HAS GOD SPOKEN TO US? PART I

HAS GOD SPOKEN TO US?

            COVID-19 Pandemic has caused such havoc worldwide. To say that we are living in uncertain times is an understatement. There is much fear, confusion, and conflicting voices. It is hard to discern who is telling the truth and who is misleading us. Whose voice should we believe or whose voice should we reject? While some countries are still struggling to bring this virus under control, strangely, others are eager to get back to business as usual.

            Does anyone know what our post-COVID-19 world is going to be like? Would it be a better world or worse than before? One would hope that we will live in a better world since we have lived through this Pandemic. That is only our Hope, but no one can tell it for sure, can they?

            When all around you is gloomy and depressing, where do you look, or who do you look to for better things? Last Sunday, we looked at what Mary found in her quest for happiness. She found the better part of the deal that was Jesus Christ, our Lord, and His words.

            Our former president Barack Obama in his book, “The Audacity of Hope,” notes, “Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of Hope! In the end, that is God’s greatest gift to us...A belief in things not seen. A belief that there are better days ahead.”

            Yes, indeed, there are better things and days ahead. In general, for all those who are always in search of better things, I invite you to journey with me through a Biblical book named Hebrews, as some suggested, “The Book of Better Things.”

            For the next few weeks, we will dig more in-depth into the mine of God’s words found in the book of Hebrews. This book is laden with rich theology. My prayer is that as we study it personally, and during our Live-Stream services, we will discover the truth. We will hear His voice, about his plan of salvation and how we are to live in this world as people of the New Covenant. This morning I want to address this BIG question: Has God spoken to Us? If so, when, how, why, where, and through whom? What do we know about the Book of Hebrews?

I. INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWS

            The author of Hebrews is unknown. Some suggest Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Luke, Philip, Priscilla, Aquila, etc. But no one knows for sure who wrote it. The author appeared to be well versed in the Old Testament, especially with the book of Leviticus. He was familiar with temple practices, Levitical priesthood, and the sacrificial system as they were the customs of that day.

            The author wanted to reassure Jewish believers that their faith in Jesus as Messiah was secure and reasonable. He tried to prepare them for the impending disaster. The temple, with its attendant animal sacrifices, would soon be destroyed by the Romans, just as Jesus predicted. Hebrews may have been written before the fall of Jerusalem in A.D 70.

            The author shows the contrast between the imperfect and incomplete provisions of the Old Covenant, given under Moses, and the infinitely better provisions of the New Covenant offered through Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Included in the better “provisions” are a better hope, testament, promise, sacrifice, substance, country, and resurrection. Let’s move into our text.

            Remember the BIG question we are dealing with today is, Has God Spoken to Us? When I say “us,” I am referring to people in general, the people of God, and also our country, the U.S. The author opens the first chapter with these words, “Long ago God spoke.”

            These words come with a conviction based on evidence. They leave no room for skepticism whether or not there is a God, and even if so, He speaks to humanity. I don’t want to spend time here proving to us that the God we come to love, serve, and follow is a God who speaks to us. Instead, I will look at where, how, and through whom He has spoken to us.

I. HAS GOD SPOKEN TO US? 

            Vs. 1-2 “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.”

            To unpack these two verses, we have to go back and visit the history of 1,800 years (from Job 2200 B.C to Nehemiah 400 B.C. Which means visiting the historical locations, cultures, and situations in which God spoke to His people. For want of time, the author simply concluded long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.

              Before we look at how God used His prophets to communicate His truth, I want us to look at His general way of communication with his people. How does God speak to us? Because God created us, each one uniquely different, He doesn’t communicate to all of us the same way. That’s why the author says, “God spoke many times and in “many ways.” However, based on the scriptures, we could narrow down God’s prime modes of communication to eight different ways.

II. EIGHT WAYS OF GOD’S COMMUNICATION

            1. God speaks to us through His creation. 2 God speaks to through the visitation of His angels. 3. Through dreams and visions. 4. Through circumstances. 5 Through prophets. 6. Through His Son Jesus Christ. 7. Through the Holy Spirit. 8. Through His written and spoken word. When I began to dwell on the first two verses of Chapter one, I didn’t know where I was going with it, but I had a deep sense in my heart that God was leading me as I pondered.

            If I want to do justice to these eight ways of communication, we need more than eight weeks. My prayer is that you will begin your journey to discover the voice of God through the pages of God’s Word, as amid conflicting views and confusion, we need to discern what God is saying to us and hold on to it firmly. So, let’s get started and see how far we will go with it.

