Emory Baptist Church

Is Your Face Set?

Please take your Bibles and find Luke 9:51. I want to share a message with you entitled, “Is Your Face Set?”

 

If you are a guest, we are studying the gospel of Luke verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter.  That means we have been in Luke for some time, and still have some time to go.

 

“Is your face set” sounds like a funny question, and not really how we talk in 2024.  However, it is the language that Luke uses here in Luke 9.

 

Notice this language as we read today’s story.  Specifically notice verses 52 and 53.

 

 

Exposition

Verse 51 begins with a time marker.  What we are about to read happened after the transfiguration and the conversation about positions of greatness in the kingdom of God.  It is also good to know that this material unique to Luke.

 

Luke continues that the time had come for Jesus to be received up.  The NIV says go to heaven.  The NASB says for His ascension.

 

Luke is describing a sequence of events with a few words.  In reality, he is describing the gospel. 

 

So let’s not only describe it, but let’s also define.  It begins with a holy God creating man and women, and we were sinless and in perfect fellowship with Him. 

However, Adam and Eve sinned.  They then passed along their guilty and their sin nature to us.  Consequently, we have sinned.

 

Next, our sin separates us from God because He is holy and can’t commune with sin.  Therefore, we are in need of a savior.

 

Morality can’t save.  Ingenuity can’t save.  Generosity can’t save.  Sincerity can’t save. 

 

The only qualified savior is a man, but He was also God.  I’m talking about Jesus Christ, God’s only son, who lived a sinless and perfect life.

 

Then He died on the cross and in our place and paid our sin debt.  He provided the opportunity for anyone and everyone to be back in perfect fellowship with God.

 

However, you must believe.  You must confess your sin and need for a savior and put your faith in trust in Jesus.

 

How can you know that what I have just told you is true?  It is the story of the Bible, and Jesus didn’t stay dead.  He was resurrected never to die again to validate and prove all that He said is true.

 

Then in Acts, that Luke also wrote, after His death and after His resurrection, He ascended to heaven.  Where did all of this happen?  It happened in Jerusalem. 

 

So when Luke says that His time had come to be received up and that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, all of what I just said is what Luke was talking about.  Jesus understand God’s will, and He knew that was the best place for Him, and was at peace with it.

 

Do you understand God’s will for your life? Aare you at peace with it? 

 

What is God’s revealed will for you?  The Bible tells us.

 

1 Timothy 2:3-4, 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

Ephesians 5:17-18, 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:3, 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;

 

1 Peter 2:13-15, 13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

 

1 Peter 4:15-19, 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.  17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”  19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

 

God’s will includes more for you, but not less.  Are you good with this? 

 

Are you at peace with God’s will? Is your face set?

 

There was a time in my life when I wasn’t.  I was in college, and I knew that God wanted me to be a vocational minister of some kind.  However, I thought I had to take a vow of poverty.

 

Needless to say, I was very materialistic, and had my mind set on riches.  I told God that I would wait for Him to change His mind.

 

In the meantime, I was miserable.  There was no peace in my life.  I was restless.

 

Finally, after two years of telling God no, I surrendered to Him and His will.  I finally had peace.  My face was set.  What about you?

 

Jesus knew God’s plan, and He was good with it.  His face was set, and so, He headed to Jerusalem.

 

Our text says He was going through Samaria.  This would have been hostile territory.  Therefore, He sent some of the disciples ahead to arrange meals and lodging.  

 

Not surprisingly, verse 53 says the Samaritans didn’t want Him or His disciples in their village.  Again, Samaritans considered Jews as their enemies and vice versa.  Therefore, this should surprise us.

 

However, it does remind us of this.  Jesus came to be Savior of the world, not just Jews or just westerners or just Americans or just Republicans.  He came to be the savior of all.

 

When John and James found the sentiment of the Samaritans, they were mad.  They wanted to nuke them.  No wonder Jesus called James and John the sons of thunder in Mark 5:17.

 

Undoubtedly, they were thinking of what Elijah did in 2 Kings 1.  He called down fire twice on those opposing God’s work including King Ahaziah. 

 

Jesus didn’t appreciate their desire, and He rebuked them.  That rebuke is found in verse 56.

 

However, some of you don’t have verse 56.  Don’t be alarmed.  While verse 56 is not in the oldest Biblical manuscript, it is enough for the NKJV editors to include it. 

 

Furthermore, Jesus sentiment here is found elsewhere.  See Luke 19:10 and John 12:47.

 

First and foremost, Jesus came to save.  He came to save you.

 

Luke 19:10, 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

 

However, if you reject His invitation to be saved, you will have to answer to God for your sin, and you will have no hope of heaven without Jesus. 

Jesus' Recipe for Greatness

If you have your Bible this morning, please take it and find Luke 9:46.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “Jesus’ Recipe for Greatness.”

 

Generally speaking, we as a culture and individuals in it desire greatness.  That is true of employees, employers, students, school districts, players, teams, political candidates, and political parties.  However, we all have different plans or recipes in achieving or attaining greatness.

 

Jesus had His own recipe.  It is found here in Luke 9, and it is profoundly different than any other plan or recipe. 

 

For Jesus, in order to go up, you must down.  I’ll explain more as we go.

 

 

1. An Argument about Greatness, Luke 9:46

46 Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.

 

In our first verse, the disciples were talking, and a dispute or argument broke out.  It centered on which of them would be the greatest. 

 

It seems that they were under the impression that Jesus would be some type of military or political king who would overthrow the Roman government, and put the Jews, the people of God, into positions of power.  However, Jesus had previously told them otherwise, but they didn’t understand Him.

 

In the recent weeks, we saw Jesus predict His own suffering, rejection, and death.  See 9:21-22 and 9:44-45.

 

21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

 

44 “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”

 

Jesus prophesied twice about this reality, and a third time is coming in 18:33.  However, don’t forget 9:45.

 

45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.

 

 

1. An Analogy of who is Great, 9:47-48

47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”

 

Look at verse 47.  Luke says that Jesus perceived what they thinking and talking about.

 

BTW…Why was Jesus able to do this?  He was able to do this because He was and is God. 

 

He is omniscient.  That means He is all-knowing.  He knows right now what every person in the room is thinking. 

 

Jesus then took a child and set him next to Him.  This child was probably between 5 and 10 years old. 

 

Keep in mind that in this culture, children were the smallest and most powerless individuals.  They were barely seen and not to be heard.

