SERIES: THE PERSON OF CHRIST #2/7

#1 · March 3, 2010, 11:23 am

Quote from Forum Archives on March 3, 2010, 11:23 am
Posted by: bhfbc <bhfbc@...>

SERIES: THE PERSON OF CHRIST #2/7

A POPULAR MAN

February 28, 2010

Text: Mark 3:7-12

About forty years ago, a new type of public recognition for entertainers began. Its not that folks in the American entertainment industries needed another outlet to be honored. I dont know of any professions or vocations that have as many high profile awards ceremonies as the American entertainment industry. Nevertheless, they decided that they needed another awards ceremony because the winners of all those other previous awards were chosen by academies or sports reporters or some other such group outside the mainstream public. Someone decided that the public who supports these stars should have a voice in who should be honored. From that rationale the Peoples Choice Awards were born.

Have you noticed, though, that some of the very people who are honored - even idolized at times - suffer with significant problems? The very ones who we might say have it all, end up having nothing at all. Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, and Elvis Presley all who ended up with tortured lives. We can add Tiger Woods to the mix. You can come up with others, I am certain. Their wealth and fame did them no good; if anything, their popularity pushed them to miserable lives or early deaths. Yet, these are the people who are recognized as successful in our culture. Sad.

Stress is something we all face, and Jesus was no exception. As Jesus began his second year of ministry, two pressure points emerged. Religious leaders wanted to kill him. Early in Marks account we see that they called him a blasphemer meaning that he claimed the authority of God when he healed a paralytic (2:7). They were shocked when he associated himself with sinners (2:16). They were astonished when his disciples did not fast like good Jewish men (2:18). They were greatly offended when the disciples picked grain to eat on the Sabbath (2:23-24). They were beside themselves with anger when he healed the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (3:4-6). Anyone who has been in conflict with anyone in authority has experienced the stress that quickly builds up.

Pressure also came from his popularity. It was chaotic. Luke describes one episode that is characteristic of Jesus incredible fame: Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another... (12:1). In Mark 3:20, after a time away to the mountains, we read that crowds gathered once again so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat.

Why did these thousands of people seek him? What made him so attractive? Its clear from todays passage that the vast majority had heard all the things he was doing (3:8), including healing the sick and casting out demons. Other passages inform us that people sought Jesus to see miracles performed (Matthew 14); to listen to the teaching of this prophet (John 6); to have him settle disputes (Luke 12); to discourse with him in social settings (Luke 14); or to seek the way to eternal life (Luke 18).

Who sought him? Weve already learned that most religious leaders sought him for the purpose of doing him harm. His own relatives came to take custody of him because they considered him a lunatic (Mark 3:21). Others, however, sought Jesus for better reasons. Shepherds and magi pursued him to worship him; Nicodemus sought answers; and Samaritans were desirous of eternal life. All kinds of people sought Jesus from birth to his Palm Sunday ride into Jerusalem. Jesus was truly a popular man for many reasons.

Like others, Jesus had to cope with his popularity. In a few verses, we discover several measures that Jesus took to endure this tension. They are measures that we, too, can apply to our own pressure points.

Jesus often got away from it all. Sometimes Jesus spent time alone; other times he spent with his disciples. After healing a mans hand, Jesus withdrew with his followers to the Sea of Galilee. A great multitude followed. They came from Jerusalem (100 miles), Idumea (over 100 miles), across the Jordan (about 60 miles), Tyre (30 miles), and Sidon (40 miles). These people had an attitude: Ive come all this way to see Jesus, and Im not leaving until Ive seen him. The crowds were pushing forward and literally fell upon Jesus in order just to touch him. In this press of humanity, he had a boat prepared that would give him some space. Following this portion of Scripture, he headed up into the hills (Mark 3:13).

Sometimes we need to get away. I do not mean some big, planned annual vacation. We just need to get away. All too often we moan about not having time. Jesus didnt have time, either, but he made the effort and occasionally succeeded. Little moments of solitude can give us some retreat time. We could stop the car in a park, go into a church sanctuary, take a walk, get up a few minutes early, take advantage of down time when stuck in traffic or checkout lines. Little things like that which allow us to get away from other pressures for just short but useful moments.

Dallas Willard, writing in The Spirit of the Disciples, comments that solitude is the most fundamental discipline in the spiritual life, and it must be returned to again and again and again as that life develops. He asserts that in solitude we find the psychic distance, the perspective from which we can see, in the light of eternity, the created things that trap, worry, and oppress us. One of the measures we can take to reduce the pressure is to get away like Jesus.