1. God speaks to us through His creation:

            We are in springtime. Unfortunately, we are in a lockdown situation where we can’t go out and enjoy the life of nature that is budding all around us. As I walk with my wife, we admire the blossoms of forsythia, daffodils, azaleas, tulips, and hear the soothing sound of birdsong.

            When we look at dramatic sunsets and starlit nights with a bright moon, we cannot but marvel at the beautiful creation of God.  How did this all come about?  The Genesis account speaks to us, “God spoke, and everything came into existence out of nothing.”        Therefore, nature recognizes its creator and aptly returns praise and glory to the one who created them. God uses His creation to speak to us of His beautiful and marvelous deeds. The scriptures talk about nature declaring the Glory of God. Consider these scriptures: Psalm 19:1-4, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day, they continue to speak; night after night, they make him known.

            They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.” God has mercifully brought this crazily out of control world to a grinding halt through Corona Virus. Perhaps thinking that we might slow down and pay attention to God’s beautiful world around us and stand in awe of Him.

            But how often do we just go through the motions without once marveling at the beauty around us? How often do we stop and consider the majesty of God in little and big things? Psalm 66:4, “Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.” Romans 1:20, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

            Despite living in God’s beautiful world, if skeptics still say there is no God, they will have no excuse for their ignorance. Are you one of those skeptics? Seek for God’s mercy. God has spoken and is still speaking to us today through his creation. What more can I say about the lessons of trust, hard work, and not to worry that He wants us to learn His creation? Are you looking for a word from God during this COVID-19? Pause and listen to His Creation! Amen!

Choosing The Better Part

CHOOSING THE BETTER PART! (Luke 10:38-42)

Introduction:  Americans, in general, are goal-driven and result oriented. That makes them busy people. Do these words sound familiar? "Go faster. Do more. Hustle! Hustle even more. In other words, we are a people of "Hustle and Bustle." Slowing down doesn't come naturally to us. We boast in multi-tasking and always seem to be preoccupied with the next thing.

            Then came COVID-19, we can debate on whether it is the mercy of God or the wrath of God, but in a matter of time literally, almost everything in the USA and around the world came to a grinding halt. We are forced to slow down. In the USA, we have been in lockdown mode for over a month now. It is getting on our nerves, and we want to get back to normal again.

            One would think during this lockdown phase; we would have more time to read God's Word, pray, and reflect on what truly matters. But you and I know that is not what is happening with us, right? Instead of slowing down, we have become busier than before, more preoccupied with the daily news, and checking the Facebook posts.

            Even Pastors have become overly occupied with how to put up the art live streaming service. I didn't realize how preoccupied I was until a couple of days ago when I was confronted by my loving family, who were concerned about my non-involvement at home. Though I was present physically, mentally, and emotionally, I was not available to them.

            I became defensive and justified my lack of presence by attributing to my busyness in sermon preparation and getting ready for the Sunday service. Their gentle but firm confrontation made me hit a pause button. What would please Jesus more? Does my spending more time preparing a good sermon or being at the feet of Jesus and enjoy the time with my family?

            What would be a better choice? If Jesus were to visit our lockdown homes today, I wonder what he would say of our preoccupation with the concerns and worries of life? What would he say about our troubled and crazily busy lives? Let's look at Jesus's visit to a Home.

Background: At the beginning of Luke ten, Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples to preach the gospel in the villages where he was about to go. He also told them wherever they went, and in whomever home, they stayed, they were not to hesitate to accept hospitality. The disciples were to go out and heal the sick and tell the people that the Kingdom of God was at hand.

I. WHAT DOES TRULY MATTER? (Luke 10:16-20)

            The seventy-two disciples kept themselves busy casting out demons, healing the sick and preaching the good news of the gospel. Now it was reporting time. They came back to Jesus with glowing reports, saying, "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name." They must have been genuinely excited about their new open doors and opportunities for ministry.

            For the disciples, it was all about what they could do for Jesus in His name. Jesus wants to bring the focus right back to them, so he said, "Don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." It was not to pour water on their fire but to make them understand what matters in the end. For Jesus, not so much what they did for Him, mattered but that they belonged to Him. Jesus still cares for the same that we belong to Him.  

