The Snake and the Cross

John 3:14-21

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my soul be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

John 3:16 is one of the most recognizable verses in the entire Bible:

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that you who believe may not die but have eternal life.

You can find ‘John 3:16‘ on graffiti walls, football game marquees, car windows or bumpers, and roadside billboards. Even non-religious people know what this verse means. And almost every little child who has attended Sunday School can recite it.

However, additional verses in John 3:14-21 have a deeper meaning, often ignored by most people.

Who doesn’t love the Indiana Jones movie series? Everyone who knows about Indiana Jones knows he hates snakes. He is a robust and tough guy until he meets a slithery thing. Then, he dissolves into a quivering mass of spinelessness. Some people like snakes, keep them as pets, and let them slide about their homes. But these people are definitely in the minority.

Most of us do NOT want to be in the company of snakes. Most of us are right there with “Indiana Jones.” Snakes are slippery and scaly and slimy and scary. Snakes are creatures we do not want to engage with or embrace. Snakes are creatures so different from us that they evoke disgust and fear, even when we do not know if the snake we are looking at is dangerous or a harmless natural insect repellant. 

So, we do not readily have a warm, fuzzy relationship with limbless reptiles. We have been conditioned to this hatred, to this fear, since the words of Genesis. In the “second” but earliest Genesis story, the tale of Adam and Eve and their fall from the paradise of Eden, the first “bad guy” is not a guy but a serpent. The serpent later becomes a snake when cursed by God.

Let’s go back and look at the presence of snakes in the Bible. Snakes are often associated with negative symbolism, and their representation usually means deception, temptation, and evil.

• First, we start with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God created a world with everything to satisfy their needs. It might be called ‘Heaven on Earth’. There is only one condition:

“of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat” (Genesis 2:17)

The serpent addresses both Adam and Eve; Eve responds, but not Adam. The serpent convinces Eve to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree. God discovered that transgression and the world changed forever. Tempted by Satan in the form of a snake, Eve encouraged Adam to eat the apple, causing their exile from the Garden of Eden and leading to the fall of humanity: God banished Adam and Eve from their paradise, and the serpent changed into a snake.

• Another significant encounter with snakes occurred when the enslaved Hebrews were in Egypt. Moses repeatedly appealed to Pharoah to let them leave, but Pharaoh ignored their pleas. God rained down seven plagues on Egypt, including a plague of insects and frogs.

When Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh again, they turned their staffs into serpents to signify God’s power. Pharaoh’s magicians also turned their staffs into serpents. But, Aaron’s serpent swallowed the snakes produced by Pharaoh’s magicians, demonstrating God’s superior control over the Egyptian sorcerers’ magic. However, this did not move Pharoah’s heart.

• In Acts 28:3-5, the native people welcomed Apostle Paul and other prisoners and guards who survived a shipwreck on Malta. As Paul gathered sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself onto his hand.

When the natives saw the venomous snake hanging from Paul’s hand, they assumed that he must be a murderer and that divine justice served, as they believed he would die from the snakebite. However, Paul shook off the snake into the fire and suffered no harm. The bystanders, seeing that he was unharmed, changed their minds and thought he must be a god

It is important to note that while snakes are often portrayed negatively in biblical narratives, not all references to snakes in the Bible are associated with evil. For instance, the Bronze Serpent in Numbers 21 serves as a means of healing and redemption when venomous snakes bite the Israelites. Additionally, Jesus said of himself:

Just as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted, that everyone who believes may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15),

drawing an analogy to the bronze serpent of Moses’ time.

The snake-bitten people could do nothing to save themselves. God had to provide a way for healing, or they would all die. When they confessed their sins and asked Moses to intercede, God provided this strange remedy:

Make a bronze snake, put it on a pole, and whoever looked at it would live.

We all know what it is like to over-promise and under-deliver. Maybe that’s why it’s so hard for us to believe that God sent Jesus to give us eternal life. Jesus promised so little but delivered so much.

This week’s gospel text is about the revelation of God’s redemptive rescue of humanity for all eternity. Jesus changed all the rules and regulations. In his crucifixion, Jesus was lifted up on a tree and killed horribly in a public manner. And at the place of the ‘skull,’ or ‘Golgotha,’ Jesus crushed the serpent forever for our sins.

Jesus’ death on the cross recalled God’s remedy during the plague of poisonous serpents in Moses’ day, healing those who looked on the bronze serpent. Anyone who looks on Jesus in faith receives eternal life. 

