Jesus: The True Vine
John 15: 1 – 17.
I. Introduction.
Some of you will recognize the name Buzz Aldrin as the 80 year old man who is the oldest contestant on the TV show “Dancing with the Stars.” Others will recongnize Buzz Aldrin as the astronaut, who became the second man to walk on the moon 40 years ago. Last Sunday, I discovered an interesting fact about Buzz Aldrin. He was the first person—and possibly the only person—to take communion in outer space.[1]
At the time of the moon launch, Buzz Aldrin was serving as an elder of the Webster Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas. He met with his pastor to ask for suggestions of ways to do something meaningful when he landed on the moon. Aldrin and his pastor came up with the idea of taking communion on the moon.
When Apollo 11 landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, Buzz Aldrin spoke these words over the open radio back to earth: “I would like to request a few moments of silence…and to invite each person listening in, wherever and whomever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours, and to give thanks in his or her own way.” At this point radio communication went silent.
In the silence, Aldrin pulled out a communion wafer and a small vial of wine. He poured the wine into a cup and waited for it to settle into the cup. They were in the moon’s gravity, so it took longer than pouring liquid on earth. When the wine settled into the cup, Aldrin read these words from a hand written note card: “And Jesus said, ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.’”[2]
An interesting thing about this story is the fact that it was reported after the fact and mentioned in Buzz Aldrin’s two books. However, it was not known at the time. People on earth had no idea that Aldrin was reading a Bible verse and taking communion during the radio silence. Aldrin says this is because NASA and the U.S. government were already fighting lawsuits from famed atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair about other Bible verses read publicly from space.
Another interesting thing is the way Aldrin connected these words with the Lord’s Supper. There are some scholars who think that is what Jesus intended. After all, John 13 records the events of Jesus and his disciples eating the Last Supper in the upper room—and most scholars think that the words of John 15 were probably spoken after supper while reclining around the table.
I find it unlikely that this is a reference to the Lord’s Supper. Sure, we can make a connection between “I am the vine” and the “fruit of the vine.” But, what about the bread? Since there is no reference to the bread of the Lord’s Supper, I think Jesus has something else in mind.
Read John 15: 1 – 17.
Jesus is drawing on a common image. We all know what a vine looks like. We have seen grape vines and honeysuckle vines. Even with a limited knowledge of horticulture, we can understand what he is talking about. A vine is a form of a plant. It’s a little more hearty than a blade of grass, but it is not quite as firm (or wooden) as a tree trunk. A vine doesn’t have leaves on it, but it does have branches. The leaves and the fruit of the vine grow on the branches.
II. True Vine… John 15: 1 – 2… I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
Notice that Jesus’ first words are not “I am the vine.” Rather, Jesus said, “I am the TRUE vine.” If Jesus is the true vine, then it seems likely that Jesus is reminding his disciples about a false vine…Or perhaps an imitation vine.
Maybe Jesus is drawing on our common knowledge of creation. What we think of as a vine is ultimately an imitation of Jesus. Maybe Jesus wants us to think of the difference between heaven and earth. Earthly realities are only temporary and symbolize the eternal nature of God and heaven. (That doesn’t really sound like Jesus. It actually sounds more like Plato.)
Instead, I think Jesus has another vine in mind. Like the vine we read about in Psalm 80: 8 – 16, “Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches. It sent out its boughs to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River. Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes? Boars from the forest ravage it and the creatures of the field feed on it. Return to us, O God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine, the root your right hand has planted, the son you have raised up for yourself. Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish.”
And the vine in Jeremiah 2: 21, “I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?”
In these Old Testament references, we see that the people of Israel were often referred to as a vine. Israel was no ordinary vine. They were a vine planted by God’s own hand. They were God’s own vine…God’s own people. They had a special relationship with God by virtue of the fact that they were Israel.
When Jesus claimed to be the true vine, he has spoken a word of judgment against Israel. Israel is not the true vine. They are a false vine…an imitation vine…a wild vine that no longer serves the purposes of the gardener.
In other words, Jesus teaches us that it is possible to have a true relationship with God. However, that relationship is only possible through Jesus himself. Relationship with God is not based on race, religion or politics. Relationship with God is only possible to those who are connected to Jesus—the true vine.
III. Remain in Jesus… John 15: 4… Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
In verse 4, Jesus gives us a command to “remain” in him. The Greek word translated “remain” is one of the first words Greek students learn when they study biblical Greek. The basic meaning of this word is “to remain” or “to abide.” This explains why the King James Version uses the word “abide” instead of “remain.”
“Abide” is probably a better choice than “remain.” “Remain” makes it sound like Jesus is challenging us to “stay saved,” as if it were possible to fall out of salvation. But, “abide” is just as difficult, because it is not a word we use very regularly. It’s difficult to understand what Jesus means.
To abide is to live. An abode is a home. Perhaps we can capture the meaning of Jesus’ words with something like, “make yourself at home”… You know there is a difference between living somewhere and “making yourself at home.”
IV. Bear Fruit.
Product…Result…Harvest. Fruit is not something that we produce. It is the natural, organic by product of a life connected to Jesus.
1. Life…John 15: 6…If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
Vital connection…It is the connection that leads to life. Branches that are not connected to the vine can do nothing but wither and die…Branch in the vine vs. Stick in the mud
2. Prayer…John 15: 7…If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Being connected to Jesus requires that our thoughts become conformed to Jesus’ thoughts…our desires the same as Jesus’ desires…Therefore, anything we desire is within God’s will
3. Obedience…John 15: 10…If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
Jesus’ understanding of discipleship involves a total change in life. Jesus makes demands of our faith, but he also makes demands of our ethical behavior.
4. Joy…John 15: 11…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
The human understanding of joy is really no different from happiness or pleasure. However, the Bible speaks of joy differently. The Bible says that we can find joy in the midst of trials and persecution. The Bible says we can find joy when the world around us is grieving.
On one hand, joy can be the same thing as happiness—like all our Baylor folks felt Friday night and Saturday afternoon when both basketball teams made it into the Elite Eight. On the other hand, joy can simply be the way we perceive ourselves. In this case, joy does not depend on our circumstances or our basketball teams.
In this sense, joy has heavenly perspective.
5. Love…John 15: 12 – 13…My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus tells us two things about love. First, Jesus expects us to love each other. Second, Jesus explains how we are supposed to love each other.