            Then he travels with them to Jerusalem. As they came to Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. The household of Mary, Martha, and their brother John were friends of Jesus. To offer hospitality to a famous teacher was considered an honor in those days. Let's observe how both these sisters responded to Jesus' visit to their home. Martha got busy putting up a big dinner on the table according to their custom.

            Whereas Mary sat at the Lord's feet. Because women were expected to fulfill domestic responsibilities, Martha got distracted by the cultural expectations. Martha may have thought it was unfair for her to do all the work while her sister was simply sitting at the feet of Jesus. That must have made Martha very upset, so she came to Jesus and complained.

            Vs. 40, "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." Marth might have thought, Jesus would scold my sister Mary and put her in place. Instead, Jesus had exposed what truly was going on in Martha's life.

II WHAT ARE YOU FUSSING OVER?

            Vs. 41, "But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! "The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much, and getting yourself worked up over nothing."(The Message). The Lord did not condemn Martha for her lavish preparations that went into getting a great meal ready. But he addressed her worry, upsetness, distractions, and her misplaced priorities. Do we have some Marthas among us?

            Martha, in this story, represents all those who are overly busy, preoccupied, anxious over many things, and those who are "fussing far too much and getting themselves worked up over nothing." In other words, Martha was a prototype of a workaholic.

            Isn't that what is true of many of us? We take pride in what we do and how much we do, even it means what we do for God. Whether you like it, or not we all can get wrapped up in what I call a "Martha's Syndrome." Is that how God wants us to live the rest of our lives, fussing over nothing? Or is there a better way to live our lives? It looks like Mary chose the better part.

III CHOOSING THE BETTER PART Vs. 42

            Vs.42 "There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (NIV). What a powerful affirmation of our Lord over what Mary has chosen! Even better was that what she has chosen will not be taken away from her. Two sisters, one visitor, and two approaches to the same visitor. Martha may have sincerely thought she could please the Lord with her excellent hospitality.

            Mary, on the other hand, took up the posture of a disciple who sits at the feet of his master and learns from Him. I believe that should be the right posture of every believer of Christ. 

In her preoccupation with putting up a good meal for Jesus, Martha misses the opportunity to listen and learn from the direct wisdom of Jesus.

            Mary simply chose to be with Jesus and sit at his feet and listen to his teachings. For which the Lord commended her, saying, "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." What was the better part for Mary? It was to be with Jesus and listen to his life, giving words. She couldn't get enough of the words of life; she desired more of Jesus.

            From this story, we can learn what truly matters. Being with Jesus matters more than being busy for Jesus. King David pondered on God's love and reveled in his presence. Psalm 36: 7-9, "How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. 8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. 9 For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see." Psalm 36:79

            We are living in tough times. I know this lockdown is getting on all our nerves. Some of you may be reaching a breaking point; Jesus is inviting you to come and hang out with Him. Make Jesus your quarantine buddy. He is asking you to drink from the fountain of life and live.

            What are you anxious about and fussing over? What is hindering you from spending quality time with Jesus? Some of you may need to stop checking your cellphone constantly. Some of you may have to get out of Facebook and start reading the Bible. Some of you may have to reduce your TV watching and spend time with Jesus. You can either make this lockdown annoying and frustrating or turn it into a blessed time of connecting with Jesus. The choice is yours.  When we draw near to God, He has promised to draw near to us. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her, what will you choose? Amen!

             

             

 

Beyond The Empty Tomb

BEYOND THE EMPTY TOMB John 20:19-23

Introduction: We want to begin this morning, where we ended on Good Friday. After Jesus died on the cross, two of his secret disciples, a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea and a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, took him down from the cross and put him in the tomb of Joseph. By doing so, they fulfilled a prophecy by Isaiah, which reads, "He had done no wrong

 and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave." Isaiah 53:9 It will be interesting to note the turn of events that happened afterward.

            Imagine you were a follower of Jesus, and you had just seen him crucified. You saw where they laid him. You saw the stone that had been rolled over the tomb. You saw the seal that the soldiers placed over the stone forbidding anyone to open the tomb. Imagine the confusion and the grief you experience, knowing that your best friend was now dead.

            Imagine hiding away in a locked room for three days, thinking that the soldiers might also be coming for you. Then, one morning, there is banging on the door. Who could it be? Soldiers, maybe. You look hesitantly.  Not soldiers but some women other followers of Jesus had come to your door and inform you that something has happened.

