So why would Jesus ask Peter if he loved him three times? Imaging the scene, Jesus says “Peter do you love me”. So peter says “Yes I love you.” Jesus says “Peter do you love me”. So Peter getting a little frustrated says “Yes I do love you.” Jesus says once more “Peter do you love me”. So Peter shouts “Yes, yes, yes , yes I do love you.” But then we must remember this is the same Peter that denied he knew Jesus three times at the Crucifixion. Do you think just maybe Jesus is showing Peter forgiveness three times? What do we take away from this? Have you been hurt by someone and found it hard to forgive them. Maybe a mate has said some horrible things about you and you have found it hard to forgive them. It’s interesting that Peter is the one in need of forgiveness here, because earlier in his life he asked Jesus questions about forgiveness. Mathew 18:21-22 says Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Seventy seven times doesn’t mean that you give up on seventy eight, it means that you may have to forgive someone many times. It doesn’t mean that you leave yourself in a situation where someone keeps hurting you either, Jesus wouldn’t want you to do that. But remember when you think about if you want to forgive someone, just like Peter you may be the one needing forgiveness next time.

So why would Jesus ask Peter if he loved him three times? Imaging the scene, Jesus says “Peter do you love me”. So peter says “Yes I love you.” Jesus says “Peter do you love me”. So Peter getting a little frustrated says “Yes I do love you.” Jesus says once more “Peter do you love me”. So Peter shouts “Yes, yes, yes , yes I do love you.” But then we must remember this is the same Peter that denied he knew Jesus three times at the Crucifixion. Do you think just maybe Jesus is showing Peter forgiveness three times? What do we take away from this? Have you been hurt by someone and found it hard to forgive them. Maybe a mate has said some horrible things about you and you have found it hard to forgive them. It’s interesting that Peter is the one in need of forgiveness here, because earlier in his life he asked Jesus questions about forgiveness. Mathew 18:21-22 says Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Seventy seven times doesn’t mean that you give up on seventy eight, it means that you may have to forgive someone many times. It doesn’t mean that you leave yourself in a situation where someone keeps hurting you either, Jesus wouldn’t want you to do that. But remember when you think about if you want to forgive someone, just like Peter you may be the one needing forgiveness next time.

These guys were fisherman they knew how to fish, and they knew where to fish. Yet some complete stranger walks up to them and says, throw your net over the other side. If I was them I would have told him to mind his own business. I know how to surf and, I know where to surf. If some bloke paddled out to me and said you won’t catch any waves here try that break over there, I might get a bit fed up. I may even tell him to give his advice to someone else. I’m that way with Jesus to. Sometimes I am plodding along in my own life when I feel God the Holy Spirit, prompt me to do something. I might feel him say go and talk to that guy over there. I want to say, “look I know people, and I know the type of people I get on with, why would I speak to him?” Or I might feel God the Holy Spirit say to me ring up that woman at Church and tell her what a great job she is doing. I may want to shout, “look I know that area of church, and actually I don’t think she is doing a good job.” The problem is that it the stranger with the disciples wasn’t any stranger it was Jesus. And the promptings I get from God the Holy Spirit are not any thoughts they are God given thoughts. We can ignore them because we know best, but when it comes down to it do we really know better than the God who created the universe?

These guys were fisherman they knew how to fish, and they knew where to fish. Yet some complete stranger walks up to them and says, throw your net over the other side. If I was them I would have told him to mind his own business. I know how to surf and, I know where to surf. If some bloke paddled out to me and said you won’t catch any waves here try that break over there, I might get a bit fed up. I may even tell him to give his advice to someone else. I’m that way with Jesus to. Sometimes I am plodding along in my own life when I feel God the Holy Spirit, prompt me to do something. I might feel him say go and talk to that guy over there. I want to say, “look I know people, and I know the type of people I get on with, why would I speak to him?” Or I might feel God the Holy Spirit say to me ring up that woman at Church and tell her what a great job she is doing. I may want to shout, “look I know that area of church, and actually I don’t think she is doing a good job.” The problem is that it the stranger with the disciples wasn’t any stranger it was Jesus. And the promptings I get from God the Holy Spirit are not any thoughts they are God given thoughts. We can ignore them because we know best, but when it comes down to it do we really know better than the God who created the universe?

So the plan is unfolding and the disciples are begging to believe. All this time the disciples have walked around with Jesus they have seen the miracles he has performed, they have listened to him teach and finally they are beginning to believe. Remember Jesus told them that he would rise again, but they still seem in complete shock when the find that his body is missing. Isn’t that just like us? Often we are told by our parents or youth leaders about the stuff Jesus did. We are told that he was born, did all this amazing stuff, died and rose again, and is able to do amazing stuff. We are told that Jesus heals; we are told that Jesus can guide us; we are told that he will make a difference in our lives. But then we walk about college or school and somehow that just seems miles away and doubt creeps in. What we know in our head, what we know is written in the Bible, doesn’t seem to make a difference in our lives. We want to rush into the tomb and see the proof of an empty grave. We want to see the healings we hear about; but sometimes that is not God plan for our lives. If you have seen miracles, if you have physically seen God do stuff, then fantastic, thank him for that. But I know that often the way God shows me that he exists is through the little every day things that people miss. The change in a friend’s life when they begin to believe.

So the plan is unfolding and the disciples are begging to believe. All this time the disciples have walked around with Jesus they have seen the miracles he has performed, they have listened to him teach and finally they are beginning to believe. Remember Jesus told them that he would rise again, but they still seem in complete shock when the find that his body is missing. Isn’t that just like us? Often we are told by our parents or youth leaders about the stuff Jesus did. We are told that he was born, did all this amazing stuff, died and rose again, and is able to do amazing stuff. We are told that Jesus heals; we are told that Jesus can guide us; we are told that he will make a difference in our lives. But then we walk about college or school and somehow that just seems miles away and doubt creeps in. What we know in our head, what we know is written in the Bible, doesn’t seem to make a difference in our lives. We want to rush into the tomb and see the proof of an empty grave. We want to see the healings we hear about; but sometimes that is not God plan for our lives. If you have seen miracles, if you have physically seen God do stuff, then fantastic, thank him for that. But I know that often the way God shows me that he exists is through the little every day things that people miss. The change in a friend’s life when they begin to believe.

Rabboni, Professeur, Lehrer, Insegnante, Teacher. It doesn’t matter what language you say it in, we all choose people who we want to learn from. Mary looked upon Jesus as her Master and her Teacher. Up to this point Mary had spent much of her time with Jesus, because that is what we do when we want to learn from someone. You don’t choose a teacher so much as choose the people you want to hang around with. If you choose to hang around with people that play the guitar well, you will soon find that your guitar playing improves. Hang around blokes that spend their time on game consoles, and your hunger to play games will increase. Hang around people that smoke and swear and guess what, don’t be surprised if you find yourself swearing unexpectedly in other places. Mary chose to hang around Jesus and her hunger to be more like Jesus increased to the point that she felt despair when he appeared to have died. Who do we choose to hang with in our lives? Do we choose those guys who move us closer to becoming the person we want to be, or those guys who are so caught up in themselves they wouldn’t notice if we were not around. Do we choose those who move us closer to Jesus, or those who move us away from Jesus? Choosing a teacher is as easy

Rabboni, Professeur, Lehrer, Insegnante, Teacher. It doesn’t matter what language you say it in, we all choose people who we want to learn from. Mary looked upon Jesus as her Master and her Teacher. Up to this point Mary had spent much of her time with Jesus, because that is what we do when we want to learn from someone. You don’t choose a teacher so much as choose the people you want to hang around with. If you choose to hang around with people that play the guitar well, you will soon find that your guitar playing improves. Hang around blokes that spend their time on game consoles, and your hunger to play games will increase. Hang around people that smoke and swear and guess what, don’t be surprised if you find yourself swearing unexpectedly in other places. Mary chose to hang around Jesus and her hunger to be more like Jesus increased to the point that she felt despair when he appeared to have died. Who do we choose to hang with in our lives? Do we choose those guys who move us closer to becoming the person we want to be, or those guys who are so caught up in themselves they wouldn’t notice if we were not around. Do we choose those who move us closer to Jesus, or those who move us away from Jesus? Choosing a teacher is as easy

Years before Jesus was born Gods people were saying things about the bloke who would be the Son of God. In fact there were so many things said about who the Son of God would be, that it made it impossible for the wrong person to prove they were Christ. Heir to the throne of David, born in Bethlehem, crucified, pierced through hands and feet, born from a virgin, soldiers gambled for His clothing, and the list goes on and on. Having a faith in Jesus is more about the God the Holy Spirit guiding our hearts, but God does not ask us to remove our brains. He is up for us having questions and looking for answers that are logical. If we attack these things people predicted about Christ then we might be able to raise doubt about the odd one or two. You might say that there were lots of decedents of David, and the Messiah could have been anyone one of them. You could suggest that there were loads of people crucified. I’m sure that soldiers gambled a lot, and you could say they were just being soldiers. But if we use our brains it’s very simple to work out the truth. Whilst there may have been many people that each one of these prophesies were true about; there was only one person that they were all true about. So what does this mean to us today? It means that as we go to
school, college or work today we can walk tall, knowing that our Saviour Jesus Christ is as valid in our brains as he is in our hearts.