 

Why did Jesus do this?  He was teaching a lesson on who is great. 

 

Look at what Jesus said in verse 48.  If you receive this child, then you in turn are receiving Jesus, and in turn are receiving God the Father.  You can think of receiving also as accepting.

 

The disciples were more than likely shocked.  Jesus just blew their minds. 

 

BTW…While not the main point of the text, these verse remind us that we should value children.  We should value every child in the womb, and we should value every child in this room. 

 

Therefore, don’t get all bent out of shape with children who haven’t learned to sit still and remain quite during the sermon.  Love them like Jesus did, and as always, we can use more nursery volunteers.

 

Furthermore, if we value every child in the womb, let’s make sure we are providing for them outside of the womb through foster and adoptive care if needed.  Today is Orphan Sunday, and we’ll see a video at the end of the service regarding a ministry opportunity for those the Lord is calling.

 

The reason we value every child and every human is because God does as we are all created in the image of God.  That includes republicans and democrats.  That includes citizens and immigrants and even illegal immigrants. 

 

Jesus’ main point is at the end of verse 48.  He who is least will be great. 

 

Again, their minds are blown.  Jesus didn’t assign greatness to the smartest or biggest or wealthiest.  His recipe for greatness was to go down. 

 

 

• An Answer regarding those not in our Group, Luke 9:49-50

49 Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”  50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”

 

Hearing all this, John spoke up and answered in response to what Jesus had said.  What he recounted is not in the gospels.

 

Someone outside of the Twelve Disciples was casting out demons in Jesus’ name.  Consequently, the Twelve told him not to do that anymore.

 

Why?  He wasn’t in in their group. 

 

What did Jesus say?  Look at verse 50.  Don’t forbid him because he who is not against us is on our side.

 

In other words, Jesus told them God’s work goes on outside of their group.  Therefore, we are on the same team.

 

 

Illustration

So what does all of this mean?  Jesus’ recipe for greatness is found through humility that leads to submission. 

 

Jesus didn’t just say this.  He modeled this.  See Philippians 2:5-11.

 

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

The King of the Universe, the Son of God, was born in a borrowed manager.  That same King of the Universe, the Son of God, was buried in a borrowed grave.

 

Jesus embodied humility that lead to submission to God’s plan.  God then exalted Him to greatness. 

 

 

Application

If you want to be great, humble yourself and submit according to God’s will.  Peter eventually got it. See 1 Peter 2:9-25.

 

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.  11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.  13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.  18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

 

Husbands and wives, submit.  Parents and children, submit.  Republicans and Democrats, submit.  Employers and employees, submit. 

 

Don’t think your submitting is dependent on someone else submitting.  Your submitting is dependent on whether you want to be obedient to God.

 

If you want to be great in this world, do exactly what the words say.  Go down and let God lift you up.

No Elephants Here

If you have your Bible this morning, please take it and find Luke 9:37.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “No Elephants Here.”

 

For some reason, elephants have a reputation for having a good memory.  You may have heard someone say, “That person has a memory like an elephant.”  Evidently, this reputation has been substantiated by studies of their behavior in the wild.

 

The reason I say that there are no elephants here is because like elephants have a reputation for good memories, the people of God have a reputation for bad memories.  I know this because God is regularly calling on the people of God in the OT to remember.

 

Consider only the book of Deuteronomy:

 

 

 

Deuteronomy 5:15

And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

 

Deuteronomy 7:18

you shall not be afraid of them, but you shall remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt:

 

Deuteronomy 8:2

And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

 

Deuteronomy 8:18

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

 

Deuteronomy 9:7

“Remember! Do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day that you departed from the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord.

 

Deuteronomy 9:27

Remember Your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; do not look on the stubbornness of this people, or on their wickedness or their sin,

 

Deuteronomy 15:15

You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today.

 

Deuteronomy 16:3

You shall eat no leavened bread with it; seven days you shall eat unleavened bread with it, that is, the bread of affliction (for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste), that you may remember the day in which you came out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life.

 

Deuteronomy 16:12

And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and you shall be careful to observe these statutes.

 

Deuteronomy 24:9

Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the way when you came out of Egypt!

 

Deuteronomy 24:18

But you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this thing.

 

Deuteronomy 24:22

And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this thing.

 

So we see that we don’t remember, but why don’t we remember?  Consider Revelation 12:10.

 

10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

 

The people of God struggle to remember.  We are going to see that was true of the Twelve Disciples as well in today’s story.  At the end of my message, I’m going to challenge you to remember. 

 

 

1. A Situation that is Dark and Desperate, Luke 9:37-40

37 Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him. 38 Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, “Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth; and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him. 40 So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.”

 

Verse 37 happened the day after the Transfiguration.  Maybe that was at night.  If so, it would have been all the cooler.

 

However, the next day, they came down from the mountain.  Notice that they were met but a great multitude of people including a man with a demon-possessed son.

 

BTW…while mountain-top experiences are wonderful, they are not the majority of life.  You and I have to figure out how to survive and even thrive when we aren’t on the mountain top.

 

To validate the wonderful nature of mountain-top experiences, Peter chronicled for us in 2 Peter 1:16-18.

 

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

 

I hope the truth that the majority of life is not lived on the mountain top is not discouraging.  God still works gloriously in the valleys.  See 9:43.

 

43 And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. 

 

This situation is dark and desperate because of this man’s only son.  The demon would take control and convulse him and make him foam at the mouth.  Those convulsions caused great physical pain and left bruising. 

 

This father asked the Twelve to cast out the demon, but they couldn’t.  Why not?

 

Didn’t they cast out some demons earlier in this chapter?  See Luke 9:1.

 

1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

 

I would suggest much of our pain and difficulties in the valleys of life are because we fail to remember what God taught us on the mountain top.

 

 

2. A Resolution from God Almighty, Luke 9:41-43a

41 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father.  43 And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. 

 

When Jesus was presented with the situation or problem with the father’s only son, He provided the solution.

 

However, He rebuked the disciples first.  He rebuked their lack of faith. 

 

Why didn’t they believe?  Again, I would suggest they had bad memories.  They had forgotten what they had seen and been told.  Consequently, Jesus had to heal the boy instead.

 

Verse 42 says Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father. Then notice verse 43.

 

They were all amazed at Jesus?  No, they were amazed at the majesty of God.  Jesus was God Almighty.  Jesus was the omnipotent God.

 

 

3. A Prediction about Jesus’ Death, Luke 9:43b-45

But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44 “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.

