The Significance of Easter Breakfast

                                     THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EASTER BREAKFAST

            One of the indisputable facts of life is eating food. How many of you agree eating meals is essential? Important things could happen during meals. Think about your first dinner date, the excellent business deal you made over lunch, or the joyful wedding feast.

            Interestingly the scriptures talk quite a bit about meals. For example, the words: food 373, bread, 255, drink 348, feast 60, and banquet 38 times appear in the NIV Bible. That shows the importance of meals. Jesus began his ministry at a wedding feast and concluded it with a Passover meal where he shared about the New Covenant with his disciples. John 2, Luke 22. 

             Typically, we gather around breakfast and sing and reflect on the events around Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. Then we rarely talk about resurrection the rest of the year. I will talk about how Jesus used a resurrection breakfast to prove to his disciples that he rose from the dead and restore and recommission the heartbroken disciples. John 21:1-17

 

I. The early days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

            We read at length with specific details about what happened on Sunday morning in John chapter 20. The highly guarded tomb was opened, and Jesus rose from the dead as he had promised earlier. He first appeared to Mary Magdalene and the same evening to his eleven disciples who had locked themselves in a room out of fear of the Jewish leaders.

            After eight days, he made another surprise visit to help clarify Thomas's doubts, who missed being there when he appeared for the second time. While challenging Thomas's unbelief, he pronounced a blessing on all those who will believe in Him without seeing Him. Then we don't read much about what has happened until he showed up for the third time in Galilee.

 

II. The Backtracking of the deserted and dejected disciples

            Suppose you have lost your way on a hike; backtracking helps you get back on the right path. We will see how Jesus led his disciples to backtrack to get them back on the right track.

            On the shore of the Sea of Galilee that Jesus called his very first disciples Simon, also called Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Afterward, he called a few more in total, twelve disciples. They followed Jesus wherever he went; they ate with him, watched him perform miracles, and stood as silent witnesses when He was mocked, questioned, and ridiculed.

            They were with him through thick and thin all the way to the garden of Gethsemane, where they began to lose their way. When He was arrested, it was said, "all the disciples deserted him and ran away." What happened to Simon Peter, who boldly declared, "even if everyone else deserts you, I never will."? He further proclaimed, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you." (Mark 14:27-310). Where was Simon Peter when Christ needed him the most?

            Peter, one of the three close disciples and often the pack's leader, was in a precarious place. He followed Jesus at a distance and went right into the high priest's courtyard. There he sat with guards, warming himself by the fire." (Mark 14:54). Running away from Jesus and following him at a distance eventually led to Peter's downfall. He denied Jesus three times.

            Similarly, what happened to Peter and other disciples could happen to us. The other day I was behind a car in the traffic. A bumper sticker on that car caught my attention, which read JESUS in big BOLD letters but the letters around it were small and blurry. I couldn't figure out what they were saying. So, I inched closer to that car at a traffic stop to read what it was saying, and the statement jabbed my heart. The sticker read, "Do You Follow Jesus this closely."

 

            I was ashamed and challenged at the same time. Yes, at times, I catch myself following Jesus not too closely but from a distance, as Peter did. When things get tough, amid harsh and difficult circumstances, we tend to run away from our commitment to follow Jesus. Instead of following him closely, we follow him from a distance. Jesus didn't want to leave his deserted and dejected disciples at a distance, so he helped them do a bit of backtracking.

 

II. To get back on the right track, we need to backtrack. (1-10)

            Vs.1-6, "Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

            Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing." "We'll come, too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. At dawn, Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. He called out, "Fellows, have you caught any fish?" "No," they replied. Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!" So, they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it."

            Jesus appeared to seven of his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Why did he choose Galilee for his reunion with his disciples? Remember, this was where he first called these disciples to follow Him. Jesus spent almost 85% of his public ministry around Galilee. Jesus backtracked his deserted disciples to the shore of Galilee to remind them of their calling. He still needed to restore his dejected disciple, Simon Peter.

            Vs. 7-11, "Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore.

            When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them, fish cooking over a charcoal fire and some bread. "Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus said. So, Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn." Let me unpack a few mysterious sightings in this passage. First, "the disciple Jesus loved." Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "it is the Lord." Who is this beloved disciple?

            As we read through the gospels, we are left with "the high probability that John the apostle is the disciple whom Jesus loved and is the author of this Gospel."[1] What about 153 large fish and the net not being torn? John's recording of the precise number reinforces that he was an eyewitness author of the events he recorded (I John 1:1-4).

