Suffering and Sacrifice
Suffering and Sacrifice
Each day we separately walk different sandy roads to arrive at the same destination so that we can talk about Jesus with one another. Then we eat lunch from a common bowl, a symbol of our united hearts. Today, Sunday, we participated in communion, reminding us that we have Christ in common with one another. There is so much that draws us together. But there is also much that is uncommon/different between us and our African brothers and sisters.
During the testimony time this morning, M, thank God for taking his family to Heaven. Just last week soldiers pursuing terrorists, massacred 150 people in his village, killing M’s mother, two sisters, cousins, and nieces. And yet today, on Sunday, he, thanked God for grace and Heaven.
S was a sheep thief. It’s how he made his living. But one day he met an American missionary, who told him about Jesus. S refused Christ but soon found himself in a sandstorm like no other he had ever encountered. As he covered his face and knelt in the sand, he prayed, “Oh God of the Christians, save me, and I will serve you.” S survived the sandstorm, found the missionary and trusted Christ. As of today, he has discipled a multitude of new believers in his country.
When J became a Christian his father shot at him with a shotgun, trying to kill him. Today he says, “I am my father’s favorite son.” Fortunately, his father, who is not a Christian but who carries much influence in his community, has enabled his missionary son to be released from prison multiple times.
When E became a Christian, he prayed seven years for a wife. He eventually led a woman to Christ, married her, and they had a baby. But when her Muslim parents found out their daughter and her husband were Christians, they used the country’s law to threaten to take the child. Rather than abandon their baby, E’s wife returned to her family who moved her and the baby to an undisclosed location in their country. He however, considered Christ the greater treasure, and could not turn back from following Jesus. Like every other story, I have told in this post, there are now innumerable believers in these countries, because of the sacrifice these Christians have made.
These are just a few of the countless and common stories of common men and women who have opted to follow Jesus in Muslim dominated countries. Suffering and sacrifice is as common to their Christianity as sand is to the ground of the countries in which they serve. Uncommon in our world but common to much of the world.
Today, during the preaching time, I thanked them for loving Jesus, and told them they were the model for the American church. It astounds them to believe this is true, but it is. We have much to learn from our African friends. And we are watching them…thanking God for them…and hoping to imitate them in their love for Jesus.
Why God Calls His People to Gather
Discipleship from a Trinitarian Center
What Now? The Great Commission Gospel Matt 28:18-20
The View from My Study - Genesis 3:15
Genesis 3:15
Disciples' Fall & the Son's Faithfulness
The Hour of Darkness
His Agony in the Garden
Good Monday morning dear friends, You are on my heart this morning and my passion is to provide you with something the Holy Spirit can use to conform you to the image of Jesus, loving God and sharing the blessing of knowing him with others just as the Lord has been doing in Luke’s Gospel. As I mentioned last Monday, there are five Sundays in November and I have divided Luke 22 into five sermons. Yesterday we looked at 1 – The Plot and the Passover in verses 1-23 I hope Sunday’s sermon was a blessing to you, that you can practically apply it to the pressures of your own life and will use the text to help others who are enduring stress. The rest of the series looks like this: 2 – The Test of True Greatness – 24-38 3 – The Agony in the Garden – 39-46 4 – The Kiss and the Sword – 47-53 5 – The Disciples’ Fall & the Son’s Faithfulness – 54-71 This week we are focusing on true greatness in verses 24-38 and today is ‘Observation’ day. According to Jesus in these verses, true greatness is not measured by one’s position or power but by three things: humility, dependence, and endurance. First, understanding the setting is essential to interpreting and applying the text. a) The conversation happens during the Last Supper, immediately after Jesus instituted the bread and cup (19–20). b) The disciples are still gathered around the table in the upper room (21), so this dialogue flows out of that moment. c) Jesus is preparing the disciples for His departure, suffering, and betrayal (21–23), yet they are distracted by an argument. Second, the disciples are arguing about greatness in vs 24-27. a) Dispute in vs 24 is philoneikia = a love of contention. b) The issue is, “Which of them was to be regarded as the greatest”. 24b c) Jesus uses the moment to contrast worldly greatness with kingdom greatness: o “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship…” 25 o “But not so with you.” 26 d) And he introduces a magnificent reversal: “Let the greatest become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.” 25b e) He then presents himself as the model: “I am among you as the one who serves.” 27c f) And contrasts his kingdom with this present world. 