            They were hysterical and talking way too fast. They pull you out of the house still in your nightclothes. They lead you to Jesus' tomb, and you can barely believe your eyes. The stone is rolled away, you look inside, and it is empty. Then you remember. Jesus said this was going to happen. He said he would die, and then on the third day, he would be resurrected. You remember. Jesus is indeed alive. Jesus rose from the dead as He had promised.

            We have heard that story all our lives! We sing, "Up from the grave He arose. We all shout, "He is Risen and Risen Indeed." However, our focus today is not the tomb being empty, but what happened, "Beyond the Empty Tomb." What was life like for the disciples after having lived with Jesus for three and a half years? Let's pick our story from here. John 20:1-23

I. HE HAS RISEN!

            According to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "The Old Testament day begins at evening and ends with the going down of the sun. It is the time of expectation. The day of the New Testament church begins with the break of day and ends with the dawning fulfillment, the resurrection of the Lord."[1] Sunday, the day of resurrection, is truly the "eighth day of creation."

            Let me summarize the events that took place on the First resurrection Day. Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb, and after seeing the stone was rolled away, runs back to Simon and the other disciple whom Jesus loved. John outruns Peter to the tomb and sees the linen was neatly folded and believes that Jesus has risen.

            Mary stood outside the tomb, weeping. Her heartache was probably because of fear, frustration, and sheer exhaustion. Jesus comes to her and asks her, "Dear woman, why are you crying, and who are you looking for? She mistook Jesus for the gardener and said, "Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him."

            Can you imagine the tenacity of this woman who so desperately wanted Jesus' dead body? Instead, Jesus gave her his living appearance. He revealed himself by addressing her name by his tender and loving voice, "Mary!" That was it; for Mary, nothing needed to convince her that her beloved Lord was alive, so she turned to him and cried out, Rabboni."

            Jesus said, "Don't cling to me," probably applying some social distancing! Two people, two different approaches, but reached the same conclusion. Jesus Has Risen!

             For John, it was his mind, and for Mary, it was the matter of her heart, for John seeing is believing, whereas, for Mary, hearing is believing.[2] Some of us need to apply their minds as John did, and others need to open their hearts as Mary did, then only you will be able to know and see the Risen Lord.

II. JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES

            After a personal encounter with the risen Lord, Mary was given a specific message that Jesus was raised from the dead, and he was going ahead of them to Galilee, where they could meet Him. It was Sunday evening. The disciples were in total lockdown, hiding behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.

            This reminds me of our current situation, where along with the rest of the world, God's people, including the followers of Christ, are in lockdown conditions. It pains my heart that we can't even gather in our churches to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Just like the disciples, we too are afraid not so much of authorities but of an unseen enemy called COVID-19.

            Into their frightful situation, despite locked doors suddenly, Jesus made his appearance. In the same manner, Jesus can walk right into your fearful situation, and nothing can stop Him from doing so because He was and Is and always will be all-powerful! Glory to God!

            As Jesus appeared among the disciples, the very first words he uttered were, Peace Be with You.".  Hear Jesus, say that to you today!  We need to hear them more than ever in our times today. Leaders in their countries are trying hard to bring back the peace that has been lost due to COVID-19, but can they honestly? It is only possible through our risen Lord Jesus Christ.

            Listen to what he said before he went through the most horrible death on the cross. "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27. The gift of the risen Christ to the world is His peace of mind and heart. His words to the fearful hearts are, “Fear Not For I am With You.”

            As he had promised now, Jesus gave them His peace that surpasses all human understanding. As he spoke, he also revealed the wounds in his hands and side, which filled the hearts of disciples with joy. He assured them again with these words, "Peace be with you."

III BEYOND THE EMPTY TOMB (Vs. 21-23)

            We are now no longer at the Empty Tomb; we are with Jesus standing among the disciples behind the locked doors. Let's pay close attention to what Jesus was saying to His disciples, which changed their direction forever that might change our path as well. Jesus calmed the fears of the disciples, and once they were settled, before they could get too comfortable, He said, "As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." What powerful words of Commission!