            Jesus' action here providing the fish also indicated that he would still provide for his disciple's needs. How about the charcoal fire? Noticing the threefold question and answer dialogue and we can safely assume that Jesus wanted to remind Peter of his three-time denial at the fire. After the backtracking, Jesus offered them a sumptuous breakfast.

 

III. The Significance of the Easter Breakfast. (Vs.12-14)

            Vs. 12-14, "Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish." It was a healthy breakfast cooked on charcoal. They all must have been starving; they quietly ate without raising any questions. After the breakfast, it was all about Jesus and Peter.

            Let me read it from the Kingdom New Testament by N.T Wright, a contemporary translation. Vs. 15-17, "So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus spoke to Simon Peter.

            "Simon, son of John," he said, do you love me more than these? "Yes, Master," he said. "You know I'm your friend." "Well, then," he said, "Feed my lambs."

            "Simon, son of John," said Jesus again, for a second time, "do you love me?" "Yes, Master," he said. "You know I'm your friend." "Well, then," he said, "look after my sheep." "Simon, son of John," said Jesus a third time," are you, my friend? "Peter was upset that on this third time, Jesus asked," Are you, my friend! " Well then," said Jesus, "feed my sheep." How is this breakfast different from all other meals Jesus had with his disciples?

            Jesus ate this breakfast to prove to his disciples and the rest of the world that He rose from the dead and was alive. It was a breakfast to refresh and restore the focus to his deserted disciples, particularly Simon Peter. That is one reason why we celebrate Easter with breakfast.

            The three-pronged question was a way of pardoning Peter's three-time denial. Jesus wanted Peter to get back to the same level of commitment he had before his denial. Whereas Peter couldn't rise to the challenge, recognizing perhaps how badly he may blow it up again.

            Jesus used this occasion to feed Peter and other disciples to usher in a different form of ministry, shepherding. Jesus wanted Peter not only a fisher of men but also an under-shepherd of God's flock. As an under-shepherd, he would feed the young and the senior believers with spiritual food. He will also protect the flock from the ravaging wolves, the false prophets.

            Later on, we know Peter became one of the most loyal under-shepherds in the history of the Church. What does this mean for us today? On this Easter Sunday of 2022, do you feel like one of those deserted and dejected disciples of Jesus? Do you need to be refreshed?

            Jesus invites you to come and have breakfast with Him (symbolically, we just did that). Jesus wants to refresh your soul and restore your vision and calling. He wants us to follow Him, not remotely but closely. When we stay closer to Jesus, our vision and purpose are clarified. On this Easter Sunday, let us commit to being a sheep that follows the Good Shepherd and, at the same time, be a loyal under-shepherd of the flock entrusted to us. Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/who-is-the-disciple-jesus-loved

Free Access

                                              FREE ACCESS! (Good Friday Message)

Introduction: In his book What Money Can't Buy, Michael J. Sandel states, "There are some things money can't buy—but these days, not much." Almost everything is up for sale, and if you have enough funds, you can buy what you want. Sandel lists the following examples:

-The right to jump to the head of the line at Universal Studios: $149. Vacationers at Universal Studios can buy a special Front of Line Pass that allows them to cut to the front on all rides, shows, and attractions.

-A prison-cell upgrade: $90 a night. Nonviolent offenders can pay for a clean, quiet jail cell without non-paying prisoners disturbing them in some cities.

-The right to shoot an endangered black rhino: $250,000. South Africa has begun letting some ranchers sell hunters the right to kill a limited number of Rhinos to give the ranchers an incentive to raise and protect the endangered species.

-Your doctor's cellphone number is $1,500 and up per year. Many doctors offer cellphone access and same-day appointments for patients willing to pay annual fees ranging from $1,500 to $25,000.[1]

 

            There is one thing even the richest man or woman in the world will never be able to buy. We will find out what it is. Today is Good Friday, and many Christians worldwide reflect and meditate on the events of that day. Why is Good Friday good? Let us explore Matthew 27:45-61.

            We have been following Jesus's journey to Jerusalem for the past four weeks. Now, let us draw closer to the Cross and see what happened during His final hours. We will see who was with him and who abandoned Him, and several events around the crucifixion.