We are all under the condemnation of eternal death because of our sins. No human remedy can help; God graciously provided the way to salvation for us. He sent His own Son to be like that snake, lifted in the wilderness.

In John’s Gospel, there are references to Jesus being “lifted up” (John 8:28 and 12:32). Together, these verses speak of two ways Jesus would be “lifted up”:

• On the cross at His crucifixion;
• Similarly, lifted up on a “pole “(i.e., the cross), and repentance and salvation came to all who looked upon Him. Jesus removed the sting of death and preserved us from the “snakebite “of Satan.
• Jesus also spoke of being lifted in His resurrection, ascension, and exaltation. Jesus was “lifted up” from the grave when God raised Him from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Jesus was “lifted up” from the earth and returned to heaven after His resurrection (Acts 1:9–14). And now Jesus is “lifted up” over every angel, authority, and power (1 Peter 3:22–23). He sits at the right hand of God, above all creation (Ephesians 1:20–23).

The death of Jesus Christ on the cross was like the symbolic snake raised on the stick that saved the Israelites in the desert. Christ’s death at Golgotha – The Place of The Skull- was a word of forgiveness, grace, and love. From that most terrible place of suffering and death, from that Roman cross meant to be the most humiliating way to die, God used Jesus to save the whole world.

1. Jesus Christ crucified was God’s only way of salvation for Jews and Gentiles. In Number 24:4-9, God loved the Israelites and provided a way of healing; in the New Testament, we hear that

“God loves the world,”

that is, Jews and Gentiles, giving His Son for the redemption of His people from every tongue, tribe, nation, and language.

2. The serpent was lifted before the Israelites in the camp to heal the bitten. Christ lifted –first on the cross, then in His resurrection, His ascension, and finally in the preaching of the Gospel–so salvation came to sinners who looked on Him.

The cross of Christ is a humbling remedy for our sins. It is humbling to admit that we can do nothing to save ourselves. Jesus did it all. All we have to do is trust in Him. His salvation is by grace (undeserved favor) through faith so that no one could boast they had a part.

This promise is made to us today amid our Lenten waiting. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it. Already condemned, already dead; from the time of Adam and Eve, we have chosen our desires over God and suffered death. We have chosen to be our gods. We have decided to align ourselves with anything and anyone other than God.

Yet we also hear that God loves the world – the world that has chosen anything but God. The world that would rather die than let God be in charge. But we are the world that God loves.

We know God loves the world; although sin earned God’s wrath and humankind was in a hopeless condition,

• • God gave His Son as an undeserved gift.
  • God gave Jesus up to extreme suffering for the entire world.

Love is how God chooses to judge the world rather than by what we justly deserve. Our discomfort with waiting, our desire for answers, and certainty push us so often towards darkness and death that God should let us suffer. Instead, God gives Himself over to our death-dealing ways. God in Christ is given over to be ‘lifted up‘ and then shows us something new.

God shows us life. Life instead of death – light instead of darkness – healing instead of suffering. It hurts to wait for that promise; it hurts to have those wounds and scars covered over. It hurts to look into that light when our eyes are accustomed to darkness.

As we hear in John 3:16:

God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.

That is the God of John 3:16:

A God who loves…

so loves…

the world that He gave his Son.

God’s only Son to a world that wants to die but that now, because of the cross and because of Christ, will find that His death is a life path.

God loves us so much that God will come and be wherever we are to save us. God’s willingness to sacrifice his own Son saves us by grace.

Let us pray:

Is it possible, O God, likely that you can love such as us? Yet we know it is true. If we allowed ourselves to doubt your love, all would be lost. Thank you, God, thank you for loving us. Help us never to betray such incredible love. Amen.

 

Delivered at Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square, & Ohio Living Westminster Thurber, Columbus, OH; 10 March 2024

 

Unabridged given at Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square (starts at 29:20)

https://www.facebook.com/stories/10156630596670733/UzpfSVNDOjE0NTQyODE1OTE4NDY2NTk=/?view_single=1

Given at Ohio Living Westminster Thurber

https://youtu.be/Rt40rCcoAfQ?feature=shared (starts at 5:19)

Advent 1 – The Season of Waiting

Today begins the Christian season of Advent; its origins in the fourth century draws its name from the Latin term “adventus,” which translates to “coming” or “arrival.” Initially, Advent was a season of fasting and penance, similar to the Lenten season. Early Christians dedicated this period to preparing their hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus through prayer and confession. Today, Advent is more a time of preparation and expectation of the coming of the Lord through His birth in Bethlehem.

