When Jesus said, "No!"
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· 8 viewsChristians must live intentional lives for Christ.
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Introduction
Introduction
The Bible is a book like no other. Within its pages are found promises and warnings, stories of triumph and stories of defeat, moments of great joy and moments of great sorry. There are times when I put down the Bible excited to live the day for Jesus. The words of the Bible seem to be speaking directly to me and I can’t wait to see God uses them in my life that day. There are other times, however, when I put down the Bible a bit confused about what God was trying to teach me. The lesson had not been so clear and the words of Scripture seem foreign to my understanding.
o me and I can’t wait to see God use them in my life that day. There are other times I put down the Bible a bit confused about what God was trying to teach me. The lesson had not been so clear and the words of Scripture seem foreign to my understand.
This can easily happen as we read the different stories of the Bible. As we read we are trying to figure out, what was the intention of the original author? Why did they record this particular story for us? What was the big idea God is trying to teach us from the story? All of these questions, if left unanswered, can leave us a bit confused as the passages relevance to our lives.
All of these questions, if left unanswered, can leave us a bit confused as to how to live-out
The story that we are going to look at today, found in , is one of those stories. It’s a story that I’ve personally ready many times before and early on always left scratching my head asking the same question over and over again. [SLIDE - 2]
There are other times I put down the Bible a bit confused about what God was trying to teach me. The lesson had not been so clear and the words of Scripture seem foreign to my understand. This
The story that we are going to look at today, if we are not careful, can lead us to the same conclusion.
can lead us to believe the Bible is simply a history book, a collection of stories that, though interesting to read, have no real meaning on our lives. The story that we are going to look at today, if we are not careful, can lead us to the same conclusion.
It’s like a history book in that it has recorded for us the History of God’s story spanning over thousands of years. It’s a
d
There are times that I leave the Bible with a sense of great hope or peace.
What determined how Jesus spent His day?
Question: Why did Jesus sometimes stay away from people in need?
Question: Why did Jesus sometimes stay away from people in need?
Transition: Previously in the book of Luke, Jesus had just visited the Sea of Galilee. It was there He called his first disciples, fisherman by the names James and John and a man by the name of Simon Peter. He then, after some period of time, led His disciples into a nearby town.
Previously, Jesus had just visited the Sea of Galilee and called his first disciples, fisherman by the names James and John, sons of Zebedee and Simon Peter. He then, after some period of time, led His disciples into a nearby town, possibly the town of Hattim, a city just near the Sea of Galilee.
[SLIDE - 3] Listen with me as we read about an incident that occurs next:
with me in as we read this story
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
I. Needs Abound All Around you
I. Needs Abound All Around you
Jesus enters a town and it wasn’t long until Jesus was presented with someone in need. [SLIDE - 4] It makes sense because back then, like today...
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
I. Needs Abound
I. Needs Abound
[SLIDE - 3] Notice the phrase - Jesus was “in one of the towns”
To teach and preach
While in this town the oddest thing happened, Jesus met a man "covered with leprosy”
“Leprosy” = Highly contagious disease
“Full of leprosy” = Medical term for an advanced case (Luke was a physician)
It was against the law for a leper to come into a city (cf. OT laws )
Law = Wear certain clothing, keep themselves certain distance from people and cry “unclean, unclean” if someone was too close
The Jewish historian Josephus tells us lepers were forbidden to come into a city at all or live with anyone in a house
In a sense, lepers were treated as a dead person
Lepers were completely cut-off from the community
As a result, lepers were:
Completely cut-off from the community
Viewed as having been chastised by God because of moral issues by religious leaders
Yet this leper came, perhaps from his primitive dwelling in the fields to speak with Jesus
The leper ignored the OT law and fell down at Jesus feet
Look at His request of Jesus - “If you are willing, you can make me clean”
“If you are willing” = He had no doubt that Jesus could heal him, he just wasn’t sure if he would heal him
He had no doubt heard stories of Jesus’ healing others and performing miracles and does likewise
“You can make me clean” = Emphasizes fact he was completely cut-off from community and God
Connection: The leper had a specific need that he knew Jesus could meet. You yourself don’t have to look too hard to see the needs around you. Health needs, financial needs, relationship needs, spiritual Needs Abound All Around You in the lives of those you care about and within your own life as well. The sheer quantity and intensity of them can be overwhelming at times. For many of you have a deep desire, an intense longing, a divine calling on your life to help meet those needs.
