GCI Equipper

Epiphany: Bringing Things to Light

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)

I enjoy visiting caverns and being amazed at these immense carved out underground spaces. I’m amazed at the stalagmites, stalactites, channels, and underground pools. What always fascinates me during a cave tour is when we are deep underground, and the tour guides turns off the lights. It’s a darkness that is difficult to explain – a complete absence of light. Children suddenly grip your hand with intensity, you hear nervous chuckles, you try to maintain an aura of bravery as you and everyone else anxiously waits for the light to return. Without light, there would be no way out of that darkness. But then the guide also tells you, without light, no one would have discovered the beauty of the cavern.

This is what Epiphany is all about – the light revealing what has been hidden. The word epiphany has become a common word for aha moments: “I had an epiphany this morning as I studied the problem.” “I had an epiphany as I read that passage of Scripture today; it was as if I’d never read it previously.” The common theme of Epiphany is manifestation – making what is hidden more widely known.

Parallels to Israel

For those who love prophecy and parallels, there are numerous prophecies fulfilled in the birth and life of Jesus, but there are also strong parallels. In his book, Living the Christian Year, Bobby Gross points out several parallels to Israel and the season of Epiphany.

  • The murder of male babies at the time of Moses’ birth – murder of male babies in Bethlehem, (darkness opposes the light).
  • Israel is captive in Egypt – Joseph hides his family in Egypt, (the light is not overcome).
  • The exodus shows salvation for Israel – the Magi show Jesus’ salvation for the world, (the Messiah’s redemption is for all the world).
  • Israel in wilderness for 40 years – Jesus in wilderness for 40 days (Jesus brings to light relationship with the Father).

The Light of the world

David referred to the Lord as his lamp, “the Lord lightens my darkness,” (2 Samuel 22:29). The apostle John told us the light came to the world, describing Jesus as “the light of all people,” … “which enlightens everyone,” (John 1:4, 8). Do we realize the significance of this statement? Jesus is not just the light to those who believe, he is the light to all the world. Unfortunately, we know people who live in darkness because they don’t know or see the light. This is exactly what Jesus said when he declared himself this light:

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

This points to three events in the season of Epiphany: the magi visiting from the East, the baptism by John in the Jordan river, and the turning of water into wine in Cana. “A star guides Gentiles to a future king, a voice identifies Jesus as the beloved Son and a set of wine-brimming pots reveals miraculous power. Epiphanies!”[1]

Gross reminds us that the word epiphany can also refer to the visible manifestation of a deity, which is why some churches in the Orthodox traditions use the word theophany rather than epiphany. Theophany refers to the visible manifestation to humanity of God – God shining forth.

During this season of Epiphany, we focus our attention on Jesus who told us to “come and see.” We note the worship and the gifts of the Magi. We pay attention to his baptism and the revealing that he is the Son, in whom the Father is well pleased. We note the abundance and generosity of his first miracle. We see how he teaches his disciples. We watch him as he heals the sick and focuses on those who are hurting and lost. We watch and we learn what it means to bring light to darkness.

Light to the world

As healthy churches, we continually focus on Jesus, who is the light of the world. But Jesus wants us to do more than acknowledge who he is. The one who calls us forward to “come and see,” also tells us we are to “go and tell.” We too are the light of the world, called to go out on his behalf and show and tell others how to live in the light.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 NRSVUE)

Epiphany is a season reminding us that as we focus on Jesus’ life and mission, we are not only able to see his glory, but to reflect it. In this way we make his glory known to others around us. Paul reminds us that we are “ambassadors for Christ.” We not only represent him, but because he is in us, we are being transformed by his light – his glory:

And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NRSVUE)

Epiphany reminds us we are called to make his glory known to others. Allow me to quote from the Message translation, which says this so well:

Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. (2 Corinthians 4:5-6 MSG)

Epiphany is a season where we encounter Jesus. It’s a time we see him through new eyes that are enlightened by his presence. It is a season for us to immerse ourselves once more into his story and ask God to reveal things we hadn’t seen before – to ask God for epiphanies. As we immerse ourselves into his story, and as we are enlightened by what we see and learn, we then tell the story. Because here’s what happens, the more we tell the story, the more we get out of the story. The more we talk about Jesus, the more immersed in Jesus we are.

Epiphany reminds us that the message we share is not about us, it is about Jesus, the Master. We are messengers and mirrors of the light. When Jesus calls us the light of the world, it is because he is in us through the Spirit.

Let me end with a quote from Bobby Gross’ book:

We focus our gaze on Jesus in order to glimpse his glory, his transfigured beauty and power, his embodied grace and truth. And what we are given to see, we gladly speak of to our friends that they might share with us the light of Christ.[2]

Rick Shallenberger
Editor

[1] Living the Christian Year, Bobby Gross, InterVarsity Press, 2009, p. 83

[2] Gross, p 24

Ministry is Not Hurry, Worry and Flurry

Healthy leaders strive to be a blessing and not a burden to those they are called to lead and serve.

By Pastor Bob Regazzoli, Australia

We are likely familiar with the story in Exodus when Pharoah rejected Moses’ word from the Lord and made more demands from the captive Israelites.

That same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave drivers and overseers in charge of the people: “You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don’t reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies.” (Exodus 5:6-9)

I was thinking about this the other day and had to ask myself an important question: “Am I being a blessing as a pastor/leader, or a burden to those I am serving? Am I giving high support with high challenge, and am I doing so with grace always?”

Jesus, as our loving king, set the example by taking our burdens upon himself. He not only paid the penalty of sin for us, but he also brought good news to all who are oppressed, and he challenged those who misused their authority.

God Moved into The Neighbourhood

The Word was willing to get into the neighbourhood where we live.

By Bill Hall, National Director, Canada

In the opening of the Gospel of John we get a different – many would say much bigger – view of Jesus and the Incarnation as opposed to the birth narratives found in Luke and Matthew. The apostle John gives us a birth narrative in some sense, but he takes us beyond his present time and space to what he calls “the beginning.” He identifies Jesus as the Word who is God, the Word who has everlasting existence. Then John introduces us to John the Baptist and immediately compares the baptizer with the one who is the true light, the Word who became flesh.

I like how Eugene Peterson in the Message renders this:

The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (John 1:14 MSG)

There has been a lot of talk in our denomination concerning identifying and doing ministry in “our neighbourhood.” This passage, which is read on the first Sunday of Epiphany, has been a personal epiphany or revealing to me.

Let me explain. When I think of “neighbourhood,” I’m reminded of growing up in a small mining town in Northern Ontario, Canada. In many respects, it was quite the close and isolated community. I grew up with parents who practiced both living and sharing the gospel.

