Good Friday

Good Friday

April 14, 2006

Luke 23:39-43

How One Malefactor Died

INTRODUCTION: The mission of Christ in the world was not yet finished. He still exercised the right of forgiving sins and of blessing. He will absolve a man even at the 9th hour because of his confession of faith. This confession is remarkable under the circumstances and limitations of the time. Tonight we consider the confession of a dying thief.

I.        He revered God. In spite of his seedy past, in spite of his past misdeeds, in spite of his misspent life and failure he turned to Christ when it mattered the most.

A.     He rebuked a blasphemer. “Doest thou not even fear God?” (V.40) 

1.      This is the main issue with sin. We   disregard any respect for God. The 1st commandment reminds us that we should fear, love and trust in God above all things. We fall headlong into sin because we lack respect and fear of God. All sin can be lumped together under this 1st commandment.

2.      Yet, our sin will catch up with us. We may demonstrate disrespect for God when we sin – but it is our sin which points us to the reality that we need to honor God - for He will ultimately come as judge and king. With the Psalmist we must confess; “If Thou Lord should mark iniquity O Lord, who would stand.”

B.     The dying thief revered God. He manifested penitence for sin and confessed. “We indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds” (V.41)

1.      When Adam fell headlong into sin He blamed God. “It was the woman which You gave me! She tricked me!” Eve points the finger at the serpent – she attributes her sin to the devil – “It was the serpent – he deceived me!” Both Adam and Eve were quick to charge someone else but they were both responsible. Both were held accountable.

2.      The dying Thief learned the lesson which Adam and Eve could not. He was lead to true repentance. He acknowledged his sin. He was heart sorry for his sin. He was willing to take the punishment which he deserved. 

C.     He bore public witness to Jesus, “This man hath done nothing amiss” (V.41)

1.      He came to the realization that Jesus was a blameless man. Jesus suffered innocently – He was guiltless suffering for the guilty.

2.      Jesus Christ the pure and holy Savior suffered innocently for our sin – for by His stripes we are healed.

Transition: Even at the 9th hour this man revered God and thus he prayed. Not to anyone or any form…he prayed to Christ, referring to Him as “Lord” – “Lord remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”

II.     He prayed.

A.     As a believer – “Lord, remember me when thou comest into Thy kingdom.” (V.42) In the darkest “hour” humanly speaking, as death was looming over him he looked for that kingdom, when tried disciples fled, this man had faith in Jesus to enter into it.

B.     The reward of such faith – “Verily I say unto thee, ‘Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.” (V.43) Because of faith in Jesus’ work his death was a gate which leads to eternal life. When this dying thief died he took a walk from one end of the kingdom to the other from the kingdom of grace into the kingdom of glory. For us who remain here observing Christ’s suffering the promise spoken to this common thief is for you this night.

CONCLUSION: On that day heaven was open to a new believer. Jesus has promised to receive any who would come to Him by faith. In this eternal Kingdom of God we will live continually in the presence of the Lamb.  Rev 21:22 “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” (Revelation 21:22)

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday

April 13, 2006

“An invitation to come”

INTRODUCTION: The Savior has invited us to come. Let us see the benefits of attending shall we? Let us consider Luther’s Christian Questions and Their Answers. The question is asked, “Why ought we to remember and proclaim His death?” The answer is given in three parts. This shall be the basis of our meditation this night.

I.        That we may learn to look with terror at our sins, and to regard them as great indeed.

A.     That we may learn to look with terror at our sins. The anger of an offended God is what Jesus faced. Consider His cry “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?!” Without Christ this is our cry!

B.     And to regard them as great indeed. We can claim nothing before God. Luther: “we are only beggars!”

Transition: As we look at our sins we must ask ourselves how do I stand?

II.     That we may learn to believe that no creature could make satisfaction for our sins but Christ, true God and man.

A.     That we may learn to believe that no creature could make satisfaction for our sins

B.     But only Jesus can make satisfaction for sin. Consider His two natures; He is both - true God and man, yet only one Christ.

1.      True God; a must for only God can save.

2.      And man; a must for it is a human who fell headlong into sin.

Transition: As Christ has forgiven us at the bloody cross we not take great comfort in His redeeming work.