 

I. The Final Moments of Jesus (Vs. 45-50)

            By this time, Jesus was hanging on the Cross for several hours. He had been severely tortured beyond recognition by the Roman soldiers. He interceded for his tormentors and offered Hope to a prisoner. Around noontime, darkness fell across the region for about three hours until three o'clock. Can you imagine what that must have been like for those who witnessed the area plunging into darkness for three hours during what would otherwise be broad daylight hours?

            At about three o'clock, all who gathered there heard Jesus shouting Eli, Eli, Lema sabachthani. This means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Jesus uttered these words were per the prophecy in Psalm 22:1. The crowd misunderstood and thought He was calling Elijah for help. One of them filled a sponge with vinegar and gave it to him to drink.     Others said, wait, Elijah might help him. Before this incident, in verse 34, "The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it." Why did Jesus refuse to drink it? It seems likely that this gesture was not one of compassion but of torment. Myrrh was used with wine to strengthen the drink, but it tasted bitter, so he refused it. The fact that Jesus was offered "gall" was prophesied thousands of years before Jesus was born. Psalm 69:21 records this prophecy: "But instead, they give me poison (gall) for food; they offer me sour wine for my thirst." With a final shout, Jesus released his spirit.

            Again, this was on par with what Jesus said of his death earlier, "No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again." John 10:18. What happened after he released his spirit changed History.

 

            Vs. 50-53, "Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53 They left the cemetery after Jesus' resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people."

            Have you ever heard or read about earth-shaking, rocks splitting, and tombs opening up when an influential leader died in the world? I never heard, and as far as I know, there are no records indicating such events other than what is recorded here in the Bible around the death of Jesus. The temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom. Why is this so important?

 

II. From the Tabernacle to the Cross (1446 B.C-AD33. Over 1500 years of History)

            To understand its significance, we need to trace back some historical trials. In the Garden of Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve. God's presence was often manifested in the forms of a pillar of cloud, fire, thick smoke, and lightning (Gen 13:21, Ex 19:16-19).

            Along the journey to the Promised Land, God manifested his presence in the Tabernacle.

It would be interesting to know how everything about the Tabernacle and the things it contained all were pointing to the Messiah. Here is a brief synopsis of the Tabernacle.

            After Moses freed Israel from bondage under the Egyptians, the growing family of Israel renewed the covenant of Abraham, promising to be God's people. To help the people of Israel draw closer to Him, God revealed His law to Moses with many detailed instructions, including directions for building a holy sanctuary, or Tabernacle, where God could dwell among them.

            The Tabernacle is divided into three spaces: the outer courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. The outer courtyard invites one to depart from the cares of this world into a space focused on God. The Holy Place, lit by oil lamplight, suggests one moving closer to God.

            Entering the Holy of Holies represents returning to the presence of God. Only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, sprinkling the blood from the sacrifice on the Mercy Seat. It symbolizes that Israel could obtain mercy and once again live in God's presence through the blood of the Lamb of God.

            Although the children of Israel were not allowed to enter, the High Priest represented them. During Israel's time in the wilderness, the Tabernacle moved from place to place as a portable structure. Eventually, it was replaced by a more elaborate and permanent structure called the Temple of Solomon, built after the Tabernacle's pattern. Solomon's Temple was the crowning jewel of Jerusalem for almost 400 years until its destruction by the Babylonians.

            Seventy years later, a second temple was rebuilt after the same pattern, which Herod the Great extensively remodeled during the first century. It was here Jesus, the foretold Savior of the world, was brought as an infant. He was born into the world to fulfill the law of Moses and complete God's plan to open the way back into His presence through a new covenant.

             Remember, at the last supper, Jesus taught His disciples about this new covenant made possible by His suffering and death. We see the sacrifice of the ultimate Passover Lamb, Jesus, who offered his final breath on the Cross. At that moment, something significant happened. The curtain tore into two from top to bottom. What does that mean for us today?

 

III Free Access!

            Until the moment when Jesus offered his spirit, the ritual of animal sacrifices was a very significant part of the Temple in Jerusalem. On this day of Passover, Jews from all over that region gathered in Jerusalem.

 

            It must have been frightening for the priests offering the animal sacrifices to see out of nowhere the thick curtain tearing into two from top to bottom. What do we make of this? What significance does this torn curtain have for us today? Above all, the tearing of the curtain symbolized that His sacrifice, the shedding of His blood, was a sufficient atonement for sins. It signified that now the way into the Holy of Holies was open for all people, for all time, both Jew and Gentile. In other words, Free Access to all people.