Years before Jesus was born Gods people were saying things about the bloke who would be the Son of God. In fact there were so many things said about who the Son of God would be, that it made it impossible for the wrong person to prove they were Christ. Heir to the throne of David, born in Bethlehem, crucified, pierced through hands and feet, born from a virgin, soldiers gambled for His clothing, and the list goes on and on. Having a faith in Jesus is more about the God the Holy Spirit guiding our hearts, but God does not ask us to remove our brains. He is up for us having questions and looking for answers that are logical. If we attack these things people predicted about Christ then we might be able to raise doubt about the odd one or two. You might say that there were lots of decedents of David, and the Messiah could have been anyone one of them. You could suggest that there were loads of people crucified. I’m sure that soldiers gambled a lot, and you could say they were just being soldiers. But if we use our brains it’s very simple to work out the truth. Whilst there may have been many people that each one of these prophesies were true about; there was only one person that they were all true about. So what does this mean to us today? It means that as we go to
school, college or work today we can walk tall, knowing that our Saviour Jesus Christ is as valid in our brains as he is in our hearts.

How easily we can get drawn along with the crowd. Just a few days ago these were the same people that welcomed Jesus into town as a King, shouting Hosanna and praising his name. Yet here they are, shouting for his torture and death on a cross. It’s just like the feeling you get at a football game. The emotion inside of you can get whipped up into a frenzy, and before you know it your are shouting things at the referee that you wouldn’t believe you could say. What is it that makes us want to be part of the crowd? What is it that makes us do and say things that are wrong rather than stand out from the crowd? Fear. Fear of being different; fear that if we don’t run with the crowd that they may turn on us. At school and college we may run with the crowd and gossip about friends, in the hope the crowd won’t gossip about us. We dress like the in-crowd so that we have an identity and won’t stand out. Well you have an identify, you are a Christ Follower. Your identity wasn’t created in some fashion house, where what they really want is your money. Your identity isn’t in some label, like Goff, Emo or Skater. You are not part of the crowd, you were created individual, and God has known you before you were born. You know the difference between what the crowd think is right, and what you know to be right. Part of the crowd? No, you are too good for that, God made you too individual to run with the crowd.

How easily we can get drawn along with the crowd. Just a few days ago these were the same people that welcomed Jesus into town as a King, shouting Hosanna and praising his name. Yet here they are, shouting for his torture and death on a cross. It’s just like the feeling you get at a football game. The emotion inside of you can get whipped up into a frenzy, and before you know it your are shouting things at the referee that you wouldn’t believe you could say. What is it that makes us want to be part of the crowd? What is it that makes us do and say things that are wrong rather than stand out from the crowd? Fear. Fear of being different; fear that if we don’t run with the crowd that they may turn on us. At school and college we may run with the crowd and gossip about friends, in the hope the crowd won’t gossip about us. We dress like the in-crowd so that we have an identity and won’t stand out. Well you have an identify, you are a Christ Follower. Your identity wasn’t created in some fashion house, where what they really want is your money. Your identity isn’t in some label, like Goff, Emo or Skater. You are not part of the crowd, you were created individual, and God has known you before you were born. You know the difference between what the crowd think is right, and what you know to be right. Part of the crowd? No, you are too good for that, God made you too individual to run with the crowd.

Pilate is having a bad day. Firstly he tells the Jews to take this problem of his hands and Judge Jesus for themselves. Then when they won’t he ask Jesus to confess and take this problem out of his hands. Finally he says, ‘”OK guys I can release one prisoner, so please take this problem of my hands.’” But still no joy. You see Jesus is persistent. Jesus knows that Gods will is for him to die on the cross for us, and that’s what is going to happen. Gods is persistent with us as well. God doesn’t give up on us just because we have made rubbish decisions in the past; no God sticks with us through thick and thin. God wanted you to hear about his Son Jesus and he was persistent with that until you stood up and took notice. Of course you can be stubborn and ignore him. But that does seem a little Pilate like. Personally I think being persistent in seeking Gods will for your life might be the better plan. What do you think?

Pilate is having a bad day. Firstly he tells the Jews to take this problem of his hands and Judge Jesus for themselves. Then when they won’t he ask Jesus to confess and take this problem out of his hands. Finally he says, ‘”OK guys I can release one prisoner, so please take this problem of my hands.’” But still no joy. You see Jesus is persistent. Jesus knows that Gods will is for him to die on the cross for us, and that’s what is going to happen. Gods is persistent with us as well. God doesn’t give up on us just because we have made rubbish decisions in the past; no God sticks with us through thick and thin. God wanted you to hear about his Son Jesus and he was persistent with that until you stood up and took notice. Of course you can be stubborn and ignore him. But that does seem a little Pilate like. Personally I think being persistent in seeking Gods will for your life might be the better plan. What do you think?

So Peter has denied that he knows Jesus not once, not twice but three times, that’s a Strike, and he is out. Not so long ago in John 13:37-38 he said “Master, why cant I follow now? Ill lay down my life for you!” Jesus knew what was going to happen, do you remember his reply? Jesus said “Really? Youll lay down your life for me? The truth is that before the rooster crows, youll deny me three times.” And as the sound of the rooster crowing dies away we are reminded once again, that Jesus knows every bit of our heart. Of course we have never said that we won’t do something, and then gone ahead and done it have we? I know I have never said that I wouldn’t snap at someone I love, and then snapped at them because I was feeling grumpy. Hmmm well maybe I have just once or twice. But I am sure that you would never do such a thing, would you? Of course if you were to do things that you said you wouldn’t what should you do? Should you feel guilty and beat yourself up? Should you not care and just give up trying? Well it seems to me that when Jesus talked about being selfish he said things like ‘”you are forgiven, now go and be selfish no more.’” So the answer is that we shouldn’t beat ourselves up, but we should say sorry and keep on trying to not do selfish stuff. As for Peter who is probably feeling rubbish right now, well we get back to him later on.

So Peter has denied that he knows Jesus not once, not twice but three times, that’s a Strike, and he is out. Not so long ago in John 13:37-38 he said “Master, why cant I follow now? Ill lay down my life for you!” Jesus knew what was going to happen, do you remember his reply? Jesus said “Really? Youll lay down your life for me? The truth is that before the rooster crows, youll deny me three times.” And as the sound of the rooster crowing dies away we are reminded once again, that Jesus knows every bit of our heart. Of course we have never said that we won’t do something, and then gone ahead and done it have we? I know I have never said that I wouldn’t snap at someone I love, and then snapped at them because I was feeling grumpy. Hmmm well maybe I have just once or twice. But I am sure that you would never do such a thing, would you? Of course if you were to do things that you said you wouldn’t what should you do? Should you feel guilty and beat yourself up? Should you not care and just give up trying? Well it seems to me that when Jesus talked about being selfish he said things like ‘”you are forgiven, now go and be selfish no more.’” So the answer is that we shouldn’t beat ourselves up, but we should say sorry and keep on trying to not do selfish stuff. As for Peter who is probably feeling rubbish right now, well we get back to him later on.

Jesus spread the message that he was the Son of God through peace. Simon Peter completely missed the point. In Simon Peters mind he was doing right by getting his sword out and chopping the ear of the soldier off. You can imagine it can’t you ‘”I Simon Peter will save the Saviour of the World, with my sword.’” Was he then going to go around and chop off everyone else’s ear that didn’t believe? That wasn’t the way Jesus did things, we can’t go around using force to spread the fantastic news about God. Imagine going up to some guy at school or college and saying, ‘”right if you don’t accept Jesus, I’m going to thump you one.’” Even if they did say the words, they wouldn’t mean them would they? No that’s not the way Jesus did it. Jesus took care of peoples needs before he spoke to them, Jesus was an action man. Think of the feeding of the five thousand, no one is going to listen if they are hungry so he fed them. All the healings he did, after all people are distracted when they are ill. So why would the soldier accept Jesus as his saviour, if a Christian had caused him harm? Why would that person you know accept Jesus as their saviour if your bully them? No we need to be action men and women like Jesus and help people, no hurt them. Only then will they be in a position to hear about Jesus.

Jesus spread the message that he was the Son of God through peace. Simon Peter completely missed the point. In Simon Peters mind he was doing right by getting his sword out and chopping the ear of the soldier off. You can imagine it can’t you ‘”I Simon Peter will save the Saviour of the World, with my sword.’” Was he then going to go around and chop off everyone else’s ear that didn’t believe? That wasn’t the way Jesus did things, we can’t go around using force to spread the fantastic news about God. Imagine going up to some guy at school or college and saying, ‘”right if you don’t accept Jesus, I’m going to thump you one.’” Even if they did say the words, they wouldn’t mean them would they? No that’s not the way Jesus did it. Jesus took care of peoples needs before he spoke to them, Jesus was an action man. Think of the feeding of the five thousand, no one is going to listen if they are hungry so he fed them. All the healings he did, after all people are distracted when they are ill. So why would the soldier accept Jesus as his saviour, if a Christian had caused him harm? Why would that person you know accept Jesus as their saviour if your bully them? No we need to be action men and women like Jesus and help people, no hurt them. Only then will they be in a position to hear about Jesus.