III.   To find joy and comfort in Him alone and thus be save through such faith.

A.     To find joy and comfort in Him alone – J. S. Bach put it this way: “Jesu joy of man’s desiring. Holy wisdom, Love most bright. Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring. Souring to uncreated light. Word of God, our flesh that fashioned. With the fire of life impassioned, Striving still to truth unknown, souring, dying round Thy throne.”

B.     And thus be saved through such faith. It is a faith which clings to Jesus’ merit alone. It is the drowning victim which clings to the life- line. Jesus is my life-line.

CONCLUSION: Come, come weary sinners, come to the foot of the cross for all things are now ready!

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

April 9, 2006

Mark 11:1-10; 15:1-39

The Way of the Cross Gives an Opportunity to Decide

INTRODUCTION: We come to the last of our Lenten meditations on the way of the cross. This morning we see that the way of the cross gives an opportunity to decide.  Pilate’s question “What then shall I do with Jesus?” makes everyone responsible to give an answer. How we answer depicts our faith in Jesus and determines our destiny. In the Passion story there are various answers given to Pilate’s question. Today, as when they were first asked, the same answers are possible.

What will you do with Jesus?

I.        You can Praise Him? – 11:1-10

A.     At this point a new section in the Gospel of Mark begins. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and the rest of His ministry will take place within the confines of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

B.     Nothing is left to chance as far as Jesus is concerned. Beginning with His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem Passion Week has begun. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is a deliberate Messianic action – He offers Himself as the people’s Savior knowing full well that this will provoke the leaders of the ruling Council to take action against Him.

C.     And yet, the people praise Him. They shout, Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  This is a direct quote from Psalm 118:25. The people understand what they are saying. Their praises are a prayer – a prayer for the Lord to continue to save and sustain His people.

Transition: One option is to praise Him another is to mock Him.

II.     Mock Him? – 15:16-20

A.     At the headquarters of the Roman Governor the soldiers place a purple robe upon Him and place upon His head a crown of thorns. The robe was probably an old military cloak, whose color suggested royalty. The crown of thorns was made of briers which grew in the region. Both the robe and the crown were parts of the mock royal attire place upon Jesus.

B.     While under the care of Pilate the soldiers mock Jesus. They cry out “Hail, king of the Jews!” which is nothing more then a mocking salutation that similar to the Roman salute “Hail Caesar!”

C.     Finally the struck Him with their fists and beat Him with a staff.  It was customary in the Near East that when in the presence of royalty one was to offer a kiss. The homage Jesus received? They spat in His face!

Transition:  Some will praise Him, others will mock Him, and still others will condemn Him.

III.   Condemn Him? – They crowd shouted in one accord “Crucify Him!”15:13

A.     A Romans means of execution was that of crucifixion. Heavy wrought-iron nails were driven through the wrists and the heel. If the life of the victim lingered too long, death was hastened by breaking the victim’s legs.

B.     Only slaves, the basest of criminals, and offenders who were not Roman citizens were executed in this manner.

Transition: There are plenty of options the world may choose to consider when asked what one should do with this Jesus. For the believer there is but one choice to consider.

IV.  Confess Him? With the Centurion we say; “Surely this man was the Son of God!” - 15:39

A.     The Centurion was a commander of 100 men in the Roman army. Mark specifically mentions that he “saw how Jesus died” The strength of Jesus’ cry indicates that Jesus did not die the ordinary death of those crucified. Normally one suffering crucifixion suffered long periods of complete agony, exhaustion and finally unconsciousness before dying. Not so with Jesus – within three hours He was dead!

B.     Luke in his Gospel would tell us that the Centurion “praised God” and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” The writers of the Gospels saw in the Centurion’s declaration a vindication of Jesus, and especially since the centurion was the Roman official in charge of the crucifixion, his testimony was viewed as significant.

CONCLUSION: Pilate announced to the chief priests as well as to the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man!” What would be a similar circumstance in our world? It would be almost as if a grand jury announced in the press “there is insufficient evidence to go to trial…” to which the Governor expedites the papers for an execution! Is this a miscarriage of justice? Possibly so, but in these events of Christ’s Passion we find salvation and life. What will you do with Jesus? Will you mock Him, will you condemn Him, will you praise Him, or will you hail Him? Now, let you be the judge.