Jesus does not qualify love by defining whom we are to love. We are to love each other. This seems to be a reference to the disciples loving other disciples. In our context, it refers to Christians loving Christians and church people loving church people. Jesus didn’t tell us to love only the people we want to love. We don’t get to choose. If someone is a disciple of Jesus, we are to love them. If someone is a member of the church, we are to love them.
The only qualification Jesus gave us is when he told us to love each other in the same way he first loved us. Jesus’ love for us was not a warm fuzzy feeling. Jesus’ love was an action. Jesus loved us by laying down his life on the cross. Jesus was not murdered or executed. Jesus did not die a tragic and untimely death. Jesus was in control of both his life and his death. He willingly and voluntarily gave his life for you and me. Now, Jesus asks us to do the same for each other.
Death is not the only way we can lay down our lives for others. Sometimes, laying down your life is nothing more than putting the needs of someone else ahead of your own needs. Sometimes, we love each other by delaying our own dreams and ambitions so that someone else can realize their dreams and ambitions.
Jesus defines love as self-sacrificial actions. Give your life for others.
6. Mission…John 15: 16…You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
V. Conclusion.
John the Elder in Ephesus… “Little children, Love one another…Little children, Love one another…Little children, Love one another…”
[1] http://www.snopes.com/glurge/communion.asp
[2]http://content.usatoday.com/_common/_scripts/big_picture.aspx?width=490&height=726&storyURL=/news/nation/2007-09-19-3188379411_x.htm&imageURL=http://images.usatoday.com/Wires2Web/20070919/3188379411_US_Astronaut_Auctionx-large.jpg
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010: Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Jesus: The Good Shepherd
John 10: 11 – 21.
I. Introduction.
When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up and be just like my heroes. Now, it may come as a surprise to you…But, my heroes were not preachers. All I ever wanted to be was a fireman. I loved the TV show “Emergency,” and that is what I wanted to do. In fact, I even considered becoming a volunteer fireman in the small Mississippi town where I served as pastor for the first time.
Who were your heroes when you were a child? Sometimes, different individuals have different heroes. Sometimes, heroes can actually represent an entire culture or a generation.
For example, in England stories abound of the heroic knight in shining armor, fighting for everything that is noble and just…not to mention rescuing the damsel in distress. This is a cultural hero that doesn’t relate well to children in the United States.
In Scandinavian countries, they dream about the Vikings…the little country no longer being taken advantage of by the bigger, more aggressive countries…the poor man finally getting what he deserves from the rich man. Again, this is a cultural hero…Not something you find in the United States.
In America we are more likely to dream about cowboys. (At least, we dream about cowboys if we are not dreaming about firemen. Cowboys are rugged, hard-working, living outdoors, isolated…the cowboy captures our independent spirit, the American idealism.
In Hebrew culture it was the shepherd…one man leading and caring for the needs of one large flock of sheep…providing food and water in the desert…defending off wolves and lions and bears with nothing more than a slingshot, or even using his bare hands if necessary.
There are at least two shepherd-heroes in the Old Testament. In Exodus 3, God spoke to a shepherd named Moses. Moses was taking care of his father-in-law’s sheep, when God called him to be the redeemer for God’s people in Egypt. God used Moses’ knowledge of sheep and shepherding to lead the Hebrew people out of slavery. Then, in 1 Samuel 16, God led Samuel to a young shepherd named David to become the second—and greatest—king of Israel. Again, God used David’s knowledge of sheep and shepherding to lead the nation of Israel.
As Christians, we have adopted this Hebrew image. We want to be like the heroic shepherd. We describe Christian leadership as “shepherding.” In fact, the word “pastor” comes from the Latin word “shepherd.” A pastor is a shepherd-leader of God’s people. But, think about what this implies about God’s people… Moses started out as a shepherd. David started out as a shepherd. The pastor is a shepherd. What does that say about God’s people? A shepherd is a leader of sheep.
From a biblical perspective, we can cite numerous explicit examples where God’s people are referred to as sheep. For example, Psalm 23 begins, “The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” God himself is the Shepherd. We are his sheep. Then, in John 10 Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd…”
On one hand, Jesus is claiming equality with God. This was obvious to any good Jew who knew Psalm 23. On the other hand, Jesus is describing himself as our ultimate leader…the Shepherd of God’s sheep.
Read John 10: 11 – 21.
II. Good Shepherd Is “True” Shepherd.
In verse 11 Jesus described himself as “The Good Shepherd.” This expression, “The Good Shepherd” includes 3 important words:
1. “Shepherd”. . .The one who provides for the needs of sheep.
Sheep are totally dependant on the shepherd for food, water & shelter. Sheep are helpless and defenseless animals that need someone to care for them and protect them from animals and thieves. By using this image for himself, Jesus is associating himself with a wealth of OT literature which illustrates the relationship between God & Israel as sheep to shepherd (i.e. Psalm 23).
This image also places Jesus in the tradition of David who got his start as King of Israel by working as a shepherd boy and Moses who learned leadership by tending sheep. It could also be a reference to the coming Messianic age in which God himself would be the Shepherd over his people.
2. “Good”. . .John’s use of term “Good” is probably close to “True.” In John 6, Jesus described himself as the “True Bread” that comes out of heaven. In John 8, Jesus described himself as the true Light of the World. In John 15, Jesus claimed to be the “True Vine.”
While it is true that Jesus is morally good and perfect. Jesus is the only good person who has ever lived. However, it is possible that this is not what Jesus intended by this claim. It is possible that he is referring to the ultimate expression of what a shepherd is supposed to look like.
As a good and true and perfect expression of shepherd, Jesus is opening himself up to comparison to all other shepherds. This is an unusual image for you and me. We don’t see sheep and shepherds on a daily basis. In fact, we have to go to the petting zoo to see sheep. But, Jesus’ audience saw sheep and shepherds every day.
If Jesus is the Good Shepherd, then we can assume that there were bad shepherds. In fact, John 10: 21 makes a reference to the healing of a blind man. This is a story that took place in John 9. When Jesus healed the blind man, a controversy erupted. On one side of the controversy were Jesus and the healed man. On the other side were the religious leaders. These religious leaders thought of themselves as shepherds, but it seems that Jesus is comparing them to himself. And, they fall short…
3. “The”. . .This definite article makes a claim for uniqueness of Jesus.
