not fully back on track yet, but this interaction would certainly prepare the way for Peter recapturing his leadership {in the way Jesus would see it). Ultimately a willing Peter, did follow Jesus, getting past all his fear, and was empowered by the Holy Spirit for serious mission. In sharing the good news of Jesus in various ways, Peter indeed came to feed the sheep and care for the lambs.

     7.     Following Jesus

Ø The sense of the Greek text here (v.19b) is continuing action – “Follow me and keep on following me”. Peter had responded to this call three years earlier (John 1:42, Luke 5:11), but still needed to respond to this same call! Where once, because of our uncertainty, we tended to withdraw, now we will be ready to engage.

Ø Verses 21-22 have a challenge for us! Being transformed – feeding and tending – will all involve keeping a keen focus on God; rather than looking around assessing what God might be doing for others. This is where we concern ourselves first with our own backyard. There should be no looking over fences to gauge comparisons. Peter was concerned that John might get a better deal than he was. It might be that Peter’s journey would be harder than others. Someone else might be getting what he won’t be getting. Someone else might be getting something better. John gets all the advantages, doesn’t he, like sitting next to Jesus at the last supper! “Lord, what about him” (v.21)? Where would such thinking get Peter? And besides, does Peter have enough information to ever be able to judge such things. This could only be a distraction. ‘No’, says Jesus, what have I said to you, just “follow me”!

Ø Our joint ministry of feeding and tending is never to have jealous or competitive or individualistic elements, but rather everything needs to be done in a cohesive and harmonious way. At the same time, our joint ministry should not be timid nor hesitant, but rather faith-filled and confident. Also, following and loving Jesus means that we will be more gentle, more patient, more teachable, more kind, more forgiving, more peace-loving, more prone to act against any injustice we encounter.

Ø Jesus transformed Peter’s life because he loved him so much (and this never wavered despite Peter’s fluctuations). But Jesus also persisted with Peter, because he wanted Peter to contribute to transforming other people’s life situations. This is what it means to “follow Jesus and keep on following Jesus”.

Ø We all have histories, and we all have need. We all have stuff happening right now. When Jesus asks, how will we answer the question, “Do you love me more than these”? Will we let Jesus have his way with us?

The Character of Jesus (John 7:53-8:12)

(1) Our reactions to this text

What strikes you when you read this?

How would you describe Jesus as portrayed here?

There is a clear comparison being made here!

(2) A Callous trap

Even before we knew this was a test or trap for Jesus, we would be horrified by the behaviour of the scribes and Pharisees. These were supposed to be people guiding relationships with God. They were supposed to be teaching and interpreting God’s law, not being the moral police. So fixed had they become on their own ways and agendas, that God could hardly get a look in. When God literally stared them in the face (i.e. Jesus did), they didn’t recognise him. They were religious control-freaks, who opposed Jesus from very early on – when Jesus wanted to spend time with sinners and outcasts.

When Jesus wanted to show them what God was really like (as opposed to how they had been acting) they wanted none of it. In fact they wanted to destroy Jesus and his brand (of ministry); in this case, by trapping him in a no-win situation. This was dis-graceful behaviour – how does someone connect with God (or faith) ever again when something like this happens to them. This would be completely destructive and thoroughly isolating to any person.

In bringing this woman out into the public, “… making her stand before all of them”, they showed absolutely no regard for her at all. They clearly didn’t care. This was a humiliating, depersonalising, devaluing thing to have done. This woman was just a pawn in their attempts to trap Jesus. They were just so desperate to discredit Jesus, and to dispense with the challenge that he brought to them. The scribes and Pharisees [actually a bit of an awkward coalition] must have had some long meetings planning this strategy. And they were probably congratulating themselves for this seemingly ingenious plan.

Referring to Jesus here as “teacher” (v.4) would have been sarcastic (rather than respectful), as they were trying to back Jesus into a corner. Verse 5 delivers the test. If Jesus disagrees with the stoning, then he is seemingly standing against the Law of Moses (and being lax toward moral standards). If Jesus agrees with the stoning, then he contradicts his own teaching on compassion and mercy. This would also potentially cause Jesus some trouble with the Roman authorities who controlled the issuing of death sentences. A no-win situation! Jesus was either a law-breaker or a hypocrite.