Sometimes as we look at God’s instruction book the Bible together and we update the words to make them meaningful to us today. But as we look at this passage Jesus is not only praying to our Father God for his disciples but he also takes the time to pray for you and me. I don’t think the words need updating we just need to understand that Jesus is praying for us today. I am going to read his words again but I will put my name in certain places. As I put my name in put your name in it its place and hear how much JeFather Im praying not only for the disciples. But also for Suzy. Because of her and her witness about me. The goal is that she becomes one heart and mind’Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So Suzy might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave Suzy, So Suzy will be as unified and together as we are’I in Suzy and you in me. Then Suzy will be mature in this oneness, And give the godless world evidence That youve sent me and loved Suzy In the same way youve loved me. 24-26Father, I want Suzy who you gave me to be with me, right where I am, So she can see my glory, the splendor you gave me. Amen

Sometimes as we look at God’s instruction book the Bible together and we update the words to make them meaningful to us today. But as we look at this passage Jesus is not only praying to our Father God for his disciples but he also takes the time to pray for you and me. I don’t think the words need updating we just need to understand that Jesus is praying for us today. I am going to read his words again but I will put my name in certain places. As I put my name in put your name in it its place and hear how much JeFather Im praying not only for the disciples. But also for Suzy. Because of her and her witness about me. The goal is that she becomes one heart and mind’Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So Suzy might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave Suzy, So Suzy will be as unified and together as we are’I in Suzy and you in me. Then Suzy will be mature in this oneness, And give the godless world evidence That youve sent me and loved Suzy In the same way youve loved me. 24-26Father, I want Suzy who you gave me to be with me, right where I am, So she can see my glory, the splendor you gave me. Amen

I am like the disciples in so any ways. They have come across a problem; they don’t understand what Jesus has said to them. So what do they do? They ask each other, what’s this all about. You want to shout out hey guys Jesus is standing next to you ask him you muppets. But hey aren’t I just like them to? Aren’t you like them to? You’r plodding along at college and you come across a problem, what do you do? I’m plodding along with my life in my own merry way and I hit a problem, what do I do? I look at the problem and ask myself, ‘”right how can I work this out?’” How can I solve this problem? I ask my mate, ‘”can you help’” with this? And then finally when we have tried every other option, some bright spark says hey how about praying? It’s at that point I want to shout to myself ‘”hey muppet pray at the beginning, not when every other option fails.’” Remember Jesus is standing alongside you and he really doesn’t mind you asking him questions.

I am like the disciples in so any ways. They have come across a problem; they don’t understand what Jesus has said to them. So what do they do? They ask each other, what’s this all about. You want to shout out hey guys Jesus is standing next to you ask him you muppets. But hey aren’t I just like them to? Aren’t you like them to? You’r plodding along at college and you come across a problem, what do you do? I’m plodding along with my life in my own merry way and I hit a problem, what do I do? I look at the problem and ask myself, ‘”right how can I work this out?’” How can I solve this problem? I ask my mate, ‘”can you help’” with this? And then finally when we have tried every other option, some bright spark says hey how about praying? It’s at that point I want to shout to myself ‘”hey muppet pray at the beginning, not when every other option fails.’” Remember Jesus is standing alongside you and he really doesn’t mind you asking him questions.

So up to now Jesus had been babysitting the disciples, but finally it’s his time to go. Jesus lays down the truth because after he is gone they will be on their own. He says I am telling you the truth about the world because soon I am going to hang on a cross. Yep they will not be able to turn to Jesus and say where now? No, when they get stumped by a question their friends ask they will no longer be able to point to a physical Jesus and say ask him. You could say that they will become just like us. When our mates ask us why God allows suffering to happen, we can’t walk up to Jesus with them and ask him to tell them. When we have a real tough time we don’t get the option to walk up to Jesus and say where now? And that happens in other areas of our life doesn’t it? At some point we will leave our parents and get on with life. At some point we will move on from our groups and onto new areas. When we do, we will find out if our belief in Jesus is ours, or did we just go to Church because of our parents. We will find out if we have the guts to continue to follow Jesus’s teachings, or if we just liked the fun we had in our groups. Thankfully although just like the disciples we will be on our own, Jesus did not leave us alone. Jesus left us with the Holy Spirit, so when we have moments when we are

So up to now Jesus had been babysitting the disciples, but finally it’s his time to go. Jesus lays down the truth because after he is gone they will be on their own. He says I am telling you the truth about the world because soon I am going to hang on a cross. Yep they will not be able to turn to Jesus and say where now? No, when they get stumped by a question their friends ask they will no longer be able to point to a physical Jesus and say ask him. You could say that they will become just like us. When our mates ask us why God allows suffering to happen, we can’t walk up to Jesus with them and ask him to tell them. When we have a real tough time we don’t get the option to walk up to Jesus and say where now? And that happens in other areas of our life doesn’t it? At some point we will leave our parents and get on with life. At some point we will move on from our groups and onto new areas. When we do, we will find out if our belief in Jesus is ours, or did we just go to Church because of our parents. We will find out if we have the guts to continue to follow Jesus’s teachings, or if we just liked the fun we had in our groups. Thankfully although just like the disciples we will be on our own, Jesus did not leave us alone. Jesus left us with the Holy Spirit, so when we have moments when we are

Do you have people take the mickey out of you? Do people wind you up because you say you are a Christian? Maybe worse still you get bullied because you are a Christian? Hey good news, Jesus says don’t be surprised, they hate him too. “Oh that’s OK then, phew I thought I was the only one, why didn’t you say so before, no worries.” But that’s no help really, is it? Just because we know people ridiculed and beat Jesus, it doesn’t make it any easier when they ridicule and hit us. And if these things don’t happen to us, we hear stories that they happen to other people, and then start panicking that it may happen to us. So what is the answer? Well I’m not sure I have one. I could say love Jesus and you will never have another problem again. But Jesus didn’t say that. He did say what these people are doing is because of him and not because of you. He did promise that you will party with him in Heaven if you accept him as your saviour. He did say that you will have the Holy Spirit with you, and Jesus did say that God would listen to
your prayers. So I guess we have only one example to follow, and when

Do you have people take the mickey out of you? Do people wind you up because you say you are a Christian? Maybe worse still you get bullied because you are a Christian? Hey good news, Jesus says don’t be surprised, they hate him too. “Oh that’s OK then, phew I thought I was the only one, why didn’t you say so before, no worries.” But that’s no help really, is it? Just because we know people ridiculed and beat Jesus, it doesn’t make it any easier when they ridicule and hit us. And if these things don’t happen to us, we hear stories that they happen to other people, and then start panicking that it may happen to us. So what is the answer? Well I’m not sure I have one. I could say love Jesus and you will never have another problem again. But Jesus didn’t say that. He did say what these people are doing is because of him and not because of you. He did promise that you will party with him in Heaven if you accept him as your saviour. He did say that you will have the Holy Spirit with you, and Jesus did say that God would listen to
your prayers. So I guess we have only one example to follow, and when

Once again Jesus is talking to a bunch of people who grow their own crops and know about grapes; so he talks to
them about fruit and how their lives are like growing fruit. If he was talking directly to us today, I am sure he would
use different pictures to get his message across, but his message would be the same. Jesus might say something
like, I am the games console and my Father is the games master. Those players who ignore the games master will
lose lives; they won’t complete the levels and will lose the game. Every player that listens to the games master will
receive hints and tips from him. The games master will teach you, and whilst it may take several attempts to win a
level, eventually you will win the game. When we read and pray to God we are listening to the Farmer, we are
listening to the Games Master. Listening to God will show with the actions we take in our lives, and we will bear fruit,
we will win levels. When we listen to God and remember the ultimate cheat in game playing, we will love one another
and it will not be “game over” it will be “game on.”

Once again Jesus is talking to a bunch of people who grow their own crops and know about grapes; so he talks to
them about fruit and how their lives are like growing fruit. If he was talking directly to us today, I am sure he would
use different pictures to get his message across, but his message would be the same. Jesus might say something
like, I am the games console and my Father is the games master. Those players who ignore the games master will
lose lives; they won’t complete the levels and will lose the game. Every player that listens to the games master will
receive hints and tips from him. The games master will teach you, and whilst it may take several attempts to win a
level, eventually you will win the game. When we read and pray to God we are listening to the Farmer, we are
listening to the Games Master. Listening to God will show with the actions we take in our lives, and we will bear fruit,
we will win levels. When we listen to God and remember the ultimate cheat in game playing, we will love one another
and it will not be “game over” it will be “game on.”

