I've included below the manuscript for last Sunday's sermon; for some reason, I felt inclined to write this sermon out in its entirety. Which ended up being a good thing as for some reason the video didn't transfer properly from the phone to my computer... I guess that this one was meant to be read rather than listened to.
Please take a glance...
Be a blessing to someone today!
In His Grace,
Roy
Sermon – Sunday, April 28, 2019
“The Great Commission or Final Thoughts”
Today we are in the Gospel of Matthew, the 28th Chapter, verses 1-20; please turn to page 812 in your pew Bibles. When you do so, you'll see that we are at the absolute END of Matthew's Gospel. Here we find Matthew's version of 'Easter' morning and then we have one final meeting of the Disciples with Christ before He ascends to be with the Father. In Matthew's writing, these are the final thoughts... the final instructions... the final COMMANDS... of Jesus to the Disciples gathered there... and in extension, they are His final words to us as well. Verses 16 through 20 are what is generally known as “The Great Commission”. Let us read now:
Matthew 28:1-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Resurrection of Jesus
28 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,[b] and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
The Report of the Guard
11 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests[c] had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 telling them, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day.
The Commissioning of the Disciples
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”[d]
Footnotes:
a) Matthew 28:6 Other ancient authorities read the Lord
b) Matthew 28:7 Other ancient authorities lack from the dead
c) Matthew 28:12 Gk they
d) Matthew 28:20 Other ancient authorities add Amen
Okay... today we're not going to discuss the resurrection, or the Angel coming to move the stone and sitting on the stone outside rather than being inside the tomb, nor will we consider the guards reactions, or the actions of the Priests and Elders, or even the women worshipping Jesus, rather today our concern in this sermon... is to look at the final three instructions and that last reassurance that Jesus left with His Disciples on that day portrayed in Matthew's Gospel.
We'll start at the end... that final assurance “I am with you always, to the end of the age”. The word 'age' here in Greek is Aión (ahee-ohn'), it means a space of time, an age; it's used to describe a cycle (of time) though we sometimes conceive it to be infinite, it's actually not. Aion is a definite though undefined time with a limitation... Christ is promising us that He through the 'Holy Spirit' is not leaving us alone in this world. He is truly with us throughout our Earthly Walk. Christ will, however, come again, someday... we don't know when, we can't know when... but this Aion, this age... will come to an end... in God's own time.
So, with that reassurance that God has not, and will never leave us alone... God is always with us remember the Psalmists words.
Psalm 139:7-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
7 Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
With this reassurance, let us now back-up and look at the three directives that Christ left for us all.
First, we read that we are called to “make disciples of all nations”. Clearly, we are called to share the message of Jesus with all people, not just those people that we like, not just those people who are open to listening, we are called to share... and yes as blunt as it sounds to recruit people, all people... of every type and predilection to be followers of Christ. Jesus did not come into this world to ignite the spark of His love, His light in your heart... for you to then just hide it away.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 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.
Do not 'hide' your faith, let it shine forth from you like a beacon in the darkness... you may well be the life-light that someone is searching for. That lighthouse to steer them away from the rocky shore and into the safe harbor of Christ Jesus. The commission to make disciples of all people is not just a one and done kind of commitment, rather it is a life-long journey for us all, as long as we are drawing breath it is our obligation to share the Gospel... the 'Good News' of Jesus.
The second part of the final instructions was “to baptize into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”. We've discussed Baptism many times, the form of Baptism that we as Disciples and Baptist advocate for is of course baptism by immersion. This symbolic act of committing ourselves to a life immersed in the love and life of Christ is required not because the act of being dunked into the water itself is what is salvic. The reason that we are to baptize is as a display of obedience... we are witnessing to others that we have committed ourselves to a life of obedience. This act, being baptized, is part of allowing our light to shine into the world. Through baptism, we show that we are willing to obey our Savior. We show that we are invested... that we have some as you might say “skin in the game”... if we're not willing to obey Christ on this one simple act of witness and obedience how can we be expected to obey on more trying and difficult sacrifices?
Matthew 25:23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
The third point is, “teaching others to obey all that Christ commanded us to do”. Let's now look back into Matthew's Gospel to see what Jesus was talking about. Remember that in the 15th Chapter of Matthew we have Jesus gathering His followers on a hillside in order to teach them.
Matthew 5:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Beatitudes
5 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Further along in the 15th Chapter of Matthew, Jesus warns against, anger, adultery, divorce, and oaths. He expands from the command to not kill to warn us against being angry with our brothers and sisters, He condemns adultery and extends it to lustful behavior, and He warns us of the sin of divorce, the breaking of a covenant that is not only with our spouse but with God Himself. It should be very much noted that Jesus follows the condemnation of divorce with His words cautioning us about oaths.
Finally, Jesus warns us against retaliation towards those that harm us, He tells us to be more giving and forgiving to others than we are ever asked by the world to be... and then He talks about loving.
Matthew 15:43-48 NRSV
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
We find more insight into what we are to teach others... and obey ourselves... in Matthew's story about the 'Rich Young Man' found a bit further along in Matthew's Gospel, let's look now at Chapter 19.
Matthew 19:16-22 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Rich Young Man
16 Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
Notice that Jesus says at the end of these instructions given in response to the young man's questioning that “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” and then follows that up with instructions of how to demonstrate this love of neighbor. Jesus is as we go along refining His message here in Matthew's Gospel. Next, let's focus on those famous words found in the 22nd Chapter of Matthew.