In earlier times, Advent focused on self-reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation. It served as a time for believers to reflect on the significance of Christ’s incarnation and anticipate his coming into the world, not only at his birth but the hopeful expectation of his promised return or second coming.

Advent spans four weeks by many denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, and Anglican churches, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Each of the four Sundays of Advent has specific rites, readings, colors, and meanings of the candles in the Advent wreaths.

Over time, the observance of Advent underwent an evolution; the somber and penitential aspects gave way to a more joyful anticipation of Christ’s birth. The focus shifted from strict fasting and repentance to embracing a spirit of hope, expectation, and joyful waiting for the coming of the Messiah.

We see in the stories of ancient Israel and in the writings of the prophets a world very much like our own, a world of people rebelling against God and finding themselves lost in darkness again and again. The prophets also show how God had a plan for his people, Israel, and the world, extending beyond the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

In Advent, we recall the ancient prophecies and signs that led to the birth of the Messiah, and we look forward in hope with faithful anticipation that the same Messiah, Jesus Christ, will come again as he promised.

Beyond its symbolic traditions and religious observances, Advent beckons Christians to engage in acts of charity, kindness, and generosity. This sacred season urges individuals to actively embody the core values of love and compassion actively, reaching out to others in meaningful ways.

Encouragement toward charitable events inspires Christians to participate in various service projects that benefit the less fortunate. These activities range from organizing food and clothing drives to volunteering at shelters or participating in community outreach programs.

Donations to those in need are an integral part of Advent observance. Whether it involves contributing resources, time, or skills, giving becomes a tangible expression of empathy and solidarity with those in need. Churches and charitable organizations often mobilize efforts to support marginalized groups, underscoring the importance of extending a helping hand during this season of goodwill.

While preparing for the Advent season, I came across this poem by Father Daniel Berrigan, which contradicts the negative thoughts of the world today. 

It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss. In John 3:16, we are promised

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life

It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction. Again, in John 10:10, we hear:

I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.)

It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word and that war and destruction rule forever. The prophet Isaiah foretold:

Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councilor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world. Matthew 28:18 tells us

To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.

It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers. The prophet Joel 2:28 reminds us

I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall have dreams.

It is not true that our hopes for the liberation of humankind, justice, human dignity, and peace are not meant for this earth and history. John 4:23 gives us hope:

The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshipers shall worship God in spirit and truth.

So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love, peace, and justice. Let us affirm with humility, joy, faith, and courage:

Jesus Christ is the life of the world.

Let us be patient and wait. Wait for the coming of the baby Jesus.

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. (James 5:7-8)

Let us pray:

God of Advent waiting, You do not grow tired or weary, but we do. Your understanding is unfathomable, but ours is very limited. So guide us with your wisdom and revive us with your power. We enter into this sacred season of Advent resting within your arms. Let us appreciate the light and the shadows of the season. Renew our strength and grant us your peace.

Amen.

(starts 2:53-13:08)

Delivered at Ohio Living Westminster Thurber Tower and Westminster Terrace, Columbus, OH;
3 December 2023

Metamorphoses

John 3:1-17

Today’s scripture from John contains probably one of the best-known lines of text in the Bible. You can find this reference on billboards and marquees, spray-painted as graffiti on walls in tenements and rocks and rooftops. You can’t watch a football game on television without seeing at least one sign saying: “John 3:16”. 

We, as Christians, know that God sent Jesus so

“that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

This passage of scripture is probably also one of the most misunderstood or misapplied.

And, as Paul Harvey says, ‘this is the rest of the story.’ 

Here we have Nicodemus, a very educated Pharisee who acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God. But he wants to know more, so he secretly goes to Jesus at night. 

Why did he go in the night?

At this point in his public ministry, the jury was still out concerning Jesus’ credentials, not to mention his agenda. But Nicodemus is intrigued enough to search him out, even if he chooses to do so at night. Is Jesus a true prophet or just a troublemaker? If he is a prophet, Nicodemus wanted to know him better. If he was a rabble-rouser, Nicodemus needed to know that, too, for he is a leader of the Jews, and an essential part of such leadership is determining what is true and what isn’t.

