This is What It Looks Like

We can learn profound lessons from Jesus about how to live, grow spiritually, and understand God’s love. The most important things Jesus teaches are about who he is and what he has done for our salvation, and the core lesson is understanding who Jesus is, what he does for us, and what it means to trust and follow him[1]. Jesus also teaches us how to live by presenting an example of humility, faith, mercy, truth, and love for us to follow[1].

Jesus encourages us to learn directly from his teachings in the Gospels, studying his life, attitudes, and behaviors, which allows us to view life through his lens[2]. Importantly, he promises to guide and teach us gently, not as a harsh dictator, but as a humble, loving shepherd who cares deeply for his followers[2].

To truly learn about Jesus, we must “take his yoke” - which means working alongside him, participating in his mission of saving souls, helping the poor, healing the sick, and spreading the Gospel. Through this active partnership, we can learn more about Jesus in a day than through years of theological study[3]. Following Jesus is not passive but requires movement and action, transforming our behavior as we are empowered and changed by the Holy Spirit[4].

[1] Richard D. Phillips, John, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, 1st ed., vol. 1, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2014), 98. [2] Steven K. Scott, The Joseph Principles: Turning Adversity and Heartache into Miraculous Living (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2022), 86. [3] Charles E. Orr, The More Abundant Life (James L. Fleming, 2005). [4] Derek Vreeland and Derwin Gray, By the Way: Getting Serious about Following Jesus (Harrisonburg, VA: Herald Press, 2019).

The Wine

John 2:1 “1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

John 2:2 “2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.”

John 2:3 “3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.””

John 2:4 “4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.””

John 2:5 “5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.””

John 2:11 “11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”

Jesus turns water to wine. Jesus was willing to step out. He showed some hesitancy but ultimately he stepped out and started His ministry

We will all have a run out of wine at the wedding moment. And we have to decide if the things that use to hold us back will con’t to hold us back.

Peter and John going up to the temple at the hour of prayer. Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have…we have to hope of eternity the question is will we give it too the lost and the dying who are without hope.

The Blood

Jesus in the garden prays the famous prayer, let this cut pass from me, but not my will, but your will be done.  Jesus is filling the pressure of the moment while still embracing the calling.

     We need to work on embracing the calling and finishing the prayer. 

Jesus is embracing the consequences of His ministry. Will we?

Luke 22:39 “39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.”

Luke 22:40 “40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.””

Luke 22:41 “41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed,”

Luke 22:42 “42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.””

Luke 22:43 “43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.”

Luke 22:44 “44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

The End

Jesus at his ascension and he tells the disciples teach and baptize, making disciples of all nations. Jesus doesn’t tell the disciples to avenge Him. There is no bitterness in Jesus. All are welcomed to be forgiven.

Jesus encourages us to step out and cont His ministry.

Jesus isn’t bitter and He doesn’t complain.

When its our turn to pour into others and encourage them to step out into ministry, lets do it without complaining and being bitter.

Acts 1:6 “6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?””

Acts 1:7 “7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.”

Acts 1:8 “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

Acts 1:9 “9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.”

Jesus’s Invitation

Matthew 11:28 “28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29 “29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:30 “30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

Jesus’s invites us to labor with Him, to con’t His ministry

Jesus is inviting us to live this life with Him and for Him, all in and sold out.