One event that I particularly remember was the time a neighbour knocked on the door of our house late one winter night asking for my dad. When dad went to the door, she explained that one of her relatives had been taken to the hospital in a community more than two hours away, and she was in desperate need of funds to get there. (I knew this lady personally, as I delivered newspapers to her basement apartment and was aware that she and her children were not as well off as we were.) Without any hesitation, my father gave her the cash that she needed for the bus journey. It was a great example that he practiced and lived what he believed.

Now I know this is an extremely limited human example of someone who cared for one of his neighbours. Yet, I’ve come to again realize the monumental action of this “Word” coming to live among us. Flesh and blood—just like me. Living in my neighbourhood. Add to this the focus we have on place-sharing, and I see that Jesus entered my neighborhood so he could share the place with me, and with my neighbors, and with you, and with your neighbors.

Living in my neighborhood, I can know that he understands my life, my struggles, and the lives and struggles of my family, friends, and neighbours. Why? Because he was willing to get into my world, where I live.

How often do we hear the statement: “If you would just understand me….” Or “If you would just walk a mile (or kilometre), in my shoes….” Well, this omnipresent, majestic “Word,” the one who is very God, from before the beginning of time or the physical creation, does understand me. He has walked a mile in my shoes.

I love how the writer of Hebrews puts it:

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So, let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. (Hebrews 4:14-16, MSG)

Praise be to the God who moved into the neighbourhood!

We Have a Beautiful Barn!

We are called to participate in building the kingdom, not building barns or banks.

Glen WeberBy Glen A Weber, U.S. Central Regional Support Team

I grew up on a wheat farm in southeast Wyoming. Every fall we would plant the winter wheat, pray for good weather, and harvest the crop in mid-summer. I remember driving the farm truck loaded with wheat to high school and dropping off the grain at the local grain buyer during my lunch hour. Of course, a very important part of our planning was storing enough seed in the barn to plant for the next year. Barns are essential for storing seed and farm equipment, but they are not the focus of the farm. Our focus was on the crop yield and providing for the family.

In the Gospels we have a parable about a farmer who missed this point and just kept building bigger barns. Let’s look at Jesus’ words recorded by Luke:

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”(Luke 12:16-21)

The farmer in Jesus’ parable was able to accumulate a lot of wealth. However, he was not focusing his wealth and life on God – his purpose and his plan.

What might this parable be saying to us in 2023?

Over the last couple decades many of our congregations have been able to save large sums of money because of the generosity of God’s people in supporting the work of the church. At the same time, many of our congregations have had significant losses in membership – due to members having the freedom to attend other churches or simply through the death of our aging members. My parents, for example, started attending in 1958 and were very generous, but they have both passed into the next life.

We now have a number of congregations with few people and large bank accounts. I would submit that in most cases, the hope was to “one day” be able to do something important with the money – buy a building or do engagement activities to reach people who don’t know Jesus yet. However, with our advanced ages, buildings are no longer practical for most because of the cost of upkeep, maintenance, utilities, and other expenses, and our energy levels have significantly decreased. Yet, we still have those funds. We have a lovely barn filled to the brim!

May I be real? Many of our very small congregations and even some of our larger ones (100 or so) in the U.S. have seemingly transitioned from being an active missional church to becoming a pseudo bank. The money donated by our members was for the preaching of the gospel and training future pastors and leaders. Is that happening? Might Jesus say the same to us that he did to the farmer who built more barns?

If we are sitting on a large barn and not actively using it for kingdom work, have we simply “prepared for ourselves?”

I remember shoveling wheat with my grandfather by hand from a barn into the truck to sell it so the money could be put to proper use. Is Jesus waiting for some pastors and treasurers to get out their shovels and repurpose their crop where it can be used now?

GCI is developing Ministry Training Centers (Oklahoma City and West Africa are the first two, with more planned), training interns and eventually pastoral residents. We are also looking at hiring new pastors who love Trinitarian theology, planting new churches (a few are in the process), and preaching the gospel through other resources. Are we ready to invest in those activities? Can we see the bigger picture of what Jesus is doing in GCI and allow our funds to make a difference for a new church or pastor? What a meaningful legacy for a small congregation that, because of advancing age or circumstances, may not have the energy to be as active locally as before.

I would suggest that the funds in our church accounts were given by members to preach the gospel through GCI, more than support some other charity, non-profit, or local project. Our GCI financial manual provides clear instruction and direction to keep us in line with the GCI mission and vision.

We don’t need large amounts of money to impact our local communities. Many of our churches on limited funds are making a difference. In October, six churches in the U.S. Central Region impacted more than 4,500 people just through their Trunk-or-Treat activities. Others across the nation and world are doing similar positive outreaches – and having new families attend – often on limited funds. If you are making a meaningful impact for Christ locally, I applaud your efforts and encourage you to keep going!  If you find yourselves in a place where meaningful activity is no longer possible, please consider sharing extra funds in areas where meaningful movement is happening, and new people are learning about Jesus and the hope offered through him.

Is it time to proverbially get out our shovel, load the truck, and drive it to Home Office to invest extra funds in growth rather than CD’s? Is it time to read this parable again and ask Jesus where we stand? Is it time to evaluate how much we really need in reserves to smoothly carry on the GCI gospel activity in our neighborhoods, and use the excess to further Christ’s mission in a different field that may be white for harvest? I encourage you to speak with your Regional Director about where funds may be needed most in your region, or call the Home Office to discuss how you can support areas where the Holy Spirit is moving, and where resources may be needed to help fuel this activity.

We are in one of the most exciting times in GCI. Let’s make sure our resources are dedicated to our mission of Living and Sharing the Gospel.

Change and Healthy Church

Being willing to change is a sign of healthy church.

By Danny Zachariah, National Director India

A common refrain we hear about change is that it is a permanent reality of life. Two more familiar phrases: change is difficult and resisted; there is no growth without change. These phrases are all undoubtedly true, especially in the dynamic environment we are living in today. On the other hand, all change is not necessarily helpful. New is not always good. Fads come and go. Innovation only for name’s sake disturbs the congregation.

If our denominational congregations are moving in the direction of becoming the “best expression of the church of Jesus Christ they can be,” then a commitment to a gradual, consistent change towards transformation should indeed be the new normal for us. As we begin a new year, perhaps two thoughts on change could help us recognize when and how it is healthy.

Mission and method

Jim Cowart, author and pastor, in his article, Mission is Constant but Methods must Change, states,

The mission of the church doesn’t change. In fact, we can’t change the mission of the church because it’s not our church. It’s God’s … We can’t vote on it. We don’t need a meeting to revise it. The mission is set … But methods are different. Methods need to change. In fact, they must change in order to carry out the mission among new generations. Methods don’t have the same status as mission.[1]

The mission and vision of our denomination represents its core values. While faithfully upholding them, could a changing scenario on the ground prompt us to continuously evaluate the methods we employ in fulfilling them? As I write, many countries in the world are experiencing socio-political shifts where religion and its institutions are coming under pressure to conform or compromise. We are forced to find new methods to preach the good news in the face of prejudice and restrictions. As a denomination moving towards greater maturity in Christ, being intentionally contemporary and innovative will contribute not only to the health of the organization, but to its relevance in a changing world. This can be done without compromising theological integrity.

