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The Way to God by Charles Haddon Spurgeon March 27, 1859
The Spurgeon Library | The Way to God When Adam was perfect in the garden of Eden, God walked with him in the cool of the day. God and man held the most intimate and affectionate intercourse with one another. Man was a happy creature, God was a condescending Creator, and the two met together and held sweet converse and communion. But from the moment when Adam touched the forbidden fruit, the way from God to man became blocked up, the bridge was broken down, a great gulph was fixed, so that if it had not been for the divine plan of grace, we could not have ascended to God, neither could God in justice come down to us. Happily, however, the everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure, had provided for this great catastrophe. Christ Jesus the Mediator had in old eternity been ordained to become the medium of access between man and God. If you want a figure of him, remember the memorable dream of Jacob. He laid him down in a solitary place, and he dreamed a dream, which had in it something more substantial than anything he had seen with his eyes wide open. He saw a ladder, the foot whereof rested upon earth, and the top thereof reached to heaven itself. Upon this ladder he saw angels ascending and descending. Now this ladder was Christ. Christ in his humanity rested upon the earth, he is bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh. In his divinity he reaches to the highest heaven, for he is very God of very God. When our prayers ascend on high they must tread the staves of this ladder, and when God's blessings descend to us, the rounds of this marvellous ladder must be the means of their descent. Never has a prayer ascended to God save through Jesus Christ. Never has a blessing come down to man save through the same Divine Mediator. There is now a highway, a way of holiness wherein the redeemed can walk to God, and God can come to us. The king's highway, -- "The way the holy prophets went—The road that leads from banishment." Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life. Let us think for a moment of Jesus Christ as the way to God. The reason why man cannot come to God as he did in the garden is, that God is the same, but man is changed. God is as affectionate and as condescending as ever, but man is unholy and impure. Now, God is as pure as he is affectionate, while God is love it is just as true that God is infinitely just and holy. His holy eyes cannot endure iniquity. If, then, a sinful creature could obtain access to God, if a rebellious creature could come into the immediate presence of the Most High, the effect must be disastrous in the extreme, for it would be a necessity of God's nature that he must utterly devour the creature in which he sees sin to be. Come into the presence of God, O sinner, and thou mightest as well march into a consuming fire. As Nebuchadnezzar's furnace burned the men who came to throw in the three holy children so must God, the consuming fire, burn and destroy us, even if we approach him with our prayers and thanksgivings, were it not for the interposition of Jesus Christ the Mediator. I say, this is a necessity of his nature. God is necessarily just, and justice cannot endure a sin. God is necessarily pure and holy: he might sooner cease to be God than cease to be pure. Now, the approach of impurity to him he must repel. Though no laws can bind him, yet the law of his nature never can be broken. His nature is, "I will by no means clear the guilty." He is slow to anger, he is great in power, and he is ready to forgive, but so long as guilt lies unforgiven he is also ready to punish, nay, he must punish or else cease to be. Consequently, no man can come to God as a sinner, unless he comes to him to be utterly destroyed, and that without remedy. You do not wish so to come to God. Happy is it, then, that we are enabled to tell to all our fellow-creatures of a way whereby we can come with joy and gladness to the Father, through Jesus Christ. Christ Suffered and Died . . . To Show the Wealth of God’s Love and Grace for Sinners [5]
The Passion of Jesus Christ, John Piper pp. 28-29 One will scarcely die for a righteous person— though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 The measure of God’s love for us is shown by two things. One is the degree of his sacrifice in saving us from the penalty of our sin. The other is the degree of unworthiness that we had when he saved us. We can hear the measure of his sacrifice in the words, “He gave his only son” (John 3:16). We also hear it in the word Christ. This is a name based on the Greek title Christos, or “Anointed One,” or “Messiah.” It is a term of great dignity. The Messiah was to be the King of Israel. He would conquer the Romans and bring peace and security to Israel. Thus the person whom God sent to save sinners was his own divine Son, his only Son, and the Anointed King of Israel—indeed the king of the world (Isaiah 9:6-7). When we add to this consideration the horrific death by crucifixion that Christ endured, it becomes clear that the sacrifice the Father and the Son made was indescribably great—even infinite, when you consider the distance between the divine and the human. But God chose to make this sacrifice to save us. The measure of his love for us increases still more when we consider our unworthiness. “Perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8). We deserved divine punishment, not divine sacrifice. I have heard it said, “God didn’t die for frogs. So he was responding to our value as humans.” This turns grace on its head. We are worse off than frogs. They have not sinned. They have not rebelled and treated God with the contempt of being inconsequential in their lives. God did not have to die for frogs. They aren’t bad enough. We are. Our debt is so great, only a divine sacrifice could pay it. There is only one explanation for God’s sacrifice for us. It is not us. It is “the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). It is all free. It is not a response to our worth. It is the overflow of his infinite worth. In fact, that is what divine love is in the end: a passion to enthrall undeserving sinners, at great cost, with what will make us supremely happy forever, namely, his infinite beauty. Christ Suffered and Died . . . To Absorb the Wrath of God [1]