            Can you understand how powerful this free access to God's presence is for you and me? This entrance into the Holy of Holies, God's presence, once was forbidden to all ordinary Jewish people. Even the regular priests could only enter the Holy Place. The high priest, only once a year on the Day of Atonement, entered into the presence of God and offered sacrifices for his sins and the sins of the whole Israel nation. Now, by the sacrifice of the perfect lamb of God, the barrier between people and God has been removed once and for all. That is the Good News. 

            What is good about Good Friday is that all those who believe in the sacrificial death of Jesus on the Cross gain free access into God's presence for life. Remember, this access is free but not cheap. It is a privilege of being God's son and daughter. It cannot be earned or bought.

            How does this Free Access to God's presence work in the life of a believer? Let me clarify not all people have this free and direct access to God's presence, but only those redeemed by the blood of Christ. (Hebrews 9:11-12). In the Tabernacle, only one entrance leads into the outer courtyard. Through this beautiful and colorful gate on the eastern wall, Israelites symbolically began their ascent towards God.

            Similarly, we have only one entrance to God's presence. Jesus said, "I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures." John 10:9. In other words, all good things that God has promised will become ours.

            What else does this free access to God offer to us? It allows us to be purified by the blood of Christ. It cleanses our conscience from the sinful deeds to worship the Living God. This access also makes us part of Jesus' New Covenantal Community of believers worldwide.

            More practically, when we come into God's presence by faith, our hearts are filled with Joy as there is fullness of joy in God's presence. Psalm 10:11, "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."

            When we come into God's presence, we will receive healing. Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds." Where God is, there is Hope. This Free Access brings us closer to God. "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence." Ephesians 2:12. If you have never gained this free access, you can come to God freely if you acknowledge you are a sinner who needs a savior. Then, you will be saved and have this Free and Full access to God and enjoy fellowship with Him.

 

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[1] Source: Adapted from Michael J. Sandel, "What Isn't for Sale," The Atlantic (April 2012)

An Unusual Pick & Ride

 AN UNUSUAL PICK & RIDE

Introduction: Pick & Ride bicycles are gaining popularity in Qatar as easy and affordable transportation. The equivalence of it here in Boston is our Blue Bicycles. The Netherlands, where my wife comes from, has 17.1 million people, and about a quarter of those (4.25 million) cycle every day. More bikes than people – 22.8 million bikes or about 1.33 bikes per person.

            On top of this, there are nearly 2 million electric e-bikes on the road, quickly gaining popularity, particularly amongst the elderly. On any working day between 8-9 am, almost 2 million bikes will be on Dutch roads![1] You can easily pick and ride a Bicycle in Holland. Wilma and I enjoy our Bicycle rides through the green fields or polders whenever we visit Holland.

            On this Palm Sunday, I will talk about another Pick & Ride, an unusual kind. We will see how this Unusual Pick & Ride became one of God's most critical signs ever given to humankind. We will learn how its message impacts our lives even today. Matthew 21:1-11

            On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus shared some powerful truths with his disciples, such as, He is the only Hope of all the World. When we encounter suffering, he suffers with us. The pathway to greatness always begins with small steps of service. As He came closer to Jerusalem, things picked up speed, and several ancient prophecies were beginning to be fulfilled.

 

I. An Unusual Pick & Ride Vs. 1-3

            Vs. 1, "As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethpage on the Mount of Olives." What do we know about the town of Bethpage? The word "Bethpage" means the "House of Unripe Figs. The village of Bethpage on the Mount of Olives was an important place for the Jewish authorities during the period of Jesus. It was a walled village outside Jerusalem yet considered by the Sanhedrin as the official part of Jerusalem.

            It was the site where the Sanhedrin (the nation's Supreme Court) determined legal matters for the country. It was where they set the limits on sacred and secular things (the size of the city, the Temple, starting days of sacred holidays and the observance of the festivals, etc.)[2]

            No wonder why Jesus chose Bethpage as His last stop before Jerusalem. As if he was going to take on the administration and announce his new Kingdom rule on earth. It will be entirely different from the Sanhedrin or the Roman empire. It will be the Kingdom of love and righteousness, and He will lay its foundation in the hearts of His disciples first.