Now in his mind, Jesus would have to come up with a solution that would help this poor isolated woman. Jesus would be most interested in what would help her personal situation and spiritual condition. Jesus would also be interested in holding these scribes and Pharisees to account for their dis-graceful and destructive behaviour.

If we were investigators of this incident, there might be quite a few questions we could ask?

(a)  How was it that this woman was “caught in the very act of committing adultery”? Was this whole thing a set-up? Could they really have been that devious!

(b) Where was the man who was a party to this adultery? The Law of Moses treated the man just as guilty as the woman in such a case (Lev.20:10, Deut.22:22), yet only the woman was brought to appear here! [This is completely unjust! The woman is then just an easy and convenient target.] Was the man in question actually in the employ of the accusers?

(c)  Where were the required witnesses, as proscribed in the same law (Deut. 17:6, 19:15)? Was the lawful need for witnesses being ignored, while the most extreme penalty was being demanded? This whole charge seems very suspect!! [The harshest penalty of death by stoning was hardly ever applied. But this of course was very political, and was really about power. The quest for power always obliterates mercy.]

(3) Jesus’ response

So Jesus would want to achieve two things: uplift the woman and reverse some of the damage that has been done; and challenge the hardheartedness and injustice of the scribes and Pharisees. And this, in one concise sentence, is exactly what Jesus did!

But first … what was Jesus writing on the ground? This has been long debated. This is what I think. Judges, in the courts of the time, wrote down their sentence before they delivered it. I reckon that Jesus was imitating this, but with a twist … not writing down any judgement against the woman, but rather writing down the sins and potential sentence of this woman’s accusers. This would be consistent with Jesus’ own teaching – “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged; for with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get” (Matt.7:1-2).

What they were doing with this woman, was likely far worse than anything she had done. They probably didn’t know her background, or what incidents had led up to her behaviour that day – what suffering there had been in her past. And it seems they wouldn’t have cared. Not one of these accusers would be anywhere near sinless, yet they still tried this on! [And this woman was a child of God.]

So Jesus would, at the same time, want to disassemble this attempted trap, and also offer the woman a vital and loving ministry of liberation, healing and salvation.

Here it comes …

Let anyone among you who is without sin, be the first to throw a stone at her.

Brilliant! The scribes and the Pharisees were caused to drop their stones to the ground (at their own feet), and one-by-one follow their ringleaders (the “elders”), right away from this scene. They were called to account for their own behaviour. Some, we hope, would have taken stock and regretted what they had done. We hope that some of the accusers might have been changed that day, and never pick up a stone again.

In the eyes of the public, a great injustice had been challenged, and a miscarriage of justice averted. As those stones fell to the ground, injustice actually bowed to Jesus. In this reply, there was no moral laxity, no contradiction of mercy [and no premature conflict with the Romans]. Game, set, match!

Jesus was left alone with the woman. There was one sinless person who could have thrown a stone, but he did not! The way forward for this woman was not through condemnation but rather through understanding. If she was not to sin anymore, then she would need to be inspired in that direction through an offering of love and grace (that would restore her sense of value). This was stunning, gutsy, liberating grace!

Creatively, in the way in which he speaks with her, Jesus restores this woman’s personhood and gives her a voice. Would any of the callousness, or condemnation, or bold accusations stick? Or could this woman be restored to health? Could this woman even find salvation? Where are they … has no one condemned you? The woman replies, “No one sir”. This releases the woman from EXTERNAL hindrances … people getting in the way of God’s best intentions for her.

She is then released from all INTERNAL hindrances … those feelings happening inside this woman that were previously blocking out God’s love. Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again. She was released from shame (and any feelings of unworthiness), because no one could rightly claim to be any better than her. This also releases the woman from feelings of guilt. She receives forgiveness and begins the process of discipleship. Clearly this woman responds to Jesus’ creative and compassionate approach to her, and she now embraces new possibilities.

(4) Questions of us

(a)  Do we turn people away – or rather encourage them toward God (and offer them a place to belong)?

(b) Do we use certain labels – or rather see the person that God wishes to love?

(c)  Do we have any stones in our hands?

(d) Do we bring a positive or negative view of God to the table?