I can hear you now. “Hold on a minute first I understand God the Father that you described to me. Then Jesus comes along and you describe God the Son. Now you’re telling me that Jesus left a friend behind called God the Holy Spirit. What’s this all about? Do we believe in three different gods?” Man I can see that it would be confusing,but no our God is one god and is all three parts Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Think of God as water. Water can be in different states. Water can be flowing water. Water can be frozen ice. Water can be steam. At any time did what water was made up of change? No it didn’t, it was still made up of the chemicals that make water, but it did look different didn’t it? Now I know that that doesn’t really answer your questions but it’s does help us see that an everyday item can appear to be different, but still be the same thing. Now lets look at the Sun. No not Son the big shiny thing in the sky, the Sun. Many years ago people use to believe that the Sun circled around our planet. We now know that the Earth circles the Sun. Did the facts change? No they didn’t it’s just that we have learned the truth, and before the truth was beyond our understanding. Is it possible that the truth is, God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it just that we don’t have the ability to fully understand this? Thank God for his Bible because in his instruction manual he says very clearly, that God is God the Father (Isaiah 45:18), Jesus is God the Son (John 8:58), God the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4) but there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10). When we don’t fully understand, at least we can rely on God’s word.

I can hear you now. “Hold on a minute first I understand God the Father that you described to me. Then Jesus comes along and you describe God the Son. Now you’re telling me that Jesus left a friend behind called God the Holy Spirit. What’s this all about? Do we believe in three different gods?” Man I can see that it would be confusing,but no our God is one god and is all three parts Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Think of God as water. Water can be in different states. Water can be flowing water. Water can be frozen ice. Water can be steam. At any time did what water was made up of change? No it didn’t, it was still made up of the chemicals that make water, but it did look different didn’t it? Now I know that that doesn’t really answer your questions but it’s does help us see that an everyday item can appear to be different, but still be the same thing. Now lets look at the Sun. No not Son the big shiny thing in the sky, the Sun. Many years ago people use to believe that the Sun circled around our planet. We now know that the Earth circles the Sun. Did the facts change? No they didn’t it’s just that we have learned the truth, and before the truth was beyond our understanding. Is it possible that the truth is, God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it just that we don’t have the ability to fully understand this? Thank God for his Bible because in his instruction manual he says very clearly, that God is God the Father (Isaiah 45:18), Jesus is God the Son (John 8:58), God the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4) but there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10). When we don’t fully understand, at least we can rely on God’s word.

And Jesus said “be nice, don’t hurt anyone and you will go to Heaven.” Wouldn’t that have been so much easier if Jesus had actually said that? Or he could have said, “It doesn’t matter what God you believe in, we will all meet up in Heaven.” But the problem is he didn’t. Typical Jesus he didn’t mess around he laid the truth out plain and simple. In other translations it says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So the only way to get to God is through Jesus. If we truly believe that the only way to party forever in heaven is to accept that Jesus came to this earth and died for our selfish acts, then what should we do? Well for one thing we should realise that everyone needs to know Jesus, the good, the bad and the ugly. The good need to accept Jesus, because he didn’t say be good and you will go to heaven. The bad need to know him, because Jesus did not say if you have done bad stuff you can’t get into heaven. The ugly? Well there is no ugly person in Gods eyes. But those who feel ugly, those who feel they don’t deserve to be forgiven, they need to accept that Jesus died for them as well. In short Jesus dies for us all, Jesus died for the good, the bad and the ugly. Jesus is the one way to God our Father in heaven.

And Jesus said “be nice, don’t hurt anyone and you will go to Heaven.” Wouldn’t that have been so much easier if Jesus had actually said that? Or he could have said, “It doesn’t matter what God you believe in, we will all meet up in Heaven.” But the problem is he didn’t. Typical Jesus he didn’t mess around he laid the truth out plain and simple. In other translations it says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So the only way to get to God is through Jesus. If we truly believe that the only way to party forever in heaven is to accept that Jesus came to this earth and died for our selfish acts, then what should we do? Well for one thing we should realise that everyone needs to know Jesus, the good, the bad and the ugly. The good need to accept Jesus, because he didn’t say be good and you will go to heaven. The bad need to know him, because Jesus did not say if you have done bad stuff you can’t get into heaven. The ugly? Well there is no ugly person in Gods eyes. But those who feel ugly, those who feel they don’t deserve to be forgiven, they need to accept that Jesus died for them as well. In short Jesus dies for us all, Jesus died for the good, the bad and the ugly. Jesus is the one way to God our Father in heaven.

Well that’s simple enough isn’t it? Jesus gave us one last commandment, “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another.” So all we have to do is be kind, and we are doing what Jesus wants us to do. All we have to do is go to school and ask nice questions like, “how you doing,” and then we have been just like Jesus. It’s an easy life, if we go to college and smile at our mates, then we are doing just what Jesus wants us to do. Hmmm, not entirely what Jesus said is it! Jesus said “Love one another. In the same way I loved you.” Now the problem is, that Jesus loved us, beyond the way anyone on this world loved before. Let’s check out a quick whistle stop tour of the way Jesus loved people. Firstly, he, the God Man, came to Earth when he could have stayed in heaven. Then he hung around with the down and outs and taught them about Gods love. He gave up everything, to be a humble teacher, do you not think, the creator of the world, could have been a successful business man instead? Finally, he gave his life for us on the cross. Sorry guys, but to love the same way Jesus did, is not an easy life. It’s means giving up stuff for others. It means, helping those who the rest of the world, turn away from. It means, taking action, when you see injustice. It means, giving your entire life over to God. Not such an easy life, after all.

Well that’s simple enough isn’t it? Jesus gave us one last commandment, “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another.” So all we have to do is be kind, and we are doing what Jesus wants us to do. All we have to do is go to school and ask nice questions like, “how you doing,” and then we have been just like Jesus. It’s an easy life, if we go to college and smile at our mates, then we are doing just what Jesus wants us to do. Hmmm, not entirely what Jesus said is it! Jesus said “Love one another. In the same way I loved you.” Now the problem is, that Jesus loved us, beyond the way anyone on this world loved before. Let’s check out a quick whistle stop tour of the way Jesus loved people. Firstly, he, the God Man, came to Earth when he could have stayed in heaven. Then he hung around with the down and outs and taught them about Gods love. He gave up everything, to be a humble teacher, do you not think, the creator of the world, could have been a successful business man instead? Finally, he gave his life for us on the cross. Sorry guys, but to love the same way Jesus did, is not an easy life. It’s means giving up stuff for others. It means, helping those who the rest of the world, turn away from. It means, taking action, when you see injustice. It means, giving your entire life over to God. Not such an easy life, after all.

God built us in a funny way, because he built us with a need for friendship. Some of us love to have lots of friends, others of us only need one friend, but most of us, need friendship. The problem with friendship is, it’s a risky business. It’s risky, because you have to put your trust in a person, in order for them to be your friend. There also seems to be some sort of connection between the amount of trust you put in someone and the depth of friendship you have with them. Some friends at your school or college are just passing acquaintances and you put little trust in them, whilst you may have other friends who know you much better and whom your trust much more. Jesus was the same, he had hundreds of friends and followers, but he trusted the twelve, much more, and even within the twelve, there one or two he, trusted even more. Jesus also knew the danger of trusting people, because he knew all too well that people stuff up and betray our trust. Jesus was ultimately betrayed by one of his close friends, Judas, and not only that, he knew Judas would betray him ahead of time. So the next time a friend stuffs up and tells others something that you wanted kept quiet, you can know that you are in good company. Jesus knew the pain of betrayal just like you do, but Jesus was also able to forgive people. That’s the best example for us. We too, should forgive people that hurt us. That doesn’t mean that we are not careful about what we say to them in the future, because trust, must be earned. But it does mean, that we understand that everyone makes mistakes, and we give them another chance. Because, with Jesus as our example, we can be strong enough to forgive.

God built us in a funny way, because he built us with a need for friendship. Some of us love to have lots of friends, others of us only need one friend, but most of us, need friendship. The problem with friendship is, it’s a risky business. It’s risky, because you have to put your trust in a person, in order for them to be your friend. There also seems to be some sort of connection between the amount of trust you put in someone and the depth of friendship you have with them. Some friends at your school or college are just passing acquaintances and you put little trust in them, whilst you may have other friends who know you much better and whom your trust much more. Jesus was the same, he had hundreds of friends and followers, but he trusted the twelve, much more, and even within the twelve, there one or two he, trusted even more. Jesus also knew the danger of trusting people, because he knew all too well that people stuff up and betray our trust. Jesus was ultimately betrayed by one of his close friends, Judas, and not only that, he knew Judas would betray him ahead of time. So the next time a friend stuffs up and tells others something that you wanted kept quiet, you can know that you are in good company. Jesus knew the pain of betrayal just like you do, but Jesus was also able to forgive people. That’s the best example for us. We too, should forgive people that hurt us. That doesn’t mean that we are not careful about what we say to them in the future, because trust, must be earned. But it does mean, that we understand that everyone makes mistakes, and we give them another chance. Because, with Jesus as our example, we can be strong enough to forgive.