Lent - Mid-week 6

Lent Mid-week 6
April 5, 2006
John 19:37
Jesus I will Ponder Now

They will look on the one they have pierced

INTRODUCTION:

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the prince of glory died
My riches gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

The Passion of the Christ has been our focus through the sacred music of Johan Sebastian Bach these past three Wednesdays.  We turn now to our final chorale – it is simply a prayer - that we may be one in Christ.

Help O Christ Thou God’s own Son
Through Thy bitter anguish
That our wills with Thee be one
Zeal for evil vanquish

I.        We pray that our Will - may be one in the same as Christ’s. This we pray every time we pray the 3rd petition of the Lord’s Prayer – “Thy will be done” – Lord!

A.     How is this done?

1.      God’s good and gracious will is done among us by Himself – not us!

2.      Specifically, when God breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow God’s name nor let His Kingdom come.

3.      Those forces we contend with are the will of the devil, the world and our own sinful flesh.

B.     God’s Good and gracious will is...

1.      To strengthen and preserve us steadfast.

2.      Keeping us faithful to His Word and faith unto our end. “Fear not, little flock, for it is Your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” - Luke 12:32

Transition: We pray that the Father’s will might be done. Viewing Christ’s Passion we render Him our thanks and praise.

II.     Our focus thus is on Christ and His Cross

On Thy death and its true cause
Contrite thoughts will render

A.     When we consider all that Jesus endured - His suffering, agony and bloody sweet we cry out for the Father to have mercy upon us. With the beggar we cry, “Jesus, Master have mercy on me! ”-Mark 10:47 or, as the Kyrie would remind us; “Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord, have mercy.” And, in the words of the Agnus Dei; “O Christ Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world have mercy upon us and grand us Thy peace.”

B.     And we thank Him!

And though weak and full of flaws
Thee our thanks will tender

Thank You Jesus, that you have taken away my guilt and my sin. Thank you Jesus, that You prayed; “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” -Luke 23:34

Thank You Jesus, who gave Stephen the strength to pray; “Lord do not hold this sin against them!” –Acts 7:60 For this is how we ought to pray.

CONCLUSION:  As we have pondered Christ’s holy Passion during this Lenten journey may we be moved to pray;

Grant that I may willingly
Bear with Thee my crosses,
Learning humbleness of Thee,
Peace mid pain and losses.
May I give thee love for love!
Hear me, O my Savior,
That I may in heaven above
Sing Thy praise forever.

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Ø      When I survey the wondrous cross from The Lutheran Hymnal Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO © 1940

Ø      Jesus I will Ponder Now from The Lutheran Hymnal Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO © 1940

Lent mid-week 5

Lent Mid-week 5

March 29, 2006

John 19:23-27 

Jesus I will Ponder Now

INTRODUCTION: Hanging on a cross suspended between earth and heaven Jesus bore our sins in His body. In the midst of His cruel agony He provided for His mother’s care. John records for us the Savior’s word of dying concern. “When Jesus saw His mother, there and the disciple whom He loved, standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on this disciple took her into his home.” How beautifully Bach relates these events.

I.        The death of Jesus was complete. “He of everything took heed In His hour of dying.”

A.     All sin was paid for by Jesus’ vicious death.

1.      There is not one sin left unaccounted.

2.      The payment is marked: “paid in full!”

B.     The proclamation of the cross is what frees us.

1.      It is good news.

2.      It is the power of God.

II.     On the cross Jesus singles Mary out for attention. “Caring for His mother’s needs on His friend relying.”

A.     He calls her “woman”.

1.      A desire to spare her the hurt of “mother.”

2.      He imparts a proper perspective – Mary will have to be saved like anyone else. She receives no dispensation!

B.     He turns her over to John.

1.      From that time on he became her son.

2.      He provides for her taking her into his own house.

a.       By way of history John will be the only disciple not to be martyred.

b.      He will be exiled to the island of Patmos. – Revelation 1:9

III.   By this act of love Jesus demonstrates the proper regard for family. “O man, do all things aright love God and thy neighbor.”

A.     Jesus summed up the life of the Christian when He taught us:

1.      “Love the Lord Thy God with all your heart, soul and all your might This is the first and greatest commandment.”   - Matthew 22:37

2.      “And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.” -Matthew 22:38-39 There is no commandment greater than these.