 

Now for the second time in Luke’s gospel, Jesus predicted His own death.  The first was in 9:21-22.  The third time will be 18:33.

 

Even though this was not the first time they had heard this, they were having trouble comprehending it.  Look at 9:45.

 

 

Conclusion

So let’s go back to where we started. The People of God are not good remembers. 

 

We need to be constantly reminded to offset our accuser.  Therefore, remember in the valley what we have seen and heard on the mountain top.  Jesus is more powerful than demons, more powerful than difficulties, and more powerful than death.

How Can I Help Jesus?

If you have your Bibles this morning, take them and turn to Luke 9:28.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “How Can I Help Jesus?”

 

In the recent weeks, we have been in Luke 9.  Remember that Jesus told His disciples that He was going to suffer and die.  See Luke 9:21-22

 

21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

 

Then, Jesus told His disciples that if they were going to follow Him, they would have to have lose their lives.  See Luke 9:24.

 

24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

 

Do you think Jesus’ most recent words made them a little anxious or apprehensive?  I would imagine so, and I imagine they were in need of some encouragement. 

 

How did Jesus encourage them?  He allowed them to experience a little bit of heaven on earth, and He told them that this is what He was going to do.  See Luke 9:27.

 

27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

 

 

1. An Invitation to Pray, Luke 9:28

28 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.

 

In verse 28, eight days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain to pray.  He did this after eight days and these sayings.

 

What sayings?  Peter had proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ from God.  See Luke 9:20.

 

20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”

 

Then, Jesus invited these men to follow Him daily.  See 9:23.

 

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

 

John was Jesus’ closest disciple and best friend.  Peter, James, and John were the inner circle. 

 

Also, they were about to have a life-changing experience.  According to the OT, there should be 2-3 witnesses for such.  Therefore, these three were invited initially to pray.

 

Some say this mountain was Mt. Tabor.  Others say it was Mt. Hermon.  Regardless, it was a place where they would receive special revelation from God.

 

BTW…I believe it is absolutely imperative that you and I as followers of Christ be intentional in setting aside specific time to pray.  I would also discourage praying at night so as not to fall asleep because it is hard work.

 

On multiple occasions, these men fell asleep praying at night.  We see that in verse 32.  We will also see that in the Garden of Gethsemane.

 

 

1. A Demonstration of Heaven, Luke 9:28-33

29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. 33 Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 

 

Verse 29 says that when Jesus prayed, His face was altered and His robe became glistening white.  Mark used the word “transfigured.” 

 

The word “transfigured” literally means the figure is transformed.  Our English word is metamorphosis.  Jesus was changed from the inside out into a heavenly state. 

 

Verse 31 says Moses and Elijah appeared and where talking with Him.  Why Moses and Elijah?

 

First, God spoke to Moses and Elijah on Mt. Sinai in the OT just like we are going to see here with Jesus.  See Exodus 24:12-18 and 1 Kings 19:8-18.

 

 

12 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.”  13 So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. 14 And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.” 15 Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain.  16 Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. 18 So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

 

8 So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.  9 And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”  11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.  13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  14 And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”  15 Then the Lord said to him: “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17 It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18 Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Second, Moses symbolized the OT Law and gave the law to Israel.  Elijah symbolized the OT prophets and guarded the law for Israel. 

 

Third, Moses began the nation of Israel.  Elijah was supposed to usher Israel into eternity.

 

What were they talking about?  Verse 31 tells us that they were talking to Jesus about His departure. 

 

That word decease is the word “exodus” in the language of the NT.  It is interesting that Moses broke the literal chains of bondage through the exodus in the OT.  Jesus would break the spiritual chains of bondage through His exodus or death in the NT.

 

In verses 32-33 when Peter and the others woke up, he offered to make three tabernacles or tents or houses, one for each man: Elijah, Moses, and Jesus.  Why?

 

Peter wanted this experience to last so they would need someplace to stay.  He wanted this little bit of heaven on earth to last longer. 

 

Notice what Dr. Luke said at the end of verse 33.  These were his editorial comments. 

 

He said Peter didn’t know what he was saying.  Why was that?

 

Peter wanted heaven then and now.  However, that would have bypassed Jesus’ suffering.  Jesus HAD to suffer.  He HAD to die.

 

BTW…Don’t think you and I can have heaven on earth without suffering also.  Jesus had to go through some hell on earth to get to heaven.

 

If you’re longing for heaven, don’t be surprised if next month’s election result creates some future hellish experiences.  However, remember they might be necessary to get you closer to God’s Kingdom of Heaven.

 

 

• An Explanation about Salvation, Luke 9:34-36

34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 36 When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

 

Verses 34-35 say a cloud from heaven came forth along with a heavenly voice making a bold declaration.  In the OT, clouds were a symbol of God’s presence.  In the NT, they are associated with Christ’s return. 

 

A voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, hear Him!”  Obviously, this was God the Father.

 

He was saying to listen Jesus.  However, what is implied is obedience to Jesus as well.

 

Keep in mind what these men had heard in the recent days.  He is the Christ.  Follow Him.  Now, God the Father was saying obey Him.

 

Then all of a sudden, the transfiguration was over, and the only one left was who?  Jesus! 

 

The prophets weren’t left.  The law wasn’t left.  Only Jesus alone was left.

 

BTW…If the Transfiguration was a picture of Christ in heaven, could it also be a picture of who will be in heaven?  Some have thought that Moses represented the OT Saints or those who died before Christ.  Peter, James, and John would be representative of the NT Saints or those who die after Christ.  Then Elijah would represent those Saints who would never taste death but, like Elijah, will be raptured to heaven.  Perhaps. 

 

When it comes to the act of salvation, we are tempted to think that Jesus needs our help.  However, Jesus stands alone by Himself. 

 

We can’t add anything to Him like works or baptism or performance.  Jesus doesn’t need one single thing from you to save you, and He doesn’t need one single thing from you to keep you saved.  You can’t help Jesus!

 

 

Conclusion

First, pray on earth.  Second, look forward to heaven.  Third, trust only Jesus to get you there!

 

Behind the Eight Ball: How Should Christians Vote in 2024?

Behind the Eight Ball: How Should Christians Vote in 2024?

Proverbs 21:1

Sunday, October 20, 2024, 10:30 AM

Emory BC

 

1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

 

 

Introduction

This morning, I am taking a break from Luke to preach a topical sermon.  It is different than my normal Sunday morning sermons.  Therefore, if you are guest, please come back next Sunday.  We will be back in Luke 9.

