John 2:13-22 13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple Jesus found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
The Jews were required to make sacrifices for a variety of reasons - for instance, at the time of a child's birth or for their failures. They were allowed, rather than bringing their sacrifice with them to the temple, to buy it once they got to the temple. If you were poor, you bought a dove. If you were rich you bought something more expensive. These sacrifices were your way of being in right relationship with God.
The problem was that this had become big business. The prices and the money changing weren't fair. If you were a poor family and you showed up to make a sacrifice on behalf of your son's birth, you might not be able to afford the dove. In essence, these business men in the temple were at best case making an unfair profit off of the desire of people to be right with God and at worst case, they were actually putting roadblocks up keeping the poor from being able to afford the sacrifice all together.
You don't want to be the people who keep others from a right relationship with God. Jesus demonstrates that he will not tolerate it!
Are there things in our church communities today where we might be standing in the way of people entering into a right relationship with God? And yet, the house of God is no longer technically a place - the followers of Jesus are now the house of God. But the question still applies... do we do things that stand in the way of people following Jesus?
Jesus has a zeal for the house of God.
**** The story from the view of the other gospel writers...
Matthew 21:12-13 12 Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a den of robbers."
Mark 11:15-17 15 Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; 16 and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 He was teaching and saying, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers."
Luke 19:45-46 45 Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; 46 and he said, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer'; but you have made it a den of robbers."
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A family affair.... (John 2:12)
Jesus' family was involved in his life throughout his ministry. They traveled with him, they annoyed him, they tried to hold him back, but they also supported him and followed him. It was a mixture of good, bad, and amazing.
After the disciples witness Jesus turn the water into wine - they have faith in him. Then... 12 Jesus went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days (John 2:12) .
Just a short verse. Yet it tells us something about Jesus. He travels not just with his disciples, but with his brothers and mother. His sisters (mentioned in Mark 6:2) aren't said to travel with him - perhaps they were married and had children to attend to.
We find out the names of Jesus' male siblings in Mark 6:2: James, Joses (Joseph), Judas, and Simon.
Jesus' brothers appear to be heavily involved in Jesus' ministry. Although, much like his disciples, they are not always helpful and not always full of faith in Jesus: "Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing; 4 for no one who wants to be widely known acts in secret. If you do these things, show yourself to the world." 5 (For not even his brothers believed in him.) 6 Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here" (John 7).
At times, Jesus has to remind his family that his kingdom redefines family relationships. His kingdom makes all who follow him family. He speaks truth to his family rather than letting them dominate or derail his life: 46 While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." 48 But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 And pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:46-50).
Yet, his mother stood near the cross as Jesus died (John 19:25). And at Pentecost, his mother and brothers gathered with the disciples and waited for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them: "14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers" (Acts 1:14).
Later in the book of Acts, it appears that his brother, James goes on to be the head of the church in Jerusalem. And many believe that he is also the author of the Book of James.
How do your mother, father, brothers, and sisters figure into your life? Have you ever thought about following Jesus together? What would that look like?
After the disciples witness Jesus turn the water into wine - they have faith in him. Then... 12 Jesus went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days (John 2:12) .
Just a short verse. Yet it tells us something about Jesus. He travels not just with his disciples, but with his brothers and mother. His sisters (mentioned in Mark 6:2) aren't said to travel with him - perhaps they were married and had children to attend to.
We find out the names of Jesus' male siblings in Mark 6:2: James, Joses (Joseph), Judas, and Simon.
Jesus' brothers appear to be heavily involved in Jesus' ministry. Although, much like his disciples, they are not always helpful and not always full of faith in Jesus: "Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing; 4 for no one who wants to be widely known acts in secret. If you do these things, show yourself to the world." 5 (For not even his brothers believed in him.) 6 Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here" (John 7).
At times, Jesus has to remind his family that his kingdom redefines family relationships. His kingdom makes all who follow him family. He speaks truth to his family rather than letting them dominate or derail his life: 46 While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." 48 But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 And pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:46-50).
Yet, his mother stood near the cross as Jesus died (John 19:25). And at Pentecost, his mother and brothers gathered with the disciples and waited for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them: "14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers" (Acts 1:14).