B.     “To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”  - Mark 12:33

IV.  Through Jesus’ example expressed to His mother He demonstrates a deep concern for others. Thus Bach concludes tonight’s hymn verse with these words; “Die then without pain and fright rest from care and labor.”

A.     We can leave this world in death without pain or fright.

1.      Christ bore our sins in His own body on the cross so that we will not have to suffer the terrors of a guilty conscience.

2.      We receive Christ’s peace as He has secured for us peace with God.

B.     Thus we rest from care and labor.

1.      Luther possibly put is best when, in the conclusion to his morning and evening prayers he wrote: “Into Thy hands I commend myself [placing] my body and soul and all thing [into Thy care]. May Your Holy Angel [Spirit] be with me that the wicked foe may have no power over me.”

2.      This moved Luther to conclude in the morning the Christian should: “then go joyfully to your work” and in the evening we rest confidently: “then go to sleep at once and in good cheer.”

3.      Here is evidence of a clear conscience; not based on what we do but rather on what Christ has finished. Our salvation is complete. We can rest in peace because our Father is at peace with Jesus’ work. At the cross and empty tomb Christ’s mission was accomplished!

CONCLUSION: Jesus showing compassion and care for His mother and His dear disciple has shown us how we too must act. Of the seven words Jesus spoke from the cross half of His last words are concerned with others. May His words and actions so move us to will and to do His good pleasure.

Lent Mid-week 4

Lent Mid-week 4
March 22, 2006
John 19:5
Jesus I will Ponder Now

When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, Behold the man!

INTRODUCTION: “Behold the man!” That’s what Pilate said. Who is this Jesus? How will you perceive Him? How will you react to Him? What has He done to deserve all this? Our chorale for this evening penned by Johan Sebastian Bach gives us much to contemplate.

I.        Behold, the Savior of the world. Jesu, who for me didst die, Livest now forever.

A.     Christ died –

1.      He died for every sinner.

2.      He died for me!

B.     But now He lives –

1.      Death could not hold Him.

2.      He now lives and reigns through all eternity.

II.     Behold Him who will hold us in death. When my hour of death draws nigh, Let me waver never.

A.     Each must face death.

1.      It is appointed for man once to die and after that face judgment. -Hebrews 9:72

2.      Death is a curse which sinful humans have brought upon themselves. “The soul that sins it shall die.” - Ezekiel 18;4,20

B.     Yet we can face death confidently in Jesus.

1.      Because Christ defeated death by His own death we can now see death as a gate which leads to eternal life.

2.      When facing our own demise terrors of conscience may seize us. Only Christ can keep us faithful. “Be Thou faithful until death and I will give Thee the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10

III.   Behold Him who will keep us. May I e’er to Thee be turned, O my faithful Savior.

A.     By our own reason or strength we can not come to Him.

1.      We are blind, dead and enemies of God.

2.      Our sin prevents us.

B.     Thus He sends us His Holy Spirit who…

1.      Calls us  - by the Gospel

2.      Gathers us – into His body the Church

3.      Enlightens us – with His gifts

4.      Sanctifies us – keeps us holy

5.      Keeps us – in the one true faith

IV.  Behold him who will receive us into His glory. Give me but what Thou has earned, More I do not pray for.

A.     What has Christ earned?

1.      We now have peace with God.

2.      We are given access to the Father’s throne - room of grace.

3.      We have received forgiveness from all sin.

4.      We’ve been given the hope of heaven with mansions glorious.

B.     With all these gifts what more do we need?

1.      The Christian can now be content.

2.      There is nothing lacking for Christ has the sufficiency to supply us with all that we may ever need.

CONCLUSION:       

I am content my Jesus liveth still
In whom my heart is pleased.
He hath fulfilled the Law of God for me,
God’s Wrath He hath appeased.
Since He in death could perish never
I also shall not die forever.
I am content! I am content!

I Am Content from The Lutheran Hymnal Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO © 1940

Lent Mid-week 3

Lent Mid-week 3

March 15, 2006

John 18:15-27

Jesus I will Ponder Now

INTRODUCTION:  The story of Peter is your story. It is also my story. Peter is so strong; so sure of himself, so bold – yet so often he stumbles, fumbles, flops and falls. Johan Sebastian Bach in a beautiful chorale tells a powerful account concerning Peter’s failure. Let’s see how the story unfolds.