You don’t have to look too hard to see the needs around you. Health needs, financial needs, relationship needs, spiritual Needs Abound All Around You in the lives of those you care about and within your own life as well. The sheer quantity and intensity of them can be overwhelming at times. For many of you have a deep desire, an intense longing, a divine calling on your life to help meet those needs.
The sheer quantity and intensity of them can be overwhelming at times. For many of you have a deep desire, an intense longing, a divine calling on your life to help meet those needs. [Slide - ] You have taken seriously Jesus command to “love your neighbor as yourself” and acknowledge that
Transition: But no matter the number or the intensity, you know that God meets needs. [SLIDE 5] And you know that...
heir intensity and quantity can be almost overwhelming as, many of you, have a deep desire and longing to help meet those needs.
Word Studies in the New Testament Chapter 5
All three evangelists say cleanse instead of heal, because of the notion of uncleanness which specially attached to this malady.
II. God Meet Needs Through His People
II. God Meet Needs Through His People
He meets others needs through His people
Jesus responds to the need in two ways:
[SLIDE - 6] Responds emotionally (only in Mark)
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”
Jesus heart broke for the leper
Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”
[SLIDE - 7] Common reaction of Jesus to hurting people
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Jesus heart still breaks for people in pain and difficulty
[SLIDE - 8] Responds with action
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
Luke
“Touched the man”
Leprosy highly contagious
People shunned lepers and safe to say nobody had touched the leper in years (speaks volumes!)
He healed the man “immediately” (cf. other miracles of Jesus - ; )
Healing was “immediate” (cf. other miracles of Jesus - ; )
Jesus’ And Healing
Pause: Jesus’ And Healing Healing was essential to the ministry of Jesus because He had the power to perform miracles. They flowed from within Him as heat from the sun, as wet from a waterfall, as dry from sirocco winds. He knew it, people sensed it, and to Him they came in droves and multitudes. In unconquered confidence, Jesus welcomed blind, crippled, leprous, even dead people into His presence. No problem loomed too great for His skill; none intimidated Him into silence. He performed all the healings we would expect since He came as God's Healer.
Healing was an essential to the ministry of Jesus for a number of reasons
He had the power to perform miracles
People came in droves and multitudes to Jesus to be healed and He performed all the healings we would expect since He came as God's Healer.
Healing was a physical symbol of forgiveness of sins found in the Gospel
Mark 2:9-11
Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Today’s New International Version Chapter 2
Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all.
But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Healing offered indisputable evidence that He is the Christ of God
John 21:30-31
John 21:30-31
Yet, Jesus primary purpose in coming to earth was not to heal the sick or perform other signs and miracles.
John 21:30-31
:30-31
These tasks, though important, were secondary to His primary mission.
Jesus primary mission on earth was to preach the Gospel (cf. )
[SLIDE - 9] Jesus told His disciples this very specifically in Capernaum, where he had healed many the day before
Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
[SLIDE - 10] It is for this reason that Jesus’ commands the leper in this:
Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
“Show yourself to the priest and offer sacrifices”
According to OT law (cf. ), the Priest acted as a kind of health inspector
If the priest was satisfied with a persons healing, a sacrifice could be offered, after which the person could take his place back in the community
Since this healing was so unusual, Jesus wanted to make sure the leper followed the proper steps so as to be accepted by the people
Connection: I believe you too want the same for those you help. Though you cannot heal people in the same manner that Jesus did here, however you meet one’s needs, I believe you want to make sure that God gets the glory. You want to remove yourself from receiving the praise and be quick to point your finger towards Jesus.