So Jesus washed the disciples feet, what difference does that make to us? Jesus took the grubbiest job and got on with. Washing your mates feet, at the end of a sweaty, dusty day would not have been nice. Actually you probably would have got your lowest servant to do it. But Jesus didn’t, actually Jesus did four things. Firstly he was observant enough to spot a way he could do something for his friends and fellow believers. Then he got on and did it. He didn’t send money, he didn’t arrange for someone else to do it. No Jesus felt it was important enough that he did it. Thirdly he wnashed everyone’s feet, even Judas who he new would betray him. He didn’t pick and choose the guys he liked; he did it to all of them. Finally he was very straightforward and said, I am doing this so you guys can use me as an example. Jesus was plain that this is how we should look after one another. There was no messing with this, and I was reminded this week of a famous old preacher guy call John Wesley who put it another way. John said “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.“ So as you look around at your mates, and those who go to your church or youth group that you might not like as much; can you see things that people need to be helped with? If you can’t should you be looking a bit harder? After all Jesus was very plain that him washing the disciples feet wasn’t a one off it was a way we should live our lives.

So Jesus washed the disciples feet, what difference does that make to us? Jesus took the grubbiest job and got on with. Washing your mates feet, at the end of a sweaty, dusty day would not have been nice. Actually you probably would have got your lowest servant to do it. But Jesus didn’t, actually Jesus did four things. Firstly he was observant enough to spot a way he could do something for his friends and fellow believers. Then he got on and did it. He didn’t send money, he didn’t arrange for someone else to do it. No Jesus felt it was important enough that he did it. Thirdly he wnashed everyone’s feet, even Judas who he new would betray him. He didn’t pick and choose the guys he liked; he did it to all of them. Finally he was very straightforward and said, I am doing this so you guys can use me as an example. Jesus was plain that this is how we should look after one another. There was no messing with this, and I was reminded this week of a famous old preacher guy call John Wesley who put it another way. John said “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.“ So as you look around at your mates, and those who go to your church or youth group that you might not like as much; can you see things that people need to be helped with? If you can’t should you be looking a bit harder? After all Jesus was very plain that him washing the disciples feet wasn’t a one off it was a way we should live our lives.

Much of my early life as a Christian was done in secret. I was just like those in the passage, who believed in Jesus but kept it quiet. I, was a secret agent. I snuck here, and I snuck there. I prayed, but only on my own, without anyone else’s knowledge. I read my Bible but only when no one else was looking. You could have looked at me, and never have known I was a Christian. Why? Maybe, because I didn’t want to get challenged about my faith. Maybe, because I felt that I couldn’t answer anyone’s questions. Maybe, because I simply was not sure myself yet. In truth, I don’t know why I was a secret agent, and I don’t know when I stopped being a secret agent. All I know is one day I simply mentioned the word Church in a conversation. Before long, I heard myself saying, that I would pray for people. Then I knew, my cover was blown. I was no longer a secret agent for God. So the question is, could God use me better when I was a secret agent, or can he use me better now? I think the answer is plain God has plenty of secret agents, but what he really desires is, for those who have the guts, to blow their cover. For the guys and girls, who have the real courage to blow their cover at school and college, to step forward. God can use you now, if you blow your cover.

Much of my early life as a Christian was done in secret. I was just like those in the passage, who believed in Jesus but kept it quiet. I, was a secret agent. I snuck here, and I snuck there. I prayed, but only on my own, without anyone else’s knowledge. I read my Bible but only when no one else was looking. You could have looked at me, and never have known I was a Christian. Why? Maybe, because I didn’t want to get challenged about my faith. Maybe, because I felt that I couldn’t answer anyone’s questions. Maybe, because I simply was not sure myself yet. In truth, I don’t know why I was a secret agent, and I don’t know when I stopped being a secret agent. All I know is one day I simply mentioned the word Church in a conversation. Before long, I heard myself saying, that I would pray for people. Then I knew, my cover was blown. I was no longer a secret agent for God. So the question is, could God use me better when I was a secret agent, or can he use me better now? I think the answer is plain God has plenty of secret agents, but what he really desires is, for those who have the guts, to blow their cover. For the guys and girls, who have the real courage to blow their cover at school and college, to step forward. God can use you now, if you blow your cover.

Weren’t the disciples lucky they physically had Jesus with them? They could see him, touch him, ask him questions; they had his light to see by. Imagine having Jesus, actually living in your house. You could go to him and say. “Jesus, I had this problem with this guy at school, he got right on my nerves, how do I deal with him?” Or maybe. “Jesus, my parents are driving me nuts, what is it about them, that makes them think they know it all?” I’m sure Jesus would smile at you and then give you words of wisdom, or maybe tell you a parable. But in a similar way, we do have Jesus with us; we too can walk our lives by his light. If, we get into the Bible every day. If we pray, if we hang with Jesus, just by being quiet, we can walk in his light. But ,just as the disciples must have found it hard without physically being with Jesus after his Crucifixion, we too can miss him, if we don’t spend time with him. If we skip reading Gods instruction book, the Bible. If we don’t talk to God, in prayer, then his light in our lives can fade. The decisions we make at school or college, begin to reflect Jesus, less. When we hit choices to be made, our first thought, is not how would Jesus handle this. But if, we stick with Jesus, then we know that our decision will be based upon what he wants in our lives. But hey, you are listening, to Gods word, so that is the first step, now all you have to do is speak to him.

Weren’t the disciples lucky they physically had Jesus with them? They could see him, touch him, ask him questions; they had his light to see by. Imagine having Jesus, actually living in your house. You could go to him and say. “Jesus, I had this problem with this guy at school, he got right on my nerves, how do I deal with him?” Or maybe. “Jesus, my parents are driving me nuts, what is it about them, that makes them think they know it all?” I’m sure Jesus would smile at you and then give you words of wisdom, or maybe tell you a parable. But in a similar way, we do have Jesus with us; we too can walk our lives by his light. If, we get into the Bible every day. If we pray, if we hang with Jesus, just by being quiet, we can walk in his light. But ,just as the disciples must have found it hard without physically being with Jesus after his Crucifixion, we too can miss him, if we don’t spend time with him. If we skip reading Gods instruction book, the Bible. If we don’t talk to God, in prayer, then his light in our lives can fade. The decisions we make at school or college, begin to reflect Jesus, less. When we hit choices to be made, our first thought, is not how would Jesus handle this. But if, we stick with Jesus, then we know that our decision will be based upon what he wants in our lives. But hey, you are listening, to Gods word, so that is the first step, now all you have to do is speak to him.

Can you imaging worshipping Jesus with such freedom that you cheer and wave palm branches as he rides a donkey into Jerusalem? Ok, let’s put it like this, your favourite football star, strolls out onto the pitch, after your team win the championship. The place goes wild with ticker tape and the whole crowd including you scream like lunatics. Or maybe you favourite film star, walks into you college canteen, do you think they might get a bit of attention from you and your mates? You see, these days there are plenty of things in our lives that we can get enthused about. There are plenty of pop stars, film stars, or so called celebrities that we can get infatuated about. We read about them in magazines, we watch them on reality TV, we listen to them at every opportunity. There is only one problem with that. They are false idols. Not only will those guys fade away, they will let you down, because they are only human. No different to you and me. Also our God has a few things to say about worshipping false idols, the least of which is don’t do it. If only we could get as enthused about worshipping Jesus, as we do about sport, film and pop stars. Maybe then we would catch a glimpse of what Jesus really wants us to see and feel.

Can you imaging worshipping Jesus with such freedom that you cheer and wave palm branches as he rides a donkey into Jerusalem? Ok, let’s put it like this, your favourite football star, strolls out onto the pitch, after your team win the championship. The place goes wild with ticker tape and the whole crowd including you scream like lunatics. Or maybe you favourite film star, walks into you college canteen, do you think they might get a bit of attention from you and your mates? You see, these days there are plenty of things in our lives that we can get enthused about. There are plenty of pop stars, film stars, or so called celebrities that we can get infatuated about. We read about them in magazines, we watch them on reality TV, we listen to them at every opportunity. There is only one problem with that. They are false idols. Not only will those guys fade away, they will let you down, because they are only human. No different to you and me. Also our God has a few things to say about worshipping false idols, the least of which is don’t do it. If only we could get as enthused about worshipping Jesus, as we do about sport, film and pop stars. Maybe then we would catch a glimpse of what Jesus really wants us to see and feel.

Judas gets a bad rap really doesn’t he? We look at this situation and we think yep, Judas is up to no good, moaning about wasting the money. We think, all he really wants, is the money for himself. Why do we think that? Because we know what Judas ends up doing, we know that he betrays Jesus. And we are right, we can sit here, and point the finger at Judas, knowing that he ends up the bad guy. It’s probably like that at school or college as well. Let’s say that I told you, that someone had their wallet or purse stolen from your school or college. Who do you think did it? I bet, someone came to mind, didn’t they? Yep, you thought, I bet it was so and so, they are bound to be the thief. But who put us into the judgment seat? Who said we were the ones to point he finger? Actually God is pretty straight about this, we are not to judge people, we are not to judge anyone, that’s his job. We don’t know what caused Judas to do what he did, and we don’t know about his past. In the same way, we don’t know about the guys who do things we don’t like in our lives. We don’t know what makes them do it, or about their past. Maybe next time something happens, our first thought shouldn’t be, who’s to blame, but maybe it should be, who needs our help?