Later in the book of Acts, it appears that his brother, James goes on to be the head of the church in Jerusalem. And many believe that he is also the author of the Book of James.
How do your mother, father, brothers, and sisters figure into your life? Have you ever thought about following Jesus together? What would that look like?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Trusting Jesus with the Wine (John 2:1-11)
John 2:1-11 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6 Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. 9 When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
This the the beginning of Jesus' ministry. And it is fraught with problems for my non-drinking baptist friends! I've heard long sermons on how the wine wasn't really wine. And how the "after guests have become drunk" is properly translated as the "guests were full of juice." But the Greek word means "to be made drunk."
On the other hand, my drinking Presbyterian friends love this story. Jesus goes to a party and when the wine runs low, he turns water into wine! Not just any wine, but into good wine! Party on!
Strange stuff. We also see what seem to me to be this light hearted mother-son exchange between Jesus and his mother. If it happened today, it might go like this...
And then I read... because of all of this... "his disciples trusted him." This is the point of the story. They witness Jesus in ordinary surroundings in a playful exchange with his mother and then he does the extraordinary... more than 120 gallons of water is turned to wine. Good wine. And he doesn't even make a big show of it.
Jesus transforms plain to extraordinary. Focus this day on this beautiful picture of Jesus turning water into wine. Ordinary into extraordinary. And let him transform your life in extraordinary ways. Don't hold him back!
This the the beginning of Jesus' ministry. And it is fraught with problems for my non-drinking baptist friends! I've heard long sermons on how the wine wasn't really wine. And how the "after guests have become drunk" is properly translated as the "guests were full of juice." But the Greek word means "to be made drunk."
On the other hand, my drinking Presbyterian friends love this story. Jesus goes to a party and when the wine runs low, he turns water into wine! Not just any wine, but into good wine! Party on!
Strange stuff. We also see what seem to me to be this light hearted mother-son exchange between Jesus and his mother. If it happened today, it might go like this...
Mom: "Here is a problem you can fix."
Jesus: "Seriously woman?"
Mom: "Don't play the 'My time has not yet come' card with me, young man. Just do it."We see the creator and the sustainer of the universe at a wedding helping out with the refreshments at the insistence of his mom!! This is great stuff. I don't know exactly what to do with it except enjoy it.
And then I read... because of all of this... "his disciples trusted him." This is the point of the story. They witness Jesus in ordinary surroundings in a playful exchange with his mother and then he does the extraordinary... more than 120 gallons of water is turned to wine. Good wine. And he doesn't even make a big show of it.
Jesus transforms plain to extraordinary. Focus this day on this beautiful picture of Jesus turning water into wine. Ordinary into extraordinary. And let him transform your life in extraordinary ways. Don't hold him back!
Friday, March 4, 2011
A New Name (John 1:42)
Recently my husband was introducing me before a tournament tennis match in which his game would determine the progress of his team. I guess he was nervous and preoccupied, because oddly he introduced me as "Kate." It was a strange feeling as people shook my hand and said, "Nice to meet you Kate." I didn't exactly know what to say. "My name is April," would require some explanation and I had none. He has never called me Kate before. It isn't my name. He said he was looking at the team captain, whose name is Kate and because he was nervous... well, he got confused. :-) It will take a long time for him to live this slip of the tongue down. But being given a new name - well, this would take some adjustment.
After meeting Simon, Jesus game him a new name...
John 1:42 42 (Andrew, Simon's brother) brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).
Matthew 16:18 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Mark 3:16 16 So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);
Luke 6:14 14 Simon, whom he named Peter...
God has this beautiful way of changing our names when he calls us to follow him. In the Old Testament Abram (exalted) became Abraham (father of nations) and Sarai (argumentative) became Sarah (queen). Jacob (deceiver) became Israel (wrestles with God). In the new testament Simon (listener) becomes Peter (rock) and Saul (prayed for) becomes Paul (humble). Old names are changed to names with eternal meanings. Here Simon becomes Peter which means rock. He will be the rock on which Jesus will build the church.