Another measure Jesus took to cope with the strain of popularity was to pray. His pattern of activity during those times he got away was to pray. Joseph Scriven wrote,

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.

In Quiet Talks on Prayer, S. D. Gordon writes concerning Jesus prayer life, When perplexed He prayed. When hard pressed by work He prayed... If criticized, He prayed. If fatigued in body or wearied in spirit, He had recourse to His one unfailing habit of prayer. Exercising the spiritual discipline of prayer plays an important part in our relationship with God.

A regular prayer is for our church to be a lighthouse to our communities. This is an appropriate metaphor for the church. The lighthouse idea is also an appropriate application for believers homes. Individual homes of Christians can become lighthouses of prayer. The process is straightforward and amazingly simple: prayer, care, and share. Pray for opportunities to care for neighbors and eventually share the good news of the love of Jesus Christ with them. Jesus prayed and communicated with his heavenly Father in order to cope with his stress; so should we.

Through it all, Jesus always gave people hope through his teaching and acts of compassion. Although it may seem ironic and confusing, reaching out to others needs with compassion helps us cope just like getting away from it all. So those who were worried that I was going to call for a hermit lifestyle can relax now. We can become more like Jesus in this area of life as well.

Jesus loved people and gave them hope whenever he could. I know from news stories and others testimonies that people all over the world are in need of Jesus love. But let me bring this much closer to home. I know from my own experience that hundreds of people in and around all of our communities are in need of Jesus love. Unmarried people live together; children are born out of wedlock; husbands or wives squander scarce family income on destructive indulgences like heavy drinking, gambling, lotteries, and other destructive behavior; tempers flare and abuse happens; teens experiment with everything from tobacco to satanism. You name the sinful, disobedient lifestyle, and youll find it happening all around us. Every day. Right now.

How do Christs people respond in ways that make a difference? How do Christs ambassadors become witnesses that make a difference? Well, there are no easy or even similar answers that can be applied to every situation. Jesus responded with different ways at different times. Sometimes he didnt even heal the same affliction the same way twice. But I am very much aware of one of his consistencies: he caught their attention by affirming them. How often he said to someone that I have not seen such faith, or Your faith has made you well. He praised Peter for recognizing him as the Messiah. He forgave those who cursed him; he forgave his disciples even when they deserted him.

We can do this; we should do this. If we want people to hear us testify about the forgiveness and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, then we have to get people to want to hear us and take us seriously in the first place. I am not suggesting that we compromise Scriptural truth or ignore the reality of sin. Jesus never gave into that behavior. But that does not mean that we cannot actively look for ways that can catch peoples attention by affirming some positive elements of their lives. It becomes easier for Christians to do this if we actually practice affirming others, especially Christian brothers and sisters, in meaningful ways.

Jesus was kind to many people and, in his own words, came to serve. Of course, the kindest act of all was to give his life as a ransom for you and me. Being like Christ means that we should look for ways to do acts of service for someone else who needs Jesus. First, think about and pray about the type of service that might make a difference for someone needing Christ. Remember, prayer, care, share. It might be helping a neighbor shovel snow or mow the lawn, doing something to help a stressed-out co-worker, helping a new family move into the neighborhood, providing food for someone.

Who knows? It might be an act of service as simple as sharing an ice cream cone. A mother and her children stopped at a restaurant to eat. Her six year old son prayed for the meal and ended by praying for ice cream for dessert. Most nearby who heard the prayer thought it was cute and chuckled. One nearby woman, though, frowned and scolded him for his irreverence. Crushed, the boy asked his mother if God was mad at him. One elderly gentleman came over to the table and encouraged him by saying, I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer. Then leaning close enough to whisper, he said, Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes. Well, the children did get their ice cream at the end of their meal, but the six year old could only stare at his. Finally, he picked it up, walked over to the cranky woman, and placed it in front of her. Here, he said, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is already good.

Like Jesus, we need to practice acts of service if were going to be taken seriously enough to be invited to talk about Jesus our savior. Like Jesus, we can cope with some of our stresses when we learn to be kind, caring, and compassionate toward those who need him so very desperately.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Jesus was and is a popular man. He is our choice for salvation. He came to give everlasting life and to show us how we should live. Whenever we feel pressed on all sides, let us pay attention to his life and his love for us. Let us choose life and let us do everything in our power to help someone around us choose life. Then they, too, can know how popular Jesus is.