Change and transformation

Tod Bolsinger, pastor and church consultant, states: “Leadership is energizing a community of people toward their own transformation in order to accomplish a shared mission in the face of a changing world.”[2] He believes that transformation is both individual and corporate. His pitch is for “communal transformation for mission,” so that all participate to “collectively … fulfill the mission they, corporately have been given.”

When leaders intentionally and willingly embrace meaningful change, he or she models a paradigm towards transformation. Such leaders motivate the team in adapting to change and, in turn, inspires the congregation in the direction of transformation. Leadership that develops a structure that encourages and adapts to change will build a progressive mindset in the congregation to move on towards the maturity that is the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). Church leaders thus have a great responsibility. Being resistant to change and/or striving to maintain the status quo may not only make it painful when change ultimately becomes inevitable, the congregation is also deprived of a healthy example of leadership that is sensitive to the lead of the Holy Spirit.

GCI has a rich legacy of dealing with and managing change. We can be grateful for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the courage of humble compliance to that divine inspiration on the part of our leadership, which has led to the great spiritual transformation of our denomination, aptly lauded by Dr. Gordon E Kirk:

“You now have the picture of one of the most dramatic works of God in our century, the Worldwide Church of God, under the leadership of Joseph Tkach, transformed from human cultic teaching to the supernatural gospel of truth.” [3]

May we always be true to this legacy. Let us be inspired by it and encourage change when it is necessary, meaningful, and contributes to the health of the congregation. This will help us continue the journey where GCI churches can have the opportunity to become the best expression of the church of Jesus Christ they can be in this world.

 

[1] https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/mission-is-constant-but-methods-must-change/

[2] Bolsinger, T. E. (2015). Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press

[3] Tkach, Joseph, Transformed by Truth, Multnomah Publishers, OR, 1997, Acknowledgements.

Church Hack: Livestreaming

In our monthly church reports from pastors, we received a lot of questions about providing online services, especially livestreaming on YouTube and Facebook. You’ve asked, and we’ve answered. Check out this month’s Church Hack for livestreaming and other online Hope Avenue gathering options.

https://resources.gci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022-CH12-Livestreaming.pdf

Complete in Christ

It’s vital to give Gen Z the message that they are special in Christ.

Friends, I am sorry to bring you some sad news. After watching several commercials, I have learned that I am not living my best life. The drug commercial showed me that I do not have the right kind of friends — friends that will fly kites with me or laugh joyfully while making pottery. So, apparently, I need to start taking that drug. I also need to switch my deodorant. According to the commercial, all women are supposed to find me attractive, so something must be wrong. Admittedly, I do not think my wife is going to like it when I get that kind of attention. That’s why I have to buy new sneakers. I learned that I am not fast enough, but if I get the sneakers in the commercial, I can run as fast as Usain Bolt. With those sneakers, I can outrun the women, who will find me irresistible after I switch my deodorant, so I do not get in trouble with my wife. Just to be safe, I will ask my new friends to help me make her a vase in pottery class.

I am attempting to make light of a concerning situation. We are bombarded by messages every day that tell us, in one way or another, that we are not good enough. Many of those messages cause further damage by demeaning women, making men look ignorant, or encouraging self-indulgent behavior. Whether it is from commercials, movies, TV shows, social media, or other medium, we daily receive the message that we need something in order to be complete. This may be one reason why, after “living healthier,” the most common New Year’s resolution in 2022 was “personal improvement or happiness.”* Many of us have been convinced that we do not have what we need in order to be happy.

These messages are especially devastating for Gen Z, a generation that is already exposed to more violence, natural disasters, and student loan debt than previous generations. Numerous studies have shown that Gen Z is likely the most anxious and depressed generation. As those who care for the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of children and youth, we need to proactively cultivate resilience in our young people. One way to do this is to continually remind our youth that God loves them and made them special.

As we transition from Christmas into the Epiphany season, it is a good time to teach our young people that when God is revealed, we are revealed as well. As David meditated on the goodness of God, he was moved to sing:

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
You formed me in my mother’s womb.

I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!

You know me inside and out,
You know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
How I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. (Psalm 139:13-16 (MSG)

As Christ-followers, we should push back against the messages of insufficiency plaguing Gen Z with the truth of God as revealed in Jesus. The truth is that each of us is loved unconditionally. God deliberately made each of us and willed us to be as we are. In Christ, we are becoming the truest version of ourselves. At the same time, God meets us and loves us right where we are. While none of us are perfect, in Christ, we are complete. This is good news! What are some things you can do to share this good news with your young people?

By Dishon Mills
U.S. Generations Ministry Coordinator

*Statista, “What are your 2022 resolutions?” Statista Research Department, November 15, 2022 (https://www.statista.com/statistics/378105/new-years-resolution/#:~:text=New%20Year’s%20resolution%20of%20Americans%20for%202022&text=About%2023%20percent%20of%20Americans,Resolution%20makers%2C%20resolution%20keepers%3F)

Defining the 4 Es w/ Gavin Henderson

Gospel Reverb – Not Today, Satan w/ Dishon Mills

Sermon for February 5, 2023 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Psalm 112:1-9 • Isaiah 58:1-9a • 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 • Matthew 5:13-20

As we continue in the Epiphany season, contemplating the God revealed by Jesus Christ, we should take time to consider our response to that revelation. We should seek to humbly and diligently follow his word. Therefore, the theme for this week is authentically worshipping God. In the call to worship Psalm, we read about the generational blessings awaiting those who wholeheartedly worship the Lord. In Isaiah, the prophet condemns empty religion and echoes God’s call for justice, liberation, and care for those most in need. In the Corinthian passage, Paul spoke about the Christian’s reliance on the Holy Spirit to reveal the gospel and God’s plan for salvation in Christ. Finally, the passage in Matthew reminds us that Christ-followers are called to bear witness to Christ in word and in action. However, to do so, we have to follow the commands of God and resist inauthentic, empty religion.

Questionable Living

Matthew 5:13-20

Christian comedian Michael, Jr. has a recurring routine that describes who he calls the “oversaved.” [You can find a lot of his comedy on YouTube by typing: Michael, Jr. oversaved.] One of his jokes goes something like this:

Michael, Jr.: “Excuse me, friend. I think I lost my keys. Can you help me find them?”

Oversaved Friend: “What you need is the keys to the kingdom!”

Michael, Jr.: “Um…I didn’t drive a Kingdom.  I drove a Toyota.”