            A pastor friend of mine wrote an entire book based on this sentence titled, "The Sent One." I would love for us to study that book at some point. For now, let's think about what it means, "As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." Let me read from my friend's book.        "Repeatedly, Jesus spoke of Himself as the One sent by the Father, and repeatedly He observed that His disciples believed that He had been sent. For Jesus, being sent was and is fundamental to His identity: He was the "Sent-One." This was His mission, and I use this word deliberately, "for mission" is derived from the Latin verb "to send."[3]

             

            On this Easter Sunday morning our focus is not on the cross, not on the tomb and not even on the empty tomb. Our focus is and always should be on what is beyond the empty tomb. What is beyond the tomb is not yet completed Mission of Jesus Christ Our Risen Lord which is to save the sinners. How could the disciples of Jesus Christ carry out that great mission?

            They needed the power of the Holy Spirit so, Jesus breathed on the fearful disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” We too need the Holy Spirit. Today we are celebrating the victory of Jesus in our locked down churches. But I believe sooner than later we will reopen the doors of our Churches. Let no fear and no locked doors keep us down. As the father has sent Him, Jesus is sending us into the world to fulfill His  mission to preach the good news. Amen!         

           

           

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[1] Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, John W. Doberstein, tr. (New York; Har-per & Row, Publishers, 1954), p.40

[2] Stan Johnson, “The Sent One.” Page 298

[3] Stan John Son, The Sent One, Page 25

Setting The Prisoners Free

SETTING THE PRISONERS FREE!

(A Good Friday Meditation) Luke 4:18-19, 23:1-25

Introduction: For the next few moments together, I want us to reflect on the Cross and What Christ has done for us. A few months back, my daughter and I watched a powerful movie called "Just Mercy. "Here is a touching line by Michael B Jordan, in that movie, "The closer we get to mass incarceration and extreme levels of punishment, the more I believe it's necessary to recognize that we all need mercy, we all need justice, and perhaps we all need some measure of unmerited grace. I don't know about you, but more than ever before, I am reminded of my great need for God's love, mercy, and grace. Do you feel that way too?

            Let me lead you to the Cross, where you will meet Jesus, who was falsely accused of the things that he did not do. He was unjustly convicted and crucified as a criminal without a proper trial. Even amid severe opposition and searing pain of crucifixion, Jesus never lost sight of His mission of "Setting the Prisoners Free." Let's explore his mission

I JESUS' EARTHLY MISSION (Luke 4:14-22)

            Before we end up at the Cross, we want to start where and how Jesus' mission of setting the prisoners began. It all started in the wilderness. After coming out of forty days of fasting and temptation, Jesus began His ministry by calling people to turn away from sin and turn to God because the Kingdom of heaven was near. The reports of him spread quickly throughout the region. He regularly taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

            Yet he did not let the praises of people get to his head; he remained focused and steady on his mission for which he was sent from heaven. On one of those trips, he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home. He went as usual to the Synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read. This indicates that Jesus kept up his Sabbath. On that Sabbath Day, Jesus clarified his mission by referring to Isaiah's prophecy.

            Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed."

            This prophecy had a twofold implication. Freedom for the captives and the release of prisoners in the ancient Near East often meant, "the freeing of prisoners (from debtors' prison) as an act of justice often occurred in the first or second year of a new king's reign and then periodically after that. There was a record of such cancellation of financial debt by the Babylonian king Ammisaduqa in the seventh century.

            The first implication of the prophecy for Isaiah's listeners was the imminent and literal freedom of the Israelites from their Babylonian captivity and the forgiveness of the debt they owed their captors." The second implication has to do with freedom from spiritual and moral bondage to sin and death and the ultimate deliverance.

            Jesus reiterates his mission, Luke 4:18. "The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free."

            After saying that, he rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down.  All people looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. "The scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day! Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips."

           

            Don't be fooled by their compliments and praises. The same crowd who were fascinated by his words, a few Sabbaths later turned on him with utter disgust and hatred and wanted him to be crucified. How did Jesus go about fulfilling his mission of setting the prisoners free? We are not talking here about pardoning and releasing the convicted criminals who are serving in jail.

            There is greater imprisonment of sin, which leads to eternal death. Jesus came to set us free from sin and all of its implications in our lives. He has come to set us free from our fears, anxieties, and the influence of the evil one. Let's see how he went about setting people free.

II. FREEDOM & RESTORATION

             We read in Luke chapter four, leaving the village of Nazareth he went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee there he kept his teaching in the Synagogue every Sabbath day. People were amazed by the authority and power by which he healed many sick people and set free many who were possessed by demons. Here is Jesus' encounter with a demoniac man in Luke 8^th Chapter.