 

So why am I preaching this message?  First, I am preaching this message because tomorrow begins early voting in our state and runs October 21-November 1.

 

Second, I believe that the United States is the greatest nation in the world because of the freedoms we enjoy. 

 

Third, I believe we have a responsibility as earthly citizens to vote.  I derive that application from Romans 13:1 and 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

 

1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

 

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

 

However, I believe how we vote should be determined by the Bible because not only do we have earthly citizenship, but we also have heavenly citizenship.  See Philippians 3:20.

 

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Fourth, I have had multiple church members ask me about this election.  They have also requested I speak directly to the situation and to their concerns.

 

Fifth and finally, I believe this president election and our state senatorial election will have massive consequences for years to come.  I want to vote with my daughters in mind.

 

Therefore, let me direct your attention to Proverbs 21:1 for just a few moments.  My message is entitled, “Behind the Eight Ball: How Should a Christian Vote in 2024?”

 

If you have every played pool, you are familiar with the idiom, “behind the eight ball.”  That is not a position desirable position.

 

It means to be in an uncomfortable or tricky situation.  It means to be in trouble.  It is similar to being between a rock and a hard spot. 

 

For Christians, I believe we are behind the eight ball in this election.  I mean, we are in a very uncomfortable situation.  It is a tricky situation.  I’ll explain throughout my message. 

 

In Proverbs 21:1, King Solomon was the author.  Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he gave us three truths that apply to our current election season.

 

1. Every human being has a spiritual heart including elected officials.

 

2. Life is often very hard to understand and difficult to predict much like water in a river and can leave us feeling like we are behind the eight ball.

 

3. Regardless, God is still sovereign and in control over all things including the USA and will be in control on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

 

 

My Personal History

• As early as five years old, I have some political memories. I can remember staying at my babysitter’s and listening to her talk about how she was going to vote for Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale and not Ronald Reagan 1980.
• In 1984 and 1988, I can remember liking Jesse Jackson because he was a Baptist minister, and I was a Baptist.
• While in high school, I can remember admiring vice-president Dan Quayle because he was a champion of traditional family values and stood toe-to-toe with Murphy Brown.
• While in college, I can remember my father voting for Bill Clinton because he was a Democrat and because he was born in Hope, Arkansas.
• Since college and seminary, I have been a registered Republican, and I am not ashamed or embarrassed to be that or publicize that.
• However, I have voted for several Democrats in state and local elections in Arkansas simply to be able to participate in the process. Otherwise, when only Democrats were running, I would have not had a chance to vote.

 

 

What are my political options for our 2024 Presidential Election?

First, I could vote for the Republican nominee.  However, personally and candidly, I’m not a fan. 

 

I’m not a fan of how he conducts himself in public and of how he how he reportedly conducts himself in private.   In my opinion, his strength is not public speaking or thinking on his feet compared to someone like his running mate or our speaker of the house. 

 

In addition to changing his positions on multiple issues, he is a serial adulterer.  Furthermore, he has made his fortune gambling and alcohol.  Finally, I don’t believe he is saved. 

However, I am thankful for many of his accomplishments from 2016-2020.  First and foremost is his following through with who he said he would nominate for the Supreme Court and subsequently the overturning of Roe vs. Wade.

 

Second, I could vote for the Democratic nominee.  However, from my perspective, she is pro-abortion, completely supports the LGBT Agenda, is a threat to my religious liberty, and I personally don’t think is competent enough for the position. 

 

Third, I could vote for a third-party candidate because neither of the two major party candidates are not fit for the presidency of the United States, and I can’t endorse one’s character or the other’s policies.

 

Fourth, I could not vote. 

 

 

So what will I do when I feel like I’m behind the eight ball?

First, I WILL vote.  I have read some reports that are saying that 51% of Christians will not vote in this election. I believe that is the worst decision you could make. 

 

Second, I will NOT vote for a third-party candidate who has no chance of winning.  I think that is the second-worst decision you could make, but I have read an article from Baptist News last week advocating for such.  I think that is a terrible idea.

 

Third, I WILL vote against the Democratic nominee and her policies and for the Republican platform. 

 

Let me speak just a moment to that issue.  I have posted two articles on FB this past week.  They are from Baptist Press, and they compare the two parties’ platforms with recent Southern Baptist Convention resolutions. 

 

I want to put them on the screens for just a moment.  I will talk more about them on Wednesday night so if you want to hear more, come then.

 

BTW…I do predict that the Republican Platform will become less and less pro-life in the coming years, and I believe it will begin with this year’s Republican Nominee and his wife.  The rationale will be to become more electable by independents. I hope I’m wrong.

 

Does voting for the Republican nominee mean I like him?  I do not.  I do not like him or endorse him or defend him.

 

However, …

• I do believe he is the lesser of two evils;
• And I will vote whole heartedly for the world’s strongest and most powerful military who will defend our country and fight for the freedoms I cherish;
• I will vote whole heartedly for securing our border and legal immigration;
• I will vote whole heartedly against the LBTQ Agenda and their indoctrination of my children;
• I will vote wholeheartedly for religious liberty for all not just those who believe like I do;
• Finally, I will vote whole heartedly for the sanctify of every human life, especially those in the womb.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

I want to close this morning by answering some objections. 

 

Some say voting for one candidate means I condone everything that candidate has done or will do.  It does not. 

 

Every candidate is flawed.  If your conscience won’t let you vote for a candidate, that is between you and the Lord. 

 

However, remember that your vote and your non-vote has earthly consequences.  Make sure you can live with those, and just like you will answer to God for who you will vote for, you will answer to God for who you don’t vote for.

 

Some say I won’t vote for either because of their lack of character, and I’ll vote for a third party.  Again, that is fine, but remember that your vote or non-vote has earthly consequences.  It can be argued that Bill Clinton was elected in 1992 over George Bush 41 and again in 1996 over Bob Dole because of Ross Perot. 

 

Some say I don’t live in a battleground state so my vote doesn’t matter.  Don’t be so sure.  Remember that 537 votes got George Bush 43 elected in Florida in the 2000 Presidential Election, and in Texas, this election is not only about the presidency but also about our United States Senator. 

 

At the end of the day, I’m voting for God’s design for marriage.

 

At the end of the day, I’m voting for religious liberty.