Rev. Charles A. Layne

First Baptist Church

179 W. Broadway

PO Box 515

Bunker Hill, IN 46914

765-689-7987

bhfbc@bhfirstbaptist.com

www.bhfirstbaptist.com

--
To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: abesermons-unsubscribe@welovegod.org

Posted by: bhfbc <bhfbc@...>

A POPULAR MAN

February 28, 2010

Text: Mark 3:7-12

About forty years ago, a new type of public recognition for entertainers began. Its not that folks in the American entertainment industries needed another outlet to be honored. I dont know of any professions or vocations that have as many high profile awards ceremonies as the American entertainment industry. Nevertheless, they decided that they needed another awards ceremony because the winners of all those other previous awards were chosen by academies or sports reporters or some other such group outside the mainstream public. Someone decided that the public who supports these stars should have a voice in who should be honored. From that rationale the Peoples Choice Awards were born.

Have you noticed, though, that some of the very people who are honored - even idolized at times - suffer with significant problems? The very ones who we might say have it all, end up having nothing at all. Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, and Elvis Presley all who ended up with tortured lives. We can add Tiger Woods to the mix. You can come up with others, I am certain. Their wealth and fame did them no good; if anything, their popularity pushed them to miserable lives or early deaths. Yet, these are the people who are recognized as successful in our culture. Sad.

Stress is something we all face, and Jesus was no exception. As Jesus began his second year of ministry, two pressure points emerged. Religious leaders wanted to kill him. Early in Marks account we see that they called him a blasphemer meaning that he claimed the authority of God when he healed a paralytic (2:7). They were shocked when he associated himself with sinners (2:16). They were astonished when his disciples did not fast like good Jewish men (2:18). They were greatly offended when the disciples picked grain to eat on the Sabbath (2:23-24). They were beside themselves with anger when he healed the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (3:4-6). Anyone who has been in conflict with anyone in authority has experienced the stress that quickly builds up.

Pressure also came from his popularity. It was chaotic. Luke describes one episode that is characteristic of Jesus incredible fame: Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another... (12:1). In Mark 3:20, after a time away to the mountains, we read that crowds gathered once again so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat.

Why did these thousands of people seek him? What made him so attractive? Its clear from todays passage that the vast majority had heard all the things he was doing (3:8), including healing the sick and casting out demons. Other passages inform us that people sought Jesus to see miracles performed (Matthew 14); to listen to the teaching of this prophet (John 6); to have him settle disputes (Luke 12); to discourse with him in social settings (Luke 14); or to seek the way to eternal life (Luke 18).

Who sought him? Weve already learned that most religious leaders sought him for the purpose of doing him harm. His own relatives came to take custody of him because they considered him a lunatic (Mark 3:21). Others, however, sought Jesus for better reasons. Shepherds and magi pursued him to worship him; Nicodemus sought answers; and Samaritans were desirous of eternal life. All kinds of people sought Jesus from birth to his Palm Sunday ride into Jerusalem. Jesus was truly a popular man for many reasons.

Like others, Jesus had to cope with his popularity. In a few verses, we discover several measures that Jesus took to endure this tension. They are measures that we, too, can apply to our own pressure points.

Jesus often got away from it all. Sometimes Jesus spent time alone; other times he spent with his disciples. After healing a mans hand, Jesus withdrew with his followers to the Sea of Galilee. A great multitude followed. They came from Jerusalem (100 miles), Idumea (over 100 miles), across the Jordan (about 60 miles), Tyre (30 miles), and Sidon (40 miles). These people had an attitude: Ive come all this way to see Jesus, and Im not leaving until Ive seen him. The crowds were pushing forward and literally fell upon Jesus in order just to touch him. In this press of humanity, he had a boat prepared that would give him some space. Following this portion of Scripture, he headed up into the hills (Mark 3:13).

Sometimes we need to get away. I do not mean some big, planned annual vacation. We just need to get away. All too often we moan about not having time. Jesus didnt have time, either, but he made the effort and occasionally succeeded. Little moments of solitude can give us some retreat time. We could stop the car in a park, go into a church sanctuary, take a walk, get up a few minutes early, take advantage of down time when stuck in traffic or checkout lines. Little things like that which allow us to get away from other pressures for just short but useful moments.

Dallas Willard, writing in The Spirit of the Disciples, comments that solitude is the most fundamental discipline in the spiritual life, and it must be returned to again and again and again as that life develops. He asserts that in solitude we find the psychic distance, the perspective from which we can see, in the light of eternity, the created things that trap, worry, and oppress us. One of the measures we can take to reduce the pressure is to get away like Jesus.

Another measure Jesus took to cope with the strain of popularity was to pray. His pattern of activity during those times he got away was to pray. Joseph Scriven wrote,

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.