The Passion of Jesus Christ, John Piper pp. 20-21 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” Galatians 3:13 God put [Christ] forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Romans 3:25 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10 If God were not just, there would be no demand for his Son to suffer and die. And if God were not loving, there would be no willingness for his Son to suffer and die. But God is both just and loving. Therefore his love is willing to meet the demands of his justice. God’s law demanded, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). But we have all loved other things more. This is what sin is—dishonoring God by preferring other things over him, and acting on those preferences. Therefore, the Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We glorify what we enjoy most. And it isn’t God. Therefore sin is not small, because it is not against a small Sovereign. The seriousness of an insult rises with the dignity of the one insulted. The Creator of the universe is infinitely worthy of respect and admiration and loyalty. Therefore, failure to love him is not trivial—it is treason. It defames God and destroys human happiness. Since God is just, he does not sweep these crimes under the rug of the universe. He feels a holy wrath against them. They deserve to be punished, and he has made this clear: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). There is a holy curse hanging over all sin. Not to punish would be unjust. The demeaning of God would be endorsed. A lie would reign at the core of reality. Therefore, God says, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them” (Galatians 3:10; Deuteronomy 27:26). But the love of God does not rest with the curse that hangs over all sinful humanity. He is not content to show wrath, no matter how holy it is. Therefore God sends his own Son to absorb his wrath and bear the curse for all who trust him. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). This is the meaning of the word “propitiation” in the text quoted above (Romans 3:25). It refers to the removal of God’s wrath by providing a substitute. The substitute is provided by God himself. The substitute, Jesus Christ, does not just cancel the wrath; he absorbs it and diverts it from us to himself. God’s wrath is just, and it was spent, not withdrawn. Let us not trifle with God or trivialize his love. We will never stand in awe of being loved by God until we reckon with the seriousness of our sin and the justice of his wrath against us. But when, by grace, we waken to our unworthiness, then we may look at the suffering and death of Christ and say, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the [wrath-absorbing] propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). “Almost Home” by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell
Don't drop a single anchor, we're almost home Through every toil and danger, we're almost home How many pilgrim saints have before us gone? No stopping now, we're almost home That promised land is callin', we're almost home And not a tear shall fall then, we're almost home Make ready now your souls for that Kingdom come No turning back, we're almost home [Chorus] Almost home, we're almost home So press on toward that blessed shore Oh, praise the Lord, wе're almost home This journey ours togеther, we're almost home Unto that great forever, we're almost home What song anew we'll sing 'round that happy throne Come faint of heart, we're almost home [Chorus] This life is just a vapor, we're almost home That sun is settin' yonder, we're almost home Take courage, for this darkness shall break to dawn Oh, lift your eyes, we're almost home Almost home, we're almost home So press on toward that blessed shore Oh, praise the Lord, we're almost home Almost home, we're almost home So press on toward that blessed shore Oh, praise the Lord, we're almost home What We Learned Together Sunday March 26, 2023
INTRODUCTION Hymns About Heaven We return to John Chapter Fourteen seeing Jesus Helping His Disciples. These words by Jesus are unique to the Gospel of John in this Upper Room discourse. Here is the teaching by Jesus for His disciples. For each of us who are His disciples to help us in our journey home to heaven. The words from Jesus for His disciples because of His departure in this section of the Upper Room discourse in John 13:31-14:31. Jesus speaks departing words of comfort and care. Jesus gives His words of instruction and direction. Let us remember John 13:19 and see John 14:29 and know John 20:30-31. We are to be believers in Jesus hearing His words. In this context there is a series of questions from His disciples [Peter 13:37, Thomas 14:5, Philip 14:8, Judas 14:22]. These questions reveal to us the stirring of their hearts and confusion in their minds over what was happening and what Jesus was saying to them. In this chapter Jesus teaches three important truths for His disciples: 1) A Place Where He Goes & Prepares for Them To Be With Him, 2) The Promise Which He Gives & Proclaims to Them To Be About Him, and 3) The Person Who He Sends & Describes To Them To Be From Him. These words of Jesus present a heart of faith, hope of heaven, and help of the Spirit. Lord give us ears to hear and eyes to see what you have promised! First, In