Read John 10: 11 – 13…Notice that Jesus didn’t claim to be “A” Good Shepherd. Jesus possesses a unique quality that separates him from all other shepherds. He lays down his life for the sheep.
Hired hands see predators and run for their own lives. They are working for money, and no one wants to put their lives at risk for money.
A shepherd who owns his own flock will protect sheep by fighting off wolves, bears & lions that might attack. Remember the story of David as a boy, who fought and killed both a bear and a lion that attacked his sheep? David was a good shepherd, but he wasn’t The Good Shepherd. In other words, A good shepherd will live for his sheep and will sometimes risk his own life for the sheep.
The Good Shepherd is different, because Jesus did not risk his life for his sheep. Jesus voluntarily laid down his life for sheep. Only Jesus had the power and authority to give his life. His life was NOT taken from him. It was freely given.
The hired hands live for themselves… Good shepherds live for their sheep and put their lives at risk… But The Good Shepherd actually died for his sheep.
Ordinarily, the death of the shepherd would have been a disaster. If shepherd died, sheep would be scattered with no one to provide for their needs. When The Good Shepherd died, he actually provided for the sheep’s greatest need. This is the meaning of the Greek preposition “for.” Jesus gave his life “on behalf of” his sheep or even “in place of” his sheep.
This is the story of the cross. On the cross, The Good Shepherd became the Lamb of God. He was not murdered. He did not die a tragic and untimely death. Jesus voluntarily laid down his life…Because this was the best thing for the sheep. Jesus laid down his life so that we could have true life.
III. Knowing Sheep Is Picture of Intimacy.
In vv. 14-15, Jesus introduces a new theme under the Shepherd motif. He speaks of the knowledge between sheep and shepherd.
When you and I read about Knowing, we read it differently than it was intended by both Jesus and John. We tend to think in categories similar to Greek understanding. Knowledge = seeing, empirical sensory data, logical. The Hebrew understanding of knowledge was completely different. To them, Knowledge = experience, relationship.
In other words, Jesus did not mean that sheep recognize shepherd when they see him. (That’s the Greek or American view of knowledge.) Jesus meant that there was a kind of intimacy / shared experience / relationship between sheep & shepherd. This kind of relational knowledge is only possible by spending time together.
The shepherd & sheep spent all hours of every day together. This developed a familiarity between the two. Shepherd provided all food, water & shelter for sheep. This developed a sense of trust & dependence. Sheep totally depended on shepherd & trusted him for all their needs. This illustrates dependence, not independence.
IV. Responding to Shepherd’s Voice.
At this time, we must return to Jesus’ parable in vv. 1 - 6. Several flocks of sheep would spend the night in the same fold.
During the night, the flocks would intermingle & not remain together in separate areas. Therefore, it would seem difficult to separate one flock from the others. In the morning, the shepherds would stand in diff areas outside the fold & begin to call their own sheep. The sheep would recognize their own shepherd by his voice and run to him. When strangers call to the sheep they will not follow b/c they do not recognize their voices. In fact, the sheep run away because they fear those they do not trust.
There are two ways we can interpret Jesus’ words about hearing the voice of the shepherd. On one hand, it seems clear from the parable that only those who hear the shepherd’s voice will be saved. On the other hand, Jesus tells us in verse 16 that he has other sheep outside of the sheep pen who will hear his voice. Therefore, I think we should also say that any who hear the shepherd’s voice will be saved.
Jesus’ sheep will not be confined to one national identity or even one racial heritage.
Only those who listen to Jesus’ voice will be saved…
And, ANY who listen to Jesus’ voice will be saved.
V. Conclusion.
When Jesus described himself as The Good Shepherd, he told us a lot about himself. He claimed to take on the role and identity of God for his followers. He not only claimed this for himself, but he demonstrated it by laying down his life for you and me. But, Jesus also told us something about ourselves. We are his sheep.
1. We are loved by the Shepherd…
Ancient shepherds had a special relationship with their sheep. They gave their sheep names and treated them more like pets than livestock. Jesus wants this same kind of relationship with you. Jesus did not lay down his life to impress you or to set an example for us to follow. Jesus lay down his life to demonstrate his love for you and to give you life.
You are valuable to Jesus. Jesus loves you. However, you are not loved because you are valuable. You are valuable, because Jesus loves you.
2. We belong to the Shepherd…
This is the primary difference between the shepherd who owns the sheep and the hired man who only works for money. The shepherd owns the sheep and loves them. The hired man is only working for money. Love is a stronger bond than money.
Think of a man who is in love with a woman. He will climb the highest mountain or cross the deepest sea to be with his love. Think of a parent who sits by the bedside of a sick child. Think of an adult child, who is the primary caregiver for their parent. No sacrifice is too great. They will never leave the child or the parent they love.
In the same way, The Good Shepherd will never abandon the sheep who belong to him. Physical illness, financial problems, relationship problems, sin… None of this can separate us from The Good Shepherd.
3. We must listen to the Shepherd…
Jesus said that ONLY the sheep who listen to his voice will be saved. Jesus said that ANY sheep who listen to his voice will be saved. Listening is important.
However, there is a difference between listening and hearing. Hearing can be done by accident. Listening is an intentional act of our will and attention.
God is still speaking to us today. The problem is that we often do not listen. God speaks through his word, the Bible. Yet, when our Bibles are closed, the voice of God is silenced. God speaks through his Holy Spirit. Yet, when we operate daily on our own strength, wisdom and experience, we silence the Holy Spirit.
4. We were created for community…
Throughout this passage, John has used the plural form of the Greek word “sheep.” However, we can’t see that in English, because in English “sheep” can be either singular or plural. That is interesting… Sheep are not usually found alone. Sheep are herd animals. There is no such thing as an individual sheep.
Isolation would be deadly for a sheep. Sheep are vulnerable animals. They have many natural predators and no natural defense system. This is why it is important for sheep to have a shepherd and to stay together in the flock. Sheep need the flock as much as they need the shepherd. The safest place for a sheep is to remain in the flock, close to the shepherd.
This is why you and I need the church. We were not created to be isolated Christians. No. Just as there is no such thing as an isolated sheep, there is no such thing as an isolated Christian. The safest place for you and me is in the church, close to the Good Shepherd.
A little girl was trying to quote Psalm 23 by memory. She said, “The LORD is my shepherd… … … That’s all I want.”