            What did earthly kings usually pick if they wanted to ride into a city? Horses or Chariots. Similarly, our Presidents or Prime ministers would pick a bulletproof car and the Pope a papal limousine (except the present Pope). None of them would pick a donkey for a ride, would they?

            What did the future King of the universe pick for his ride as he entered Jerusalem for the final time? Vs. 2-3, "Go into the village over there," he said. "As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately let you take them."

            Jesus instructed two of his disciples to bring him a donkey and its colt as his ride. What an unusual pick for a ride? Why a donkey, not a horse? Here are a few significant points regarding why a donkey was picked: A) The donkey was a traditional mount for kings, rulers, and prophets in the ancient Near East; Jesus made an implicit claim to be the King of His people.

            B) In the Old Testament, horses were associated with war and human pride. In ancient times, dignitaries would ride donkeys in civil processions and horses in military ones.

            A king arriving on a donkey would indicate that he was on a peaceful mission, not bent on military conquest. By riding on a donkey, Jesus made a statement regarding the nature of his Kingdom. Let us look at the instructions Jesus gave His disciples. Look for a tied donkey with its colt beside it, untie them, and bring them to Jesus. If questioned, they were to say, 'The Lord needs them." The owner of the donkey and colt would let them go. What do they mean?

            I see some spiritual principles. A tied donkey and its colt would have no use unless they were untied or freed from bondage. Similarly, we would not be used by God unless He sets us free from our bondage of sin, which speaks of our redemption. The reason why we are redeemed is not that we have a good time in this life. The Lord needs us to become his message carriers.

            Just like the donkey and colt's owner let them go when he realized the Lord needed them, we too need to allow ourselves and others to let go and serve the Lord. I am one of many of God's unusual picks and rides. After I got saved, I sensed the Lord needed me to serve Him full time. I decided not to study further after my graduation. I joined YWAM at the age of twenty.

            Many, including my parents, thought I was crazy to join missions and jeopardize my future. It was hard for them to let me go, especially for my mother. After putting much pressure on me, she finally released me to serve my King full-time before she passed away.

            That was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I may not have made a great career, but I am satisfied by letting Jesus use me as his unusual pick and ride to bring forth His message of Love and Peace. If you sense God is calling you to serve Him full-time, don't hesitate to follow Him. Parents, please do not hinder your children from pursuing God's call in their lives.        Some of us are afraid to ask God for His will and direction, thinking God might send them to Africa or elsewhere as missionaries. That kind of missionary call of going overseas might not be for everyone. He might call you to be his witness at your workplace, in your neighborhood, or relocate you to some other place. Let me tell you, there is no greater satisfaction or fulfillment you get than when you are serving the Lord and doing His will.

  

II. The Unusual Pick & Ride was indeed an Essential Sign of the Messiah. (4-5)

            Jesus could have chosen any other form of transportation as he made his final entry into Jerusalem, but he chose a donkey and its colt, an unusual pick & ride. He did that to defy all human expectations and fulfill two age-old familiar prophecies of Isaiah and Zechariah.

            Vs. 4-5, "This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, "Tell the people of Jerusalem, (daughter of Zion Isaiah 62:11), 'Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey riding on a donkey's colt" (Zechariah 9:9). Two prophecies were fulfilled concurrently.

            Both Isaiah and Zechariah, the Southern prophets, prophesied surrounding the return of Judah from their Babylonian exile around the sixth century BC. What they saw was about the future beyond the return of the remnant of Israel to Jerusalem. It was about the Messiah's first coming and the finality of God's Kingdom at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

            As Jesus the Messiah made His royal entry into Jerusalem for the first time, riding on a donkey's colt, this prophecy was partially fulfilled. Still, a significant portion of it is yet to be fulfilled. What does the future hold for all those looking for Christ's second coming? We are waiting for a King who will bring peace to the nations and redeem His people. Zech 9:11.

 

III. The Unusual Pick & Ride evoked mixed responses in the crowd.

 

            Vs. 6-11, "The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, "Praise (Hosanna, save now) God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise (Hosanna, save now) God in highest heaven!"

            The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked. And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." Here are the mixed responses to Jesus' arrival. Two of the disciples obeyed Jesus' commands. The owner of the donkey and the colt let them go without raising any objections.

            Jesus' riding on the donkey had been a redeeming sign that people looked for, for hundreds of years. When Jesus' disciples and the crowd saw it being unfolded in front of their eyes, they were elated with joy sensing their moment of redemption. They spread their clothes on the road and waved their freshly cut Palm branches, saying Hosanna, "Save Now."