Jesus’ Words There Is Help for Our Hearts on Earth [14:1]. The emphasis is the obedience to the Words of Jesus in the present. In verse one we see this point that Presently Not Be Troubled Any Longer Personally [14:1a]. Here the words of Jesus are commands for His disciples. Jesus also spoke these words later in this chapter, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful” [John 14:27]. The heart being a fulcrum of emotions and desires and a spring of words and actions--the weight of all that was happening and they were hearing. All the uncertainty, changes, failures, and darkness on that night with a betrayal and denial. Dear friend is your heart troubled here today? Do you see how the Lord Jesus knows and cares for His disciples in our time of trouble? Jesus also experienced such distress and troubled heart [11:33; 12:27; 13;21] As one commentator wrote, “the hearts of the disciples were filled with a medley of emotions.” In the second part of verse one we see this point that Presently Believe in God & Also in Me Personally Believe [14:1b]. The word believe is an important truth in the Gospel of John. This words means “to believe to the extent of complete trust and reliance—‘to believe in, to have confidence in, to have faith in, to trust, faith, trust.’ Jesus would emphasize this again later in chapter fourteen [14:11-12]. This parallel thought and emphasis mean “faith in Jesus is inseparable from faith in God.” The remedy for the troubled heart is belief in God and the Lord Jesus—why we would we be tempted to look anywhere else for confidence, strength and hope? We could summarize these words of Jesus stating He is personally worthy, completely trustworthy, and fully reliable. “Faith in the Lord Jesus is the only sure medicine for troubled hearts. To believe more thoroughly, trust more entirely, rest more unreservedly, may hold more firmly, lean back more completely—this is the prescription which our Master urges on the attention of all His disciples” [J. C. Ryle Expository Thoughts on the Gospels]. Jesus work for these men does not cease as He departs from them—O the great difference in the hearts of these men from the darkness of that night to the bright shining of the resurrection morning. Second, In The Father’s House There Is Hope of Our Home in Heaven [14:2-6]. The emphasis is the confidence in the promises of Jesus for the future. Beginning in verse two This Hope in His Promise of The Father’s House [14:2a]. “In My Father’s house many dwelling places are; If it were not, I would have told you, because I go to prepare a place for you.” These words of Jesus “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places” explains one house with many rooms. So The Father’s House is “a building or place where one dwells—‘home, dwelling, residence.” And the rooms are “a place where one may remain or dwell—‘place, dwelling place.” [Cf. 14:24] How contrary that place will be to any dwelling place for us now! No updates, repairs, improvements, maintenance, upgrades, or work by us in that room in the Father’s House in heaven! Important is to hear the specific words of Jesus, “If it were not, I would have told you.” For Jesus is plainly stating that He is only telling them this because it is true, sure, and guaranteed! “In the NT mone occurs only twice in John’s Gospel (14:2, 23). Probably intentionally, the two statements correspond. In 14:2 the heavenly dwellings . . . are called abiding places which are fully prepared for them in the Father’s house. The word seems to be deliberately chosen to express the fact that our earthly state is transitory and provisional compared with eternal and blessed being with God” [NIDNT 4:580]. Some historical background about this imagery used by Jesus. “In Jesus’ day many dwelling units were combined to form an extended household, it was customary for sons to add to their father’s house once married, so that the entire estate grew into a large compound centered around a communal courtyard. The image used by Jesus may also have conjured up notions of luxurious Greco-Roman villas, replete with numerous terraces and buildings situated among shady gardens with an abundance of trees and flowing water. Jesus’ listeners may have been familiar with this kind of setting from the Herodian palaces in Jerusalem, Tiberias, and Jericho.” [Kosteberger , “John” in Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament] Another commentator said, “But consider further that this great and tender name for heaven has its deepest meaning in the conception of which the essential elements are the loving manifestation and presence of God as Father.” [MacClaren] What a thought and understanding being presented and taught by the Lord Jesus speaking about “In My Father’s House” as the Son of God! Continuing in verse two This Hope in His Promise of Preparing A Place for Us [14:2b]. The focus Jesus places on Himself for His disciples “I . . . I go . . . I will come again . . . where I am . . .I am the way.” Each phrase is emphatic by Jesus in His words to His disciples “if that were not so, I would have told you, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” [cf. John 3:11-13; 17:11-13] The word of prophecy given by Jesus in the context of other words of prophecy about His betrayal by Judas and the denial by Peter. Then in verse three This Hope in His Promise of Being With Him in That Place [14:3]. Present tense verbs used by Jesus stating a prophetic present as that which was said with certainty. Jesus is emphatic in this verse “that where I Myself am there you yourselves be also.” Another commentator states, “The emphasis in this prediction is on the comfort that reunion with the departed Savior guarantees. Jesus will personally come for His own, and He will receive them to Himself. They will also be with Him where He has been. His return