what's the use of these cars and clothes?

Cause when the casket’s closed, 
I'm like really 
what's the use of these cars and clothes?
Skepta, Konnichiwa

As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand.
(Ecclesiastes 5:15 ESV)

And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
(Luke 12:16-21 ESV)

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Praying in Faith? Relax, the pressure’s off

How much faith do you have?

There’s a lot of confusion over the word ‘faith’. We tend to think of it as a substance that we have to work up in ourselves to get something to happen.

Confronting Fear

What is your deepest fear? Is there something you don’t even want to acknowledge is there in the back of your mind because it’s too terrifying.

loving the cleaner

#169270362 / gettyimages.com

I don’t usually devote much time to reading articles about how to treat domestic staff but I found this one interesting. Firstly because it describes exactly what I would do if I had a cleaner - clean before they come, gesture vaguely about what you want them to do and never complain  - it’s the British way! Secondly, it describes an interesting dilemma, a cleaner bringing stories of personal difficulties and asking for money. Is it genuine or is it a con? What should Tessa Boase (the author) do? Has she already done too much?

People do try to rip other people off and, as a result, we are often unsure whether to help. As a Christian, my response should be to love the person. I have been loved by God even though I don’t deserve it and so the motives of the person should not affect my love towards them. If mercy is earned, then it’s no longer mercy.

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

    “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

(Luke 6:27-36 ESV)

What that love and mercy looks like depends on the situation. I’m wrong if I think that just handing out cash over and over again is the merciful or loving thing to do. That’s attempting detached love, mercy outside of a relationship, which is impossible. To really love that person I’ve got to really know them. From there it will be a bit clearer whether it’s best to give the money or withhold it but, either way, the love does not stop after that decision. Keep employing the cleaner or stop if that’s the best thing to do, but the love does not end there. As Boase says, “I can’t dump her”.

I have betrayed my relationship with God, but He doesn’t dump me. He pursues me in love. Sometimes that love looks like meeting my practical needs, often it seems uncomfortable at the time as He draws me to Himself. Whatever He does, He does out of love, He is more committed to my good than I am, and that good news enables me to treat others in a similar way.

bible heart burn

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them 

in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

(Luke 24:27)

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he 

talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”

(Luke 24:32)

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while 

I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of 

Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he 

opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

(Luke 24:44-45)

The disciples knew the Old Testament well but Jesus explained it in a different 

way. A way that showed what it said about him. A Christ-centred way. We are not 

correctly understanding the Old Testament unless it is viewed in the light of 

Jesus. The disciples commented on how their hearts burned when he opened the 

Scriptures. I had heard lots of sermons on the Old Testament before coming across

this Christ centred concept. Some were bad, some were good. Some were motivational, 

some pulled out useful principles. But hearing about how I should seize the 

moment like Esther even if it meant risking my life didn't make my heart burn like 

the first (and twentieth) time I heard Tim Keller say that Jesus is the true and 

better Esther who didn't just risk leaving an earthly palace but lost the ultimate 

and heavenly one, who didn't just risk his life, but gave his life to save his 

people. 

extreme grace

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

A classic objection against Christianity is the idea of a good person who rejects Jesus going to hell while a murderer who repents at the last minute spending eternity with Jesus. While the details of what people mean by the last minute repentance may be unclear, that statement is basically right. We shouldn't be surprised when that rubs people (and us) up the wrong way because grace always does. 

This story jars against our human nature for the same reason. The man recognises his own sin ("we are recieving our due reward"), recognises the sinlessness of Jesus ("this man has done nothing wrong") and then throws himself on Jesus' mercy ("Jesus, remember me"). He has no time to change his lifestyle, no time to show that he really means it, no time to apologise to his victims or put anything right. But Jesus welcomes him into paradise that day. Extreme grace. We all need it.

save yourself

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” (Luke 23:34-38)

Jesus is mocked and taunted with shouts about saving himself - He saved others, let him save himself. Of course, He could have saved himself, instantly, but He chose not to. And the reason he chose not to is the very reason included in their mocking. "he saved others" - that's what he was doing at that very moment. He chose not to save himself in order to save us. At the climax of salvation, the saviour is being mocked about his saving capabilities.

a series of random events

And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. (Luke 23:26)

And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. (Mark 15:21)

Simon of Cyrene's involvement int he crucifixion seems fairly random. A chance encounter, he just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and got dragged into it. Or maybe it was the right pace at the right time? Mark's account includes the detail that Simon was the Father of Alexander and Rufus - presumably including this detail because Alexander and Rufus were known to, and likely members of, the early church when Mark is writing. Did this random incident lead to Simon and his two boys becoming Christians?