Yet, as you probably have learned over time, just because God Meets Needs Through His Peoples, it doesn’t mean you should. You’ve learned that you must show discernment when it comes to meeting a persons needs. It requires that you live with a bit more intentionality, a bit more purpose, a bit more focus on what’s important.
Transition: And this is exactly what Jesus shows us in the rest of His command to the leper. [SLIDE - 11] Jesus shows us that, if we are going to fulfill our mission to Be One/Make One, then we must...
Jesus knew that if His healing power spread, He would be constantly besieged by people needing healing
“Don’t tell anyone”
He also knew the popular some would want Jesus to be their king and overthrow the Romans that ruled over them
Jesus knew that if His healing power spread, He would be constantly besieged by people needing healing
He also knew the popular some would want Jesus to be their king and overthrow the Romans that ruled over them
When the news of Jesus' healing power spread, He was constantly besieged by people, which caused Him to have to withdraw (vs. 15-16)Popular enthusiasm that would try to make Jesus into the Messianic conqueror nationalists looked for.
Mark 1:
Luke 5:
III. Live An Intentional Life For Christ
III. Live An Intentional Life For Christ
[SLIDE - 10]
Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
“Don’t tell anyone”
Jesus knew some would want Him to be their king and overthrow the Romans that ruled over them
Jesus knew that if the word of His healing power spread, more people would come who needed Him
[SLIDE - 12] This is exactly what happened
He also knew the popular some would want Jesus to be their king and overthrow the Romans that ruled over them
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
Jesus’ request for silence was not heeded.
People came from all around, not to hear His message of forgiveness, which the healing symbolized, but to simply be healed
Can you really blame the leper?
Listen to the result
Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Jesus could no longer enter cities and towns, densely populated areas, to preach
Can you really blame the leper?
Yes, b/c He disobeyed Jesus
Yes but I understand - transformed life share with others
Yet, so many people came to Jesus, listen to what happens
So many people came to Jesus, listen to what happens
When the news of Jesus' healing power spread, He was constantly besieged by people, which caused Him to have to withdraw (vs. 15-16)Popular enthusiasm that would try to make Jesus into the Messianic conqueror nationalists looked for.
Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Jesus could no longer enter cities and towns, densely populated areas, to preach
People came from all around, not to hear His message of forgiveness, which the healing symbolized, but simply to be healed
The leper wanted people to experience physical healing but Jesus had come to bring spiritual healing
[SLIDE - 13] Therefore, Luke tells us:
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Despite the crowds following Him and His increased popularity, Jesus resolved Himself to complete the mission God had given Him
Jesus resolved Himself to complete the mission God had given Him, to pray, to be prepared inwardly and spiritually so that He coudl exercise His outward preaching ministry
He would withdraw “to pray”, to be prepared inwardly and spiritually so that He could exercise His outward preaching ministry
To prepare Himself to talk to His disciples as they ate together, traveled together and served together
Jesus was very intentional in how He used His talents and how He used His time
Jesus did naturally what Stephen Covey wrote in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. The Main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
Stephen Covey - The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. The Main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
Conclusion
Conclusion
We too must seek to live such intentional lives for Christ.
wasting our Time, Talents and Treasure on things of meaningless
Now, that can be tough. We all know that, to set-our minds to do something difficult and, without getting distracted or caught-up in the excitement, is a very difficult task. Yet, we are not talking about an exercise routine, eating diet or tangible goal.
On the contrary, we are talking about being intentional in how we invest ALL of our Time, ALL of our Talent and ALL of our Treasure for Christ. Every minute, every action or word, every bit of treasure we own, all used intentionally to Be A Disciple and Make Disciples for Jesus.
So, with such a weight of responsibility upon each of us, the question isn’t if we should be intentional but How? How can we be as intentional as Jesus did in fulfilling our mission?
It’s difficult to do when setting any time of goal (physical or the other).
to live our our God-given mission to Be One/Make One in our families, our work places and in our communities. In activities ranging from as simple as going to the grocery store to watching tv.