27a-b. Summary: Jesus redirects the disciples’ ambition toward humility, the kind of humility he is going to demonstrate on the cross. The third thing I see is that Jesus offers the disciples a commendation and a promise. 28-30. a) Jesus acknowledges their faithfulness: “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials.” 28. b) And he promises them a place in His kingdom: o “I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom.” 29a o “You may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom.” 30a o “You will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” 30b c) The verbs “assign” (diatithemai) and “stay” (diamenōT) indicate covenantal loyalty and endurance. Summary: Jesus shifts their thinking from their present humility to future honor - 28–30. At that moment, (fourthly), Jesus redirects his attention from the group to Peter with a warning. 31–34 a) “Simon, Simon” denotes urgency. (I love the double calls of Scripture). b) He then discusses the spiritual warfare surrounding the disciples: “Satan demanded to have you [plural], that he might sift you [plural] like wheat” 31b. c) And reveals his personal prayers for Peter, “But I have prayed for you [singular], that your faith may not fail” v 32a. d) Then predicts Peter’s failure and restoration. “When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” 32b. e) As would be natural for any of us, Peter protests his loyalty: “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death” 33. f) But Jesus remains steadfast and foretells Peter’s denial: “The rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you know me” 34. Summary: Notice the key contrasts in this section: Satan’s demand vs. Christ’s prayer; Peter’s confidence vs. Christ’s foreknowledge. Finally, Jesus gives them all new instructions. 35-38. a) Jesus recalls the earlier mission (Luke 9–10): “When I sent you out without moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” — They answer, “Nothing.” 35. b) Now He gives new instructions for a hostile environment: o “Let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack.” 36a o “And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” 36b. c) Jesus then quotes Isaiah 53:12: “He was numbered with the transgressors.” 37. o This connects His coming suffering with prophecy fulfillment. d) The disciples misunderstand, taking Him literally: “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” 38a e) Jesus ends the conversation: “It is enough.” 38b. Summary: The atmosphere has subtly moved from an intimate table fellowship to impending public conflict and departure. It will occur sooner than the disciples understand. Concluding thoughts: Notice some of the repeated themes and patterns There is a contrast of worldly power vs. servant humility; boasting vs. weakness; self-reliance vs. dependence on Christ. There is the repetition of how Jesus address the group: “You” plural vs. “you” singular (Peter)—the group and the individual are both in view. See how the tone of the evening progresses: Argument (vv. 24–25) Correction (vv. 26–27) Encouragement (vv. 28–30) Warning (vv. 31–34) Preparation (vv. 35–38) This passage moves from ambition to affirmation to intercession to instruction. Overall, then, what I observe in this passage is that, Jesus redefines greatness through service. He prepares His followers for testing in pride and persecution. Even at this late date, the disciples’ hearts are exposed as self-seeking, overconfident, and unprepared. Yet Jesus responds with prayer, a promise, and patience. In other words, the true “test of greatness” in Jesus’ kingdom is unfolding right there in the upper room: Will they serve, endure, and trust? I hope that observation will serve you as you begin studying this week. Pray for me if you will. The TRAP Daily Devotion for Study and Transformation (Truth + Time = Transformation) Now that we’ve ‘gutted’ the text, let’s consider how we might meditate on various verses each day of this week, letting the word of Christ “dwell richly” (Col 3:16), so the Holy Spirit can accomplish his reclamation project of returning the full expression of the imago dei to each of us. Today the 3 rd . Read Luke 22:24-27 and meditate on this: Greatness looks like serving Think. A dispute breaks out over who is the greatest. Jesus answers by pointing to the pattern of Gentile rulers who dominate, then overturns it saying the greatest becomes as the youngest, and the leader as the one who serves with himself as the ultimate model. Reflect. Where do I secretly compare myself to others, elevate myself or put others down, in an effort to make myself look good? Apply. Choose one unseen act of service today for someone who cannot repay you. Pray Lord Jesus, you led the disciples as the One who serves. You still serve me by your grace, through creation, the Word, friends, the church, in too many ways to number. “Take my life today and let it be, consecrated, Lord for thee.” Tuesday the 4 th . Read Luke 22:28–30 and meditate on this: Present faithfulness ensures future rewards. Think. Jesus honors the disciples. They stayed with Him throughout his ministry. As a result, he assigns them a place in his kingdom. In effect, they have lost their lives to save them (Matt 16:25). Reflect. How