John 10: 11 – 21.
I. Introduction.
When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up and be just like my heroes. Now, it may come as a surprise to you…But, my heroes were not preachers. All I ever wanted to be was a fireman. I loved the TV show “Emergency,” and that is what I wanted to do. In fact, I even considered becoming a volunteer fireman in the small Mississippi town where I served as pastor for the first time.
Who were your heroes when you were a child? Sometimes, different individuals have different heroes. Sometimes, heroes can actually represent an entire culture or a generation.
For example, in England stories abound of the heroic knight in shining armor, fighting for everything that is noble and just…not to mention rescuing the damsel in distress. This is a cultural hero that doesn’t relate well to children in the United States.
In Scandinavian countries, they dream about the Vikings…the little country no longer being taken advantage of by the bigger, more aggressive countries…the poor man finally getting what he deserves from the rich man. Again, this is a cultural hero…Not something you find in the United States.
In America we are more likely to dream about cowboys. (At least, we dream about cowboys if we are not dreaming about firemen. Cowboys are rugged, hard-working, living outdoors, isolated…the cowboy captures our independent spirit, the American idealism.
In Hebrew culture it was the shepherd…one man leading and caring for the needs of one large flock of sheep…providing food and water in the desert…defending off wolves and lions and bears with nothing more than a slingshot, or even using his bare hands if necessary.
There are at least two shepherd-heroes in the Old Testament. In Exodus 3, God spoke to a shepherd named Moses. Moses was taking care of his father-in-law’s sheep, when God called him to be the redeemer for God’s people in Egypt. God used Moses’ knowledge of sheep and shepherding to lead the Hebrew people out of slavery. Then, in 1 Samuel 16, God led Samuel to a young shepherd named David to become the second—and greatest—king of Israel. Again, God used David’s knowledge of sheep and shepherding to lead the nation of Israel.
As Christians, we have adopted this Hebrew image. We want to be like the heroic shepherd. We describe Christian leadership as “shepherding.” In fact, the word “pastor” comes from the Latin word “shepherd.” A pastor is a shepherd-leader of God’s people. But, think about what this implies about God’s people… Moses started out as a shepherd. David started out as a shepherd. The pastor is a shepherd. What does that say about God’s people? A shepherd is a leader of sheep.
From a biblical perspective, we can cite numerous explicit examples where God’s people are referred to as sheep. For example, Psalm 23 begins, “The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” God himself is the Shepherd. We are his sheep. Then, in John 10 Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd…”
On one hand, Jesus is claiming equality with God. This was obvious to any good Jew who knew Psalm 23. On the other hand, Jesus is describing himself as our ultimate leader…the Shepherd of God’s sheep.
Read John 10: 11 – 21.
II. Good Shepherd Is “True” Shepherd.
In verse 11 Jesus described himself as “The Good Shepherd.” This expression, “The Good Shepherd” includes 3 important words:
1. “Shepherd”. . .The one who provides for the needs of sheep.
Sheep are totally dependant on the shepherd for food, water & shelter. Sheep are helpless and defenseless animals that need someone to care for them and protect them from animals and thieves. By using this image for himself, Jesus is associating himself with a wealth of OT literature which illustrates the relationship between God & Israel as sheep to shepherd (i.e. Psalm 23).
This image also places Jesus in the tradition of David who got his start as King of Israel by working as a shepherd boy and Moses who learned leadership by tending sheep. It could also be a reference to the coming Messianic age in which God himself would be the Shepherd over his people.
2. “Good”. . .John’s use of term “Good” is probably close to “True.” In John 6, Jesus described himself as the “True Bread” that comes out of heaven. In John 8, Jesus described himself as the true Light of the World. In John 15, Jesus claimed to be the “True Vine.”
While it is true that Jesus is morally good and perfect. Jesus is the only good person who has ever lived. However, it is possible that this is not what Jesus intended by this claim. It is possible that he is referring to the ultimate expression of what a shepherd is supposed to look like.
As a good and true and perfect expression of shepherd, Jesus is opening himself up to comparison to all other shepherds. This is an unusual image for you and me. We don’t see sheep and shepherds on a daily basis. In fact, we have to go to the petting zoo to see sheep. But, Jesus’ audience saw sheep and shepherds every day.
If Jesus is the Good Shepherd, then we can assume that there were bad shepherds. In fact, John 10: 21 makes a reference to the healing of a blind man. This is a story that took place in John 9. When Jesus healed the blind man, a controversy erupted. On one side of the controversy were Jesus and the healed man. On the other side were the religious leaders. These religious leaders thought of themselves as shepherds, but it seems that Jesus is comparing them to himself. And, they fall short…
3. “The”. . .This definite article makes a claim for uniqueness of Jesus.
Read John 10: 11 – 13…Notice that Jesus didn’t claim to be “A” Good Shepherd. Jesus possesses a unique quality that separates him from all other shepherds. He lays down his life for the sheep.
Hired hands see predators and run for their own lives. They are working for money, and no one wants to put their lives at risk for money.
A shepherd who owns his own flock will protect sheep by fighting off wolves, bears & lions that might attack. Remember the story of David as a boy, who fought and killed both a bear and a lion that attacked his sheep? David was a good shepherd, but he wasn’t The Good Shepherd. In other words, A good shepherd will live for his sheep and will sometimes risk his own life for the sheep.
The Good Shepherd is different, because Jesus did not risk his life for his sheep. Jesus voluntarily laid down his life for sheep. Only Jesus had the power and authority to give his life. His life was NOT taken from him. It was freely given.
The hired hands live for themselves… Good shepherds live for their sheep and put their lives at risk… But The Good Shepherd actually died for his sheep.
Ordinarily, the death of the shepherd would have been a disaster. If shepherd died, sheep would be scattered with no one to provide for their needs. When The Good Shepherd died, he actually provided for the sheep’s greatest need. This is the meaning of the Greek preposition “for.” Jesus gave his life “on behalf of” his sheep or even “in place of” his sheep.
This is the story of the cross. On the cross, The Good Shepherd became the Lamb of God. He was not murdered. He did not die a tragic and untimely death. Jesus voluntarily laid down his life…Because this was the best thing for the sheep. Jesus laid down his life so that we could have true life.
III. Knowing Sheep Is Picture of Intimacy.
In vv. 14-15, Jesus introduces a new theme under the Shepherd motif. He speaks of the knowledge between sheep and shepherd.