Michael, Jr. delivers the joke far better than it can be delivered here, however, I think you can understand the important point he disguises behind a funny story. In the joke, Michael, Jr. needed some practical help and asked his friend. His oversaved friend stated something that was true but entirely unhelpful and irrelevant.

In an effort to separate themselves from things that are distractions, temptations, and triggers, Christians can sometimes seek to surround themselves with things that are overtly Christian. This is understandable, and often comes from one’s passion and love for God. However, if we are not careful, we can put ourselves into a Christian bubble. Those who live in a Christian bubble have almost all their interactions with other Christians. If they listen to music, it is Christian music. If they watch a TV show or movie, it is Christian. They have Christian radio or sermons playing in their car. Again, there is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying Christian things, and it is understandable why a believer would, at times, want to withdraw from the world. However, living in a Christian bubble can limit our ability to participate in one of the core purposes of the church: bearing witness, through word and actions, to the good news about Jesus Christ and the kingdom he has established. It also prevents us from being spiritually formed by and participating in the work God is doing all around us, even among not-yet-believers.

Jesus teaches us that his followers should not only strive to interact with those around them but seek to be a blessing. Here is what Jesus teaches us in the book of Matthew:

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:13-20 NIV)

In speaking about how believers should interact with the world, Jesus used two symbols packed with spiritual significance: salt and light. Salt was used in several ways: as a way bring out the flavor in food, as a meat preserver, as an essential nutrient for humans, and as a fertilizer for certain types of soils. Light was used as a disinfectant, to remove darkness, and to make navigating at night safe. One could create metaphors for a Christian’s spiritual life with all these uses. Myriad messages have been preached about what it means for believers to be salt and light, and rightfully so. However, I would like us to pay close attention to those to whom we are called to be salt and light. Does that group include only Christians? In verse 14, Jesus refers to believers as “a town built on a hill,” and in verse 16, he says, “let your light shine before others.” The context implies that those outside of the Christian community are included among the ones who can witness the “light” of believers.

Most Christ-followers would agree with this reasoning. Jesus’ Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, established that Christians are a sent people commanded by Jesus to share the good news about Christ with the world. Where there may be disagreement among believers is the extent to which Christians should engage with the world. In other words, how far should believers go in being salt and light?

By paying attention to how Jesus talks about salt and light, we may get some insight. In the passage, the symbols Jesus used suggest that his disciples should both integrate and demonstrate. When used properly, salt fully integrates or blends into food. Used properly, it is indistinguishable from the rest of the food it touches, bringing out the flavors that are already there. The only time we taste salt in our food is when too much has been added (i.e., oversaved or Christian bubble). Thinking along those lines, Christians should be fully integrated with our neighbors. We should be a part of the life of our community, and our social circles should include both believers and non-believers. Barring things that interrupt or harm our relationship with God and others, we should follow the life rhythms of those in the community in which God has placed us.

At the same time, we are called to be demonstrators. In the light metaphor, light is separate from darkness. It is distinct and distinguishable. In the same way, believers are called to live in a way that allows others to see that the kingdom of God has come near to them. Our lives should point to the reality of God, letting not-yet-believers know that they too are included in the love of the Father, Son, and Spirit. To do that, Christians must be, in some way, distinct from not-yet-believers. Our lives should reflect the priorities of our King, which are often at odds with the priorities of our society, and the contrast should be noticeable.

So, how can Christians both integrate and demonstrate? How can we both blend in and stand out? In the book Surprise the World, Michael Frost says that Christ-followers should live questionable lives. In other words, we should integrate into the life rhythms of our community, forming authentic relationships with our neighbors. Our neighbors should be close enough to us so that they can see our good works and question us about why we use our vacation time to serve the poor, or why we open our home to refugees, or why we fast during Easter Preparation (Lent), or why we stop to talk with people who ask us for money, or how we can still find joy in the midst of tragedy.[1] The way we humbly and genuinely live out our faith in Jesus will spark curiosity in our neighbors, opening the door for us to share the good news about Christ with them when they ask their questions. Therefore, the way in which Christians can be both salt and light — the way we can both integrate and demonstrate — is to live questionable lives.

Living in a Christian bubble makes questionable living almost impossible. First, it significantly reduces our exposure to not-yet-believers. Yes, it is good to be a blessing to the fellowship of believers. However, we should not only do good to the fellowship of believers. We need to regularly build relationships with not-yet-believers to avoid over-salting the meal. Second, living in a Christian bubble can make us out of touch and awkward in conversations. If we are disconnected from our neighbors, over time, we will develop our own life rhythms and ways of being. In essence, we will form our own Christian subculture with its own language. Unless we develop the ability to code switch (fluidly switching from one way of speaking to another) we will communicate in ways our neighbors cannot understand. Like Michael, Jr.’s joke, the oversaved friend was completely out of touch.

As Christ followers, we want to learn to balance being in the world but not of the world. We do not want to conform to the ways of the world, but we should be able to talk naturally with our neighbors about things that are important to them. We want to avoid forcing them to always talk about the Christianity that is important to us. Since our faith in Christ causes us to be oriented on God and the “other,” Christians should be the easiest people with whom to have a conversation. Since Jesus is our hope, and our joy is readily accessible, and we will smile easily.

As we participate in the redemptive work of Christ, love will compel us to ask questions and take an interest in the people around us. Our desire to place-share, like Christ place-shared with us, should fill us with empathy. The wisdom the Holy Spirit provides should equip us to talk about world events, even politicized ones, in ways that bring unity and not division. Since the Spirit lives in us, we need not fear being “tainted” by the world. Rather, we should follow Christ’s example and boldly live questionably, believing that the world will catch our health.

Several among us have been doing many of these things organically. However, for some of us, what I am describing pushes us a bit out of our comfort zone. Jesus understands that discomfort.

The passage we are discussing is part of the “Sermon on the Mount,” where Jesus lays out a radical way of living. He outlines what some call the “Upside Down Kingdom” because his values are so different from the norm. In Christ’s “Upside Down Kingdom,” the poor are blessed, mourners are comforted, and the meek inherit the earth. Living as salt and light was also part of this radical new way of life Jesus described.

It was difficult for many of his disciples to understand, let alone follow what Jesus taught. I submit this is why Jesus affirmed that his teaching was not in opposition to the law. While it may have seemed radical, the “Upside Down Kingdom” was in alignment with all the previously given commands of God. Jesus understands it often seems uncomfortable living a questionable life. He knows it might feel different from the Christianity you have known up until this point. However, living as salt and light — living a questionable life — is part of how we follow Christ. He will be with you and empower you to live as he lived.

We are the church – the body – of Jesus Christ. He lives in us and empowers the church (and each of us individually) to participate in his work to redeem and reconcile all things. Since Jesus is worthy of all praise and glory, let us represent him as the church. He would be the best neighbor on our block. He would open his home to those in need of a place to stay. He is a prolific giver. He is a good listener. He is the ally to the poor and marginalized. Let’s join Jesus in being habitual feasters, continually eating meals with friends and acquaintances. Let us join him and mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. Let us join him and be makers of beautiful things. Let us join him and stand up for the humanity of the dehumanized. Let us be big belly laughers and outrageous storytellers. We are salt and light!