 

At the end of the day, I’m voting for the sanctity of human life.

 

The reason every life is sacred is because every life is created in the image of God, and God loves you so much that Jesus died on the cross in your place. 

 

If you’re here this morning and have never trusted Jesus to save you from your sins, I want you to know that your life matters to God, and Jesus is ready to save you today. 

What Does It Mean to be a Disciple of Jesus?

Last Sunday morning, we heard Peter’s answer to Jesus when Jesus asked him life’s most important question.  Peter answered with personal conviction that Jesus was the Christ from God.  In other words, He was the Savior sent from God.

 

Before we left that text, Jesus predicted His suffering, rejection, and death.  Then, I told you that if Jesus suffered and was rejected, those that follow after Him will most likely suffer and be rejected as well.  This reality shouldn’t surprise us.

 

Today, we will see Jesus extend a formal invitation to follow Him.  This is a formal invitation to be one of His disciples.

 

However, today’s text will not elicit a celebration from the world’s perspective. It will seem paradoxical at best, but it isn’t strange.  Matthew and Mark recorded this narrative in their gospels as well.

 

Before we look at the specific aspects of the invitation, notice that it is an invitation for any and all to be one of His disciples.  His invitation is not to a special class of disciples but to be a disciple. 

 

This is commonly how Jesus and the biblical writers referred to His followers.  See Matthew 28:19, Acts 6:1, Acts 9:1, and Acts 11:26.

 

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

 

6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

 

9:1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

 

26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

 

Now, turn your attention to verse 23.  I believe this text identifies three marks of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

 

 

1. A Disciple of Jesus is marked by a conscious decision to follow Him, 9:23a, c.

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

 

As we said a moment ago, this invitation is for anyone and everyone.  Jesus made this invitation to all of those who around Him and listening.

 

Next, notice His actual words, “If anyone desires to come after Me.”  This is the invitation.

 

To come after Him means to become His disciple.  It means to follow Him and His ways.  Jesus is the teacher.  His followers are His students. 

 

When you decide to study under someone, that doesn’t mean that you become a clone.  For example, there are many things that Jesus did that we can’t do.  We can’t heal the sick.  We can’t calm the storms.  We can’t multiple the supplies.

 

Furthermore, Jesus was single, but that doesn’t mean we are called to singleness.  Jesus didn’t have any children, but that doesn’t mean we are called to childlessness.

 

However, if we are following Jesus, we want to live exactly how He taught.  We want to live exactly how He lived. 

 

If we will, we will be happy.  We will be blessed. We won’t regret it.  See Matthew 5:3-9.

 

Have you made a conscious decision to follow Jesus?  It can’t be my decision.  It can’t be your spouse’s decision.  It can’t be your parents’ decision.

 

It has to be YOUR conscious decision.  However, it is one you will NEVER regret.

 

 

2. A Disciple of Jesus is marked by a consistent denial of self and fame, Luke 9:23b, 24-25.

let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?

 

Look at verse 23 again.  Here are two words that our world won’t comprehend: deny and die.

 

Disciples of Jesus are called to deny yourself and take up your cross daily.  This is Luke’s first use of the word cross.

 

What was he talking about?  Death by crucifixion was the worst bar none. 

 

The one sentenced to die would carry the cross bar through town to the location where he was then nailed to that cross bar and the upright post as well.  There he hung until death.

 

Jesus was literally crucified.  His followers are called to be figuratively crucified.  We know that because it literally can only happen once, but Luke says daily.

 

On a daily basis, you and I called to deny self.  On a daily basis, you and I are called to die to self and live according to Jesus. 

 

Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 10:34-38.  Understand that this makes no sense to a lost world as Jesus spoke as to how our relationship with Him should compare to our relationship with others. 

 

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

 

Paul also understood this.  See Galatians 2:20.

 

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

So what does that look like?  It means instead of you and your will and your way and your thoughts and your actions and your reactions and your attitude, it is Jesus first.

 

Some might say that sounds awful.  Others think it is the greatest joy this life has to offer.

 

Scott Drew is the Men’s Basketball Coach at Baylor University.  His teams’ theme for the past several years has been “Choose JOY!”

 

Write JOY down on your bulletin.  What does Jesus start with?  What does others start with?  What does you start with? 

 

A follower of Jesus chooses joy.  A follower of Jesus will then receive joy.

 

Verse 24 says we can’t keep what the world has to offer.  However, we can keep with Jesus has to offer.

 

Does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul?  No, you can’t anything with you.

 

Missionary Jim Elliot is known for having written, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”  You are smart to give away what you can’t take with you and choosing Christ.  He can’t be taken away.

 

 

3. A Disciple of Jesus is marked by a courageous declaration of allegiance to Christ, Luke 9:26-27.

26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

 

Look at verse 26.  Jesus spoke about those ashamed of confessing Him as Lord and Savior on earth.  In turn, those will be rejected by Jesus for eternity. 

 

Again, if you reject Jesus on earth, He will reject you in heaven.  Instead make a courageous declaration this morning that are a follower of Jesus Christ!

 

Verse 27 foreshadows next week’s message about the transfiguration. The transfiguration demonstrated the kingdom of God.

 

 

Conclusion

This morning, I am going to close by reading a prayer from a classic Christian work called “The Valley of Vision.”  The author is Arthur Bennet.

 

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly…

 

Let me learn by paradox

that the way down is the way up,

that to be low is to be high,

that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

that to have nothing is to possess all,

that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

that to give is to receive…

 

Let me find Thy light in my darkness,

Thy life in my death,

Thy joy in my sorrow,

Thy grace in my sin,

Thy riches in my poverty

Thy glory in my valley.

 

Will you follow Jesus today?

Life's Most Important Question

This morning, we continue in our study of Luke’s gospel, and we are going to see life’s most important question.  It comes from the mouth of Jesus in 9:20.

 

However, this is not the first time we have heard this question.  We heard a very similar question from Herod just a few weeks ago.  It is found in 9:9.

 

9 Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Please listen carefully.  How you answer this question, life’s most important question, will determine where you spend eternity.  You will either spend eternity living in heaven, or your will spend eternity dying in hell.

 

 

Exposition

In verse 18, we see that Jesus was alone praying.  However, His disciples were close by.

 

BTW…If Jesus spent time alone in prayer, don’t you think you and I should as well?  What is prayer?  Prayer is simply talking to God.

 

The most I talk to God is first thing morning after I have let God talk to me by reading my Bible.  Then I pray for about 30 minutes.