When you and I read about Knowing, we read it differently than it was intended by both Jesus and John. We tend to think in categories similar to Greek understanding. Knowledge = seeing, empirical sensory data, logical. The Hebrew understanding of knowledge was completely different. To them, Knowledge = experience, relationship.
In other words, Jesus did not mean that sheep recognize shepherd when they see him. (That’s the Greek or American view of knowledge.) Jesus meant that there was a kind of intimacy / shared experience / relationship between sheep & shepherd. This kind of relational knowledge is only possible by spending time together.
The shepherd & sheep spent all hours of every day together. This developed a familiarity between the two. Shepherd provided all food, water & shelter for sheep. This developed a sense of trust & dependence. Sheep totally depended on shepherd & trusted him for all their needs. This illustrates dependence, not independence.
IV. Responding to Shepherd’s Voice.
At this time, we must return to Jesus’ parable in vv. 1 - 6. Several flocks of sheep would spend the night in the same fold.
During the night, the flocks would intermingle & not remain together in separate areas. Therefore, it would seem difficult to separate one flock from the others. In the morning, the shepherds would stand in diff areas outside the fold & begin to call their own sheep. The sheep would recognize their own shepherd by his voice and run to him. When strangers call to the sheep they will not follow b/c they do not recognize their voices. In fact, the sheep run away because they fear those they do not trust.
There are two ways we can interpret Jesus’ words about hearing the voice of the shepherd. On one hand, it seems clear from the parable that only those who hear the shepherd’s voice will be saved. On the other hand, Jesus tells us in verse 16 that he has other sheep outside of the sheep pen who will hear his voice. Therefore, I think we should also say that any who hear the shepherd’s voice will be saved.
Jesus’ sheep will not be confined to one national identity or even one racial heritage.
Only those who listen to Jesus’ voice will be saved…
And, ANY who listen to Jesus’ voice will be saved.
V. Conclusion.
When Jesus described himself as The Good Shepherd, he told us a lot about himself. He claimed to take on the role and identity of God for his followers. He not only claimed this for himself, but he demonstrated it by laying down his life for you and me. But, Jesus also told us something about ourselves. We are his sheep.
1. We are loved by the Shepherd…
Ancient shepherds had a special relationship with their sheep. They gave their sheep names and treated them more like pets than livestock. Jesus wants this same kind of relationship with you. Jesus did not lay down his life to impress you or to set an example for us to follow. Jesus lay down his life to demonstrate his love for you and to give you life.
You are valuable to Jesus. Jesus loves you. However, you are not loved because you are valuable. You are valuable, because Jesus loves you.
2. We belong to the Shepherd…
This is the primary difference between the shepherd who owns the sheep and the hired man who only works for money. The shepherd owns the sheep and loves them. The hired man is only working for money. Love is a stronger bond than money.
Think of a man who is in love with a woman. He will climb the highest mountain or cross the deepest sea to be with his love. Think of a parent who sits by the bedside of a sick child. Think of an adult child, who is the primary caregiver for their parent. No sacrifice is too great. They will never leave the child or the parent they love.
In the same way, The Good Shepherd will never abandon the sheep who belong to him. Physical illness, financial problems, relationship problems, sin… None of this can separate us from The Good Shepherd.
3. We must listen to the Shepherd…
Jesus said that ONLY the sheep who listen to his voice will be saved. Jesus said that ANY sheep who listen to his voice will be saved. Listening is important.
However, there is a difference between listening and hearing. Hearing can be done by accident. Listening is an intentional act of our will and attention.
God is still speaking to us today. The problem is that we often do not listen. God speaks through his word, the Bible. Yet, when our Bibles are closed, the voice of God is silenced. God speaks through his Holy Spirit. Yet, when we operate daily on our own strength, wisdom and experience, we silence the Holy Spirit.
4. We were created for community…
Throughout this passage, John has used the plural form of the Greek word “sheep.” However, we can’t see that in English, because in English “sheep” can be either singular or plural. That is interesting… Sheep are not usually found alone. Sheep are herd animals. There is no such thing as an individual sheep.
Isolation would be deadly for a sheep. Sheep are vulnerable animals. They have many natural predators and no natural defense system. This is why it is important for sheep to have a shepherd and to stay together in the flock. Sheep need the flock as much as they need the shepherd. The safest place for a sheep is to remain in the flock, close to the shepherd.
This is why you and I need the church. We were not created to be isolated Christians. No. Just as there is no such thing as an isolated sheep, there is no such thing as an isolated Christian. The safest place for you and me is in the church, close to the Good Shepherd.
A little girl was trying to quote Psalm 23 by memory. She said, “The LORD is my shepherd… … … That’s all I want.”
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010: Jesus, the Door
Jesus: The Door
John 10: 1 – 10.
I. Introduction.
Do you have a “guilty pleasure?” A guilty pleasure is something that you enjoy doing, but feel a little guilty about. I’m not talking about sinful behavior. I’m talking about embarrassing behavior. Maybe, you like to listen to music from the 1980’s—there is a lot of music from the 80’s that is truly embarrassing. Or, maybe when no one else is around, you listen to the Jonas Brothers. Or perhaps, you like to watch American Idol or The Bachelor…But you don’t want anyone to find out, because you would be embarrassed. People might criticize your TV preferences.
I have some guilty pleasures, but I am not going to confess to all of them. I’ll just tell you about one. I like to read “Dear Abby” in the newspaper. I usually read the headlines, the obituaries, the police report, Dear Abby and the comics before I read the rest of the newspaper.
I don’t always agree with the advice Dear Abby gives out. In fact, I agree with her less and less as I get older. But, I have to admit her free advice is worth every penny of its cost.
On Thursday (March 4, 2010), Dear Abby printed her readers’ responses to a man who was criticized for holding the door open for a woman. The man thought he was being courteous. The woman thought he was being chauvinistic. I suppose it could be taken as an offensive gesture, if a man honestly thinks a woman is incapable of opening a door. This is something I try to do for men and women alike. Anytime I arrive at a door at the same time as another person (man or woman), I usually hold the door and let them enter before me. I think of it as polite…Not demeaning to another person.
Evidently the man was asking for Dear Abby’s advice about what he should have said. I’m sure you can relate. You can’t think of the right thing to say at the moment. But, a couple of days later you come up with the perfect thing to say.