Most testimonies include a few seemingly random interactions or events that when viewed with hindsight seem anything but random. Pray that God would use you in those "random" interactions that he uses to draw people to himself.

Herod's entertainment

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. (Luke 23:6-12)

Herod was interested in Jesus, for entertainment purposesy. He had heard about him, had wanted to see him for a long time and now was his chance. But he wasn't ineterested in who he was or his teaching, he was just hoping to see a sign, he was looking to be entertained by a miracle. When Jesus does and says nothing, he moves onto a bit of fun at Jesus' expense, mocking him. 

This sounds nothing like the situations we find ourselves in, but is it really that different? Is our association with Jesus for entertainment purposes only? Do we attend church because we hope to see a miracle or, more mudanely, we like the music or find the sermons interesting or inspiring. Is the focus of our relationship with Jesus based on what he can do for us? If that's the case, it's not much of a step to Herod's mocking. When Jesus doesn't do what we want him to, or what we think he should do, we react badly. Criticising, mocking, walking away from the church.

We need to repent and look to Jesus, not the stuff that surrounds him. But also we should be aware that some in our churches are there (most likely subconciously) for entertainment purposes only. We need to do everything we can to make Jesus the centre of attention.

Pilate's choice

Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” (Luke 23:4-5)

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.” (Luke 23:13-16)

Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will. (Luke 23:20-25)

Pilate does not think Jesus is not guilty, he does not think he deserves death. He seems like he wants to do the right thing, he doesn't want to kill an innocent man for no reason, repeatedly trying to offer a less severe punishment to placate the crowds. But, even so, he eventually hands them over to him. Something overrided the impulse of justice or his sense of sympathy. Keeping the peace, or keeping his position secure, was more valuable to him than Jesus. He didn't want this man to die, but if it came to a choice between one man's life and the security of the Roman control, then the man would have to die. If it came down to a choice between what Pilate wanted and Jesus, Pilate chose himself, a choice we have all repeated countless times.

There was another choice going on here. Jesus choosing to be subjected to this, choosing to die for us, the ones who were choosing ourselves over him. He chose us over himself.

answer the question

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” (Luke 22:66-71)

We might think Jesus gives an unclear answer or avoids the question here, but that doesn't seem to be the reaction of the people. There's no demand for him to answer the question again, instead they shout that they've heard the answer. The comment about the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the power of God may seem a bit cryptic to us, but it wasn't to them. When Stephen says something similar in Acts 7 everyone covers their ears and start flinging stones at him. Jesus is making a claim to divinity and they don't like it.

upside down greatness

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (Luke 22:24-27)

I don't know what's worse, that this "who's the greatest?" debate comes up again, or that it comes up immediately after Jesus talking about his body and blood being given for them. I'd be furious "did you not hear what I was just saying about the new covenant in my blood? That's a big deal!"

He's not furious. He patiently explains again. Greatness in God's kingdom looks completely different to the world. To the disciples, and us, greatness looks like how many servants you have serving you. Jesus says that greatness looks more like how many people you serve. We think that greatness is other people being willing to give their life for you, Jesus says greatness is giving your life out of love for others. The greatest person who ever lived is about to lay his life down for these not-great people who are busy arguing about their own greatness!

don't forget to remember

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. (Luke 22:19-20)

For people in churches up and down the country, communion is probably one of the most misunderstood things that they do. Some go through the motions and others fake emotion. Some think it's only for the really serious Christians, others don't take it because they've had a bad week and feel far from God. Some think that taking it makes God happy with them again. For this reason, it's important that churches don't assume everyone understands what's going on and explain what's happening every time. It's not difficult to explain, Jesus does it here in a few sentences. 

We do it to remember what he's done. To remember he gave his body for us. To remember that our sins have been washed away, for good, by his sacrifice of blood. The person going through the motions needs to remember why that's a big deal. The emotional faker needs to remember this to feel the deep remorse over their sin and the deeper joy of forgiveness. The super-christian and the doubting struggler can both take it together and remember that their salvation depends on Jesus sacrifice, not on their performance. The superstitious person needs to remember that God delights in them because of Jesus, not because they've never missed the Lord's supper this year.