 

I pray for me.  I pray for my family.  I pray for you.  Then I pray thought out the day as needs arise or the Lord brings them back to mind and heart.

 

 

1. An Answer of Public Consensus, Luke 9:19

19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”

 

When His twelve disciples joined Him, He asked them who they crowds were saying He was.  In verse 19, they answered Him.

 

Their answer was one of public consensus.  In other words, this is what the crowds were saying.

 

Keep in mind, these are the same crowds who had heard Him teach, and they had seen Him heal.  Therefore, their answers were not surprising.

 

Some said John the Baptist.  Others said Elijah.  Other said an older prophet who had come back to life, possibly Moses.

 

BTW…Do prophet still exist today?  Yes, and no, they are similar to apostles. 

 

Apostles with a capital A witnessed the resurrected Christ and wrote Scripture.  They don’t exist today.  However, apostles with a lowercase a are sent ones who are Christians sent to the Lost with the gospel.

 

Prophets like Moses and Elijah and John the Baptist spoke the very words of God.  They don’t exist today. 

 

However, prophecy is a spiritual gift, but not one that predicts the future.  It is boldly proclaiming the truths of the Bible.

 

Essentially, Herod reported the same earlier in this chapter.  See 9:7-8.

 

7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again.

 

The public consensus was that Jesus was some type of prophet.  Today, multiple religions say similar.  This would be true of Islam.

 

Hinduism believes that Jesus was some type of self-realized saint.  Buddhism believes that Jesus was a great moral teacher.  Judaism believes that Jesus was a crazy man.

 

 

2. An Answer of Personal Conviction, Luke 9:20

20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 

 

After the disciples spoke about the crowds, Jesus looked directly to them, and asked life’s most important question, “But who do you say that I am?”  Keep in mind, how you answer this question will determine if you spend eternity living in heaven or dying in hell.

 

Peter spoke for the group.  He confessed that Jesus was the Christ of God.

 

What does that mean?  In the language of the NT, Christ is word for Messiah.  Jesus was the Messiah sent from God.

 

What does Messiah mean?  It means that Jesus was and IS the savior sent from God.

 

Why is that significant?  Sending a savior implies we need a savior, and we do.

 

Let’s work backward.  We need a savior because we are sinners. 

 

Consequently, our sin separates us from God because God is holy and cannot have fellowship with sin.  Therefore, we need a savior. 

 

However, our man-made saviors don’t qualify.  What do I mean?

 

First, morality won’t save.  We can’t ever be good enough.

 

Second, genealogy won’t save.  Our family can’t ever be good enough.

 

Third, generosity won’t save.  We can’t ever give enough.

 

Fourth, ingenuity won’t save.  We can’t ever be smart enough. 

Fifth, authenticity won’t save.  We can’t ever be sincere enough. 

 

As a matter of fact, unless you trust in Christ, regardless of your authenticity, you can simply be sincerely wrong.  Jesus is the only qualified savior because He is the only sinless, perfect Son of God. 

 

Next, it was this sinless, perfect Son of God that died on the cross for our sins and in our place.  To authenticate all He said and did, Jesus didn’t stay dead.  He was resurrected from the grave and now reigns in heaven.

 

 

Conclusion
Today’s text ends with verses 21 and 22.  In verse 21, Jesus warned all of His disciples not to proclaim this truth yet.

 

Why?  It wasn’t God’s time yet, and this announcement at that time might have been perceived as Jesus being a political and military savior rather than a spiritual savior.

 

In verse 22, Jesus predicted His death and resurrection for the first time in Luke’s gospel. He would do it two more times in 9:44 and 18:31.

 

BTW…If Jesus predicted He would suffer and He would be rejected and we are His followers, what should that say about us?  More than likely, we will suffer, and we will be rejected.

 

The end of verse 22 is the gospel in brief.  Jesus would die on the cross for our sins, but He would be resurrected from the grave, and invites us to be saved.

 

Paul said the same thing in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

 

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

 

How will you answer life’s most important question today?  Is Jesus your savior?  If not, would you receive Him today?

 

If He is, what is now your job?  God didn’t leave you on earth to live the good life chasing the American Dream.  He left you after saving you to share the gospel again and again and again and again.  Will you commit to that today?

There's No Such Thing as Impossible with Jesus!

Have you ever found yourself in a seemingly impossible situation?  Maybe it was with your marriage or your money or a member of your family. 

 

Did you think it was impossible for your marriage to work or someone else’s marriage?  Did you think it was impossible to ever have enough money to pay off that bill?  Did you think it was impossible for a member of your family or someone’s to be saved or reconciled?

 

This morning, in Luke 9:10-17, we’re going to see that there’s no such thing as impossible with Jesus.  This story is found in all four gospel accounts: Matthew 14, Mark 6, John 6, and here in Luke 9.

 

Remember, Jesus sent out the sent ones last week.  He first called them apostles in 6:13.

 

13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.

 

Guess what?  They came back.

 

Verse 10 says the apostles returned.  Remember that apostle means sent one.  Therefore, you and I are also sent ones in the informal and general sense, and we have been sent across the street and across the hall and across the locker room with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

 

The apostles returned and told Jesus all that they had done.  Perhaps they were tired.  I know I am after a mission trip or after a long day on a mission trip.  Therefore, Jesus took them to a deserted place for some privacy. 

 

However, their private place wasn’t private for long.  They had been followed because people were attracted to Jesus. 

 

BTW…If people were attracted to Jesus, in one sense, they should be attracted to Christians.  However, if you’re the kind of Christian that is rude and obnoxious and people can’t stand you, that isn’t biblical Christianity that you are practicing.

 

Verse 11 says Jesus received them and shared the kingdom of God with them.  What is the kingdom of God?

 

He shared the gospel with them.  Then, He healed them to authenticate and affirm the gospel message. 

 

That is what life changes does.  When lives are changed, the truth of the gospel is verified.

 

 

1. A Legitimate Problem, Luke 9:12

12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”

 

In verse 12, it seems to be near the end of the day.  The twelve came to Jesus and encouraged Him to send the crowds home so that they could find a place to stay and get something to eat.

 

The end of verse 12 calls this place deserted.  That meant no place to stay and no food to eat. 

 

Verse 14 says this was about 5,000 men.  Including women and children, this crowd could easily have been large than Rains County. 

 

So what would you do?  This was a legitimate problem. 