In Quiet Talks on Prayer, S. D. Gordon writes concerning Jesus prayer life, When perplexed He prayed. When hard pressed by work He prayed... If criticized, He prayed. If fatigued in body or wearied in spirit, He had recourse to His one unfailing habit of prayer. Exercising the spiritual discipline of prayer plays an important part in our relationship with God.

A regular prayer is for our church to be a lighthouse to our communities. This is an appropriate metaphor for the church. The lighthouse idea is also an appropriate application for believers homes. Individual homes of Christians can become lighthouses of prayer. The process is straightforward and amazingly simple: prayer, care, and share. Pray for opportunities to care for neighbors and eventually share the good news of the love of Jesus Christ with them. Jesus prayed and communicated with his heavenly Father in order to cope with his stress; so should we.

Through it all, Jesus always gave people hope through his teaching and acts of compassion. Although it may seem ironic and confusing, reaching out to others needs with compassion helps us cope just like getting away from it all. So those who were worried that I was going to call for a hermit lifestyle can relax now. We can become more like Jesus in this area of life as well.

Jesus loved people and gave them hope whenever he could. I know from news stories and others testimonies that people all over the world are in need of Jesus love. But let me bring this much closer to home. I know from my own experience that hundreds of people in and around all of our communities are in need of Jesus love. Unmarried people live together; children are born out of wedlock; husbands or wives squander scarce family income on destructive indulgences like heavy drinking, gambling, lotteries, and other destructive behavior; tempers flare and abuse happens; teens experiment with everything from tobacco to satanism. You name the sinful, disobedient lifestyle, and youll find it happening all around us. Every day. Right now.

How do Christs people respond in ways that make a difference? How do Christs ambassadors become witnesses that make a difference? Well, there are no easy or even similar answers that can be applied to every situation. Jesus responded with different ways at different times. Sometimes he didnt even heal the same affliction the same way twice. But I am very much aware of one of his consistencies: he caught their attention by affirming them. How often he said to someone that I have not seen such faith, or Your faith has made you well. He praised Peter for recognizing him as the Messiah. He forgave those who cursed him; he forgave his disciples even when they deserted him.

We can do this; we should do this. If we want people to hear us testify about the forgiveness and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, then we have to get people to want to hear us and take us seriously in the first place. I am not suggesting that we compromise Scriptural truth or ignore the reality of sin. Jesus never gave into that behavior. But that does not mean that we cannot actively look for ways that can catch peoples attention by affirming some positive elements of their lives. It becomes easier for Christians to do this if we actually practice affirming others, especially Christian brothers and sisters, in meaningful ways.

Jesus was kind to many people and, in his own words, came to serve. Of course, the kindest act of all was to give his life as a ransom for you and me. Being like Christ means that we should look for ways to do acts of service for someone else who needs Jesus. First, think about and pray about the type of service that might make a difference for someone needing Christ. Remember, prayer, care, share. It might be helping a neighbor shovel snow or mow the lawn, doing something to help a stressed-out co-worker, helping a new family move into the neighborhood, providing food for someone.

Who knows? It might be an act of service as simple as sharing an ice cream cone. A mother and her children stopped at a restaurant to eat. Her six year old son prayed for the meal and ended by praying for ice cream for dessert. Most nearby who heard the prayer thought it was cute and chuckled. One nearby woman, though, frowned and scolded him for his irreverence. Crushed, the boy asked his mother if God was mad at him. One elderly gentleman came over to the table and encouraged him by saying, I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer. Then leaning close enough to whisper, he said, Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes. Well, the children did get their ice cream at the end of their meal, but the six year old could only stare at his. Finally, he picked it up, walked over to the cranky woman, and placed it in front of her. Here, he said, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is already good.

Like Jesus, we need to practice acts of service if were going to be taken seriously enough to be invited to talk about Jesus our savior. Like Jesus, we can cope with some of our stresses when we learn to be kind, caring, and compassionate toward those who need him so very desperately.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Jesus was and is a popular man. He is our choice for salvation. He came to give everlasting life and to show us how we should live. Whenever we feel pressed on all sides, let us pay attention to his life and his love for us. Let us choose life and let us do everything in our power to help someone around us choose life. Then they, too, can know how popular Jesus is.

Rev. Charles A. Layne

First Baptist Church

179 W. Broadway

PO Box 515

Bunker Hill, IN 46914

765-689-7987

bhfbc@bhfirstbaptist.com

http://www.bhfirstbaptist.com

--
To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: abesermons-unsubscribe@welovegod.org