(5) Our vision

What does all this say about Jesus’ character?

The purpose of this church is to allow Christ to transform us together so that His [i.e. Jesus’] character, ministry and mission are expressed through all of us.

What does all this say about Jesus’ ministry and mission??

·        Compassion/mercy

·        Justice – opposing injustice

·        Lovingly committed to people’s well-being

·        Proactive/outgoing – looking for opportunities to minister

·        Offering salvation

"Declaring the Praises of God" (Psalm 96)

1 Peter 2:9 (NRSV) – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light”.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) concludes – “… that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”.

What does this mean???

This is about worshipping God, but more than worshipping God.

This is about speaking about God, but more than speaking about God.

This is about encouraging one another, but more than encouraging one another.

This is about living for God in a way that declares all the wonderful things God has done … primarily moving people from darkness to light.

This is going public with the wonders of being in relationship with God.

This is about having a caring and serving attitude.

Within this is not only testimonies about how we ourselves have moved from darkness to light, but also a witness to the potential of everybody around us experiencing this movement from darkness to light.

This is expressed well in Psalm 96.

The occasion of this psalm’s writing is not clear – it might have been constructed as part of a celebration of a return from exile, or it might have been a challenge to be God’s people even when dispersed and under pressure. There certainly does seem to be a great celebration going on here, with tremendous faith, grateful hearts, high expectations and much optimism.

We see in this psalm many reasons for declaring the praise of God.

We also see how this praise was to emanate through Israel to all the nations.

And we see how the declaring of God’s praise was to gain momentum and grow – from individuals, through families and communities, through the whole world. I get a vision here of an ever-increasing season of praise growing legs and expanding right before our very eyes.

However it starts with those who have already experienced God getting on to the front foot.

Are we prepared to “declare the praises of God”?

Just as Israel’s praise was meant to be heard by foreign nations, the church’s praise is meant to be heard way beyond its walls and confines. The words, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (v.4) can drift on the breeze to all those within earshot … to all those with an ear to hear.

Many Gentiles, having heard such ‘praises’, found their way to Jewish synagogues, to see if their need for a true God would be found there.

Just like some of Israel’s practices seemed strange to other nearby nations, yet were true to God – our practices of worship, bible reading, prayer and communion, which might also seem strange to many, should still be able to broadly demonstrate God’s glory … and thereby have a ripple effect! In fact they should all operate as a sort of summons, or at least invitation. Largely because, we do whatever we do, with integrity, sincerity and true faith.

John Dickson writes as follows: Our friends and neighbours live and breathe in the presence of the greatest Lord. Yet, they do not know it. We, the people of the Lord, who know his majesty over heaven and earth, must stand up on the bus, so to speak, and, in whatever way is appropriate to our gifts, personality and circumstances, promote [God’s] glory.

Of course, this is not just about going to church … this is being the church in all environments. Then, my voice here, joins with your voice there, wherever we may be, building a declaration of praise. And, your life here, joins with my life there, wherever we may be, building the praises of God.

Let’s read together Psalm 96 verses 1 to 6.

Verse 1 – a bit of a heading; summarising the content to come.

Personal praise will lead to the whole earth praising God.

We express praise with both the desire and expectation that such praise will expand.

This is what God desires.

We are to sing a “new” song (v.1) – what might that mean???

It’s a song about our relationship with God; but not just what has happened in the past … what is continuing to happen.

Each new day brings new reasons to sing songs of praise. So our declaration of praise is up-to-date and connects with everyday life now (and possibly to other people’s lives). We celebrate not just a historical faith, but also a vibrant and current faith.

We should express the freshness of God’s mercies – “The steadfast love of Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22).

To “bless God’s name” (v.2) is to make God’s name more accessible to others (and thus more praiseworthy), building up God’s reputation in the sight of others. It’s to tell the great stories about God.

What particularly are we praising God about??

·        Our experience of salvation (v.2) – darkness into light; from being lost to being found; from guilty to forgiven. We have the good news of hope!

·         God’s other great achievements (v.3) … “declare … his marvellous works among all the peoples” – whatever these have been in our lives, families, churches, communities … how we have seen God alive and active, present, caring, healing, answering the prayers of His people, being interactive with us guiding His Church.