Jesus presented yet another new challenge for Nicodemus and his colleagues, so Nicodemus decided to check Jesus out. He showed a curious but reserved respect for Jesus. Something in him says Jesus doesn’t fit into the Jewish religious system, yet he has something about him that none of the other rabbis have.

Over the years, the Pharisees had developed a litmus test for all would-be messiahs based on signs. Do the right signs and do them for the right reasons – and of course, the Pharisees determine the right reasons. If you pass the test, you might – you might – gain their endorsement. Of course, it hadn’t happened yet, but you never know… given the right circumstances and person, it could happen. It could happen.

Nicodemus has come to Jesus at night to see if he, the young Nazarene, might be the right person. He does do signs; that’s true; he’s good at it. Nicodemus is intrigued by Jesus. He comes from God, but does that make him Messiah material?

In the Jewish tradition, studying the Torah was reserved for the nighttime – when things were less bustling, and one could concentrate on the word. Nicodemus was not sneaking to see Jesus so that his fellow Pharisees would not see him or set Jesus up for heresy. He truly wanted to learn more – he was seeking.

We might call Nicodemus the Patron Saint of the Seekers. . . he was seeking to find his spiritual soul. He was genuinely observant, but he found something lacking in himself. If you remember, Jesus’ response to Nicodemus was

No matter how stridently Nicodemus followed the Jewish law, no one could enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.

Let’s look further at this text. 

We, as Episcopalians, become members of the fellowship of Jesus and the Kingdom of God when we are baptized. The original Greek word for this second birth is translated as ‘born from above’; not baptism of water, but the descending of the Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds.  

One who enters the kingdom of God by being born of the Spirit experiences God’s reign, but someone born of the flesh cannot share this. This ‘second birth’ involves a complete reorientation of one’s goals, desires, affections, values, and direction of life 

— in other words, a changing of our heart and spirit. . . 

and accepting the great love and supreme sacrifice when God sent His Son, Jesus, so that we may have everlasting life. 

The kingdom of God is the center of life. 

Nicodemus is like a butterfly; when he went in the night to see Jesus; he was much like a caterpillar in its cocoon. He was in the dark, seeking a way and wondering if Jesus was that light and truth.

When he met with Jesus and understood about ‘being born,’ he evolved into a beautiful butterfly full of color, vibrance, and knowledge. When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it becomes a new creature; this is a perfect picture of the one truly ‘born again’ of the Spirit.

I believe we can learn much about the physical and spiritual life of all persons ‘born of the Spirit’ by looking at caterpillars and butterflies. There has never been a single baby butterfly born. Each butterfly must start as a caterpillar and undergo the transformation or rebirth process before becoming a butterfly. When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, there is a complete change in its life, which is such a change that it is irreversible. No matter what happens in the butterfly’s life, it will never be a caterpillar again.

Nicodemus went through that metamorphosis when he met with Jesus. He was in the sunshine, no longer hiding with the rest of the Pharisees in the temple at night.

Nicodemus, this Pharisee, the patron saint of seekers and the curious, understood this and changed his life dramatically to follow Jesus in his daily religious observances and by accepting the Holy Spirit.

He had moved around in the darkness, seeking the Light of the Word in Jesus. He left his darkness of spirit by being ‘born from above’ into the light. And he did not stay in the dark.

During the trials of Jesus with the Sanhedrin found in John 7:45-52, Nicodemus speaks up for Jesus. He questions the other Pharisees: 

 “Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hears him, and know what he doeth?” 

As a Pharisee, his defense of Jesus was not without risk – after all, he was one of the respected establishments, and now he was following this heretical Jesus! 

He was willing to put his life on the line to defend his faith and Jesus. What a change from the man in the dark seeking to enter the Kingdom of God. What a transformation when he was ‘born from above.’

And we hear about Nicodemus again in John 19:38-42 — after Jesus’ death on the cross. Everyone ran away. . . afraid. But Nicodemus, along with Joseph of Arimathea, came back to the cross. They went to the cross in the darkness of  Black Friday to remove the broken body of Jesus and lay Him in the tomb. Only these two were there to give Jesus a proper Jewish burial.

Nicodemus wrapped Jesus’ body in cloth and anointed it with precious myrrh, aloes, and spices. He and Joseph lovingly carried Jesus’ body to the tomb. They rolled the stone over the opening and left Jesus in the darkness.

The darkness of the soul and death would not ever overcome the world again; in three days, the Light of Jesus shone again and would shine forever more! By the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are all, once ‘born of the Spirit’, realize that our lives are eternal and we will live forever with Jesus. 