 

 

2. The Human Solution, Luke 9:13-14a

13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.”  And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. 

 

In verse 13, Jesus told the twelve to take care of the situation. He told them to get the crowd something to eat.

 

BTW…Jesus could have snapped His fingers and solved this problem.  However, He didn’t.

 

Why?  His plan is use the body of Christ to share the gospel and pray and minister to people. 

 

However, this was problematic.  They only had five loaves and two fish.  John 6 says they belonged to a little boy.

 

Keep in mind this wasn’t Texas Toast and 30-pound channel cats.  These were five biscuits and two sardines. 

 

Perhaps they could have purchased some food.  However, it still wouldn’t have been enough for this number of people.

 

The disciples were thinking with their minds rather than their hearts.  In some cases, that is right, but not when Jesus tells you otherwise.

 

 

3. Divine Intervention, Luke 9:14b-17

Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down.  16 Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.

 

What happens when Jesus gets involved with our legitimate problems after we have tried our solution?  What happens the Divine intervenes? 

 

At the end of verse 14, Jesus told the twelve what to do.  They had the crowds sit down in groups of 50.  We assume this was simply for organizational purposes. 

 

Verse 16 says Jesus took the boy’s food.  He took the five biscuits and two sardines, and He looked toward heaven and thanked His Heavenly Father for the food.  Then, He gave and gave and gave until everyone had something to eat.

 

Verse 16 is the miracle.  Verse 16 is where Jesus suspended natural law.  Verse 16 is where the Divine intervened.

 

Keep in mind, this was a bite or two.  Verse 17 says they ate and were full.

 

There were even leftovers.  Why twelve baskets full?  There were twelve disciples, and each on saw this miracle personally and up close.

 

 

Application and Conclusion

So what?  One point of this story is to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah.  However, that is not the main point because Jesus could have done all of this without anyone’s help. 

 

Therefore, what is the main point?  Jesus wants us to depend on Him all day and in every way, but especially when life seems impossible. 

 

He wants us to trust and obey.  Notice that the miracle is verse 16.

 

What happened before verse 16?  Verse 15.  They disciples obeyed in verse 15. 

 

When life seems impossible with your money and your marriage and members of your family, trust and obey.  See Psalm 37:5.

 

5 Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass.

Sending Out the Sent Ones

In the last three weeks, we have been reminded again and again that Jesus Christ is Lord over all.  In other words, He has complete power over all of life.  He has complete authority over all of life, and that includes storms and Satan and sickness.

 

Therefore, if we are His followers, and we have Jesus living with us, and He is Lord over all, what does that mean for us?  It means that in order to maximize efficiency, Jesus is sending us on His behalf to do His work.

 

Take your Bibles and find Luke 9:1. I want to share a message with you entitled, “Sending Out the Sent.”

 

We are going to see in today’s text that Jesus sent out the twelve disciples on His behalf to do His work.  These men are also called the twelve apostles.

 

The word apostle means sent one or messenger.  In verse 2, we see that word, “sent.”  Therefore, Jesus sent out the sent ones.

 

 

1. Jesus sent out the sent ones with authority, Luke 9:1.

1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

 

So Jesus called the twelve together and gave them the power and authority that He had.  Jesus had power and authority over demons and over disease, and He gave that power authority to the twelve.

 

Do you remember how we know that Jesus had authority over demons?  In 8:27-29, Jesus removed the demons from the Gaderene Demoniac.

 

27 And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

 

Do you remember how we know that Jesus had authority over diseases?  In 8:47-48, Jesus healed a woman who had been diseased for twelve years.

 

47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.  48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

 

Furthermore, Jairus’ daughter had died from some disease, but Jesus healed her as well by bringing her back to life.  See 8:54-55.

 

54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.

 

Jesus sent out the sent ones with authority.

 

 

2. Jesus sent out the sent ones with orders, Luke 9:2-4.

2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.  4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.

 

Jesus sent out the sent ones with authority and with orders.  What were they?  They were three: what to do, what to take, and where to stay.

 

First, what did He order them to do?  They were to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick.  In other words, they were to preach the gospel and see lives changed.

 

And this exactly what they did.  See 9:6.

 

6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

 

BTW…let’s remember what is the gospel.  First, the God who is Creator is holy.  That means He is without sin and perfect.  Second, He created us to be in a personal relationship with Him.  Third, but we sinned, and our sin separates us from God.  Fourth, Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth and lived a perfect, sinless life, and died on the cross for our sins.

 

In order to authenticate all that He did and said, He didn’t’ stay dead.  He rose from the grave, and has invited the entire world to follow Him and be saved from their sins. 

 

Second, as the twelve were going and doing, what were they to take?  In verse 3, Jesus said don’t take anything.  This order demonstrated brevity of the trip and the need for them to trust Jesus to provide. 

 

Remember, it is a biblical truth that were God guides, He also provides.  That was true then.  It is true today.  It is true in sharing the gospel.  It is true in building a Family Life Center.

 

Third, where they to stay?  They were to stay with locals who had also chosen to follow Jesus, and stay with them the entire time.  Don’t jump from house to house.

 

Jesus sent out the sent ones with orders.

 

 

3. Jesus sent out the sent ones with opposition, Luke 9:5.

5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 

 

Just like no fisherman has ever been perfect, not witness will ever be perfect.  Jesus prepared His sent ones for rejection.

 

They were to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them.  However, notice this is a one-time act that trusts God for the judgment. 

 

So many times, we think when someone doesn’t agree with us or isn’t ready to commit that then are enemies.  That it isn’t true, but even if it was, God is the judge not us. 

 

When people reject the gospel, we don’t have to post about them on FB.  We need to pray for them to repent. 

 

In verses 7-9, Jesus and the sent ones had garnered the attention of Herod.  Because of what he was hearing, he wanted to find out more.

 

 

Conclusion

So what does all of the mean for us today here at EBC?  Like these twelve disciples, we also as follower of Christ, have been sent. 

 

Furthermore, as we have been sent, we have authority to lead to share the gospel and lead people to faith in Christ.  However, our message isn’t going to be authenticated by casting out demons and healing the sick.

 

Instead, our message is authenticated when we live changed lives because of Jesus.  When we are faithful to our spouse and the hardest working employees and tell the truth at school, our message is authenticated, and that is the way it is supposed to be.

 

However, when our walk doesn’t match our talk, you know what else happens?  We end up turning people away from the gospel.  We are stumbling blocks to others when we don’t love our spouse and don’t obey our parents and are lazier workers than lost people. 