Judas gets a bad rap really doesn’t he? We look at this situation and we think yep, Judas is up to no good, moaning about wasting the money. We think, all he really wants, is the money for himself. Why do we think that? Because we know what Judas ends up doing, we know that he betrays Jesus. And we are right, we can sit here, and point the finger at Judas, knowing that he ends up the bad guy. It’s probably like that at school or college as well. Let’s say that I told you, that someone had their wallet or purse stolen from your school or college. Who do you think did it? I bet, someone came to mind, didn’t they? Yep, you thought, I bet it was so and so, they are bound to be the thief. But who put us into the judgment seat? Who said we were the ones to point he finger? Actually God is pretty straight about this, we are not to judge people, we are not to judge anyone, that’s his job. We don’t know what caused Judas to do what he did, and we don’t know about his past. In the same way, we don’t know about the guys who do things we don’t like in our lives. We don’t know what makes them do it, or about their past. Maybe next time something happens, our first thought shouldn’t be, who’s to blame, but maybe it should be, who needs our help?

What is it about Jesus that scares people? Two thousand years ago, people believing in Jesus as the Son of God, scared the authorities and the police of the time. Two thousand years later, it doesn’t seem that much has changed. You can go about you life at school and believe that fairies live at the bottom of your garden, and no one will bother you. Mention that you believe Jesus died for you on the cross, and that’s where the raised eyebrows start. Of course, you can drop into conversation at college that you believe we evolved from a blob of jelly, and everyone’s chilled. But once again, tell those around you, that you thank the creator God of the universe for you life, and you might get accused of being a narrow minded nutter. Why’s that then? I believe, people are scared of Jesus, because if you acknowledge that he is the Son of God then you have to change your approach to life. Believe in jelly as the origin of life? No problem, just carry on as you are. Believe in Jesus, then following his teachings, mean that you must live life to the full. Believe in fairies? Ahh, that’s cute, just stay as your are. Believe that Jesus died for you? Then you are going to follow his teachings, seek to help others, and that’s not the easy route. Still don’t worry, people thought Jesus was a nutter and were scared of him too, so you are in good company.

What is it about Jesus that scares people? Two thousand years ago, people believing in Jesus as the Son of God, scared the authorities and the police of the time. Two thousand years later, it doesn’t seem that much has changed. You can go about you life at school and believe that fairies live at the bottom of your garden, and no one will bother you. Mention that you believe Jesus died for you on the cross, and that’s where the raised eyebrows start. Of course, you can drop into conversation at college that you believe we evolved from a blob of jelly, and everyone’s chilled. But once again, tell those around you, that you thank the creator God of the universe for you life, and you might get accused of being a narrow minded nutter. Why’s that then? I believe, people are scared of Jesus, because if you acknowledge that he is the Son of God then you have to change your approach to life. Believe in jelly as the origin of life? No problem, just carry on as you are. Believe in Jesus, then following his teachings, mean that you must live life to the full. Believe in fairies? Ahh, that’s cute, just stay as your are. Believe that Jesus died for you? Then you are going to follow his teachings, seek to help others, and that’s not the easy route. Still don’t worry, people thought Jesus was a nutter and were scared of him too, so you are in good company.

Jesus is the ultimate Tomb Raider. Forget Lara Croft or even Indiana Jones, Jesus is the one who will ultimately find precious jewels in the tombs of this world. Jesus not only had the power from our God to raise Lazarus from the dead, but later in the Bible we will discover he plans to do the same in the future. When Jesus died on the cross for us, he set into motion, a plan that will make this miracle look like a sneeze compared to a tornado. When Jesus returns to this Earth, he is not only going to call all those who are alive and trust in him to come forward, but all those who have died as well. Yep, Jesus is going to raise from the dead, those who have put their faith in him and have since died. We are not talking about some gross zombie movie here, oh no, our Jesus, is a better tomb raider then that. The believers who have died will have the best bodies they can. Even if they died with health problems they will be raised completely whole. How cool is that? You and I, will be running around with the ones we loved who knew Jesus when they died. We will be running around, with Paul the apostle, John Wesley, Billy Graham, Sue Pigney, John Newton, and other heroes of our faith as well. Our God is a massive God and raising his follows from the dead is no problem for the creator of the universe.

Jesus is the ultimate Tomb Raider. Forget Lara Croft or even Indiana Jones, Jesus is the one who will ultimately find precious jewels in the tombs of this world. Jesus not only had the power from our God to raise Lazarus from the dead, but later in the Bible we will discover he plans to do the same in the future. When Jesus died on the cross for us, he set into motion, a plan that will make this miracle look like a sneeze compared to a tornado. When Jesus returns to this Earth, he is not only going to call all those who are alive and trust in him to come forward, but all those who have died as well. Yep, Jesus is going to raise from the dead, those who have put their faith in him and have since died. We are not talking about some gross zombie movie here, oh no, our Jesus, is a better tomb raider then that. The believers who have died will have the best bodies they can. Even if they died with health problems they will be raised completely whole. How cool is that? You and I, will be running around with the ones we loved who knew Jesus when they died. We will be running around, with Paul the apostle, John Wesley, Billy Graham, Sue Pigney, John Newton, and other heroes of our faith as well. Our God is a massive God and raising his follows from the dead is no problem for the creator of the universe.

Martha and Mary seem to know who they were dealing with in this passage. They are convinced if Jesus had just turned up earlier then their brother would not have died. That is faith, but not only partial faith, that is total faith in Jesus. We have faith in many things in our lives. We have faith that the guy in front of the aeroplane that takes us on holiday, knows how to fly, even though we never see him. We have faith that the teacher at school or college actually know what they are talking about. We have faith that our friends care for us, but how is our faith in God? When we pray for God to heal our friends, do we have faith that He will? Maybe we have not seen answers to prayers in the past, or at least, answers that we recognise. Do we have faith when we ask God to guide us in our lives? I have no magic answer, because having faith is hard. Having the faith that Martha and Mary had in Jesus will take some time to come, but maybe the best time to start is now.

Martha and Mary seem to know who they were dealing with in this passage. They are convinced if Jesus had just turned up earlier then their brother would not have died. That is faith, but not only partial faith, that is total faith in Jesus. We have faith in many things in our lives. We have faith that the guy in front of the aeroplane that takes us on holiday, knows how to fly, even though we never see him. We have faith that the teacher at school or college actually know what they are talking about. We have faith that our friends care for us, but how is our faith in God? When we pray for God to heal our friends, do we have faith that He will? Maybe we have not seen answers to prayers in the past, or at least, answers that we recognise. Do we have faith when we ask God to guide us in our lives? I have no magic answer, because having faith is hard. Having the faith that Martha and Mary had in Jesus will take some time to come, but maybe the best time to start is now.

All or nothing, that’s what it takes to follow Jesus. In this passage the disciples have decided to go back with Jesus to Judea, where they fully expect to die. Now that’s commitment, but that’s what it takes to follow Jesus. I hope and pray that you never have to put your life on the line, to follow Jesus, but there are plenty of people around the world who do. But whether you have to put your life on the line or not, you will have to make some decisions in your life because of your Christian faith. Being a follower of Jesus is not a wimpy option. It might be a decision at school, where you have to choose not to follow the crowd and instead stand up for the person being bullied. It might be a decision to remain pure and say no to sex before marriage, when your mind is saying yes. It might simply be the fact that you choose to go and worship your God, Sunday morning, rather than stay out all night Saturday getting drunk with your mates. Whatever the choices you have to make in life, you need to understand that your God will give you all that you need to choose the right path. I really do pray, that you never have to give up your life to follow Jesus, but that you do live your life, to follow Jesus.

All or nothing, that’s what it takes to follow Jesus. In this passage the disciples have decided to go back with Jesus to Judea, where they fully expect to die. Now that’s commitment, but that’s what it takes to follow Jesus. I hope and pray that you never have to put your life on the line, to follow Jesus, but there are plenty of people around the world who do. But whether you have to put your life on the line or not, you will have to make some decisions in your life because of your Christian faith. Being a follower of Jesus is not a wimpy option. It might be a decision at school, where you have to choose not to follow the crowd and instead stand up for the person being bullied. It might be a decision to remain pure and say no to sex before marriage, when your mind is saying yes. It might simply be the fact that you choose to go and worship your God, Sunday morning, rather than stay out all night Saturday getting drunk with your mates. Whatever the choices you have to make in life, you need to understand that your God will give you all that you need to choose the right path. I really do pray, that you never have to give up your life to follow Jesus, but that you do live your life, to follow Jesus.