There is no more darkness!!!

Let us all be seekers like Nicodemus. . . may we be ‘born from above’ and live in the Light of the World. May we speak of what we know and witness what we have seen. When others reject or ignore Jesus, let us be Nicodemus and defend his words, works, and meaning for the world.

Let us pray:

Nicodemus, Patron Saint of Seekers: May you protect the seeker in each of us from condemnation and condescension. May you guide our steps in the way that leads us to eternal life? May you place us in the company of compassionate teachers whose love defines a new community of hope and grace. May you give us the courage to love God with heart, mind, soul, and strength. 

Amen.

Delivered at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Columbus, OH; 5 March 2023

Privilege or Service?

Mark 10:35-45

I want to set the stage before we examine the scripture: Jesus had been traveling, preaching, and teaching for three years with these twelve disciples. Everything he had done was in preparation for them continuing his ministry – and time and time again, it was evident that they were “not getting” it. I am sure that he was frustrated and disappointed and very tired of their incomprehension. If the disciples were going to start practicing His teachings, it ought to be now. But it wasn’t happening.

Five days before Jesus’ crucifixion, four days before his betrayal and trial, one day before the clearing of the temple, and a few hours before his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the disciples were bickering and jockeying to be ‘the elite’ of the disciples.

It is significant to note that this is the THIRD time Jesus has foretold the coming events: his trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Moments before the most significant events in their lives, the disciples are a bickering, petty, bad-tempered quarrelsome lot. We just heard that James and John were asking Jesus to name them the ‘most important’ among the disciples. Interestingly, in a similar passage in Matthew 20, their mother was the one who asked Jesus to elevate her sons. What prompted them (or her) to think that they were any more special than any of the other disciples was not indicated in the scripture, but they felt special. You notice that they didn’t ask Jesus for a favor, or ask him to consider their request. What made their inflated egos believe that they could DEMAND anything of Jesus?

Brothers James and John ask Jesus for a big favor. In their minds, they thought they should hold a special place, having privileges that the other disciples didn’t have. They saw this request as elevating themselves into a position of power and control over the others. They wanted the ‘good’ seats, the ones right beside Jesus when he finally was king of the Kingdom of God. They wanted prestige and power. The other ten disciples were no better. They became angry at James and John because they also wished to sit at the ‘high’ seats.  They also wanted prestige and power. And they didn’t want the other disciples to have any.

All twelve disciples miss the point about the kingship of Jesus. Although he had told them repeatedly of his impending execution and resurrection, they did not get it.

They were asking for three things. They wanted the glory and honor that came from being elevated to a throne. They wanted to be close to Jesus in the kingdom. They also wanted to have positions of great authority in the coming kingdom.

Humans tend to exercise pride and self-promotion. The attributes associated with pride are revealed at a very early age. Children don’t have to be taught to be selfish; this is their nature. Left unchecked, our pride and selfish desires continue to become more apparent as we mature, often in unhealthy ways. Many problems today and the majority of past conflicts result from pride and the desire to possess power, prominence, and prestige.

In the world, you are a leader if you have power, a title, some delegated authority, you can tell people what to do. From God’s point of view, leadership is something entirely different. Jesus clearly states:

“Whoever would be great, must become a servant. Whoever desires to be first, must become the slave of all.” (Matthew 20:26)

If you want to be a leader, be a servant. If you’re going to be Number 1, become a slave. At least three times, we have heard this warning in the Gospel of Mark. But did the disciples, and do we really “get it”?

God’s view of leadership is servanthood. The way to become a leader is first to become a servant.

In our current society, it is not what you know; it’s who you know, and if you know the right person at the right time, they lift you to an elevated position. But Jesus said that might be the way the world does it, but not in His kingdom.

Do you want to be a leader? Great!

Be a servant.

Do you want to be #1?

Become a slave.

In the church, we haven’t heard and heeded his words. We have popes and cardinals, we have archbishops, we have bishops, priests, deacons, Senior Wardens, and Junior Wardens – we have denominational muckety-muck. We have presidents, vice-presidents. We have celebrities, superstars, radio preachers, TV preachers, Christian celebrities, and Christian superstars. Everybody has a title, and everybody has a position; everybody has a place. And in the church, almost as much as in the world, there is a kind of pecking order. And you’d better know your place, and you’d better keep in your place.