[1] Michael Frost, Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People (Colorado Springs, CP:NavPress, 2016), 5-6.

Small Group Discussion Questions

From Speaking of Life

  • Why do you think actions speak louder than words?
  • What are some ways we can demonstrate our love for our neighbors?

From the sermon

  • Have you ever dealt with someone who comes across as “oversaved”? What was that experience like?
  • To you, what does it mean to live a questionable life?
  • What is one thing you can commit to do to be salt and light?

Sermon for February 12, 2023 – Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Psalm 119:1-8 • Deuteronomy 30:15-20 • 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 • Matthew 5:21-37

In this sixth week of Epiphany, our theme is the challenge of righteous living. Speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land, God urges them to choose life over death by following his commandments and decrees. In Psalm 119, the psalmist extols the blessings of a life lived in accordance with God and laments the inevitable decline that follows a lapse in judgment. The Apostle Paul mourns that quarrels and pettiness have prevented the Corinthian church from learning the deeper lessons of faith. In our sermon passage from Matthew, Jesus declares the chilling challenges of leading a truly righteous life. In the Sermon on the Mount, he makes it clear that following all the laws and rules is insufficient when your heart is still led astray.

Mind over Matter, Jesus over Mind

Matthew 5:21-37

God’s binding goodness

In the final verse of the powerful 18th century hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, written by Robert Robinson, we find this line:

“May thy goodness like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to thee.”

Robinson here captures the conflicting emotions of gratitude and frustration that so often are a part of the Christian walk: gratitude for God’s streams of endless mercy and abundant grace, and frustration at how prone we are to wander from the love of Jesus and squander the righteousness he has given to us. It is easy to love these lyrics for their positive approach to the subject—we do not lament a life floundering in sin, but instead we celebrate God’s ever flowing blessings that binds us to him so that we never wander too far.

In Matthew 5, Jesus brings many challenges to those who wish to live a righteous life. Often read out of context, the passage can seem overwhelming and depressing—we cannot possibly live the life he describes here. But there is good news, Jesus can. The righteous life is the life of Jesus; he does what we cannot do so that we can reap the benefits of his righteousness and share in his life.

Let’s read the passage and see what we can learn from it today:

Read Matthew 5:21-37

Double standards

[Following is a personal example, you can make it generic or come up with your own example.]

A friend of mine recounted speaking to some of his Christians friends about the woman he intended to marry. He had always been cautious about dating and relationships, and this was the first relationship he had been in since his teens, and it was going splendidly. Now into his 30s, he was excited at the prospect of marriage, but one thing concerned him. She was divorced, and he wasn’t clear what the scriptures said regarding divorce, and he wanted to be sure before moving forward.

So, he sought the advice of his friends, not mentioning that he was speaking about his current situation. He asked their opinions on getting remarried after being divorced and the response was swift and condemning: “Oh no, you can’t do that, Jesus himself said marrying a divorced woman is adultery.” My friend was discouraged, and that’s when they asked him why he was asking, and he explained his desire to propose to the woman he loved.

Their tune changed swiftly. If they had known the details, they insisted, they never would have come out so dogmatically on the subject. It’s a complicated topic worth looking into more, they emphasized, and told him to give leeway for grace. This only added to his confusion.

When he took the time to study our scripture for today, he concluded that these friends were either biblically illiterate or had a distinct double standard—maybe both. His friends admitted to him that while they knew what the passage said and agreed with it, there could be extenuating circumstances. Had they asked more questions, they would not have expected him to follow this passage to the letter.

The irony of this story is made clear when we understand both Jesus’ intent in our passage today, and the cultural reasons for his advice on re-marriage. Jesus was helping us understand that in the kingdom of heaven there is no room for double standards or preferential treatment. The laws of God were there to protect us and lead us into a deeper relationship with him. They were not a tool to be applied to others for our own benefit—an endemic within his culture that has persisted to this day.

Your thoughts betray you

If we were to read Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 as a guidebook for righteous living, it would quickly become obvious that we’re not up to snuff. Either we lack the will to engage in personal dismemberment by plucking out an eye or cutting off a hand, or we are probably going to end up burning in hell.

Thankfully neither of those options are the end result.

The Pharisees of the time had become the leading authorities on scriptural interpretation. Their teachings called for fierce adherence to the Mosaic law, and in many cases, they went further, defining details to the law that were not explicitly present—just to be sure of their purity. They had cornered the market on defining righteous living.

Jesus took their approach in his sermon and pushed it even further. If righteousness is grounded in a perfect life, then it is not just the actions that must be perfect but the thoughts too. This is sound logic, and it’s unlikely the Pharisees could disagree.

But this also isn’t just rhetoric. What Jesus is saying here is true—the wrongs we commit in our heart and mind are frequently of a sinful nature. If your end goal is to lead the perfect life, then sadly, we’re out of luck; even a perfect outward life would be ruined by a single errant thought. To take a line from Darth Vader: “Your thoughts betray you.”

Rescued by grace

So, Jesus has established that perfect living is unattainable to a soul corrupted by sin. This is part of the reason for Jesus’ incarnation—he came as a human to reveal the Father to us and to lead the perfect, righteous life that was needed.

The Pharisees and their disciples faced a very real risk that they would not understand their own need for salvation. That remains true today. As Christians, we are often at risk of reverting to legalism and suffering the associated loss: if we believe ourselves righteous by works, we will miss out on experiencing the full abundance of grace that awaits us.

The seemingly unattainable standard of living a righteous life also highlights the perfect life Jesus is living. This perfect life creates the righteousness for us we are unable to obtain on our own. It helps us understand more deeply that it is not our own righteousness that saves. It is Jesus’ righteousness that saves us. His righteousness rescues us from both the depths of despair and the pinnacles of pride that our attempt to live an upright life would inevitably bring upon us.

Yet still…

So, does this mean that everything we read in this passage is just hyperbole, or a description of a perfect divine existence inapplicable to our own experience?

No. There is still a lot we can learn from what Jesus tells us here. His statements are true, and his call to curate our thoughts with grace remains a cornerstone of a healthy spiritual life.

The application of this passage can be found in two examples given by Jesus in verses 31-37. Let’s re-read each of these in turn:

It has been said, “Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.” But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:31-32)

Jesus brings up two common social practices to demonstrate how a law-abiding life without thoughts tempered by God’s grace leads to abuse and evil. The practice of divorce was a common one within his community at the time; the certificate of divorce mentioned was used liberally and in full accordance with the law. Yet only the men could use these certificates. This unhealthy power dynamic was being abused. Given the culture of the time, this could have devastating consequences for the women on the receiving end as they lost access to security and social status.

