Would Christ be Welcome in your Home?

Introduction:

This morning we will begin a new Series called Home. Where we will explore Christ in the home. In our evening services we will continue with the book of Philippians.

The title of this morning’s message is “Would Christ be welcome in your home?” .

A common wall plaque found in souvenir shops has an inscription: OUR HOUSE IS OPEN TO GOD, FRIENDS, GUESTS, AND SUNSHINE. That is a pleasant thought. Would Christ be welcome in your home today?

Christ was welcome in the home of the two disciples who lived in Emmaus.

Luke 24:28–29 NIV

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

The Christ who revealed himself to be alive to those early disciples lives today and wants to come into your home just as he came into their home.

At the home of Peter, Christ healed Peter’s mother-in-law.

Mark 1:29–31 NIV

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

He also encouraged hope and delivered those who were under the control of demons. He revealed who he was and what he had come to accomplish.

Christ was also welcome in the home of Zacchaeus.

Luke 19:1–10 NIV

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

In his home Christ was self-invited guest who came to make some changes in Zacchaeus and his household. Zacchaeus listened and responded and rejoicced over the greatest changes that came about because of Christ’s presence.

The New Testament records three visits of Jesus to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus There were probably more.

Jesus’ three visits

These three visits of our Lord to the home of his friends were typical but also significant.

Jesus came to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus on a casual occasion when he was unexpected.

Luke 10:38–42 NLT

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

A. We know that Jesus was unexpected on this occasion because Martha would have had things ready if she had known he was coming. Like we all would when we are expecting guests and or loved ones.

Perhaps Jesus was self-invited guest on this occasion as the living demonstration of the grace of God. We can assume that Jesus invited Himself into the homes of people, by doing so, He could bring God’s blessings to them.

Perhaps Jesus had a standing invitation at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. It would be beautiful to think that he did.

B. Jesus came to the house of Mary, Martha and Lazarus at a time of sorrow. (John 11:1-44)

On this occasion Jesus demonstrated his resurrection power and called Lazarus forth from the grave and restored a beloved brother to his grief-stricken sisters.

C. Jesus came to this home in a time of celebration.

John 12:1–3 NIV

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Mary and Martha were preparing a feast for their friends, and Jesus was invited. It was indeed a happy time, and a festive spirit prevailed.

Do we forget or ignore the Christ in our times of celebration and happiness? By all means, we should invite him on such occasions.

The Purpose of Jesus’ visits

Jesus came not to be served but to serve.

Mark 10:45 NLT

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus was not one to barge in a crash a party. He did not intrude where He was unwelcome. He would ever cause embarrassment .

Actually, at the wedding in Cana he provided wine for the guests so that the hosts would not embarrassed. John 2:1-11

Perhaps Jesus came into this home to fulfill personal needs.

He needed nourishment

Jesus was divine yet human and needed to be fed. On two of the occasions when He visited, we read of Him eating with His hosts.

He needed friendship. He selected the twelve apostles in order that they might be with Him.

He needed encouragement. He was aware His death was going to happen soon by crucifixion which would be humiliating and painful. The sign of the costly ointment that Mary poured on Him was a special sign of devotion that would strengthen Him as He faced death.

John 12:7 NIV

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.

Jesus came in love to tech the loving ways of God.

Mary sat at His feet and listened to Him teach while Martha prepared the meal

Luke 10:39–40 NIV

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

At some point Martha learned who Jesus really was:

John 11:27 NIV

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Jesus wants to come into our homes to teach us the loving ways of His Father.

Jesus came in to correct and rearrange priorities

Martha prepared a feast with many dishes and yet Jesus declared a simple meal was only needed.

Our lives would be more harmonious and productive if we would draw up a list of things that need to be done and arrange them in order of importance.

In your life what is of most importance?

In your family what is of most importance?

How does your life reflect this in how you spend your time?