            A demoniac approached Jesus in the region of Gerasene. It was said of him that he was possessed by demons, and for a long time, he had been homeless, naked, and living in a cemetery outside the town. He was controlled by evil spirits. The power of the evil spirits was such that even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon's power.

            Here Jesus engaged this man who was under such powerful evil influence. Jesus demanded, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, for he was filled with many demons. Jesus gives a command to the demons to leave the man and enter a herd of pigs nearby. The demons leave the man and join an estimated amount of 2000 pigs drowning them in the lake.

            Jesus not only freed the man from the clutches of demons but also restored his dignity by giving him a new life. But the villagers were upset probably because of their financial loss. The freed-up man wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus told him to go back to his family and tell them what God has done for him. So, he went all through the town, proclaiming what Jesus had done for him Those who are truly set free by Jesus; want to go around and tell others of what God has done for them.  Here are the two other incidents of people who were set free by Jesus.

III. JESUS'TRIAL BEFORE PILATE (Luke 23)

            The setting has changed. It is no longer a Synagogue, but it was the council before Pilate, the Roman governor. They stated their case: "This man has been leading our people astray by telling them not to pay their taxes to the Roman government and by claiming he is the Messiah, a King." So, Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus replied, you had said it."

            After sending Jesus back and forth between him and Herod, Pilate concluded to flog Jesus and release him." The crowds once enamored by Jesus' every word, and the groups that shouted Hosanna, Hosanna! Now changed their tune and began to cry, "Kill him and release Barabbas to us." Really! Did they have any clue of what they were asking?  

            Barabbas was a notorious murderer and serving a death sentence in prison. The crowds wanted a criminal to be released and an innocent to be killed. Pilate tried to release Jesus, but he couldn't succeed in the end, he gave in to the crowd's wish and delivered Jesus to be crucified. 

            It was not the wish of people that delivered Jesus to the crucifixion and released to Barabbas to freedom, but it was God's grace. So even in his unfair trial, Jesus became a cause of freedom for a convicted murderer. Now Jesus was in his final moments of completing his mission and was hanging on the Cross. Two other convicted criminals were on either side of him. One was a hardened criminal, while the other was broken and repentant.

            The second thief cried out for God's mercy, and Jesus set him free from his sin and granted him a place in heaven. His mission was what led him to the Cross, where he died. But he did not stay there, he rose from the dead on the third day. By doing so, he broke the power of sin, which is death. Oh, dear friend, can you see what Christ has done for you on the Cross? I invite you to come to the Cross on this Good Friday, where you will receive forgiveness from your sins, and freedom from your bondage to fear. Come Lord Jesus and set your people free. Amen!

           

Who Is This Man?

WHO IS THIS MAN? (Matthew 21:1-10)

Introduction:  This morning, we turn our focus from an unknown and unseen virus to a mysterious man. You might be wondering who this strange man is? Well, to find out who he is, we must travel back into the near and ancient history and find out who he was.

 

I. His Birth…

            His birth was questionable and happened under unusual circumstances. His mother was a teenager when she conceived him under the power of the Holy Spirit. Some theologians call it "The Immaculate Conception." His birth was announced first to a group of innocent pageants who were taking care of their sheep in the field of Palestine.

             A star in the East directed a group of royal astrologers first to a palace in Jerusalem then to a house where the child was. These wise men offered expensive gifts and bowed before him in his honor. The King and the entire city of Jerusalem were troubled by his birth.  Are you wondering who this man was who commanded such respect and caused terror to some?

II. His Childhood & Adult years...

            At age twelve, he challenged the wisdom of the learned in the temple of Jerusalem. But he was obedient to his parents in learning his father's trade of carpentry and helping his mother in household chores. At age thirty, he was baptized in the river of Jordan.

            After gathering a group of twelve other men, he went around the region of Galilee, healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the hungry, loving the outcast, and raising the dead. He preached a straightforward yet powerful message, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Who was this man, are you still wondering?

III His Call & Carrier…

            He was a terror to the establishment. He was the cause of a revolution. Scholars couldn't stand his wisdom and authority and wondered, saying, "Is he not the carpenter's son? His mother, brothers, and sisters thought he was out of his mind, and they tried to take charge of him. His opponents couldn't tolerate his popularity, so they labeled him," drunkard, glutton and demon-possessed, yet the demons were fully aware who he was and obeyed Him.