            The religious leaders were indignant and could not see the glaring sign of the Messiah riding on the donkey as was prophesied by prophet Zechariah. Perhaps they were concerned about their power and a possible loss of revenue to the Temple as the crowds were following Jesus, shouting Hosanna to the Son of David. The city was in an uproar and asked who is this?

            How did the donkey respond? If only it could speak, it may have said something like in this Poem, "King Jesus, why did you choose me, a lowly donkey, to carry you to ride in your parade? Had you no friend who owned a horse—a royal mount with spirit for a king to ride? Why choose a donkey, a small, unassuming beast of burden trained to plow, not carry kings?

            King Jesus, why did you choose me, a lowly unimportant person, to bear you in my world today? I'm poor and unimportant, trained to work, not carry kings—let alone the King of kings, and yet you've chosen me to carry you in triumph in this world's parade. King Jesus, keep me small so all may see how great you are; keep me humble, so all may say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord," not what a great donkey he rides.[3] The Lord needs you! How many donkeys are here that would say, Lord Jesus, let me be your Unusual Pick & Ride?

 

 

           

 

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[1] https://www.amsterdamtips.com/cycling-in-amsterdam

[2] https://www.hope-of-israel.org/bethpage.html

[3] Source: Joseph Bayly in Psalms of My Life. Christianity Today, Vol. 33, no. 5.

Do You Want To Be Great?

                                                  DO YOU WANT TO BE GREAT?

Introduction: Recently, a pastor friend of mine suggested I must watch "The Two Popes." It is about the beautiful and authentic friendship between Pope Benedict and the Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked as a bouncer and a janitor as a young man before training to be a chemist and working as a technician in a food science laboratory. After recovering from an illness, he joined the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). [1]

            When he was appointed cardinal in 2001, he had his predecessor's robes altered rather than buying new ones and refused to have meals prepared for him. The people of the slums of Buenos Aires knew him simply as Bergoglio or Father Jorge.

            He spent much of his time in shantytowns where he would wash the feet of the poor, give confessions and hold communion. "He was close to this community and always present. People appreciated it very much," says Father Sebastian Risso, a parish priest.

            A church where priests would actively engage marginalized communities has been part of Bergoglio's missionary vision. After being appointed as the Bishop of Rome in 2013, his objectives remained the same."[2] These are the marks of a servant leader that led Bergoglio to the highest place of honor in the Roman Catholic Church. Bergoglio now is Pope Francis.

            The first measures that Pope Francis took as a leader involved restructuring the financial handling of the Vatican. As pope, Francis still repudiates using limousines and the papal residence in the Apostolic Palace instead; he lives in a simple two-bedroom Vatican apartment.       We have been following Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem. Last week we learned that Jesus suffers and walks with us on our road marked with suffering. Today we will pick up some principles of what makes someone truly great in the Kingdom of God. Mark 10:35-45

 

            Background: After predicting his death and its manner for the third time, Jesus kept up His Journey to Jerusalem. (Mk 8:31, 9:31,10:32). His disciples could not understand the purpose and the intensity of Jesus' predictions. Their mind was more focused on earthly concerns than Kingdom concerns. On top of that, two of his disciples came to Jesus with an outlandish request. 

 

I. Outlandish Request of James and John (35-39)

            Matthew 20:20 reads the mother of James and John came with the request. In Mark 10:35, we read that John and James came to Jesus with a strange request. It was all within the family and was an outlandish request. (According to tradition, Salome, the mother of James and John, was an aunt of Jesus). So, undoubtedly these three hoped to capitalize on the family ties.

            When Jesus sat on His glorious throne, James and John wanted to sit in places of honor next to Jesus, one on His right and the other on His left hand. What do we know about James and John? They were the sons of Zebedee who followed Jesus, leaving their father in the boat.

            They were obsessed with Power and authority. Remember when a Samaritan town refused entry for Jesus it was John and James who wanted to call down fire from heaven to burn that town. Jesus rebuked them (You don't realize what your hearts are like) Lk 9:57. Jesus gave them a nickname, the Sons of Thunder. Here they came up with an insensitive request.

            As if Jesus wanted to test them, He said, in Vs. 38, "You don't know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?"