In the book of Acts (Chapter 11), the followers of Jesus are first called "Christians" or "Christ's ones." We take on the name of Christ... to represent Christ, to be his hands and feet. I don't use the name "Christian" much in this blog because the name has often been misused to describe a religion run amok rather than a people who are dedicated to following Jesus. Maybe I should use "Christ's ones" instead.
In Revelation Chapter 2 and 3, God says he will give all who overcome, a new name.
What name might God give you? The new names that God gives seem to always reflect the person's purpose in life. What name might God give your child or spouse? What might reflect the purpose God seems to have given them?
Live into being "Christ's ones." Live into the purpose for which God has created you.
In the coming stories of the gospel, we will see Peter struggle with living into his new name. And we will see Jesus speak truth and grace to Peter's shortcomings giving him power to overcome.
After meeting Simon, Jesus game him a new name...
John 1:42 42 (Andrew, Simon's brother) brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).
Matthew 16:18 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Mark 3:16 16 So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);
Luke 6:14 14 Simon, whom he named Peter...
God has this beautiful way of changing our names when he calls us to follow him. In the Old Testament Abram (exalted) became Abraham (father of nations) and Sarai (argumentative) became Sarah (queen). Jacob (deceiver) became Israel (wrestles with God). In the new testament Simon (listener) becomes Peter (rock) and Saul (prayed for) becomes Paul (humble). Old names are changed to names with eternal meanings. Here Simon becomes Peter which means rock. He will be the rock on which Jesus will build the church.
In the book of Acts (Chapter 11), the followers of Jesus are first called "Christians" or "Christ's ones." We take on the name of Christ... to represent Christ, to be his hands and feet. I don't use the name "Christian" much in this blog because the name has often been misused to describe a religion run amok rather than a people who are dedicated to following Jesus. Maybe I should use "Christ's ones" instead.
In Revelation Chapter 2 and 3, God says he will give all who overcome, a new name.
What name might God give you? The new names that God gives seem to always reflect the person's purpose in life. What name might God give your child or spouse? What might reflect the purpose God seems to have given them?
Live into being "Christ's ones." Live into the purpose for which God has created you.
In the coming stories of the gospel, we will see Peter struggle with living into his new name. And we will see Jesus speak truth and grace to Peter's shortcomings giving him power to overcome.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Seeing Greater Things. (John 1: 43-51) -- 4 of 4
This post is the fourth of four posts about Jesus calling six disciples
After the story of Jesus meeting two potential disciples and spending the day with them...
John 1:43-51 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." 49 Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." 51 And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
John 1:43-51 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." 49 Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." 51 And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
The last four days of this blog, we have been watching Jesus call the first six disciples. Imagine what it must have been like for these men to realize that not only is Jesus the Messiah, but he knows who they are. And they have an invitation to follow him.
Just for a moment... think about what that must have felt like. To find the Messiah - whom you have never met, but who knows all there is to know about you. AND he wants YOU to follow him.
This scenario is as true for us today as it was for the disciples then. Jesus knows who we are! Intimately. And we (despite all our warts) have an invitation to follow him.
And there are perks if we say yes: "You will see greater things!"
The promise Jesus makes to Nathaniel, "You will see greater things than these" is extended to all followers later in the gospels: "Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12).
Followers of Jesus will see and do greater works than Jesus? This is possible because the followers of Jesus are filled with the Holy Spirit. This Spirit is the power of God - the very power of the resurrection. And it indwells Jesus' followers.
We see Jesus' words come true immediately after the Holy Spirit is sent at Pentecost when Peter's first sermon prompts more people to follow Jesus than are recorded for Jesus during his entire ministry. And the church immediately expands throughout the Roman world, whereas Jesus' had limited his ministry to Palestine. God does powerful things in the early church - people experience supernatural healing and protection. Lives are transformed from eternal darkness to eternal purpose. Things happen.
This same Spirit lives within followers of Jesus today. What greater works than the ones that Jesus did have you seen and witnessed? Follow Jesus closely... no telling what you will see (and do)!
Just for a moment... think about what that must have felt like. To find the Messiah - whom you have never met, but who knows all there is to know about you. AND he wants YOU to follow him.