 

But here me say this, God is not disappointed that His mission has fallen to us.  We aren’t plan B.  The Church is plan A in taking the gospel to the world!

Jesus is Lord Over All Including Sickness!

If you have your Bibles, please take them and turn to Luke 8:40.  Today, we come to the end of chapter 8, and this mini-series about Jesus being Lord over all. 

 

When I say Jesus is Lord over all, I mean that Jesus is more powerful than.  I mean that Jesus has authority over. 

 

Last week, we saw that Jesus is Lord over all including Satan.  Satan is very intelligent, but Jesus is omniscient. 

 

Satan is very powerful, but Jesus is omnipotent.  Jesus is Lord over all including Satan.

 

The Sunday before, we saw that Jesus is Lord over all including storms.  Some storms are literal and physical.  Other storms are emotional and spiritual.  Regardless, Jesus is Lord over all including storms.

 

Today, I want to remind you that Jesus is Lord over all including sickness.  Some sickness is also called disease.  Some sickness leads to death.  Regardless, Jesus is Lord over all including sickness.

 

We are actually going to look at two miracles here at the end of Luke 8.  In the past, I have preached them in two different sermons, but today, I will join them together as one is sandwiched in by the other. 

 

 

1. Sickness that can be called, “disease,” Luke 8:43-48

43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.  45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”  When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”  46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.  48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

 

I want you to skip down to verse 43.  As Jesus was making His way to Jairus’ house, He was surrounded by a multitude of people. 

 

In this verse, we are introduced to a woman who had sickness or disease.  Notice that it was chronic.  She had it for twelve years.  Most commentators believe this was some type of ongoing bleeding in her uterus.

 

Notice that it was also costly.  She spent all her livelihood on physicians, but to no avail.  Look at Mark 5:26.

 

26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.

 

Verse 44 says she came from behind Jesus and touched the border or hem or tassel of His garment.  What happened?  Immediately, the flow of blood stopped.

 

What else happened?  Jesus knew it.  The crowded denied it.  Peter mocked it.

 

BTW…Jesus knew it because He is omniscient.  He knows all. 

 

We see that again in verse 46.  He perceived power going from Him. 

 

In addition to being omniscient, Jesus is also omnipotent.  He is all-powerful. 

 

In verse 47, Jesus called her out so to speak.  Following her faith and her healing, Jesus called her to confess Him publicly. 

 

BTW…Jesus does the same today.  When you are saved by grace and through faith in Christ, you are called to confess Him publicly through believers’ baptism. 

 

This woman’s healing is a picture of salvation, and we will talk more about that in a moment.  However, notice what Jesus called her verse 48. 

 

He never uses this title anywhere else but here.  This woman was now a child of God the Father. 

 

 

2. Sickness that can lead to death, Luke 8:40-42, 49-56

40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. 41 And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.  But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.  49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”  50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.  54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.

 

Look at back 40.  Remember how we left Jesus last week.  The distraught herdsman or pig farmers didn’t want Jesus around.

 

This is a different reaction in verse 40.  The multitude welcomed Him.  I pray that is your response to Jesus.

 

Rather than wanting Him to leave because of what He may require of you, I pray that you welcome Him into every area of your life.

 

As we consider a sickness that lead to death, remember that death is no respecter of persons.  The mortality rate of human history is 100% even for those who are good folks and even welcome Jesus into their lives. 

 

In verse 41, we are introduced to Jairus, and he was in charge of the local synagogue.  That meant he decided the order of service for the Jewish worship services.  He decided who sang and who preached and who prayed. 

 

He came to Jesus out of desperation.  He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house.  Why?

 

Jairus had one daughter.  She was twelve years old, and was at death’s door.  She was dying.  Being the father of three daughters, this story hits close to home.

 

He had obviously witnessed or at least heard about how Jesus had healed others.  With nowhere else to turn, he invited Jesus to come to his home to save his daughter. 

 

Skip to verse 49.  As death is no respecter of persons, death also causes significant pain. 

 

As Jesus was finishing up with the woman who touched His garment, He received notification from Jairus’ house.  A messenger arrived to tell Jairus that his daughter had died.  Therefore, there was no need for Jesus to come.

 

I can’t even imagine Jairus’ grief.  Jesus was on His way, but was interrupted. 

 

Without this interruption, would Jesus have arrived in time?  We’ll never know, but this story doesn’t end here.

 

BTW…in God’s economy, there is no such thing as an interruption. There are only divine appointments. 

 

Look at verse 50.  Jesus did a miracle.  He brought this girl, who was dead, back to life. 

 

This miracle occurred because of Jesus’ compassion.  He hated that this father was faced with the possibility of losing his only daughter.  Jesus encouraged him in verse 50 not to be afraid because He was going to intervene.

 

Verse 50 also says that Jesus told Jairus to continue to believe.  He had faith in coming to Jesus.  He needed to continue to have faith that Jesus could do what he originally thought. 

 

Remember that death causes significant pain. Jairus’ immediate family and his extended family thought any more interaction with the girl was futile. 

 

Why?  She was dead.  What else could be done?  Verse 52 says they wept and mourned. 

 

However, as we said previously, the story isn’t over.  When Jesus told the mourners that they didn’t need to cry any more, they laughed at Him.  They didn’t think He or anyone for that matter could do anything at this point. 

 

She was dead.  Her heart had stopped.  She wasn’t breathing. 

 

However, in verses 54-55, Jesus brought her back to life.  Her spirit returned, and just to make sure that no one believed this was a dream, she ate some food. 

 

 

Application

Jesus is absolutely Lord over all including sickness.  He can heal your disease and rescue you from death.

 

However, these two stories about physical sickness give us a picture of spiritual salvation.  Here is what I mean:

 

1. Sin is our spiritual disease that leads to spiritual death if we are not healed and saved.
2. Every person is infected with sin and in need of healing and salvation. That is true for males and females, young and old, rich and poor.  Remember, death is now respecter of persons.
3. Sin hurts and causes major pain. Sin causes us to separated and isolated from one another and from God.
4. However, healing and salvation is possible when we start by acknowledging the Healer. See verses 41 and 47.  Both fell at Jesus’ feet.  Said another way, we admit we are sinners and believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sin.
5. Finally, healing and salvation is activated by our faith. See verses 48 and 50.  Any person can be healed and saved today by God’s grace through our faith in Christ alone.