But in Jesus’ world, service was His passion; service was His life. Jesus freely served those who would break His heart. Jesus performed the greatest service of all when He went to Calvary to die on the cross for sinners who hated Him and wanted nothing to do with Him.

How did Jesus arrive at such a holy place? It wasn’t because He was God! He was there because He took the position of a slave. He was there because He willingly chose the lowest place of all, and God elevated Him to the highest place of all.

A servant has an honest heart, without guile or deception – a person where what you see is what you get. When they say something, you don’t have to think to yourself, “Gee, I wonder what he meant by that.” An honest heart means truth, integrity, wholeness, no trickery, no deceit, no game playing.

Honesty is hard to come by, even for Christians. It’s like the man called to testify in a court case. The bailiff said, “Raise your right hand.” The judge said, “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” The man looked up at the judge and said, “Well, which one do you want?” There is the truth, there is the whole truth, and there is nothing but the truth. You can tell a servant because he has an honest heart – truth is truth!

A servant has a humble heart. Humility is that virtue which, when you think you are humble, you have lost humility. Humility is a non-threatening attitude; you are approachable. You interact with others without getting angry, hostile, or defensive. Humility is a deep sensitivity to the needs of others.

A servant has a generous heart, not arguing about who’s the greatest – being willing to acknowledge that someone else has something or a position they may have wanted. They do not worry about Who is #1? Who is on top? Who’s the greatest.

What is the mark of greatness according to Jesus? It’s not arguing about who’s the greatest. How do you find a great person?

The great person is likely the one who is on his knees playing with the children in the nursery – behind the scenes and out of the limelight, where you don’t get praise and applause and gifts – there you will find the great people of the Kingdom of God. The ones who are with the children and the young people, in the kitchen, and driving the bus—the ones that we don’t see and never hear from, the ones that don’t get the press,  that’s where you find greatness.

True greatness comes from a generous heart that understands that God’s kingdom is bigger than anyone is.

A servant has a giving heart – the heart of Christianity:

For God so loved the world, that he gave. . .” (John 3:16)

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, had traveled with Jesus for three years, and still, they wanted to assume positions of leadership that would give them great prestige, satisfy their egos, and give them power over others. Someone so filled with themselves that they said to Jesus:

“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

How’s that for confidence? They sure didn’t need any courses in self-esteem, did they? And yet, they are not very different from many of us who desire nothing more than to follow Jesus, if only He will give us what we want and not challenge us to change the way we live.

Today Jesus is inviting each of us to let go of all of those things — those desires for things we think we have to have — those things we think we most definitely deserve — and to come and walk with him. How much did the disciples miss what was truly going on around them by going off into dream worlds of their own making and scheming? How much do we miss when we are busy wondering what’s in it for me, rather than asking,

“Lord, what are you showing me right now, here, today, at this moment, in this crisis, in this opportunity?”

Instead of saying,

“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you,”

we still have time to say,

“Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

In summary, this is the THIRD time that we have heard these warnings/instructions from Jesus about our behavior if we want to follow Him. And this is the THIRD time that the disciples didn’t understand! Is it the THIRD time we don’t understand?

Let us ask ourselves:

Are we as dense as the disciples that we “don’t get it”?

Are we as clueless as they were??

Do we understand the key to the Kingdom of God is to be a servant?

Have we learned we show our servanthood through acts of mercy and kindness – a cup of water to the thirsty, a bag of groceries to the hungry, the offering of the shirt off our backs to one who has no clothes, a visit to those who are shut-in?

Are we willing to:

•    Fervently pray for one another

•    Greet one another

•    Love one another.

•    Accept one another

•    Forgive one another

•    Continually build up one another in love

•    Speak words of life that give grace and energize

•    Serve one another.

•    Use our God-given gifts.

•    Restore the fallen

•    Support the weak?

If we are willing, we are following the teachings of Jesus, Yet we must also acknowledge that we are human, and sometimes the desire for power and prestige, and glory overcomes our good intentions. But we must keep trying.

which is to sit closest to you,

and all the glory I need.[1]

Amen

Let us pray:

God, I confess. I want glory.

I want to be on the winning side.

I want things to go my way,

even if that is not your way.

Christ, give me your heart,

to find delight in serving others,

not for glory, but to love them,

which is to sit closest to you,

and all the glory I need.[1]

Amen

What is “the Church”?

