PtW Goal 3: Do as Jesus did

Recap of Series

John Mark Comer Practicing the way

Everyone is being formed by something. What habits, stories and conditions are forming us? What are they forming us into?

To be a disciple of Jesus means to intentionally reordering our lives to do three things

Be with him. Become like him. And today we are looking at doing as he does.

Remember our Goal is to become like our rabbi through our exposure to his presence and character,

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Gospels are not just stories proving the divinity of Jesus. They are examples of restored humanity.

John 14:12 NRSV

12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.

Do we believe it?

WWJD vs WWJDIHWM

God wants to reign in you. In your living situation. In your health situation. God wants to reign in your imperfect relationships, hobbies and occupations.

Emmanuel is God with us now — not to maintain the status quo but to break heaven into your life and extend his reign through your life.

So the miracles of Jesus were not only about proving that Jesus is God. No he was demonstrating what humans are meant to be through perfect union with God through the HS

How do we know the miracles were more than proving the deity of Jesus? Because before Jesus spirit-empowered prophets performed miracles. The disciples performed miracles.

Jesus did what he did not as God. This is the mystery of the incarnation. As God Jesus willed to live as a human. And as a human, Jesus lived as God through reliance on the HS.

Jurgen Moltmann wrote “Miracles are the healing of the natural world they are not intrusions on it.”

All specialized people from tradespeople to brain surgeons go through a process of apprenticeship.

The master guides the apprentice through four stages of apprenticeship:

I do you watch

I do you help

You do I help

You do I watch

So when we study the teachings, the actions and the rhythms of Jesus — it is not just for increased understanding, but so that we can live a life like Jesus.

How would Jesus live if he had my gender, race, place, personality, age, life stage, job, resources and address? How would he show up in the world? How would he handle _____________” p. 123

Observe the Movements of Jesus in Mark Passage

Jesus taught in the Synagogue with authority. And demonstrated authority over unclean spirits

(Beware Chronological Snobbery — The victory cross, and illnesses mental or otherwise do not tend to engage with people)

Jesus went to stay with his disciples — into a real home with real problems. Jesus did not restrict himself to ideal places. Jesus goes where there is suffering. Jesus also welcomes those who come to him in need.

Then Jesus rests and retreats. He makes time for solitude, stillness, seeking the will and strength of God. Then Jesus goes out again with purpose.

His will is to heal, to cleans, to restore people in community.

What are the Rhythms of the Jesus life?

1. Make Space for the Gospel — through hospitality ( Eating! building of relationship)

Wycliffe could not wait for dinner time to know people

Jesus ate with people that others would not dream of eating. Why do you eat with sinners and tax collectors? Because it is the ill who need a doctor. I have called these people to repentance.

We are to invite everyone in friendship offering community, food, shelter and provision.

Work the room at coffee hour. Look for the one who is alone.

2 Preach the Gospel. No soap box required. Through friendship witness what Jesus means to you. Invite people to church, Bible Study, prayer group, Alpha.

3. Participate in What God is already doing.

4. Live a beautiful life. Practice sabbath. Share meals with others. Honour your spouse, be generous to your neighbour.

Complimentary Church

We are the body of Christ in this world. We are called to this Gospel life movement in community.

We will each have a smidgeon of God’s heart laid upon ours that will allow the church members to complement one another in the imitation of Jesus.

A common approach — Contemplatives in Action. We apprentice under our Rabbi and we live in accordance to his will.

WWJDIHWM?

You are the only Bible many people will ever read

Does the way in which we live our lives demonstrate the life of Jesus?

Are we agents of healing? Do we convey Shalom? Wholeness? Peace? Do we practice hospitality to the outsider inviting them to experience the love of Jesus? Do we reach out to the lonely?

How would Jesus live were he you? Imagine this! It is through you, your circumstances that Jesus wants to heal the world.