But how can we did in regards to spiritual matters? How? How can we be as intentional as Jesus did in fulfilling our mission?
The only question that is left to be answered is, “How. How can I live an intentional life like Jesus did.”
to complete what we set-out to do
It comes as no surprise to you when I say that we too must endeavor to live similar Intentional Lives For Christ. If you have been coming here long enough, you know that you must endeavor to use our Times, Talents and Treasure in intentional ways to fulfill our God-given mission to Be A Disciple and to Make Disciples.
is not a question of if we should live similar Intentional Lives For Christ. For, as I stated earlier, there are needs all around us, needs that you and I can meet.
What’s even more difficult is
For, as I stated earlier, there are needs all around us, needs that you and I can meet.
If you have been coming here for any length of time, you know that Jesus’ life is the example that you are to follow in how to live your life. You know that you invest your Time, Talents and Treasure in your God-given mission to Be A Disciple and Make Disciples. The one nagging question I have yet to answer is:
The question is rather, “what does this life look like?” You might be thinking, “Unless I am wrong, I don’t possess the same healing power as Jesus.”
How? How can we be as intentional as Jesus did in fulfilling our mission?
are not Jesus, you can’t heal people just with a touch of your hand nor are you preachers
question that is left to be answered is, “How. How can I live an intentional life like Jesus did.”
he only question that is left to be answered is, “How. How can I live an intentional life like Jesus did.”
Corporately, this is a question that we at Bethany Church are going to be very careful to answer in 2019. As Pastors, we have already spent much time this Fall looking into the New Year and answering this question. It is a question I am going to ask each Staff member to think about in regards to the separate ministries they oversee. And if you are a Ministry Leader, I will be personally meeting with you all this January to seek to answer that question.
Personally, may I challenge you to do two things over and over again during this New Year to help you live an Intentional Life for Christ. Two principles that Jesus modeled in His life on earth and were written down by Stephen Covey 2,000 years later:
Personally, may I challenge you to do two things over and over again during this New Year to help you live an Intentional Life for Christ. Two principles that Jesus modeled in His life on earth and were written down by Stephen Covey 2,000 years later:
[SLIDE - 14]
Prayerfully - Schedule your priorities, not prioritize what is on your schedule
Priorities are how you are Growing As A Disciple and Making Disciples - comes before and infuses everything
Prayerfully- Keep the main thing the main thing
The Main Thing = Jesus
As you do this, as you intentionally seek to put Christ first, may God give you the discernment you need as you follow Him. May He lead you to the needs he desires you to meet and the people He desires you show His love too. May He do all this as we seek to build a life for Him.
Pray
Pray
as they think about the ministry we oversee and ask ourselves How? If you are a Ministry Leader, I will be
[SLIDE - 14]
Prayerfully - Schedule your priorities, not prioritize what is on your schedule
If you have been coming here for any length of time, you know that Jesus’ life is the example that you are to follow in how to live your life. You know that you invest your Time, Talents and Treasure in your God-given mission to Be A Disciple and Make Disciples. The one nagging question I have yet to answer is:
Priorities are how you are Growing As A Disciple and Making Disciples - comes before and infuses everything
Don’t allow yourself to get lock
Prayerfully- Keep the main thing the main thing
Jesus did naturally what Stephen Covey wrote in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. The Main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
The Main Thing = Jesus
We must endeavor to not allow ourselves to get side-tracked, neglecting our God-given mission to Be One/Make One
“What does this life look like?”
wasting our Time, Talents and Treasure on things of meaningless
to live our our God-given mission to Be One/Make One in our families, our work places and in our communities. In activities ranging from as simple as going to the grocery store to watching tv.
You may not
Not allow ourselves ourselves to get distracted by not just notoriety and fame like Jesus did, through social media ut also
Being intentional to use your Time, Talents and Treasure wisely
As a Church,
As you do this, as you intentionally seek to put Christ first, may God give you the discernment you need as you follow Him. May He lead you to the needs he desires you to meet and the people He desires you show His love too. May He do all this as we seek to build a life for Him.
Such a life will