can Jesus’ promise shape my faithfulness to him today? Apply. Name one trial you face. Write, either on paper or in your mind, one sentence of faithful resolve that you will practice this week. Pray. Father, enable me to remain faithful to Jesus in hard places. Fix my eyes on the table He has promised. Wednesday, the 5 th . Read Luke 22:31–32 and meditate on Satan’s plans and God’s power. Think. Jesus reveals the spiritual battle that surrounds you. Satan intended to sift the disciples, but Jesus says He has prayed for Peter so that his faith will not fail. He then charges Peter to strengthen his brothers after he turns back. Reflect. How does knowing that Jesus prays for you (Hb 7:25) encourage your faithfulness? Apply. Today, reach out to someone who is wavering. Share a word of encouragement from the Bible and pray with them. Pray. Lord, thank You for praying for me. Help me to pray for others. Thursday, the 6 th . Read Luke 22:33–34 and meditate on honest zeal and Jesus’ sobering words. Think. Peter vows loyalty to Jesus even if he goes to prison or dies. Jesus answers with a sobering prediction. Before dawn Peter will deny Him three times. Reflect. Where are my words outrunning my obedience so that I am living hypocritically? Apply. Confess one area of overconfidence/pride to the Lord. Demonstrate repentance by acting humbly in that area. Pray. Lord Jesus, rescue me from proud words and shallow strength. Help me to live in repentance over my pride. Friday, the 7 th . Read Luke 22:35–38 and meditate on your readiness for the hostile world around you. Think. Jesus recalls the disciples’ earlier mission of dependence. They lacked nothing. Now he tells them to take provisions, citing Isaiah 53:12. Reflect. Where am I naïve about opposition, and where am I anxious rather than trusting? Apply. You know your weaknesses. Prepare your heart for the pressure you will endure today. Take a Bible verse and a prayer with you throughout the day. Pray. Lord, help me to live aware of Satan’s ploys. By your Spirit, use your word as my sword.
Good Monday morning friends. It’s raining outside which encourages me to pray “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness, let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to spout; I the LORD have created it.” (Isaiah 45:8). So, my prayer today for myself, you, Heritage and the world is that God’s salvation will produce righteousness in me and us. There are five Sundays in November and I’m going to divide Luke 22 into five sermons: 1 – The Plot and the Passover – 1-23 2 – The Test of True Greatness – 24-38 3 – The Agony in the Garden – 39-46 4 – The Kiss and the Sword – 47-53 5 – The Disciples’ Fall & the Son’s Faithfulness – 54-71 Those working titles tell us what is transpiring in each of those texts. I’m not sure they will remain the sermon titles. This Sunday’s sermon title could be: The Covenanting Table. An outline might look like this – First: The Conspiracy Against Jesus. 1-6 Second: The Preparation for the Passover. 7-13 Third: The Institution of the Lord’s Supper. 14-23 Fourth: The Meaning of the Meal Let’s take the first point and apply the Observation, Interpretation, Correlation and Application (OICA) model to it. Here’s what I see first thing this Monday morning. Observation – What the text says a) The Passover draws near, and the religious leaders seek a way to destroy Jesus. 1-2 b) Judas, one of the Twelve, consents to betray Him for money. 3-6 Interpretation – What the text means. a) Luke frames this scene with the irony that the Feast of Deliverance (Passover) becomes the backdrop for the ultimate Deliverer’s betrayal. Wow. (That is so important). His non-deliverance ensures our deliverance. It reiterates the salvation through judgement motif that runs throughout the Bible. b) Satan’s entering into Judas proves he is not a Christian. (You can spend time on demon possession in your CG, but I won’t delve into it too much in the sermon. c) Even so, evil plots do not frustrate God’s plan. They fulfill it. I’ll say more about that in the Correlation portion of this point. Correlation – Where else does the Bible say something like this? a) This is the story of the Bible (How many times do we see this in the Bible? (That’s a great CG discussion). For instance, look at just four examples - b) Satan’s ploy in the Garden of Eden set the stage for the New Jerusalem/Haven. c) Joseph’s brothers once sold him into slavery, yet God turned it for salvation (Gen. 50:20). d) Haman’s plot in the book of Esther functions as another vivid example of the same redemptive irony that Joseph’s story and Judas’s betrayal reveal: evil intends destruction, but God works through it to accomplish salvation. (I may mention Haman here because my hope is to move from Psalm 119 next year to the book of Esther. Mentioning Haman here may whet the congregation’s appetite for more. That story is less well-known than Joseph’s but again, it is the basic storyline of the Bible summed up in Romans 8:28). e) The cross is the final instance of human treachery overruled by divine sovereignty. Application — How do I move this from text to transformation? How might the Holy Spirit apply this truth to me? Trust God’s purpose even when you see human schemes that defy God’s will for