Certificates were granted for trivial reasons, from inadequate meal preparations to dissatisfaction with their wife’s aging appearance. Jesus’ limitation upon divorce forced the men to think through what they were doing and limited their ability to abuse the institution of marriage. This was an act of protection, made by Jesus on behalf of a vulnerable subsection of the Jewish society at the time.

This was a clear example where the letter of the law was being used to undermine the spirit of the law. The selfish thoughts that led to the men divorcing their wives were themselves sin. And by putting a prohibition of marrying a divorced woman, it prevented those women from being used again. It is important to note that the sin here lay solely upon the men involved. Only they could divorce, and only the men were committing adultery if they married the divorced woman. By saying that the women were victims of adultery, he ensured that a man who divorced his wife without cause would remain financially and socially responsible for caring for her.

Promises, promises

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.” But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply “Yes” or “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:33-37)

We’re beginning to see how controlling our thoughts can shine a light on practices we otherwise might assume are acceptable. For another example of that Jesus turns to the question of oaths. In this context, an oath is a commitment made with embellishments to placate the hearer into believing you will follow through. They are as common today as they ever have been in the past.

“I swear on my mother’s grave.”

“Cross my heart.”

“Pinky promise.”

These sayings are oaths, and though amusing or cute, they reveal a problem with our thinking. They all imply that either we cannot be trusted, or, if we insist on them being used, that we are lacking in trust (and so being judgmental). Either our normal commitments are unreliable, and we need to garner trust by embellishing our assurances, or we seek those assurances from others by asking for a promise.

All these oaths are meaningless. Your mother’s grave, symbols over your heart, and a bent pinky do nothing to ensure the earnestness of the person making the statement. Nor do they provide collateral should you fail to follow through.

This is a matter of our thoughts being put in order. Jesus’ solution is simple; just speak the truth always. To do that we must first be earnest with ourselves and others, shifting our patterns of thinking so that we truly do view our word as our bond. Doing so allows us to be a source of certainty and strength to those around us and creates a culture of trustworthiness in contrast to one that justifies the breaking of commitments that are not validated by oaths and promises.

Jesus uses these two distinctly different examples to highlight how our thinking can become perverse and warped. Both examples have victims who suffer, even though laws or rules might not have been broken.

Instead, we are called to follow Jesus, not just in act and deed, but with our thoughts as well. Because we have been given his righteousness, we can now share in his thoughts. Thoughts of abundant grace and unrelenting love will define how we live and act.

Small Group Discussion Questions

Speaking of Life

  • Can you recount a time when you needed someone to step in to help you make a decision, or even make it on your behalf? What feelings did it evoke to have the assistance in a time of need?
  • We are familiar with the phrase “choose life” as a direction to live in accordance with God’s will. How does it make you feel to know that in Jesus, life has chosen you?

From the Sermon

  • When you catch yourself indulging in sinful thoughts – whether they be of lust, anger, or resentment – what do you do to try to bring them back to Jesus’ thoughts of love and grace?
  • Whether tax loopholes, a badly worded contract, or a rigid interpretation of scripture, it is easy to find unintended ways to benefit from laws. Why do you think indulging in those “opportunities” is a slippery slope we need to avoid at all costs?
  • The examples that Jesus uses in these passages reveal ways that rules were being used to take advantage of others. Jesus set us the example of self-sacrifice in their stead. What are some ways that we can make sacrifices that will help the vulnerable in our communities?

Sermon for February 19, 2023 – Last Sunday after the Epiphany

Psalm 2:1-11 • Exodus 24:12-18 • 2 Peter 1:16-21 • Matthew 17:1-9

This week’s theme is on the mountaintop. The psalmist prophetically looks ahead to the time in which God would install Jesus as king on Mt. Zion. In Exodus, Moses is sent by God to the top of the mountain where he witnessed the glory of the Lord. In Matthew’s gospel, he records the transfiguration of Christ on Mt. Zion. And in 2 Peter, he confirms that he was present on the mountain with Christ during the transfiguration event.

The Transfiguration of Christ

Matthew 17:1-9 (NIV)

When was the last time you had a strong sense of anticipation? As a kid, I was so excited that I could hardly sleep on Christmas Eve because of the anticipation of unwrapping presents the next morning.

Maybe for you it was graduation, or buying your first car, or going on a much-needed vacation. Or how about your wedding day? For some, it may have been purchasing your first home.

When the event you were anticipating had finally arrived, was it all you hoped it would be? Or maybe it exceeded your wildest imaginations. That’s exactly how it went down for three of Jesus’ disciples in the story we will be looking at. These disciples had no way of knowing what was in store for them.

Today we’re going to look at the transfiguration story found in Matthew’s Gospel. We’re going to start by looking at the anticipation of the transfiguration. We will then account for its significance. Finally, we will end with accepting the transfiguration and our inclusion into it.

Read Matthew 17:1-9

In verse 1, we see Jesus bringing Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain with him. In our minds, this might not sound too significant, but to the Jewish mindset this was about to be a huge deal. On top of the mountain is where heaven meets earth, spatially, and spiritually. Here are just a few events in the history of Israel to explain the significance of Jesus taking them up on a mountain:

  • Abraham brings Isaac and meets God on Mt. Moriah.
  • God gave the 10 commandments to Moses on the mountain.
  • Isaiah prophesied about Mount Zion and a great feast.
  • Elijah hears from God on the mountain.
  • Jesus preaches his famous Sermon on the Mount.

For Peter, James, and John, this must have been like waiting for Christmas morning. You probably couldn’t stress hard enough that these disciples were full of anticipation. The mountaintop is where encounters with God take place, where business is conducted in the spiritual realm. The disciples were about to have their minds blown.

Let’s entertain a few questions regarding the transfiguration itself. Why did the transfiguration have to happen? And why did it involve Moses and Elijah? What was their purpose in being there?

Throughout Matthew’s Gospel, he is quite purposeful in showing how all the signs and wonders of Jesus overshadow Moses. Matthew is intentional in bringing this out over and over.

In Genesis 24, we see Moses on the mountain being accompanied by Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu – at least those were the only ones mentioned by name. And now, we have Jesus ascending the mountain being accompanied by three men as well. I don’t think the significance of this was lost on the disciples.

And now we have Moses, again, but this time he is accompanying Jesus. What Moses represents is the law, with all its regulations and commands, along with its extensive list of all the things you should and should not do.

Likewise, we also have Elijah, who hears from God on the top of a mountain as well. But this time he is also accompanying Jesus. Elijah is representing the prophets, with all the consequences for all that you were instructed to do but didn’t.

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:4-5)

From here on, this event becomes even more epic. Peter’s excited suggestion that they build tents for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, wasn’t all that unusual. But God the Father had a different idea. He interrupted Peter and told him to listen to Jesus.