Do this in remembrance of me. Let's not forget to remind people of what they are remembering.

that hurts

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. (Luke 22:3-4)

But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. (Luke 22:21)

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47-48)

Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:34)

But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” (Luke 22:60-61)

Jesus knew these betrayals were going to happen. He knew that Peter would be restored. But none of that would make it hurt any less.

I'm easily wounded if I find out an aquanitance has said something slightly negatively about me - let alone betrayal by a friend. When one of your friends who has been with you for the last three years -  hearing the teaching, seeing the miracles, having the parables explained, spending time with you, going out on the mission trips - when he turns round and betrays you for money, that hurts. When someone who has just said they are willing to die for you denies knowing you 3 times for the sake of their own safety, it stings. 

If we experience betrayal from a friend, we know Jesus has also experienced it. He knows what it is like. Not only that, the One who is comforting us when we feel betrayed is the One that we have betrayed! We have betrayed him, and yet he forgives us and loves us.

a better fear

And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. (Luke 22:2)

And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. (Luke 22:55-60)

The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus away from the public eye because they feared the people. Peter denies association with Jesus, despite earlier claiming that he would die for him, and there can be no other reason than fearing that the people around him would drag him into the same position Jesus was.

Fear of man is a powerful motivator. It motivated Peter to lie and desert his best friend. It motivated the religious leaders to reject the son of God and kill him. And it motivates pretty much everything we say or do. What will people think if I...?

The only solution is a better fear. The fear of God. Matt Chandler recently said we are like people who are scared of domestic cats but go and slap a lion in the face. Why do we care so little about what God thinks, but live our lives based on what other people think? When we see God's holiness and love it sets us free from the fear of man because we realise the one we should really fear is God, and in him we have nothing to fear because of Jesus.

not out of control

He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. (Luke 22:10-13)

But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” (Luke 22:21-22)

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31-34)

On the surface, it appears as though things are getting out of control. There is chaos surrounding Jesus, crowds following him, leaders plotting to kill him, one of his inner circle about to betray him and another that will deny having anything to do with him. Jesus remains calm in the midst of the chaos.

He describes the detailed arrangements for the passover meal. He tells them he is going to be betrayed. He tells Peter about his denial and subsequent restoration. No one is going to take Jesus' life, he has the power to lay it down and lift it back up again. This is happening becuase He wants it to. That doesn't mean it's not difficult but none of it is out of his hands.

Your circumstances may feel like they're out of control. They are out of your control. But they're not out of His.

look up

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28)

The second coming of Jesus sounds terrifying, and it is - some people will be fainting with fear. But it's not terrifying for those that know Jesus. In the midst of the signs in the sun, moon and stars, the distress of nations, the roaring of the sea, the fear, perplexity and foreboding, we can stand and look up. We look at Jesus' return with hope and confidence, not fear, because we know he's not coming to destroy us but to redeem us.

your hair will be OK

You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. (Luke 21:16-18)

This seems like a contradiction - some of you will be put to death... but not a hair on your head will perish. Contrary to how it seems in this life, death is not the end, it is not the worst thing imaginable that should be avoided at all costs. Death is not out of control if you're in Jesus' hands, where every hair on your head is known and protected. Some of you will die, but you wont perish, you will be with Him.

you belong to him

The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent. (Luke 20:19-26)

Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and give to God the things that are God's. The things that belong to Caesar and therefore should be given to him were the things with his likeness or image on them. Therefore the things that belong to God and should be given to Him are the thing made in his image and likeness - us!

God's not after your money, it's much bigger than that. Everything about you belongs to Him, you are made in his image, give yourself to Him.

I don't want anyone in authority... unless it's me

One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Luke 20:1-8)

The Jewish leaders are not coming with a genuine enquiry about Jesus authority, if they were then they would have answered Jesus' question. They were concerned about their own authority and the potential threat to that. They didn't want Jesus to have authroity over them and they didn't want to lose their authority over others, hence the non-reply to avoid a backlash from the crowds. Concern for their own position would lead them to kill Jesus less than a week later.

The idea of Jesus having authority over us is still highly controversial today. In fact, we don't want anyone to have authority... except us. Concern for our position motivates us and leads us to reject Jesus.

Thankfully, Jesus was willing to give up his own position for us and, because of that, we have his position before the Father.