This scenario is as true for us today as it was for the disciples then. Jesus knows who we are! Intimately. And we (despite all our warts) have an invitation to follow him.
And there are perks if we say yes: "You will see greater things!"
The promise Jesus makes to Nathaniel, "You will see greater things than these" is extended to all followers later in the gospels: "Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12).
Followers of Jesus will see and do greater works than Jesus? This is possible because the followers of Jesus are filled with the Holy Spirit. This Spirit is the power of God - the very power of the resurrection. And it indwells Jesus' followers.
We see Jesus' words come true immediately after the Holy Spirit is sent at Pentecost when Peter's first sermon prompts more people to follow Jesus than are recorded for Jesus during his entire ministry. And the church immediately expands throughout the Roman world, whereas Jesus' had limited his ministry to Palestine. God does powerful things in the early church - people experience supernatural healing and protection. Lives are transformed from eternal darkness to eternal purpose. Things happen.
This same Spirit lives within followers of Jesus today. What greater works than the ones that Jesus did have you seen and witnessed? Follow Jesus closely... no telling what you will see (and do)!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Building Relationships (John 1:35-41) -- 3 of 4
This post is the third of four posts about Jesus calling six disciples.
John 1:35-42 35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.
38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?"
They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
39 He said to them, "Come and see."
They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed).
38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?"
They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
39 He said to them, "Come and see."
They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed).
So much is happening in these verses! John the Baptist points his disciples to Jesus identifying him as the Messiah. And they start to follow him - without an invitation. They want to get to know him, "Where are you staying?" And Jesus invites them home with him... "Come and see!"
One of the most effective ways to live out our profession of "catching people" (see the last blog) is to live a life worthy of their interest. Then to invite them home with us - invite them to get to know us. So they can judge first hand if we are the real deal. And more importantly - if Jesus is the real deal. This is what Jesus did before he called his first disciples. He developed a relationship with them.
So many "fishers of people" like to keep their fish at arm's length. They are happy to force their way over to talk to the person asking them a set of evangelistic questions or forcing a tract into their hands. But taking that person home with them? Never! Inviting that person to be a friend? Committing one's self to treating that person better than you treat yourself or your even family? Not a chance! And we make all kinds of excuses!!
"What if that person is more important than me? How silly I will look trying to befriend them"
"What if that person is someone I have talked to when I worked in the soup line at the shelter or in the prison ministry? How can I invite someone home with me that has a background like that?"
"What if that person is a lot older or younger than me? Or if our kids aren't the same ages? What if they are a neighborhood child? What if we have nothing in common?"
These are just lame excuses.
Jesus sets an example for us here! Catching people is about inviting them to journey with us. Accepting them as they are... letting them see who Jesus is in us... not pushing them around or pressuring them. Walking together. Two beggars looking for the bread of life together!
Take a moment and think about who God might have put in front of you to invite home with you today. Don't worry if the house isn't straightened. Or if your walk with Jesus isn't perfected yet. Or if you don't have all the answers. Just open your heart and your house to build a relationship. And watch God work - its an amazing thing to have front row seats!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Catching People (Luke 5:1-11) -- 2 of 4
This post is the second of four posts about Jesus calling six disciples.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.
8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." 11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
When you signed up to follow Jesus, did you understand that you would have a new profession? No longer would fishing, or writing software, or nursing, or engineering, or building, or marketing be who you were. Sure, you might still do those things. They might still provide a living for you. But they are no longer who you are. You have a new profession: "to catch people".
Now... most "followers of Jesus" live as though when we signed up to follow Jesus, our assignement was to:
- follow a list of rules (go to church on Sunday, don't dance, don't smoke, don't drink, give 10% of your money),
- believe a set of theology (the King James Bible is 100% accurate down to the unicorns, creation took place in exactly 7 days, and hell is a physical place),
- and do a set of good works (give to the poor, take care of creation, and sign an organ donor's card).
So if our job evaluation for this new profession was to happen today... how would we be doing? Look at the people around you - how can you demonstrate Jesus' love to them today? Both with actions and words? Ask God to show you and to give you power and courage. You can do it!
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