would be as certain as His departure. The greatest blessing of heaven will be our ceaseless personal fellowship with the Lord Jesus there, not the splendor of the place.” [Constable Expository Notes] Jesus uses the proposition “to” describing proximity and intimacy with Himself in heaven which He has with the Father in Heaven [cf. 13:1,3, 6; 14:6, 12]. Other New Testament references in these matters would include teachings present by the Apostle Paul [I Thessalonians 4:16-18; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23]. In His prayer in John 17 Jesus prays, “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me.” [John 17:24] And finally in verses four to six This Hope in His Promise of Knowing He Is The Way to The Father [14:4-6] The repeated phrase “the way . . . the way . . . the way . . .” points us to the main point of the words of Jesus here in this section. Jesus emphatically says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.” There is one way. He is the only way. There is no other way. Why is He exclusive in the way to the Father? Because of His personal sacrifice for sins, His perfect obedience to the will of the Father, and His grace for all who will believe in Him as their Savior. As one man said several centuries ago, “Without the way there is no going; without the truth there is no knowing; without the life there is no living. I am the way which thou must follow; the truth in which thou must believe; the life for which thou must hope.” (Thomas Kempis, cited by Bruce) CONCLUSION In conclusion we again are presented words by Jesus for His disciples so that we would believe Him. Are you believing Jesus in these days in your life? In the broader context of both chapters thirteen and fourteen the three Christian virtues of love, faith, and hope are valued for the disciples of Jesus. The need for the words of Jesus in our lives as His disciples because of His counsel and His comfort here---greater measure with increased emotions, struggles, and troubles. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 4:6-7] We as disciples of Jesus are called to obedience to the words of Jesus in the present. We as disciples of Jesus are called to confidence in the promises of Jesus for the future. These matters brought to us by Jesus Himself at this time placing great importance being foremost among His many words in these chapters. Have you believed in Jesus and is He the way you are taking to the Father in heaven? Is Jesus preparing a place for you in the Father’s House? Are you believing these words of Jesus in the present and for the future? What We Learned Together Sunday March 19, 2023
INTRODUCTION “The Last Letter” We are in the Upper Room Discourse found in John Chapters 13-17. Here Jesus is instructing His disciples in this unique narrative found only in the Gospel of John. We receive this teaching by Jesus for His disciples. Words from Jesus for His disciples because of His departure. Some commentators give John 13:31-14:31 this section in The Upper Room Discourse. These are departing words of comfort and care. His words of instruction and direction. The mask of Judas been removed by Jesus and a shelter of comfort in His words given to His disciples. In this first division of the Upper Room Discourse there is a series of questions from His disciples [Peter 13:37, Thomas 14:5, Philip 14:8, Judas 14:22]. We have entitled our message today “First Things First in These Final Words by Jesus.” First, His Statement of His Divine Glory [13:31-32]. Jesus says this Because of the Reality of All That Is Going to Happen and The Necessity He Be Glorified in All Ways. One commentator defined glory as “In general the glory of God refers to his "own essential worth, greatness, power, majesty, everything in him which calls forth man's adoring reverence." Glory is the wonderful majesty and magnificence of Who God Is as He Has Revealed Himself. The repeated word glorified as Jesus states plainly the focus and emphasis that he deserved to be glorified. In verse 31 Jesus describes The Glory of the Son of Man and the Glory of God In Him. “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” Now it was to happen that the glory of God displayed [cf. 7:37-39; 12:16, 20-23; 16:14; 17:4-5]. For you and me to truly understand the perfections of God we must preoccupy ourselves with the work at Calvary. There the satisfaction of God’s righteousness and God’s justice. There the manifestation of His holiness and His faithfulness. There the demonstration of His wisdom and His grace as the One who is both just and justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. In verse 32 Jesus states God Will Glorify Him and His Glory Will Be the Glory of God. “if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself.” What glory He displayed and how glorified He is because of what he would do on the cross according to the will of the Father. He is glorified in us as we show Him to be the One who saves, rescues, redeems, delivers. He is glorified in our songs about Him, about His cross, about His saving work. As J.C Ryle wrote, “Let it be noted that the Lord regards His own atoning death on the cross as the most glorious part of His work on earth; and that nothing so tends to glorify the Father’s attributes of justice, holiness, mercy, and faithfulness to His promises as the death of the Son. Let it be noted that the Lord does not speak of His death as a punishment, disgrace, or humiliation, but as an event most glorious—glorifying both to Himself and to the Father. So Christians should learn to “glory in the cross.” [Expository Thoughts on the Gospels] Second, His Announcement of His Departure [13:33]. Jesus says this Because of The Reality of His Going Away from Them and The Necessity They Would Remain Without Him. Jesus addresses His disciples as “Little children” because