One reader wrote about what her teenage son said. The teenager held the door for a woman. The woman said, “Listen, Sonny, I can handle the door myself.” The teenager replied, “I will excuse your rudeness if you will excuse my courtesy.”
Another reader suggested this reply: “I was taught that it is respectful to open a door for a lady. I apologize for having misjudged you.”
Another suggestion is to say, “I didn’t open the door because you are a lady. I opened the door because I am a gentleman.”
My favorite response was, “It’s not because you are a woman. It’s because of your AGE.”
When I think about doors, I think there are two types of doors. First, there are doors that are designed to keep people out. Second, there are doors that are designed to let people in.
Doors that keep people out are usually foreboding and intimidating. Like a huge wooden door with iron hinges, which might be found on a medieval castle. Or a wrought iron gate with padlocks, something designed to scare away burglars.
Doors that let people in are attractive and inviting. Hopefully this describes the doors of our church—attractive and inviting.
Which of these doors do you think Jesus was talking about in John 10? We must make a decision, because it will affect the way we read and interpret what Jesus said about himself…
Read John 10: 1 – 10.
Jesus is the door. So, what kind of door is Jesus?
There are some doors that are labeled, “CLOSED!” “KEEP OUT!” “DO NOT ENTER!” “NO ADMITTANCE!” or even “WRONG WAY!” Does that capture what Jesus is saying about himself?
There are other doors that say, “Open,” “Entrance,” “Welcome,” “Come on in,” or even “Home Sweet Home.” Does that capture what Jesus is saying about himself?
Before Jesus told us he is the door, he told us a story. This is an allegorical story which contains a deeper, spiritual meaning. It’s not simply a story about sheep and shepherds.
Jesus described a typical first century scene. Most families kept sheep for food, clothing and for religious purposes. They didn’t need help to understand the story itself. But, they did need help to understand the spiritual significance.
A sheep fold in ancient Palestine was what we would call a sheep pen. Sometimes a sheep fold was connected to a house as a kind of courtyard. The wall of the house served as one wall, with three stone walls making a rectangular pen. One of these walls had a gate to give access to the shepherd and the sheep. Of course, it wasn’t a gate like we think of in East Texas. The gate looked more like a gap than anything else. A whole in the wall.
At night, several shepherds would lead their flocks to the safety of a fold. Hundreds or even thousands of sheep could find protection in just one sheep fold. Since there was only one way in and one way out of the pen, one shepherd could protect all the sheep. The stone walls kept the wolves, coyotes and thieves away from the sheep. But, what about the gap in the wall?
Modern-day shepherds in the Middle East continue to use sheep folds like the one Jesus described. Four stone walls with an open doorway for access. These shepherds have discovered the best way to protect the sheep at night is to lie across the open doorway. There is no way for a wolf or a thief to get into the sheep fold except to cross over the body of the shepherd. There is no way for a sheep to escape the sheep fold except to cross over the body of the shepherd. Perhaps this is what Jesus had in mind when he said, “I am the door.” The only way in is through Jesus. The only way out is through Jesus.
II. The Door as Entrance.
John 10: 9…I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
The first thing Jesus says about himself as the door is about salvation. Just as there is only one way to enter the sheep fold, so there is only one way to be saved. Jesus is the legitimate door of entrance into salvation.
This interpretation for the door of the sheep fold makes a lot of sense. As long as the sheep were inside the sheep fold, they were safe. Outside the sheep fold, there were wild animals and thieves who did not care about the safety of the sheep. Inside the sheep fold, the sheep were secure. In the same way, Jesus provides us with safety and security. However, not everyone has this kind of safety. Safety is only possible to those who enter through the door. Jesus is the door. Jesus is the way to salvation.
I recognize this to be a very narrow and exclusive claim. It is even intolerant of other religious traditions. But, it is a claim based on what Jesus claimed for himself. For the past two weeks, we have looked at Jesus’ claims about himself. Jesus took the meager lunch of a young boy and used it to feed over 5,000 people. Then, Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.” People who eat physical bread will gain temporary nourishment but will eventually die. People who receive Jesus as the Bread of Life will live forever. On another occasion, Jesus stood in the Jerusalem Temple after an elaborate lighting festival. The candles and torches and Menorahs were burned out. The candles and torches and Menorahs were supposed to remind the Jews of the way God demonstrated his presence to their ancestors in a pillar of fire in the desert. And, Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.” If light is a symbol for the presence of God, then Jesus is telling us that Jesus himself is the source of God’s presence. Jesus is the source of salvation.
This is Jesus’ claim about himself. Jesus is the only way to be saved. Satan is one who wants to attack you. He is a thief and a wild animal. He is not concerned about your safety. He is only concerned about himself. His intent is to steal, to kill and to destroy. His primary tool is temptation—to lead you into sin. But, Jesus has come to give you salvation. To save you from sin and all the attacks and temptations of Satan. The only way to be saved is to enter into God’s fold through Jesus.
Jesus is the door that says, “Welcome” and “Home Sweet Home.” All who come through Jesus are at home in God’s sheep fold with God’s people.
III. The Door as Exit.
John 10: 9 – 10 …I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Notice that Jesus describes the door as both an entrance and an exit. “(The sheep) will go in and go out, and find pasture.” Obviously, to enter through the door is to have salvation. But, what could it mean to go out of the sheep fold?
The key to understand this is the way Jesus qualifies it with the phrase “find pasture.” As long as the sheep remained in the sheep fold, they were safe. However, there was no food in the sheep fold. Grass would not grow on the floor of the sheep fold. All the grass had been worn down by the sheep. Therefore, the shepherds had to lead their sheep out of the sheep fold in order to find pasture.
But, I think we can qualify this even further by reading Jesus’ words in the next verse. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Other translations say, “and have it more abundantly.” In other words, the sheep enter into the fold to find salvation and leave the fold to find life.
Jesus is the door. On one hand, Jesus provides us with the safety of salvation. On the other hand, Jesus provides us with life. This is not just any kind of life. It is Abundant Life.
Jesus did not come to give you an “Adequate Life” or even a “Happy Life.” Jesus wants to give you Abundant Life. Abundant Life is life that is overflowing…Life that is more than adequate. It is a full and complete life.