Many people have their own ‘gods’, things that they are deeply attached to (v.4-5), referred to in verse 5 as “idols”. Things that they put value in, that eventually and inevitably will let them down – ‘treadmills to nowhere’. We worship God, who will never let us down. Our God needs to be seen in ways that deeply and graphically contrast with the pretend ’gods’ – the fake ‘gods’ of never satisfying consumerism or deeply troubling addiction. We “declare the praises of God” to present something that will be preferred to any possible alternative. “Idols” (v.5) are man-made, our God made the heavens and the earth and everything else (and renews all things)!

Later in the psalm (v.11-13), we see how, as the declaration of God’s praise by God’s people builds, the creation itself can be seen to be praising God.

Our praise should point away from “idols” to the only real God worth trusting in. Why … how? Because what God promises – He delivers! God is life enriching – there is “strength and beauty in his sanctuary … [where God dwells]” (v.6).

Not to say that everything always go well. We know quite the opposite. But God’s praises are declared as we cope with all what comes across our path, recognising that God dwells in our suffering and in our striving, brings us coping resources and facilitates new growth.

We are amazed and reinvigorated when the new green shoots appear after devastating fire.

When people say to us, “How can you cope”, our response (according to our particular situation) declares the praise of God.

As has been said, this psalm senses a praise which builds – there is a growing response to God. From individuals and worshipping communities to the “families of the peoples” (v.7). However we understand this phrase, it represents a broadening appreciation of God – the coming of heaven to earth – the advancing of the Kingdom of God.

Let’s read together verses 7 to 9.

Within this, there are also notes of challenge. In verse 8, there is the need to bring an “offering”, for the worship of God is not a superficial thing, but rather something that should be deeply rooted in who we are. This offering, especially in a new testament sense, would be the commitment of ourselves to God’s cause. Paul expresses it well, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). This connects with the “trembling” of verse 9 in our psalm – to be truly God’s people requires confession, repentance (the mindset to take a new direction), and a reconciliation. Paul continues, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Again to quote Paul, “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b), meaning, do not take things too lightly (just because God’s grace is free).

Being of the mindset of declaring God’s praises gives purpose to even the most mundane activities of life.

Let’s read verses 10 to 13.

As we move to the vision of all the nations praising God (beginning at verse 10), we hear that God is faithful and can be completely trusted. Yet people (our “neighbours” around the world) will not know this … not until they are shown. When they do become convinced, praise for God will be the result. This is because people come to learn that God has created well … what God has done is ‘very good’. And that God is just, and his judgements will be totally fair. Where human judgements and justice have left a lot to be desired, this is not the case with God. God is the source and essence of truth.

Sometimes people will look at us and say, ‘they must be kidding themselves’. Well, fair enough … that’s where they are at present. It is up to us to declare our praises (and demonstrate our faith) in ways that will connect with where people are at, and the experiences that have contributed to who they are – and seek to help them to connect with God anyway.

God coming to judge the world (v.13) would have once been a scary thing … a very threatening notion; yet now, for the those declaring praise, this is a tremendous thing – something only to be looked forward to! We will be vindicated, and encapsulated in the ‘Loving Arms’. We will be seen through the eyes of Jesus. God is love, and because of this, even the “trees of the forest sing for joy”. When we are convinced that God loves us, and that we are surrounded by God’s loving presence – then all of the beautiful creation around us seems to be praising God as well. What a glorious vision!

So let’s get in touch with the fact that we are: God’s own people following Jesus, his representatives on mission, forgiven and forgiving, set apart for a purpose – declaring the praises (the mighty acts) of God. Our declaration is not flimsy and variable (like an IOU written on tissue paper), but rather based on the eternal truths of who God is, what He has done in the world, and what He is doing for us day by day. We declare God’s praises through words and actions that are gentle yet confident, humble yet faith-filled, sensitive yet productive. These praises are public and practical demonstrations of God’s grace.

What happens when God’s praise is declared?

·        God’s presence can be more easily noticed

·        Pretend gods or ‘idols’ will be more easily seen as lacking value

·        God will be newly appreciated as Creator of the universe

·        There might be a new interest in peace, truth and justice

·        People will find a new relationship with God.