When the impressive and dedicated group of candidates for our Vestry spoke last Sunday at the “Meet the Candidates” Forum, at some point each one expressed the aspiration to “grow the church”! But what does that mean, to “grow the church”? One immediately thinks of increasing membership and financial resources – and perhaps enhancing facilities. But is that the best definition?

The common definition of ‘church’ is ‘a building used for public worship, a body or organization of religious believers’. The word ‘church’ comes from the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as ‘an assembly’ or ‘called-out ones.’[1] The root meaning of ‘church’ is not that of a building, but of people.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that the church is the body/group of believers in Christ. Ephesians 1:22-23 says,

“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body”

The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ, gathered in one universal church. We read in Romans 12:5:

“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

The true church, then, is the gathering of the believers (congregations) who come together to participate in fellowship with one another as they worship God, study scripture readings, and support each other in continuing the work of Jesus on earth. At its best, a congregation offers a sense of belonging and being involved with one another in common goals – a community of people with shared beliefs. It gives one another some spiritual safety, friendship, fellowship and encouragement. It teaches its people things they would not learn on their own. A congregation helps train our children, and supports families. It provides members with help in times of illness, and solace in times of grief. The ‘church’ creates opportunities for its members to serve others in their community and world. It helps us work together for more effective ministry, and gives us opportunities to serve that help us grow in ways we do not expect. This fellowship, worship, and ministry are all conducted by people, not buildings.

The purpose of the church building is

“to equip the people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

A ‘church’ is a body of believers united in the teachings of Jesus. The ‘church’ is about praising and thanking our Creator, and nurturing and helping believers to mature in their faith. The ‘church’ is about spreading the Good News about Jesus, salvation, and eternal life.

The ‘church’ reaches out with compassion to those who are needy and searching for Jesus, striving to make a real difference in the world. A building can do none of these.

In summary, the church is neither a building nor a denomination. According to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ—all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The ‘church’ is a community of people, encouraging, teaching, and building up one another in the knowledge and grace of Jesus. The purpose of the church is to both glorify God, and to inform the world about the words and work of Christ.

This is the kind of ‘church’ that Saint John’s aspires to be, and works daily to become. It needs resources and facilities, yes – but what it needs most is its people, and their love for Jesus Christ and one another!

Thanks be to God!
 
[1]      (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, #1577)
 
 

The Rev deniray mueller, CCrossroads, Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Worthington and Parts Adjacent, Worthington, OH; 7 February 2018

For God So Loved The World

There is probably no greater statement of God’s love than that found in John 3:16. There is so much in the Bible about God’s love that I doubt anyone can ever come close to fully comprehending it.

In John 3:16 Jesus said,

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

This is only one sentence. And that sentence contains only twenty-five words. Yet that one sentence is packed with so much truth that it is hard to imagine the extent of God’s love.

From this one verse we can find at least seven truths (probably more) about the love of God. Let’s look at them now.

1. THE LOVE OF GOD IS UNCONDITIONAL

For God so loved the world, (John 3:16)

The Greek word for world (kosmos) is defined as “the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to Christ.” This is the world that God loved. . and still loves! It doesn’t say that God loved all the good guys. Or that God loved all the Jews. Or that God love all the saints. It says,

“For God so loved the world.”

That God should love the world (this ungodly mass) only makes God even more of a mystery. Were we to imagine the world, fresh from creation and unpolluted by war, waste, freeways, wires and pipelines, we could more easily understand God’s desire to love and save it. But His wayward world which doesn’t live according to Jesus’ teachings would seem like a poor choice to love.

God’s love clearly isn’t based on our behavior or our attitude toward him. Rather, God’s love for mankind is universal and unconditional and eternal. He loves everyone. And this is one of the things that sets him apart from every other god of every other world religion. No other religion has the world and everyone in it saved by God’s grace.

The evangelical writer Philip Yancey said: “There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.”

2. THE LOVE OF GOD IS SACRIFICIAL.

that he gave (John 3:16)

How did God love us? He loved us by giving, by serving, by sacrificing. So here we learn something important about the nature of true love. Some people think they love others because of what those people do for them or how them make them feel. But God shows us that true love has nothing to do with what you can do for me, but everything to do with what I can do for you.

And what are the results of God’s sacrificial love? He gave his only Son, the best, perfect example of Himself – to save us – there is no better example of sacrificial love.

3. THE LOVE OF GOD IS VALUABLE.

his only (John 3:16)

Here we see the value of God’s love for us. Not only was He willing to give His most valuable creation – His Son, but we see here that He was willing to give His only Son, His only child.