Jesus came to express sympathy in times of sorrow John 11

Jesus came to bring power and new life

Conclusion:

The Lessons we can learn from Mary, Martha, & Lazarus visits from Jesus

Do not be worried hear what He is saying to us. Often we get so consumed with the details and to do lists in life. It makes us crazy and stressed and full of fear. Stop trying to make an impression and hear that you have a Savior who is talking to you. Stop worrying about getting it all right. He knows who we are, He knows our deepest fears, thoughts, struggles and failures. Yet He still loves us. It is Just as I am remember?

Get our priorities right.

It can become so easy for us to get wrapped up in all the things we need to do and the things that need to be accomplished that we lose sight of what the most important thing is. Isn’t it possible that we can get too wrapped up in the cares of life? Jesus makes this even more clear in the parable He told about the sower. “He who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” Matthew 13:22.

The highest priority in our lives needs to be choosing the good part, as Mary did: to learn of Jesus so that we can become like Him. It’s a love and devotion to Him that makes everything else of secondary importance. It is to seek the riches of wisdom and understanding that are in Him.

If we don’t do this, how can we follow Him, how can we be His disciples? A discipleA disciple is another word for a follower of Christ, one who is learning to be like his Master. As a disciple you follow Jesus Christ, who is the Master and by living like Him you become more like Him. (Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 2:21-22)

Take inventory of your life:

We can be in danger of falling into the same trap that Martha did. We can be so troubled by what we perceive as negative behavior in others, and become so self-righteous in our good works that we start to judge others for not doing as we do. Satan is the one behind these kinds of thoughts. He whispers lies and accusations, trying to create as much conflict as he can. His aim is to lead people as far in the opposite direction of “the good part” as he possibly can – to lead them away from Jesus. To listen to him and agree with him leads to all kinds of unrest and trouble and worry.

The wrong choice that Martha made wasn’t that she was serving and doing good. It was that in her work she had demands and criticism on Mary, rather than doing what Jesus taught herself! If we are living before the face of GodLiving before the face of God means that you do everything for Him, to carry out His will, and you seek only His approval for your actions.

Living before the face of man means that you seek the approval of other humans for your actions. (Galatians 1:10; Ephesians 6:6)... More, we have no cause to look around at what others are doing and feel that we have a right to pass judgement on them. We live in obedience to the Spirit’s promptings in our own lives, and what others do is none of our business. We don’t know how He is leading others.

Let’s rise above all the noise and pursuits of this world and seek those things which have eternal value. Like Mary, let’s find that fellowshipFellowship means communion with other Christians who are living the same life that you are. It includes mutual edification and a unity in purpose and spirit that goes far deeper than friendship or human relationships. (1 John 1:7)

We also experience fellowship with Christ when we overcome sin in the time of temptation just as He did when He was... More with the Master and with those who follow Him so that we can learn of Him and become like Him. Through the Word of God, fellowship, and prayer we become rich in our spirit, and God will give us everything we need in abundance.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Jesus was welcome in the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. The rich young man admired Jesus but neglected to welcome Him into the home of His heart. His priorities would not permit Jesus to enter in. Then we read about Zacchaeus who let Jesus into His house and allowed Him to change His whole life.

What about you?

Christ wants to come into your heart to be your Lord. In love and power, He wants to reverse some things in your life and reorganize some other things. He wants to use, enrich, and empower your life.

Is Jesus welcome in your home?

Will you let Him in?

Revelation 3:20 NIV

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Have you any room for Jesus

Have you any room for Jesus, He who bore your load of sin? As He knocks and asks admission, Sinner, will you let Him in?

Refrain: Room for Jesus, King of Glory! Hasten now His Word obey; Swing the heart’s door widely open, Bid Him enter while you may.

Room for pleasure, room for business, But for Christ the Crucified, Not a place that He can enter, In the heart for which He died?

Have you any room for Jesus, As in grace He calls again? Oh, today is time accepted, T’morrow you may call in vain.

Room and time now give to Jesus, Soon will pass God’s day of grace; Soon thy heart left cold and silent, And thy Savior’s pleading cease.