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. (Matthew 17:6-8)

The disciples were so afraid, that Jesus had to assure them that everything was going to be OK. And when they finally looked up, the only one left standing there with them was Jesus.

Why did Moses and Elijah disappear? The focus wasn’t on them, and God wanted the disciples to see this. Jesus stood between the law and the prophets. He fulfilled everything in the law. And yet he also took all the punishment for us according to what was written by the prophets. Jesus gave the perfect response for humanity towards God. And yet he also gave God’s perfect response to humanity.

Jesus now reigns supreme and is our rightful Lord. He alone is qualified to rule his kingdom with grace and truth. Our problem is that we’ve gotten the idea that we must somehow transfigure ourselves.

Peter suggesting they build tents for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus showed he had not yet grasped that Jesus alone was sufficient. The ways of Moses and the Law, and the ways of Elijah and the prophets, were also the ways of fear and self-effort. It is only through trusting in the work of Christ that we can experience abundant life.

Just one chapter before this one, Matthew records Jesus making this incredible statement:

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. (Matthew 16:24)

Much later in Peter’s life, he would write about this transfiguration event:

But we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the father when the voice came to him saying, “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. (2 Peter 1:16-18)

The transfiguration shows Jesus in his full glory, completely fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. Seeing Jesus for all that he is causes us to realize our utter lostness without him. He is perfect and gives us his perfection. He is righteous and gives us his righteousness. We do not have and cannot attain perfection or righteousness apart from Christ.

It’s interesting that in Peter’s epistle, he fails to mention the fact that God the Father basically told Peter to be quiet and to not try to make plans for God. Sometimes the best thing we can do is also be quiet and trust. Sometimes the best response to the glory of God when we see it is just to stay in the moment. Take it in. Contemplate on it. Meditate on it.

Take a few extra moments in prayer to listen, to contemplate, to meditate. It’s important to reflect on how God has saved each one of us, how he has brought us through trials, how he has come through in times of need. And yes, how he has transfigured us as well.

The danger for each of us is in the forgetting. The forgetting that Christ alone is our sufficiency. Sometimes we want to take our old, crucified selves, and put the things we trusted in back on display by declaring ourselves better than others, more faithful, more giving, more spiritual, etc.

We place ourselves on very shaky ground when we try to use ourselves as the barometer for all things right and acceptable. Like Peter, we try to erect tents for Moses and Elijah when only Jesus is necessary for life and godliness.

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:6-7)

Matthew tells us that the disciples were scared out of their wits. Jesus had to pick them up, dust them off, and let them know that all is well. Sometimes the voice of God can be scary. Where is he taking me? Can he be trusted? I don’t know that I can do what he might ask? But the voice of God is always the voice that is in our best interest despite whether we think it is at the time, he will always prove himself faithful.

It’s through the transfiguration, through seeing the true character and nature of God, that we become open to living out of his guidance and his strength. It’s his posture towards us that causes us to lose our fear of the unknown and embrace the mystery that is the loving actions of God.

When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. (Matthew 17:8)

Read that again. This is the purpose of this passage of scripture – focus on Jesus alone. The transfiguration shows us that Jesus is our only hope. Our hope and our salvation is not in the Law and the Prophets. Our best intentions or efforts will never be enough. The systems of laws with all its expectations nor the proclamations and judgments of the prophets is enough. All has been fulfilled in Christ. He has accomplished everything on our behalf.

The Bible says, “As he is so we are in this world” (1 John 4:17). We have been included in the life of Father, Son, and Spirit, enjoying all the benefits that comes from that relationship. We have been transfigured with Christ and one day we will receive the promise of a full and final transfiguration. The former ways of this world will disappear, and as we find ourselves bowing before him, the only thing left standing will be Christ.

Small Group Discussion Questions

From Speaking of Life

  • Name a time when your parents delighted in you or when you delighted in your children.
  • Why do you think that the Father told the disciples that he was well-pleased with Jesus.
  • Do you believe that God is pleased with you? Why or why not?

From the Sermon

  • How are we to participate in the transformation? What significance does this event have for us?
  • How have we lost our sense of anticipation that God wants to do something in our midst?
  • Give examples of what it means to trust in Christ for our sufficiency and not in ourselves.
  • What do you think this event did for the disciples that were present? What do you think they took away from this event?

Sermon for February 26, 2023 – First Sunday in Easter Preparation

Psalm 32:1-11 • Genesis 3:1-7 • Romans 5:12-19 • Matthew 4:1-11

In our first week of Easter preparation, we reflect on Jesus’ reversal of the sinful state of mankind. Our theme is the dominion of life over death. In the call to worship Psalm, King David reminds us of our need to bring our sins before God to receive his abundant forgiveness and love. In Genesis, we witness how the dominion of death came about through the sin of Adam and Eve, leading to their shame and guilt. Paul explains to believers in Rome how the grace and life given to us by Jesus heals the death and separation caused by sin, and it establishes us in his new and better life. In our scripture passage today, Jesus enters the wilderness and reminds the devil whose dominion we are truly in.

The Dominion of Life

Matthew 4:1-11

Prior to your sermon it would be good to get someone to read Genesis 3:1-7 to prepare the congregation for the parallels with Matthew 4 found in today’s message.

A Question of authority

God is in charge. This is a simple truth, but an easy one to forget. The time of Easter preparation is intended to help us focus upon Jesus’ work of salvation as revealed in his earthly ministry. Here we are reminded of why Jesus chose the cross for our sakes, and how his work of atonement spanned his life, death, and resurrection.

Today we are reflecting upon how the ministry of Jesus changed the spiritual landscape of our world – establishing his dominion of life and grace that supersedes death and sin as the defining attributes of what it means to be human.

Paul tells us in Romans:

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)

This passage in Romans contrasts Adam with Jesus. What Adam caused through sin was not irreversible. Jesus has not only reversed it back to the state of the Garden of Eden, but he has also taken us beyond Eden into the eternal dominion of life shared by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

To understand the obedience that Paul is speaking of, we are going to compare the account of Adam and Eve’s temptation in the Garden with the temptation of Jesus in the desert. There we will see that because Jesus is always obedient as the true authority in creation, he sets right the errors of the past – lifting humanity up with him to a great and glorious future.

Read Matt 4:1-11

We need to remember who’s in charge. If we do not remember the sovereignty of God, the world will seem a lot darker than it is. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve lived in paradise, however, when they lost sight of God’s authority and rebelled against him, they found themselves naked and afraid. The paradise became imposing, the soothing presence of God intimidating, their perfect form became a source of shame.

In the desert, Jesus is far from paradise. Yet here he can endure hardship and deprivation because he is mindful of God’s sovereignty. The desert is holy and the isolation comforting because it was witnessed and experienced in the correct context.