How many times have you heard or even said yourself: “I can’t give you that because it’s the only one I’ve got.” We’ve probably all said that. But we are taught that God didn’t have a backup child; God didn’t have a spare. But he loved us so much that He was willing to give us the only son he had.

“The power and passion of God’s love comes through the length to which God was willing to go for the sake of the world.”

4. GOD’S LOVE IS PERSONAL.

To give his one and only Son (John 3:16).

God’s love is not merely some abstract concept. It isn’t just a philosophy or a theological idea. God’s love was shown in this world through the person of Jesus Christ, His only Son. Jesus came into this world to reveal to us the love of God in human form.
A child was once trying to quote from John 3:16 in the King James Version, which says,

his only begotten Son.

But the child misquoted it and said, “his only forgotten Son.”

It was one of those slips of the tongue that carried more truth than we would care to admit. For Jesus is truly forgotten by most people in the world today. His life is forgotten. His love is forgotten. His sacrifice is forgotten. It is our job as Christians – as God’s ambassadors – to help them remember.

5. GOD’S LOVE IS FOR EVERYONE.

that whoever believes in him (John 3:16)

The really good news about God’s love is that it is not limited to a select few. It is not available only to those who were born with right color of skin or on the correct continent. Nor is it difficult to obtain. It is not reserved for only the intellectual elite or the power brokers or financial wizards. No, the love of God is accessible to “whoever believes in”.

God has made his love available to average, ordinary person like me and like you. He is not a distant God who loves us only from some mystical, faraway place that is completely removed from us. Rather He has entered into our world and He longs to enter into our hearts and lives.

Will you believe in his Son who made the ultimate expression of God’s love by giving his life on the cross for your sins? By choosing to believe in him you receive the love of God, the grace of God and the forgiveness of God. By believing in Him you access the new life that only He can provide.

6. GOD’S LOVE IS NON-JUDGMENTAL.

should not perish (John 3:16)

God’s goal in sending his Son was not to condemn us or to show us how bad we are, how unworthy we are or how hopeless we are. God’s only desire in sending his Son was to show us His love and draw us into a love relationship with Him. Jesus didn’t come into the world to rebuke us; He came to rescue us. He didn’t come to criticize us; He came to cleanse us. He didn’t come to punish us; He came to save us. He didn’t come to destroy us; He came to deliver us.

However this does not mean that God is not a God of judgment. For there is a huge difference between recognizing right and wrong and being judgmental. Being judgmental means not only looking for the bad in people but also not condemning them when it is found. This is how most of us see life – good or bad, right or wrong. God, on the other hand, is sickened, saddened by our sin and evil-doings because it takes us away from Him into our own sense of separation and Hell. Another way of looking at it is that it isn’t so much that God sends us to hell as that we choose hell over heaven – we choose Satan over God – we choose sin over righteousness and do not see that God is there always – loving, forgiving, waiting!

7. GOD’S LOVE IS BENEFICIAL.

but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

That is the power of love – being loved by a perfect, divine love. As a result of God’s love each of us, we have eternal life.
Years ago a young man who had quarreled with his father left home. He continued to keep in touch with his mother, and wanted very badly to come home for Christmas, but he was afraid his father would not allow him. His mother wrote to him and urged him to come home, but he did not feel he could until he knew his father had forgiven him. Finally, there was no time for any more letters. His mother wrote and said she would talk with the father, and if he had forgiven him, she would tie a white cloth on the tree which grew right alongside the railroad tracks near their home, which he could see before the train reached the station. If there were no white cloth, it would be better if he went on.

So the young man started home. As the train drew near his home he was so nervous he said to his friend who was traveling with him, “I can’t bear to look. Sit in my place and look out the window. I’ll tell you what the tree looks like and you tell me whether there is a white cloth on it or not.” So his friend changed places with him and looked out the window. After a bit the friend said, “Oh yes, I see the tree.” The son asked, “Is there a white cloth tied to it?” For a moment the friend did not say anything. Then he turned, and in a very gentle voice said, “There is a white cloth tied to every limb of that tree!”

In some sense, Jesus is the white cloth God tied to the tree – to the cross of Calvary – signaling that we are always welcome.

And that is want we need to remember every day of this Lenten Season – and every day of our lives –

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Are you going to accept God’s love and have eternal life?
 
 
Delivered at In The Garden, Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 16 Mar 2014