Matthew 22:36-40 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Matthew, being the most Jewish of the Gospels references that 'On these two commandments (loving God and loving your neighbor), hang all the law and the prophets'. All the law and the prophets, in other words, the Pentateuch and the writings of the major and minor prophets... what we call the Old Testament. Remember that it is in Matthew's Gospel that Jesus tells us these verses... right in the middle of the 'Beatitudes' that we referenced above;
Matthew 5:17-20 NRSV
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
The 'Law' is important, the commandments are important, but unless they are focused through the lens of 'Love' they can and will be misused and misinterpreted. All things hang on loving... loving God, loving yourself, and loving others. Such are the final directives left for us by Christ in the writings of the author of Matthew's Gospel.
The final and most important directive is to love God and to love like God. God loves you, each of you... of this, I have no doubt. God loves all His children and each of you here today are one of God's most beloved creations.
The concept of how deeply God loves us and how deeply we are to love one another.... is a difficult one for us to wrap our brains around, and one that too often is misunderstood. I read on Facebook in a group for Ministers none-the-less the following comment, whose purpose was intended to be one of correction to those who seek to sell 'cheap grace' or in the words of the one creating the post, against those who preach a message of 'God loves you as you are'. He wrote the following:
God's love is infinite. God's love is unmerited. God's love is available. God's love is perfect. God's love is NOT unconditional.
First of all, I agree with his first four points, his last point, however... I have considerable contention with. What he means to say by “God's love is not unconditional” is that in fact, God's love is only available within certain conditions... that God's love is conditional. In other words, God's love, and grace is works oriented, it's based on you doing something. Now, this minister is a Protestant so I doubt he even realized what he said, due to the convoluted way that he worded the saying. But, he didn't create this saying he borrowed it from other theologians, all of whom I am afraid are gravely mistaken and who seem to portray a very limited and honestly unbiblical God. I'm rather certain that this theology flows from a Calvinist point of view and if you haven't heard me say it before, I will say it now... I don't believe in nor care for Calvinist Theology.
My response to this minister on Facebook was the following:
Absolutely, God does love "you" the way you are... BUT, He doesn't love the "way" you are. There's a big distinction going on here. God loves EVERYONE, He loved Hilter, he loved Ted Bundy... but He certainly grieved over both of them and their actions. He also grieves over your actions... and mine. God created ALL humans to be loved by Him and He does love them... His greatest desire is that they, in turn, love Him. Our mission is not to bring people to the love of God, they already have that... our mission is to bring people to LOVE GOD.
When you say “God's love is not unconditional” you are saying that God doesn't love you unless you meet certain conditions. If you don't obey His commands, all of them, which means you have no sin within you, if you don't measure up to this... well, then God doesn't love you. Which of course would mean that God doesn't love anyone. This unknowingly perhaps somewhat self-righteous minister, doesn't measure up to this test of God's love any more than any of us does. No one is without sin, no one measures up, not one!
The good news is though... the Gospel is... that God does love you... in spite of your fallen nature. Even though each of us is riddled with sinful nature, even though none of us is able to truly love God like God loves us, even if we don't, in fact, love God, even if we actually hate and denounce God... God loves us...
Hear again the words found in Matthew Chapter 15:
Matthew 15:43-48 NRSV
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The model that Jesus tells us to emulate in these verses, these verses SPECIFICALLY aimed at telling us how to react to those who do not love us is...
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; ….
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? …
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Now to be fair to the minister that posted on Facebook, I do believe... and he did reference it as such... that what he meant was we shouldn't preach that “God loves you the way you are”. And perhaps he is right, “God loves you the way you are” is in fact worded badly, perhaps not nearly as badly as saying that “God's love is not unconditional”, but poorly worded none-the-less. What we really should say, and I do believe it is often worded this way is: “God loves you in spite of the way you are”.
Let me repeat the response that I gave to his post on Facebook:
Absolutely, God does love "you" the way you are... BUT, He doesn't love the "way" you are. There's a big distinction going on here. God loves EVERYONE, He loved Hilter, he loved Ted Bundy... but He certainly grieved over both of them and their actions. He also grieves over your actions... and mine. God created ALL humans to be loved by Him and He does love them... His greatest desire is that they, in turn, love Him. Our mission is not to bring people to the love of God, they already have that... our mission is to bring people to LOVE GOD.
God loves you deeply... desperately, unwaveringly, He loves you in the condition that you are in today. But, God doesn't love the condition you are in today... He doesn't love the condition that any of us are in today... He doesn't love the sin within your heart, He doesn't love the anger that you hold against your brother, He doesn't love the arrogance in your soul, He doesn't love the disobedience, He doesn't love these conditions and so many, many more... but... He loves you... and He wants you to repent, to return, to be with Him... even though He knows each of us is imperfect and fail to love Him fully and unreservedly.
He wants this so badly... that He sent His son into this world... that's what we as Christians celebrate not only at Easter but every day of our lives. In this scripture lainen sermon, let me simply close with one last bit of scripture which should settle the thought of whether or not God loves us before we love Him... that He loves us before we obey His every commandment:
1 John 4:7-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
God Is Love
7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
Praise God and His unfailing, unlimited, and unconditional love for us...
Let us strive each day to reveal to others how much God loves them.
Father, Abba, Lord... thank you for your love...........Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please be respectful in your comments to each other and to myself as well.
Thank you and Bless you for reading and commenting.