I.        “Peter gave it scarce a thought when he God rejected.”

A.     Peter was so sure of himself. He felt secure in his faith.

1.      After all, he was one of the twelve and of the twelve, one of the three whom Jesus gathered together to be part of His inner circle.

2.      He was fixed firmly in his own ability to stand confidently with the Savior. Just hours before Jesus’ arrest in the garden Peter had pledged his loyalty to the Savior.  “And [Simon Peter] said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death. But Jesus said, I tell you, Peter, before a [single] cock shall crow this day, you will three times [utterly] deny that you know Me.” - Luke 22:33-34

B.     When he would eventually deny the Savior he thought he was only finding a limb on which to climb. It was for him a way of “saving face.” “I wasn’t really denying my Lord,” he could argue, “It was merely a case of “mistaken identity.” Peter said to the crowd, “You’re talking to the wrong man!”

1.      What happens in our life? – Do we give a “false witness” when we, for example, compromise clear Biblical principles in order to fit in at work, or at school?  What price will we pay to acquire acceptance, approval, acquiescence?

2.      Every time we sin willfully we are doing nothing short of what Peter did on that fateful night.

3.      Like Peter we often “give it scarce a thought” when we compromise principle for convenience or for what is expedient at the time.

C.     We too are tempted.

1.      In the beginning we are tempted [by the Devil] - to think - “it’s nothing.”

2.      In the end we are told [again, by the Devil] - “it can’t be forgiven.”

Transition: It was bad enough for Peter to deny his Lord. But upon looking into the eyes of the Savior Peter was seized with guilt. Luke reminds us: “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord how He had said unto him, ‘Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” (Luke 22:61) With one look Peter’s world crumbled!

II.     “At Christ’s look he fled distraught, weeping and dejected.”

A.     Confronted by his denial Peter was crushed.

1.      This is what the Law does to us.

2.      It is a necessary ingredient in preaching!

B.     We too are crushed when confronted with the Law.

1.      Nathan said to David “Thou art the man”   - 2 Samuel 12:7

2.      Contrition and repentance are necessary   for restoration and forgiveness.

Transition: As Jesus fixed His gaze on Peter thus He must look on us.

III.   We ask Jesus to “look on me” – “Cast me not away from Thy presence and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me” – Psalm 51:11

A.     “Jesus fix Thy gaze on me”

1.      Press me, pursue me.

2.      Never let me go! “I will never leave Thee nor forsake Thee” -Hebrews 13:5

B.     “True repentance teach me” Remember the 5 “R’s” of repentance…

1.      Responsibility – we own up to our sin.

2.      Remorse – we are heart sorry.

3.      Repair – we attempt to fix what we’ve broken - inasmuch as we are able.

4.      Repeat not! – We don’t return to visit!

Note: These four steps; leading to repentance, come from Dr. Laura Schlesinger, she’s a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. She suggests; quite convincingly, that this is all we need to right a wrong. Yet, one component is missing. A 5th step is necessary; the final step, which separates Christians from the rest of the world; a step, which turns from following rules to establishing a relationship with God Himself. The 5th step necessary: 

5.      Reconciliation - through Christ alone!

Transition: Repentance is not merely a one time act – it must be a daily process. Thus we pray…

IV.  “When Thou evil there doest see through my conscience reach me.”

A.     Jiminy Cricket from Disney’s ‘Pinocchio’ would suggest to us; “let your conscience be your guide”

B.     Our text would suggest even stronger let your conscience and the bloody cross be your guide!

CONCLUSION: After the resurrection Peter and Jesus had another heart to heart meeting. Three times Jesus would ask Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” John would remind us in his gospel account, “Peter was grieved because Jesus said to him for a third time do you love Me?” – John 21:17

Roman Catholics maintain that Peter was the first Pope.  To this day Protestant parishes in Europe will place a rooster instead of a cross on the top of their spires as a not so friendly reminder of Peter’s seedy past. Not much has changed over the years. Have there been instances in our lives when we have not acted as becomes a child of God?  

Each of us can recall those moments in our lives in which we are not proud! Peter’s’ denial crushed him – but what he found was restoration by the Savior!  Peter’s freedom came at a price – the price of Jesus’ life. To be crushed by conscience and the Law is never a pleasant thing. But Christ’s redemption leads to recovery – to be reconciled to the Father and also to each other – all has been made possible by the Savior’s amazing grace!