              The two disciples did not know what they were asking. The way to a privileged position in God's Kingdom is not by grabbing for Power but by relinquishing it through suffering. Jesus explained it by using the analogies of the cup and baptism. The cup symbolizes trouble and suffering, Eze 23:31-34. Baptism symbolizes a deluge of problems (Ps18:16; 69:1-2).

            Without blinking an eye, they replied, "Oh yes, we are able. Jesus affirmed them by saying that you will indeed drink from the cup of suffering and be baptized with the baptism of suffering. Church history tells us that both James and John were Martyred for their faith.

            Jesus clarified who gets to sit in those places of honor and privilege in God's Kingdom. Vs. 40, "But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen." By saying granting them the privileged positions in God's kingdom was not within his authority, Jesus refused to usurp the authority of his father.

            When the ten other disciples heard this outlandish request of James and John, they were indignant as if they were entirely innocent and had no such desire of grabbing Power. Were they? Earlier, for the second time, Jesus predicted that He was going to be betrayed at the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but he will rise from the dead three days later.

            The disciples did not understand what he was saying, but no one dared to ask him for clarity. Why? Perhaps all of them were secretly eyeing a top leadership position once Jesus was passed on. But Jesus knowing what was going on in their hearts, asked them, "What were you discussing on the road? They were caught in their wicked thinking, so no one answered Jesus. Because they were indeed had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. (Mk 9:33-35).

            To be the greatest was not only the disciple's problem; it is a human problem. Whether we admit it or not, we all have a hidden desire for greatness. The Narcissists boldly announce their intentions and do anything to become great. While others secretly desire greatness.

            Why do we struggle with this innate desire to be famous and great? Jesus is fully aware of the intentions of all the twelve disciples. Yet did not rebuke them for having such ambitions. Instead, he showed them how the rulers of this world were abusing leadership. Then laid out a different pathway to greatness and encouraged them to live differently than the rest of the world.

 

II. Abuse of Leadership (42-43)

            Vs.42-43, "So Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you, it will be different." Have you ever been under abusive leadership? I have! It can be suffocating and demoralizing. We see this abuse of leadership happening all the time.

            Lord Acton (1834-1902) said, "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely." In a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton, he wrote about how historians should judge the abuse of Power by past rulers, especially popes."[3] There is some truth in it.

            During Jesus' time, the religious leaders were lording over people. They were flaunting their authority over those under them. Seeing that corrupt trend and the abuse of leadership, Jesus warned His disciples. In other words, he spared them from being corrupted.            He said the world leaders abuse their leadership, but you, my disciples, should be different. How so?

 

III. Do you want to be great? (43b-45)

            43b. "But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.     45 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." This is the heart of the gospel of Mark. Let me unpack it for us.

            Let the rest of the world run amok, but Jesus' disciples must emulate the example of Jesus in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to leadership. Must a leader be a servant? And the one who wants to be first a slave of everyone? Tell that to those aspiring to be great leaders in the Congress or corporate world. It would not go well with them, yet that is what authentic leadership is all about. Jesus modeled a countercultural leadership style.

            How did Jesus model servant leadership during his ministry? Unlike the religious leaders of his time, Jesus identified with the poor and the marginalized in society. He chose the uneducated fishermen to be His disciples. Here we see the servant leader in action. John 13:3-14.

            "Jesus knew that the father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So, he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him…

            After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down, and asked, "Do you understand what I was doing? You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are right because that's what I am. ¹⁴ And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. ¹⁵ I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." Do you want to be Great? Pick up the towel, tie it around, and be ready to serve as Jesus did.

            Some of us have a wrong understanding of leadership and Christian ministry. We think it is commanding others and telling them what to do. If you want to be great, you must realize that the road to greatness is filled with small steps of service. I told my pastor I wanted to serve God as a twelve-year-old kid. He gave me the job of putting and picking up the hymnals each Sunday.

            Do you want to be a great leader? Do you want to do great ministry? We have plenty of opportunities for you here at Hope Church. You could help clean the bathrooms for the next several months, assist in the media and worship team, pray and read scriptures, serve as an usher, weed the garden, deliver a meal to a sick member, and give a ride to the hospital, etc.

            I close with the words of the Apostle Paul, Col 3:23-24, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and that the Master you are serving is Christ." Amen!  

             

 

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis

[2] https://wander-argentina.com/pope-francis-argentinas-pope/

[3] http://www.notable-quotes.com/a/acton_lord.html