Sometimes you hear Christians blame the Devil for all sorts of things. The Devil made me do this, the Devil made me do that. The Devil made me swear at my teacher. The Devil tempted me to get drunk. The Devil must be pretty busy, if he actually does all the things we suggest he does. Actually, a lot of what we blame the Devil for, is simply us stuffing up. Don’t misunderstand me, I certainly do believe the Devil exists and tempts people, after all the Bible says he does. But I am not entirely sure that he or his minions have enough free time to worry about me or you 24/7. We shouldn’t use that as an excuse to laugh and poke the Devil, because he is very real. But we also need to understand that the Devil has limited power and time. He isn’t everywhere like God is. He can’t create from nothing, like God can, and best of all, he has already lost. Jesus, in this passage, tells us that God can defend us from the Devil. But not only that, the Devil lost the battle, when Jesus died on the cross, for you and me. And his time is running out, because when Jesus returns, its goodnight midnight for the Devil.

Sometimes you hear Christians blame the Devil for all sorts of things. The Devil made me do this, the Devil made me do that. The Devil made me swear at my teacher. The Devil tempted me to get drunk. The Devil must be pretty busy, if he actually does all the things we suggest he does. Actually, a lot of what we blame the Devil for, is simply us stuffing up. Don’t misunderstand me, I certainly do believe the Devil exists and tempts people, after all the Bible says he does. But I am not entirely sure that he or his minions have enough free time to worry about me or you 24/7. We shouldn’t use that as an excuse to laugh and poke the Devil, because he is very real. But we also need to understand that the Devil has limited power and time. He isn’t everywhere like God is. He can’t create from nothing, like God can, and best of all, he has already lost. Jesus, in this passage, tells us that God can defend us from the Devil. But not only that, the Devil lost the battle, when Jesus died on the cross, for you and me. And his time is running out, because when Jesus returns, its goodnight midnight for the Devil.

Jesus is talking to a bunch of guys who know how shepherds work, so he tells them a story about himself as though he was a shepherd. If he was talking to a bunch of car mechanics, he would have used cars to explain to them about himself. If he was talking to a bunch of football players he would have used football, how would he talk to you? I don’t know but maybe he would have used celebrities or film stars. Maybe Jesus would have said something like. I am the Oscar award wining film star that takes the time to visit areas of poverty and help out. All those other film stars before me were five minute wonders, just out to make a fast buck. They snuck onto your screen with no talent, took your hard earned money, and were only interested in themselves. They didn’t care about you, they didn’t even know their fans names. I am the film star that knows my fans names, I look out for them. I would stop filming and run to help anyone of my fans if they needed me. I know sounds pretty impressive doesn’t it. Doesn’t sound like any film star I know, but then Jesus isn’t just anyone is he? He really is the one person who laid down his life for you before you were even born.

Jesus is talking to a bunch of guys who know how shepherds work, so he tells them a story about himself as though he was a shepherd. If he was talking to a bunch of car mechanics, he would have used cars to explain to them about himself. If he was talking to a bunch of football players he would have used football, how would he talk to you? I don’t know but maybe he would have used celebrities or film stars. Maybe Jesus would have said something like. I am the Oscar award wining film star that takes the time to visit areas of poverty and help out. All those other film stars before me were five minute wonders, just out to make a fast buck. They snuck onto your screen with no talent, took your hard earned money, and were only interested in themselves. They didn’t care about you, they didn’t even know their fans names. I am the film star that knows my fans names, I look out for them. I would stop filming and run to help anyone of my fans if they needed me. I know sounds pretty impressive doesn’t it. Doesn’t sound like any film star I know, but then Jesus isn’t just anyone is he? He really is the one person who laid down his life for you before you were even born.

“Amazing grace how sweet the sound that save a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”

As we hear those words from Chris Tomlin’s excellent version of Amazing Grace fade into the background, what a fantastic reminder it is, that the man in today’s passage, isn’t the only person Jesus healed from blindness. Jesus healed you and me from blindness too. Before, we were blind to the fantastic news of Jesus, just like many of your friends at school or college. Before, we were blind to the fact God created the world even though we are surrounded by its beauty. Just like those people who believe the world was created without any intervention from God. Before we were blind, just like those people you walk past on the street, to the love that we will receive from God forever more, when we party with him in heaven. But we are no longer blind; we are no longer lost because we have asked Jesus to be our Saviour and King. And just like the subtitle to Chris Tomlin’s brilliant version of Amazing grace says “My chains are gone.” Yes your chains and my chains are truly gone. We no longer need to seek gratification from those here on Earth. We no longer need to measure up to anyone else standards. We don’t need to mutilate ourselves to fit in. We don’t need to sleep around to find love. We don’t need to get drunk at parties to try and find happiness. No, our chains are gone because of the amazing grace of our Lord, just like the blind man in this passage.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now, I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come.

T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far and Grace will lead us home. The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise then when we’ve first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

“Amazing grace how sweet the sound that save a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”

As we hear those words from Chris Tomlin’s excellent version of Amazing Grace fade into the background, what a fantastic reminder it is, that the man in today’s passage, isn’t the only person Jesus healed from blindness. Jesus healed you and me from blindness too. Before, we were blind to the fantastic news of Jesus, just like many of your friends at school or college. Before, we were blind to the fact God created the world even though we are surrounded by its beauty. Just like those people who believe the world was created without any intervention from God. Before we were blind, just like those people you walk past on the street, to the love that we will receive from God forever more, when we party with him in heaven. But we are no longer blind; we are no longer lost because we have asked Jesus to be our Saviour and King. And just like the subtitle to Chris Tomlin’s brilliant version of Amazing grace says “My chains are gone.” Yes your chains and my chains are truly gone. We no longer need to seek gratification from those here on Earth. We no longer need to measure up to anyone else standards. We don’t need to mutilate ourselves to fit in. We don’t need to sleep around to find love. We don’t need to get drunk at parties to try and find happiness. No, our chains are gone because of the amazing grace of our Lord, just like the blind man in this passage.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now, I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come.

T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far and Grace will lead us home. The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise then when we’ve first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

Who is Jesus? These guys can’t figure it out. Is he a prophet, is he a sinner? Is he a demon possessed mad man? Or is he the Son of God? Who do you say Jesus is? Who do your mates say Jesus is? Maybe to some of your mates, Jesus is a nice story with a rather gruesome ending. Maybe to some of the guys at school, Jesus is a good reason for presents and chocolate once a year. To some religions, Jesus is a cool dude who taught some good stuff. But who is he to you? You see that’s what matters, your opinion. It’s not who your parents think Jesus is, it’s not who your youth leader thinks Jesus is, it’s all about who you think Jesus is. When you get to stand in front of God, he won’t say, “who did the guys at college say Jesus is?” He won’t say “Who does your pastor say Jesus is?” God will want to know about your relationship with Jesus, he will want to know what you say. It’s pretty clear from this passage, that even knowing all the right stuff, doesn’t guarantee that you recognise Jesus as the Son of God. But you are more up together than some of those guys. You are not blinded by power, so who do you say Jesus is?

Who is Jesus? These guys can’t figure it out. Is he a prophet, is he a sinner? Is he a demon possessed mad man? Or is he the Son of God? Who do you say Jesus is? Who do your mates say Jesus is? Maybe to some of your mates, Jesus is a nice story with a rather gruesome ending. Maybe to some of the guys at school, Jesus is a good reason for presents and chocolate once a year. To some religions, Jesus is a cool dude who taught some good stuff. But who is he to you? You see that’s what matters, your opinion. It’s not who your parents think Jesus is, it’s not who your youth leader thinks Jesus is, it’s all about who you think Jesus is. When you get to stand in front of God, he won’t say, “who did the guys at college say Jesus is?” He won’t say “Who does your pastor say Jesus is?” God will want to know about your relationship with Jesus, he will want to know what you say. It’s pretty clear from this passage, that even knowing all the right stuff, doesn’t guarantee that you recognise Jesus as the Son of God. But you are more up together than some of those guys. You are not blinded by power, so who do you say Jesus is?

How often do you pray? Do you pray all the time at school, at college, on the way home? Do you pray every night before you sleep? Do you pray once a week, on Sunday? How often people pray, is really between them and God, but I am constantly flabbergasted by people’s reaction to prayer. If God chooses not to answer our prayers in a way that we understand, what is our reaction? Are you like me and many others? Do you walk about being grumpy and doubting that prayer really works? Maybe you even say that prayer is a bunch of baloney and God doesn’t listen. Sometimes when we don’t know what God is doing and we see friends suffer, or things go wrong in our lives, it might seem that God isn’t listening. But that’s OK, our God can cope with a bit of grumpiness, he is bigger then us. But what about when God does answer our prayer, what is our reaction then? I bet like me, all to often, you simply forget to Thank God. Maybe, you even put it down to coincidence. You may say or think things like the guys in this passage. They claimed that Jesus hadn’t healed the blind man. They said things like, hey it’s not the same guy, even though truth stood in front of them. We are often no different, saying things like, well God didn’t really heal my mate, the doctors did that. Or, well it was a friend of mine, that helped me out when I asked God to help me with a problem, it’s just a coincidence that the problems gone away now. When in reality, we all know, that there are fewer coincidences in our lives and more Godincidences then we care to thank God for.