they are dear to Him, He is endeared to them, and He loved them. His language of affection during all that would happen that night and the days ahead. The words of Jesus comfort them, help them, encourage them, and strengthen them. Remember how John began this chapter “Jesus, knowing that His hour had come that He would depart from this world to the Father.” [13:1] Here the words of Jesus are striking in contrast to what He just said about Him being glorified. Jesus says to His disciples, “I am still with you a little longer . . . now I also say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.” The phrase a little while is from the word micron we use in English. Therefore Jesus speaks about going to prepare a place for His disciples in John 14:1-6. Even later in this Upper Room Discourse Jesus explains further why He must go away. “But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” [John 16:7] And also Jesus spoke these words, “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” [16:28] Third, His Commandment for His Disciples [13:34-35]. Jesus says this Because of The Reality of His Love for Each of Us and The Necessity of Our Love for One Another. In verse 34 Loving Disciples of Jesus Knowing His Love for Each of Us. “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another.” Again present active verbs in these words of Jesus. And then Jesus said, “just as I have loved you that you yourselves love one another.” Their love for one another newly defined from His love for them. We often have two categories of people in these matters. Those who are easy to love and those who are hard to love. The love by Jesus of His disciples is the standard and measure of our love for one another. As we have said throughout this chapter the love of Jesus is shown in the way He serves, sacrifices, speaks, shares, supports, and suffers. Charles Spurgeon said, “We are to love our neighbor as ourselves, but we are to love our fellow-Christians as, Christ loved us, and that is far more than we love ourselves.” What hinders our ability and choice in loving one another? It is usually because we look at the person and judge them from our own perspective rather than loving them as Jesus loved us. What I mean is that we must have certain thoughts about others removed from our thinking about others. Such thoughts would include, “they are not worthy of my love,” or “they do not deserve my love,” or “I will not love,” or “they have not earned my love,” or “they have not loved me.” This love we are commanded here by Jesus in His words for us as His disciples is the choice to sacrifice, commitment to service, and conduct to share. We are quick to place limits for the degree of our love, and boundaries around the measure of our love, rather than simply modeling Jesus’ love for His disciples. And more specifically His love for you as His disciple! In verse 35 Being Disciples of Jesus Having This Love for One Another. Jesus then says, “by this all will know that my disciples you are if love you have among one another.” A distinguishing mark for His disciples. A defining quality for His disciples. One commentator wrote, “So Tertullian reports the pagans of his day (a century after this Gospel was published) as saying of Christians, ‘See how they love one another!’” [A. B. Bruce] There are other measures of discipleship, but they come after this mark. Jesus would mark us as His disciples by our love for one another. We can mark ourselves as His disciples by our love for one another. The world can mark us as His disciples by our love for one another. Did you notice the last phrase in verse 35? Literally translated, “if love you have among one another.” A third class conditional sentence used by Jesus here to state that this would be true for some and not true for others. This then calls us to examine whether this is true for us here now in this place among His disciples here at New Life Fellowship. This command to love one another is the consequence of His grace, obedience to His voice, and the presence of His place as taught that the Holy Spirit would be sent to His disciples. And let us not forget the first fruit of the Spirit is love [Galatians 5:22]. Some Scripture passages which speak to the obedience of love in the Christian life: “Let all that you do be done in love” [I Corinthians 16:14] . . . “but faith working through love” [Galatians 5:5-6] . . . “but through love serve one another” [Galatians 5:13] . . . “showing forbearance to one another in love” [Ephesians 4:1-2] . . . “but speaking the truth in love” [Ephesians 4:15] . . . “fervently love one another from the heart” [I Peter 1:22] . . . “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins” [I Peter 4:8] . . . “Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” [I John 3:18]. And finally, The apostle John wrote, “This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” [I John 3:22] Fourth, His Fulfilment On Behalf of His Disciples [13:36-38]. Jesus teaches us here Because of the Reality of Our Own Limitations and The Necessity of His Own Sufferings. Another prophecy of Jesus to soon be fulfilled highlighting His words. Some parallel accounts are found in the Synoptic Gospels [Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22]. See how Peter skips over the words of Jesus in verses 34-35. Have we not also at times skipped these words of Jesus in wanting to know what we wanted to know? See the words of Jesus to Peter. “Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” [John 13:36] Especially explained in chapter 14 as Jesus communicates that He desires for His disciples to be with Him. Peter mistakenly puts confidence in his own flesh and his own will in what he would do for Jesus. The words by Peter are indeed bold, direct, confident, and proud when he said, “I will lay down my life for You.” It was not what