You were not created to have an adequate life. God wants you to live a thrilling and fulfilled life. God wants you to have life to the fullest extent…Abundant Life. There are three things we can say about Abundant Life…
1. Abundant Life is Knowing and Being Known… Through faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, you can know God and be known by God. God is not a distant and detached God. God knows you by name and wants to be in relationship with you. God is concerned about every aspect of your life, from the biggest decisions you make to the days when you don’t feel like going to work. Imagine how horrible it would be to live in complete anonymity. We all want to be known by others. Jesus gives us an opportunity to be known by God.
2. Abundant Life is Having a Purpose… Jesus saves us from sin, but that is not all. Jesus saves us from sin and saves us for a mission to the world. It would be terribly selfish for us to think that Jesus saves us so that we can brag about being God’s people. This is similar to the mistake the Jews made. They had forgotten that God had given them an assignment to be a blessing to the entire world. They thought God had saved them to sit there. God doesn’t save anyone to sit there. God saves us to continue the work of Jesus in the world. On one hand, this is a Gospel mission—to share the story of Jesus so others can be saved. On the other hand, this is a mission of love. God calls us to be outwardly focused…Not focused entirely on ourselves as individuals or focused only on our church. We are to leave the walls of the church (sheep fold) to serve the world and to bring others to Jesus as the door.
3. Abundant Life is Freedom… In the Old Testament, we read about God’s standards for his people. We know by personal experience that no one can fully live up to God’s expectations. Therefore, we live in fear of God’s wrath. The cross of Christ tells us that we don’t have to face the wrath of God. Those who have faith in Jesus have God’s assurance that he is not angry with us anymore and will never be angry again. This is true freedom. If God is not angry with us, then the Law, sin, death and Satan no longer have any power over us. Their power over us comes in the form of fear and guilt. Jesus gives us the freedom to live without fear and guilt. Abundant Life is a life free from fear and guilt.
IV. Conclusion.
God does not want you to live an anonymous life. He wants to know you. God does not want you to live a life with no purpose. He wants to give you his purpose. God does not want you to live burdened with fear and guilt. He wants to give you freedom. This is God’s Grace…It is only available through Jesus.
This week, a friend of mine reposted on his Facebook profile what he read on Leonard Sweet’s Facebook profile… “Grace means that we no longer have to push on open doors.”
I think we can put that in the context of Jesus’ words in John 10. If Jesus is the door, then we don’t have to push on the door. The door is open. The door reads, “Welcome,” “Come on in,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Come to Jesus for salvation and Abundant Life.”
John 10: 1 – 10.
I. Introduction.
Do you have a “guilty pleasure?” A guilty pleasure is something that you enjoy doing, but feel a little guilty about. I’m not talking about sinful behavior. I’m talking about embarrassing behavior. Maybe, you like to listen to music from the 1980’s—there is a lot of music from the 80’s that is truly embarrassing. Or, maybe when no one else is around, you listen to the Jonas Brothers. Or perhaps, you like to watch American Idol or The Bachelor…But you don’t want anyone to find out, because you would be embarrassed. People might criticize your TV preferences.
I have some guilty pleasures, but I am not going to confess to all of them. I’ll just tell you about one. I like to read “Dear Abby” in the newspaper. I usually read the headlines, the obituaries, the police report, Dear Abby and the comics before I read the rest of the newspaper.
I don’t always agree with the advice Dear Abby gives out. In fact, I agree with her less and less as I get older. But, I have to admit her free advice is worth every penny of its cost.
On Thursday (March 4, 2010), Dear Abby printed her readers’ responses to a man who was criticized for holding the door open for a woman. The man thought he was being courteous. The woman thought he was being chauvinistic. I suppose it could be taken as an offensive gesture, if a man honestly thinks a woman is incapable of opening a door. This is something I try to do for men and women alike. Anytime I arrive at a door at the same time as another person (man or woman), I usually hold the door and let them enter before me. I think of it as polite…Not demeaning to another person.
Evidently the man was asking for Dear Abby’s advice about what he should have said. I’m sure you can relate. You can’t think of the right thing to say at the moment. But, a couple of days later you come up with the perfect thing to say.
One reader wrote about what her teenage son said. The teenager held the door for a woman. The woman said, “Listen, Sonny, I can handle the door myself.” The teenager replied, “I will excuse your rudeness if you will excuse my courtesy.”
Another reader suggested this reply: “I was taught that it is respectful to open a door for a lady. I apologize for having misjudged you.”
Another suggestion is to say, “I didn’t open the door because you are a lady. I opened the door because I am a gentleman.”
My favorite response was, “It’s not because you are a woman. It’s because of your AGE.”
When I think about doors, I think there are two types of doors. First, there are doors that are designed to keep people out. Second, there are doors that are designed to let people in.
Doors that keep people out are usually foreboding and intimidating. Like a huge wooden door with iron hinges, which might be found on a medieval castle. Or a wrought iron gate with padlocks, something designed to scare away burglars.
Doors that let people in are attractive and inviting. Hopefully this describes the doors of our church—attractive and inviting.
Which of these doors do you think Jesus was talking about in John 10? We must make a decision, because it will affect the way we read and interpret what Jesus said about himself…
Read John 10: 1 – 10.
Jesus is the door. So, what kind of door is Jesus?
There are some doors that are labeled, “CLOSED!” “KEEP OUT!” “DO NOT ENTER!” “NO ADMITTANCE!” or even “WRONG WAY!” Does that capture what Jesus is saying about himself?
There are other doors that say, “Open,” “Entrance,” “Welcome,” “Come on in,” or even “Home Sweet Home.” Does that capture what Jesus is saying about himself?
Before Jesus told us he is the door, he told us a story. This is an allegorical story which contains a deeper, spiritual meaning. It’s not simply a story about sheep and shepherds.
Jesus described a typical first century scene. Most families kept sheep for food, clothing and for religious purposes. They didn’t need help to understand the story itself. But, they did need help to understand the spiritual significance.
A sheep fold in ancient Palestine was what we would call a sheep pen. Sometimes a sheep fold was connected to a house as a kind of courtyard. The wall of the house served as one wall, with three stone walls making a rectangular pen. One of these walls had a gate to give access to the shepherd and the sheep. Of course, it wasn’t a gate like we think of in East Texas. The gate looked more like a gap than anything else. A whole in the wall.