            For his followers, he was their beloved, deliverer, teacher, Lord, and even God. For the crowds, he was a miracle worker, healer, and provider of food. They wanted him to be their King and rule them.  For sinners he was a friend. How strange some people's behavior is? When their wish is met, they hail you as King; if not, they will nail you as a criminal.

            Are you still wondering who this man was and is? Let's follow a group of people who were coming out of the fields. I see them waving freshly cut palm branches in their hands. They are laying their garments on the road, and amid the crowds, I see a gracious man riding on a donkey. I hear the crowds shouting in Jubilance. Let's pay close attention to their shouting.

           

            Matthew 21:9, "Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, "Praise (Hosanna, literally means "save now." God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in the highest heaven!"         

             The crowds saw a prophetic fulfillment in Jesus, and they shouted in Jubilance, whereas the citizens of Jerusalem may have seen him as a threat. In their astonishment, they said, "Who is this?" The crowds replied in Vs. 11, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

            The crowds gave away the answer to who this mysterious man is? He is Jesus. The crowds saw Jesus as a king and a prophet. Zechariah 9:9, "Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey riding on a donkey's colt."

            As they saw Jesus coming on a donkey, they perhaps thought here is our King from the family of David. He is going to deliver us finally from the tyranny of the Roman empire and establish his Kingdom of Peace and Prosperity. Were they wrong to think that way?

            Probably not, if you and I were in their place, perhaps we too might feel that way. It is all about perception. The way you see Jesus determines your response or lack thereof to him.

IV. How He was Perceived by others…

            For the next few moments, let's look at how in the past, some angels, people, and including the devil perceived Jesus. And how their perception dictated their response.  When Jesus was born, the angels declared, "The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!" Luke 2:11.

            John the Baptist inquired, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?" After seeing the miracles, the crowds wondered, "Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?" Matt12:23. Here is an interesting admission by the devil himself. During Jesus ‘forty days of fasting and temptation, the devil tempted Him three times, saying, "If you are the son of God? Matt 4:1-7.

            Zacchaeus climbed a tree because he wanted to see who Jesus was. Jesus came to where he was and revealed His true nature and his purpose of coming. Luke 19:3 After seeing Jesus rebuking a sudden storm with three words, "Silence! Be Still," his disciples were amazed and asked one another, "Who is this, man?" Matthew 4:41.

            A woman with a chronic issue of blood saw Jesus as a healer and thought If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed." Immediately the bleeding stopped." Mark 5:28-29. Yet a lot of people misunderstood who he was and even challenged His authority. At a dinner table, Jesus forgave a woman of her sins who was perceived by others as a sinner.

            His power to forgive sins caused a stir among the guests; they said among themselves, "Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?" Luke 7:49. In an even more sinister way, the teachers of the law misinterpreted his authority to forgive sins. The said to themselves, "Who does he think he is? That's blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!" Luke 5:21.

V. How he was perceived by His followers…

            On one occasion, Jesus wanted to find out what the crowds were thinking about him. So, he called his disciples and asked them, "Who do people say I am?" "Well," they replied,

             "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead." Then came one of the most challenging questions by Jesus, followed by a well thought out response by Peter, who was considered to be hasty. Jesus asked, "But who do you say I am? "Peter replied, "You are the Messiah sent from God! “Let’s pause here and think it over again, "Jesus is the Messiah sent from God."

            All our questions and quests of wanting to know and see who this Jesus is, must lead us to one and only one conclusion, that is "Jesus is the Messiah or Christ both means, "The anointed One."

VI. Who Is This Man?

            On this Palm Sunday, are you wondering who this Jesus is? How do you perceive Jesus? Do you see him only as a good moral teacher, a miracle worker? Or do you see him as the Messiah, the one sent from God to save sinners like you and me?

            Your perception determines your response, and your answer determines your future. We are here to help you respond rightly and secure hopeful eternity. One of the things Jesus said, when he was on the earth, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6 We are living in uncertain times. 

            There are hopelessness and death all around us. We once thought we were invincible but not anymore. We only have wishes but no guarantees. In the midst of such despair and helplessness, Jesus promises the hope of eternal life. Do you know where you will spend your eternity if you were to die today? Do you have the assurance that you will go to heaven?

            If you don't, you can find that hope today as the scripture says, "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 On the first Palm Sunday the crowds shouted, Hosanna (save us now) for Jesus to save them. On this Palm Sunday, I encourage you if you haven't yet been saved, shout Hosanna to Jesus; He will come to you and save you and fill your heart with Peace and Joy. Amen!