Peter would do for Jesus but what Jesus would do for him. What assurance and confidence these words of Jesus give us as His disciples who fail, struggle, battle, and even deny in moments of weakness. The final phrase, “Truly, truly I say to you . . .” notes the grace of Jesus knowing what peter would do and still He loved him even to the end. Here we see “Peter did not recognize his own limitations” and “unaware of his weaknesses.” Oh the grace of God and the love of Jesus in the life is this man Peter who would one day lay down his life for Jesus! CONCLUSION We have see both The Reality and Necessity in these First Things First in These Finals Words by Jesus. Again the Lord Jesus promises and predicts showing that He understands all the things that are going to happen and therefore we look to Him. Next, Glorifying Jesus because of Who He Is and What He has Done. Also Obeying Jesus because of How He has loved us and Who We Are as His Disciples. Therefore Being a disciple of Jesus showing the love of Jesus for His disciples as those who know the love of Jesus as His disciple. Always remembering the Christian standard according to the words of Jesus for His disciples. Following Jesus in His example of Humble service [John 13:15] and His love of His disciples [John 13:35]. Are you following Him in these two areas of your Christian life? Will your testimony this week be you are His disciple in your humble service and sacrificial love for others? May the Lord Jesus be glorified in us as His disciples hearing His words and following Him as a church body and as Christians in our community. Gospel Summary
1. Man was created to glorify God & Enjoy Him forever Our ultimate purpose in life is to honor and glorify God while enjoying His everlasting presence. As creations made in His image, we are called to reflect His greatness in everything we do. This notion is supported by the idea that the Creator is "worthy of glory, honor, and power" (Rev 4:11) and that we should "do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). By fulfilling this purpose, we not only live out our divine destiny but also take part in a never-ending celebration of God's love and grace. 2. Man has failed to glorify God & is under His just condemnation Despite our purpose to glorify God, humanity has stumbled under the burden of sin and rebellion. In our deliberate defiance of a holy God, "all have sinned" (Rom 3:23), severing the unique relationship that exists between the Creator and His creation. This spiritual estrangement gives rise to a grave repercussion: the wages of sin, culminating in death (Rom 6:23). In this dark situation, people find themselves trapped by God's justice and condemnation, facing the frightening reality of "eternal destruction" (2 Thes 1:9). Consequently, our profound need for redemption and restoration is underscored, as an intense yearning for hope and salvation is evoked within us by God. 3. Jesus fully bore the wrath and suffered the punishment sinners deserve Motivated by His love for humanity, God created an extraordinary plan to save sinners through the sacrifice of His Son. Jesus, the human embodiment of the Eternal Son, lived the life we were unable to live (so that the righteous demands of the law could be satisfied in us) and willingly endured the death we rightfully deserved (shouldering all the penalties imposed by the law upon His people due to their transgressions) Out of immense love and compassion, God sent His Son as the ultimate sacrifice for sinners (1 John 4:10; John 6:37). Driven by His great mercy, Jesus was compelled to "give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45) and "rise again" from the dead (2 Corinthians 5:15) in order to secure salvation for them. 4. All who, by the grace of God, turn to Jesus alone in faith are forgiven During humanity's struggle, God's grace offers a way out for those who, by grace, turn to Jesus in faith. If you confess your sins and recognize your need for Christ, take comfort in knowing that God has already started to build a life-changing, eternal relationship with you. As we answer the divine summons to "repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15) we are joined to Christ who brings us into God's presence, where true joy is found (Psalm 16:11) and freedom from sin's captivity begins. Abandon your self-righteousness and your sins, and embrace the righteousness of Christ as your protective covering, and His atoning blood as your redemption. Trust in Jesus alone for your salvation, placing all hope in His boundless mercy, and you can be assured that your sins are forgiven, and the gift of eternal life has been granted. In this divine embrace, the soul finds solace, healing, and the promise of an everlasting communion with its Creator. Sullivan Ballou Letter | American Battlefield Trust (battlefields.org)
The last letter from Major Sullivan Ballou, written to his wife leading up to the battle at First Bull Run. Headquarters, Camp Clark Washington, D.C., July 14, 1861 My Very Dear Wife: Indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days, perhaps to-morrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write a few lines, that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more. Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine, O God be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battle-field for any country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American civilization now leans upon the triumph of government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution, and I am willing, perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt. But, my dear wife, when I know, that with my own joys, I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with care and sorrows, when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it, as their only sustenance, to my dear little children, is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country. I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death, and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country and thee. I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in this hazarding the happiness of those I loved, and I could not find one. A pure love of my country, and of the principles I have often advocated before the people, and "the name of honor, that I love more than I fear death," have called upon me, and I have obeyed. Sarah, my love for you is deathless. It seems to bind me with mighty cables, that nothing but Omnipotence can break; and yet, my love of country comes over me like a strong wind, and bears me irresistibly on with all those chains, to the battlefield. The memories of all the blissful moments I have spent with you come crowding over me, and I feel most deeply grateful to God and you, that I have enjoyed them so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up, and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our boys grow up to honorable manhood around us. I know I have but few claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me, perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, nor that, when my last breath escapes me on the battle-field, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless, how foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears, every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot, I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more. But, O Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth, and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you in the garish day, and the darkest night amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours always, always, and, if the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air cools your throbbing temples, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dear; think I am gone, and wait for me, for we shall meet again. As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care, and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers, I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children. - Sullivan What We Learned Together Sunday March 12, 2023
As we begin this morning let us turn to John chapter thirteen. Again, these chapters are unique to the Gospel of John. Here are the Teachings by Jesus for His disciples. The love of Jesus for His own has been the description so far in John chapter thirteen. So we learn and see the depths of His love in the face of His betrayer. The love of Jesus would be shown and seen in that He serves, sacrifices, speaks, shares, supports, and suffers. Jesus revealing His betrayer who would hand Him over to the authorities to receive the wrath of sinners and the wrath of God the Father as the Savior. As one pastor said, “In order to measure the love of God you have first to go down before you can go up. You do not start on the level and go up. We have to be brought up from a dungeon, from a horrible pit; and unless you know something of the measure of that depth you will only be measuring half the love of God.” [God’s Way of Reconciliation, Martyn Lloyd Jones] In this narrative three times the words of Jesus are repeated, “Truly, truly I say to you . . .” [v. 16, 20, 21] Oh what Jesus experienced and endured on the night which He was betrayed. Also John tells his reader “it was night [v. 30] . . . Therefore, when he had gone out [v.31] . . .” One man stated that Judas was a man, “climbing over the love of Jesus to get where he was going.” First, Jesus Knows the One Who Will Betray Him [13:18-20]. A Prophecy About What Is Going to Happen with the repeated first-person pronouns in the words of Jesus “I . . .I . . .I . . .I . . .I.” Jesus supporting His disciples with His Understanding about these matters. John the writer of the Gospel of John lays before the reader three realities emphasized in this Scripture passage. It is a sober warning! Jesus Knows His Betrayer Will Be Disorientating for Them [13:18]. With a statement in verse eighteen on Personally Hearing This Prophecy as His Disciples [cf. 13:10]. With His words “that the Scripture might be fulfilled” Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 [cf. 2 Samuel 16]. ‘He who eats My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’ A friend of David betrays him during the rebellion of His son Absalom. David is type of Christ as Jesus applies these words of prophecy to Judas. Jesus Knows His Betrayal Will Be Disturbing for Them [13:19]. With an emphasis in verse nineteen on Fully Believing His Testimony as His Disciples. Hear the words of Jesus “from now . . . before it happened . . when it happens . . .” He is who He claimed to be as the I am [cf. 8:24; Matthew 28:20]. Jesus calling upon His disciples to look to who He is and His words during this time. Look at His words to His disciples, “you may believe that I am He.” Several references to the I am statements by Jesus in the Gospel of John [4:26; 6:20, 35, 41, 51; 8:12, 24, 58; 10:7, 9, 11; 11:35; 14:16; 15:5; 18:5-8]. Jesus Knows This Betrayer Will Be Distracting to Them [13:20]. With a focus in verse twenty on Truly Fulfilling His Ministry as His Disciples. The commission is still in place. Jesus repeatedly stated He was the One sent by the Father [John 5:36-38; 20:20-21]. And therefore our testimony as those being sent out by Jesus to testify to Him as the One sent by the Father to be the Savior. So many good gospel conversations can begin with answering the question, “Why did God the Father send His Son to be the Savior?” Second Jesus Identifies The One Who Does Betray Him [13:21-30]. Here is a scene about who is betrayed as John puts Jesus before the readers with the repeated name of Jesus throughout this section “Jesus . . . Jesus . . . Jesus . . . Jesus.” Three relationships emphasized in this Scripture passage. It is a solemn ending! There is the Relationship of Jesus With John showing how loved he was by Jesus. Then there is the Relationship of Jesus with Judas indicating how close he would be to Jesus. And there is the Relationship of Judas with Satan revealing how far he would go away from Jesus. Jesus Identifies His Betrayer Is One of His Disciples [13:21-22]. Why was Jesus troubled in spirit? Was it because of what He was experiencing? No! It is what He saw Judas was going to do and the end result of his betrayal of Jesus. How many warnings did Judas walk past on the road to destruction? And then the description of the disciples when they hear the statement by Jesus. Verse 22 states, “The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking.” In the synoptic Gospel accounts the questions by the disciples was, “Surely it is not I Lord?” [Matthew 26; Mark 14, Luke 22]. Jesus Identifies The Betrayer Who Is Given His Bread [13:23-27]. The setting reveals they were reclining at the table having the supper together. John reclining would be on the right of Jesus and Judas sitting on His left. Most likely the Feast of Unleavened Bread before the institution of the Lord’s Table which was after Judas departed that night. As one commentator wrote, “Giving the morsel to Judas was an uncaught sign of recognition to John, but it was also the Lord’s final extension of grace to Judas. A host’s giving a morsel of bread to a guest was a sign of friendship. How ironic that Jesus’ act of friendship to Judas signaled Judas’ betrayal of friendship.” [The Bible Knowledge Commentary] Another man stated this action by Jesus was “a final gesture and a final appeal . . .” Here we see “the devil working undercover so people don’t know what’s going on.” John Identifies The Betrayer As Him Who Went Out From Them [13:28-30]. Here John describes how none of the other disciples understood Judas was the betrayer. These words written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit when John as an eyewitness writes, “Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him.” And John records “and it was night . . .” These words are not merely an observation but condemnation. The summary of Judas could be that he was lost. Leaving the presence of Jesus and abandoning His love into the dark. In the Gospel of John the emphasis on light over and over again [John 3:16-19; 8:12; 12:35-36]. As noted Judas appears again in the Gospel of John in chapter eighteen as Judas leads the romans soldiers to arrest Jesus [cf. 18:2-5]. The disciples who remained in the Upper Room that night would not find out who the betrayer was until that moment as Judas stood with the Roman Soldiers. In conclusion there are several points of application for each of us this morning. Indeed there is the exposing of who we actually are because of Who Jesus really is shown in this passage today. Two truths: 1) Jesus Knows and 2) Jesus Identifies. Jesus does know His own and identifies His own for He has such an understanding of every one of us. What does Jesus know and identify about me and about you? He knows all about each of us here today. He knows all of our failures and flaws loving those who are His. He knows all of Judases who are climbing over His love to get where you are going. There are consequences of choices with Who Jesus Is as the results are clearly shown in our lives. What does the direction of your life show about the who Jesus Is and what he has done for you? Jesus knows all about you and those around you understanding what is going to happen no matter how much manipulating and maneuvering according to the ways of men. Consider how Judas betrayed the love of Jesus in his manipulating and maneuvering without taking direction from the words of Jesus. A final question for all us, Are you one who claims to be a disciple of Jesus desiring to be close to Him, hearing His words and embracing His love? May we indeed be as John the Apostle who wrote the Gospel of John as “one whom Jesus loved.” Jesus, I my cross have taken, all to leave and follow Thee.
Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be. Perish every fond ambition, all I’ve sought or hoped or known. Yet how rich is my condition! God and heaven are still mine own. Let the world despise and leave me, they have left my Savior, too. Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like them, untrue. And while Thou shalt smile upon me, God of wisdom, love and might, Foes may hate and friends disown me, show Thy face and all is bright. Go, then, earthly fame and treasure! Come, disaster, scorn and pain! In Thy service, pain is pleasure; with Thy favor, loss is gain. I have called Thee, “Abba, Father”; I have set my heart on Thee: Storms may howl, and clouds may gather, all must work for good to me. Man may trouble and distress me, ’twill but drive me to Thy breast. Life with trials hard may press me; heaven will bring me sweeter rest. Oh, ’tis not in grief to harm me while Thy love is left to me; Oh, ’twere not in joy to charm me, were that joy unmixed with Thee. Take, my soul, thy full salvation; rise o’er sin, and fear, and care; Joy to find in every station something still to do or bear: Think what Spirit dwells within thee; what a Father’s smile is thine; What a Savior died to win thee, child of heaven, shouldst thou repine? Haste then on from grace to glory, armed by faith, and winged by prayer, Heaven’s eternal day’s before thee, God’s own hand shall guide thee there. Soon shall close thy earthly mission, swift shall pass thy pilgrim days; Hope soon change to glad fruition, faith to sight, and prayer to praise. |
Pastor Timothy J. AtkinsHusband, Father, Grandfather, Pastor, Teacher, Discipler, and Follower of Jesus. Archives
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