you and the world. He is never surprised. He is always in control. He is working all things together for his glory and your good (which are synonymous). Well friends, that’s just the outline for point one, The Conspiracy Against Jesus in verses 1-6. You can see how I could really preach four sermons just on this single point alone, and you could lead four CG discussions to fully enjoy each section of vs 1-23 over five Sundays. Wow! Often, the hardest part in preaching and teaching is not ‘what to say,’ but, ‘what not to say,’ because there is so much to say. The Bible is so rich and so deep. It makes me think of Paul’s comment, “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things…” (Ephesians 3:7-9). Reading even a single verse in the Bible is like standing under Niagara Falls. But my main point this Sunday will be to emphasize the covenanting table, so I will leave those extraneous discussions to you. PS – They are extraneous to my point Sunday. They are not extraneous to discussion in your CG. Oh, by the way, I’ve divided Luke 22 into five sermons because I think I will preach a Christmas series this year for the four Sundays of December. I haven’t taken a break from preaching through a book over the Christmas season in many years and I think the congregation will enjoy it. I wish I could start the Sunday after Thanksgiving, on November 30 th , but Luke presents chapter 22 in five sections, requiring 5 sermons. Well, I had an early morning meeting away from the study this morning which has cut into my Monday morning Observation of our text. And, I’m using my Monday lunchtimes to listen to a Northside student read so, my Monday morning is a little shorter than normal. I have to stop now but will leave you with the Monday-Friday CG Leader Study Guide to help you think on the text each day this week while we pray Paul’s admonition to Timothy – “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (2 Timothy 2:7). Remember, we’re using the TRAP model (Think Reflect, Apply Pray), which is just as different way of saying, OICA. My hope it will ‘trap’ the text in your mind and heart. (Yes, it may be corny but that’s because I created it). Monday – The Shadow of Betrayal (v. 1–6) Think : The Passover draws near, but instead of worshipping, the leaders plan murder. Judas agrees to betray Jesus for money. Evil is real, yet God’s plan is still unfolding. Reflect : When have you seen God bring good out of human failure or injustice? How does that strengthen your faith when life feels unfair? Apply : Choose to trust God’s providence in personal circumstances you do not understand. His purposes are never interrupted. Pray : Lord, when darkness seems to win, remind me that You are never defeated. Give me confidence in Your sovereign grace. Tuesday – The Preparation of the Passover (v. 7–13) Think : Jesus gives Peter and John exact instructions, and they find everything “just as He had told them.” The one who will soon be crucified is completely in control. Reflect : How does Jesus’ attention to detail encourage you to rest in His leadership over your life today? Apply : Ask God to help you obey promptly and trust His direction in both small and large matters this week. Pray : Sovereign Lord, thank You that You go before me in every detail. Teach me to follow Your word with quiet confidence. Wednesday – The Covenant Meal (v. 14–20) Think : Jesus transforms the Passover into the Lord’s Supper. The bread and cup now point to His body and blood, sealing a new covenant of forgiveness. Reflect : What does it mean that Jesus “earnestly desired” to share this meal before He suffered? How does that reveal His love for you? Apply : Last Sunday we enjoyed the Lord’s Table. Did you take time to confess sin? Perhaps you saw that ‘indulgence, addiction, anxiety’ pattern in your life? What have you decided to do about it? Pray : Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself for me. Let the reminder of last Sunday’s bread and cup renew my daily love and gratitude for You while I seek to live for you. Thursday – The Presence of Betrayal (v. 21–23) Think : Even at the table of grace sits a betrayer. Judas proves that outward closeness to Jesus is not the same as inward devotion. Reflect : In what subtle ways might we deny or betray Jesus, through compromise, silence, or divided loyalties? (Again, think about ‘indulgence, addiction, anxiety’ as a false god or idol. Apply : Invite the Spirit to search your heart for any hypocrisy or hardness. Commit to wholehearted loyalty to Christ. Pray : Search me, O God, and cleanse my heart. Keep me from the spirit of Judas and make me faithful to You. Friday – The Meaning of the Meal (v. 14–23), Review & Application) Think : The upper room shows a Savior who rules every moment. The meal proclaims His death, confirms His covenant, and anticipates His return. Reflect : How does this text deepen your assurance that nothing can separate you from Christ’s love? Apply : End the week with gratitude. Before Sunday worship, remember His body given and His blood poured out for you last Sunday as you prepare to gather again this Sunday. Pray : Jesus, you are the true Passover Lamb. Thank You that Your blood covers me. Help me live each day in joyful remembrance until You come again.