With every question from Satan, Jesus gives a response that draws the conversation back to God, and to the authority and respect due him. Satan is reminded that contrary to how he was acting, he is not in charge and that is never going to change.

We too need to ensure we have the correct perspective.

Growing up, my brother had a picture from a popular adult cartoon series in his bedroom. In it, a little boy is wearing sunglasses and attempting to look important, yelling that people must “respect my authoritah!!” (sic). This is a comical take on a problem many people wrestle with – how to earn respect, and how to respond to misplaced authority.

The challenge of the misuse of authority is always a hot-button topic. It can lead us to ask the question: should we respect individuals by virtue of their role or position of authority even if we hold a low opinion or disagree with them. It all comes back to that age old question found in every family, board room, and school yard: who calls the shots?

It’s a question that has plagued humanity since our earliest days, but it is one we have an unequivocal answer to in Jesus’ response to each of Satan’s temptations.

Hunger

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:1-4)

We are told Jesus is hungry, it is the only descriptor we have of Jesus in the passage, and it serves to highlight the context for Satan’s temptation. We know Jesus has not eaten and is in need, so his response here is not simply a platitude. His faith in God’s control is such that he knows he can truly live solely by God’s sustenance.

Jesus’ hunger also stands in contrast to the state of Adam and Eve. While Jesus endures deprivation, they are surrounded by abundance. They had no need of something to eat; every tree was there for the taking! Why then did they take of the forbidden tree?

To answer that question, we need to look at Jesus’ response to Satan here: man lives “on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” It is of great value to our spiritual life to recognize that in his sovereignty, God has given us everything we need to resist the temptations laid before us. Eve’s downfall came by not living according to the words God had given her.

Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1)

Satan begins his temptation of Eve by twisting the words of God and obscuring them. Just as he does with Jesus by using the truth that the Son of God could make the stones bread.

Yet Jesus lives by the words of God and according to God’s timing and plan, so he is not moved to sin. Taking on our humanity he inverts the original sin, thus beginning our path toward the dominion of life and grace Paul is celebrating in Romans 5.

Accordance

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:4-6)

Just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should be done. I doubt you’d see a three-year-old living by this proverb! But after a few hundred bumped heads, skinned knees, and baths spent having mysterious substances scrubbed out of your hair, it begins to start making sense. The wisdom of this proverb grows the more mistakes you make in life.

Regardless of the warnings, children frequently make choices that lead to harm or loss, and they repeat them as they test the rationale of their parents’ authority. When the devil takes Jesus up to the top of the tower, his temptation of Jesus at first seems to stem from a similar rationale. “Show the world what you can do!” A sinister subtext is found in these temptations. Jesus doesn’t need to suffer; if he does, he can just get the angels to intervene.

The next time Jesus will be raised up looking down upon the world will be upon the cross. And there, this temptation will be presented to him again by one of the two men up there with him. Surely the Son of God ought not to have to suffer and endure all that?! The perfect obedience of Jesus is shown here. Despite pain, suffering and loss, he pursues the will of God with unflinching love.

So, Jesus’ response draws the attention back to staying in accordance with the will of God. Perhaps the angels would catch him if he jumped a tall height, but that is not why he came; it’s not part of the plan. Not testing the Lord, in this instance, is about not testing his will and purpose (not to mention Satan should not being trying to test Jesus!)

Jesus’ death and resurrection were part of God’s sovereign plan, it was in accordance with his will, and Jesus, being God, knew that will perfectly.

Back in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were being tempted by the enemy specifically to put the word of God to the test. Will it really be as bad as he said it would be? And so, they gave in to the temptation to test the word of God with catastrophic consequences.

Jesus asserted his intention to faithfully submit to God’s authority and follow his plan. Once again, Jesus was taking our humanity and reversing the original sin, bringing us into his life of abundant grace. Grace beyond sin and death.

Dominion

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matthew 4:8-11)

In the final temptation of the passage, Jesus is presented with a global vista including all that is. These are claimed by Satan and offered to Jesus. Once more, the subject is focused on power and authority, that the one who has it can follow through on their promises. In the Garden of Eden, the promise of taking the forbidden fruit was the allure of being “like God.” In both instances, the devil is making an offer he is unable to follow through on. While all the others were statements of truth twisted to deceive, these are outright lies intended to corrupt.

The taking of the fruit in the garden was an act of rebellion, not in the teenage sense of an adolescent acting out, but as an attempt to usurp God’s authority. In the garden, the serpent was content so long as the exaltation was redirected away from God. In the desert, Satan seeks to complete what was started in Eden, a worship of himself. Self-determination is a celebrated right in many democratic cultures. It is important to ensure respectful laws and ensure freedoms in man-made institutions, yet it easily becomes a form of idolatry when unchecked.

Jesus’ response to Satan gives us two clear messages. The first is that it truly is not worth gaining the whole world yet forfeiting your soul; the second is that Satan’s so-called dominion is a sham that is swiftly on the way out. The coming of the Kingdom of God was ushering in the dominion of life and grace, and purging the kingdom of sin and death over which Satan ruled. To make clear who truly calls the shots, Jesus rebukes Satan, using the word that comes from God in accordance with the will of the Father.

And Satan leaves.

This is not a choice; this is the power of Jesus’ rebuke. Satan offers all the nations of the world to Jesus, yet he couldn’t even remain in Jesus’ presence without permission. Satan’s power and very existence is contingent upon God. What he presents to Jesus are a series of lies and deceptions, because he has nothing else to offer.

The tragedy of the Fall is that Adam and Eve had this same capacity to rebuke Satan. They walked with the Lord in the cool of the evening; they knew the power of his word and could be certain that if they called upon him, he would deal with the deceiving serpent. Yet they neglected his sovereignty and lost sight of the joy of living in accordance with his will.

We too have the capacity to rebuke the devil. Not by our own power, but by the great reversal of sin wrought by Jesus. He has pointed us back to the one who is in control, giving us a life free from sin, defined by grace and victorious over the grave.

As Paul puts is,

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:17 NIV)

Let us receive the abundant grace and reign in the life given to us by the only one with the authority to give it.

Small Group Discussion Questions

Speaking of Life

  • When you have a spiritual problem who do you go to? Do you have a support network? Do you remember to bring it to God first?
  • Do you identify with David in his psalm when he speaks of the physical pain caused by the stress of unresolved sin? Why do you think we delay to bring these things before God and reap the benefits of our absolution?

From the Sermon

  • Have you ever found yourself in a position of authority? If so, what was your leadership style, and did you have to work hard to earn the respect of those you lead?
  • The dominion of death and sin were not only defeated, but their legacy was also removed from existence through Jesus’ righteous life. What does this mean for how we deal with the subjects of death and sin in our redeemed lives?
  • We have been called to “reign in the life… of Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17.) What do you think that looks like?
© 2026 Grace Communion International. All rights reserved