At night, several shepherds would lead their flocks to the safety of a fold. Hundreds or even thousands of sheep could find protection in just one sheep fold. Since there was only one way in and one way out of the pen, one shepherd could protect all the sheep. The stone walls kept the wolves, coyotes and thieves away from the sheep. But, what about the gap in the wall?
Modern-day shepherds in the Middle East continue to use sheep folds like the one Jesus described. Four stone walls with an open doorway for access. These shepherds have discovered the best way to protect the sheep at night is to lie across the open doorway. There is no way for a wolf or a thief to get into the sheep fold except to cross over the body of the shepherd. There is no way for a sheep to escape the sheep fold except to cross over the body of the shepherd. Perhaps this is what Jesus had in mind when he said, “I am the door.” The only way in is through Jesus. The only way out is through Jesus.
II. The Door as Entrance.
John 10: 9…I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
The first thing Jesus says about himself as the door is about salvation. Just as there is only one way to enter the sheep fold, so there is only one way to be saved. Jesus is the legitimate door of entrance into salvation.
This interpretation for the door of the sheep fold makes a lot of sense. As long as the sheep were inside the sheep fold, they were safe. Outside the sheep fold, there were wild animals and thieves who did not care about the safety of the sheep. Inside the sheep fold, the sheep were secure. In the same way, Jesus provides us with safety and security. However, not everyone has this kind of safety. Safety is only possible to those who enter through the door. Jesus is the door. Jesus is the way to salvation.
I recognize this to be a very narrow and exclusive claim. It is even intolerant of other religious traditions. But, it is a claim based on what Jesus claimed for himself. For the past two weeks, we have looked at Jesus’ claims about himself. Jesus took the meager lunch of a young boy and used it to feed over 5,000 people. Then, Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.” People who eat physical bread will gain temporary nourishment but will eventually die. People who receive Jesus as the Bread of Life will live forever. On another occasion, Jesus stood in the Jerusalem Temple after an elaborate lighting festival. The candles and torches and Menorahs were burned out. The candles and torches and Menorahs were supposed to remind the Jews of the way God demonstrated his presence to their ancestors in a pillar of fire in the desert. And, Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.” If light is a symbol for the presence of God, then Jesus is telling us that Jesus himself is the source of God’s presence. Jesus is the source of salvation.
This is Jesus’ claim about himself. Jesus is the only way to be saved. Satan is one who wants to attack you. He is a thief and a wild animal. He is not concerned about your safety. He is only concerned about himself. His intent is to steal, to kill and to destroy. His primary tool is temptation—to lead you into sin. But, Jesus has come to give you salvation. To save you from sin and all the attacks and temptations of Satan. The only way to be saved is to enter into God’s fold through Jesus.
Jesus is the door that says, “Welcome” and “Home Sweet Home.” All who come through Jesus are at home in God’s sheep fold with God’s people.
III. The Door as Exit.
John 10: 9 – 10 …I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Notice that Jesus describes the door as both an entrance and an exit. “(The sheep) will go in and go out, and find pasture.” Obviously, to enter through the door is to have salvation. But, what could it mean to go out of the sheep fold?
The key to understand this is the way Jesus qualifies it with the phrase “find pasture.” As long as the sheep remained in the sheep fold, they were safe. However, there was no food in the sheep fold. Grass would not grow on the floor of the sheep fold. All the grass had been worn down by the sheep. Therefore, the shepherds had to lead their sheep out of the sheep fold in order to find pasture.
But, I think we can qualify this even further by reading Jesus’ words in the next verse. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Other translations say, “and have it more abundantly.” In other words, the sheep enter into the fold to find salvation and leave the fold to find life.
Jesus is the door. On one hand, Jesus provides us with the safety of salvation. On the other hand, Jesus provides us with life. This is not just any kind of life. It is Abundant Life.
Jesus did not come to give you an “Adequate Life” or even a “Happy Life.” Jesus wants to give you Abundant Life. Abundant Life is life that is overflowing…Life that is more than adequate. It is a full and complete life.
You were not created to have an adequate life. God wants you to live a thrilling and fulfilled life. God wants you to have life to the fullest extent…Abundant Life. There are three things we can say about Abundant Life…
1. Abundant Life is Knowing and Being Known… Through faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, you can know God and be known by God. God is not a distant and detached God. God knows you by name and wants to be in relationship with you. God is concerned about every aspect of your life, from the biggest decisions you make to the days when you don’t feel like going to work. Imagine how horrible it would be to live in complete anonymity. We all want to be known by others. Jesus gives us an opportunity to be known by God.
2. Abundant Life is Having a Purpose… Jesus saves us from sin, but that is not all. Jesus saves us from sin and saves us for a mission to the world. It would be terribly selfish for us to think that Jesus saves us so that we can brag about being God’s people. This is similar to the mistake the Jews made. They had forgotten that God had given them an assignment to be a blessing to the entire world. They thought God had saved them to sit there. God doesn’t save anyone to sit there. God saves us to continue the work of Jesus in the world. On one hand, this is a Gospel mission—to share the story of Jesus so others can be saved. On the other hand, this is a mission of love. God calls us to be outwardly focused…Not focused entirely on ourselves as individuals or focused only on our church. We are to leave the walls of the church (sheep fold) to serve the world and to bring others to Jesus as the door.
3. Abundant Life is Freedom… In the Old Testament, we read about God’s standards for his people. We know by personal experience that no one can fully live up to God’s expectations. Therefore, we live in fear of God’s wrath. The cross of Christ tells us that we don’t have to face the wrath of God. Those who have faith in Jesus have God’s assurance that he is not angry with us anymore and will never be angry again. This is true freedom. If God is not angry with us, then the Law, sin, death and Satan no longer have any power over us. Their power over us comes in the form of fear and guilt. Jesus gives us the freedom to live without fear and guilt. Abundant Life is a life free from fear and guilt.
IV. Conclusion.
God does not want you to live an anonymous life. He wants to know you. God does not want you to live a life with no purpose. He wants to give you his purpose. God does not want you to live burdened with fear and guilt. He wants to give you freedom. This is God’s Grace…It is only available through Jesus.
This week, a friend of mine reposted on his Facebook profile what he read on Leonard Sweet’s Facebook profile… “Grace means that we no longer have to push on open doors.”
I think we can put that in the context of Jesus’ words in John 10. If Jesus is the door, then we don’t have to push on the door. The door is open. The door reads, “Welcome,” “Come on in,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Come to Jesus for salvation and Abundant Life.”
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