How often do you pray? Do you pray all the time at school, at college, on the way home? Do you pray every night before you sleep? Do you pray once a week, on Sunday? How often people pray, is really between them and God, but I am constantly flabbergasted by people’s reaction to prayer. If God chooses not to answer our prayers in a way that we understand, what is our reaction? Are you like me and many others? Do you walk about being grumpy and doubting that prayer really works? Maybe you even say that prayer is a bunch of baloney and God doesn’t listen. Sometimes when we don’t know what God is doing and we see friends suffer, or things go wrong in our lives, it might seem that God isn’t listening. But that’s OK, our God can cope with a bit of grumpiness, he is bigger then us. But what about when God does answer our prayer, what is our reaction then? I bet like me, all to often, you simply forget to Thank God. Maybe, you even put it down to coincidence. You may say or think things like the guys in this passage. They claimed that Jesus hadn’t healed the blind man. They said things like, hey it’s not the same guy, even though truth stood in front of them. We are often no different, saying things like, well God didn’t really heal my mate, the doctors did that. Or, well it was a friend of mine, that helped me out when I asked God to help me with a problem, it’s just a coincidence that the problems gone away now. When in reality, we all know, that there are fewer coincidences in our lives and more Godincidences then we care to thank God for.

Look around at adverts today. There are airbrushed photos of women, who don’t really exist, that the young women of this world feel they need to become. There are sports stars, who spend five hours a day in the gym, that young men are told they need to be like. Film stars have plastic surgery and go through ridiculous diets to become stick thin. Let me say this as clear as I can. God, does not want you that way. God, does not want you to become like some impossibly thin woman, or some daft super hunk, that cares more about his six pack, then the fact that people die in the world, because they don’t have enough food. These people are so busy trying to make themselves immortal, that they miss the point of life. They are so busy trying to live forever, that they don’t have time to realise that Jesus means they can live forever. In this passage, Jesus is saying to the posh leaders of the Church. “Hey accept the fact, that I am Gods Son and your will never die. Follow me and you will live forever, partying in Heaven.” The posh dudes missed the point, just like those today, that look for their happiness in the gym, or at the plastic surgeons. Don’t you make the same mistake.

Look around at adverts today. There are airbrushed photos of women, who don’t really exist, that the young women of this world feel they need to become. There are sports stars, who spend five hours a day in the gym, that young men are told they need to be like. Film stars have plastic surgery and go through ridiculous diets to become stick thin. Let me say this as clear as I can. God, does not want you that way. God, does not want you to become like some impossibly thin woman, or some daft super hunk, that cares more about his six pack, then the fact that people die in the world, because they don’t have enough food. These people are so busy trying to make themselves immortal, that they miss the point of life. They are so busy trying to live forever, that they don’t have time to realise that Jesus means they can live forever. In this passage, Jesus is saying to the posh leaders of the Church. “Hey accept the fact, that I am Gods Son and your will never die. Follow me and you will live forever, partying in Heaven.” The posh dudes missed the point, just like those today, that look for their happiness in the gym, or at the plastic surgeons. Don’t you make the same mistake.

Do you enjoy watching a game of football? Or maybe basketball is your game. Either way, whenever you watch a game with two teams, you cheer for one or the other. If you’re not cheering for one side then you must be cheering for the other. That’s pretty much what Jesus is saying to this bunch of guys here. He is saying, from what I can see, you guys are not cheering for God, so if you are not cheering for God, then you must be on the Devils side. It’s obvious to Jesus, because, if you are cheering for God, if you are on Gods side, then that can be seen in the way you act. It can be seen in the way you treat people, it can be seen in the way you spend your time, it can be seen in the very way you live your life. And if it can’t be seen, then you must be on the other side from God. It doesn’t mean that you are running around murdering people, it doesn’t mean that you are a horrible person. It simple means that you have chosen to separate yourself from God. And as we know if you choose that on this Earth, then God will honour your choice into eternity. As for me and my mates, we want to be on Gods team on this Earth and for the rest of time. Now that’s the winning team.

Hey, I have made a massive assumption that you have chosen to be on the winning team. If you haven’t and want to accept Jesus as you captain, your friend, your saviour, then let’s do it now. Repeat this prayer after me, to ask Jesus to be your saviour.

“Father, I know that I have been selfish, and the wrong things I have done have separated me from you. I am really sorry, and I want to turn away from all that stuff and follow you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule, and reign, in my heart ,from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit, to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Do you enjoy watching a game of football? Or maybe basketball is your game. Either way, whenever you watch a game with two teams, you cheer for one or the other. If you’re not cheering for one side then you must be cheering for the other. That’s pretty much what Jesus is saying to this bunch of guys here. He is saying, from what I can see, you guys are not cheering for God, so if you are not cheering for God, then you must be on the Devils side. It’s obvious to Jesus, because, if you are cheering for God, if you are on Gods side, then that can be seen in the way you act. It can be seen in the way you treat people, it can be seen in the way you spend your time, it can be seen in the very way you live your life. And if it can’t be seen, then you must be on the other side from God. It doesn’t mean that you are running around murdering people, it doesn’t mean that you are a horrible person. It simple means that you have chosen to separate yourself from God. And as we know if you choose that on this Earth, then God will honour your choice into eternity. As for me and my mates, we want to be on Gods team on this Earth and for the rest of time. Now that’s the winning team.

Hey, I have made a massive assumption that you have chosen to be on the winning team. If you haven’t and want to accept Jesus as you captain, your friend, your saviour, then let’s do it now. Repeat this prayer after me, to ask Jesus to be your saviour.

“Father, I know that I have been selfish, and the wrong things I have done have separated me from you. I am really sorry, and I want to turn away from all that stuff and follow you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule, and reign, in my heart ,from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit, to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

You spend all your time trying to be Jesus to your friends. You take an interest in their daft hobbies. You watch out for them when everyone else is picking on them. You even invite them to stuff that is put on by your youth leader and still they don’t seem to be interested in Jesus? Can’t they see what you are doing? Can’t they see Jesus in you? Well I really do understand your frustration. I mean, day in day out we study the Bible together and do these devotionals, and yet there are still people that don’t understand about Jesus. Maybe we should all just pack it up and go and do what ever we want to do. I mean, after all, if we have chosen to follow Jesus, we are going to Heaven anyway. But then we see this passage, where yet again Jesus is being misunderstood. Yet again, the Son of God is getting slapped down, when he is physically in front of people. What does he do? Ah yes, yet again, we are reminded that he goes on to die on the cross, for these very same people. It’s a message that we are reminded of frequently in Jesus life on Earth, but it is a definite example for us. So each day we too must do the same. Each day we must go back to the very people that missed the point yesterday and once more take an interest in their daft hobbies. Once more we must care for them when no one else does. Once more we must try and be Jesus to them.

You spend all your time trying to be Jesus to your friends. You take an interest in their daft hobbies. You watch out for them when everyone else is picking on them. You even invite them to stuff that is put on by your youth leader and still they don’t seem to be interested in Jesus? Can’t they see what you are doing? Can’t they see Jesus in you? Well I really do understand your frustration. I mean, day in day out we study the Bible together and do these devotionals, and yet there are still people that don’t understand about Jesus. Maybe we should all just pack it up and go and do what ever we want to do. I mean, after all, if we have chosen to follow Jesus, we are going to Heaven anyway. But then we see this passage, where yet again Jesus is being misunderstood. Yet again, the Son of God is getting slapped down, when he is physically in front of people. What does he do? Ah yes, yet again, we are reminded that he goes on to die on the cross, for these very same people. It’s a message that we are reminded of frequently in Jesus life on Earth, but it is a definite example for us. So each day we too must do the same. Each day we must go back to the very people that missed the point yesterday and once more take an interest in their daft hobbies. Once more we must care for them when no one else does. Once more we must try and be Jesus to them.

This is a pretty well known story in the Bible and the message is clear. Don’t think you are better then any of your mates at school or college. You and I are in no position to judge anyone. It’s the same point Jesus makes when we are told to check out, our own eyes, for a massive lump of wood, before we point out, the small splinter in someone else’s. We do appreciate that Jesus forgives us too. When we stuff up, Jesus equally tells other people to bog off and check out their own actions before they judge us. We can dance around and remind people that they are no better and no worse than we are, and we would be right. But, check out Jesus last words to the adulterous women. “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.” Yep, we are not let off the hook either. Jesus would equally say to us, your selfish acts are forgiven but go away and try not to be selfish anymore.

This is a pretty well known story in the Bible and the message is clear. Don’t think you are better then any of your mates at school or college. You and I are in no position to judge anyone. It’s the same point Jesus makes when we are told to check out, our own eyes, for a massive lump of wood, before we point out, the small splinter in someone else’s. We do appreciate that Jesus forgives us too. When we stuff up, Jesus equally tells other people to bog off and check out their own actions before they judge us. We can dance around and remind people that they are no better and no worse than we are, and we would be right. But, check out Jesus last words to the adulterous women. “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.” Yep, we are not let off the hook either. Jesus would equally say to us, your selfish acts are forgiven but go away and try not to be selfish anymore.

Have you ever got into trouble for something that was taken the wrong way? Maybe you said something to a brother or sister and Mum and Dad snapped at you. But that’s not what you meant to come out, you didn’t mean for it to sound that way. Perhaps you were doing something at school or college and an adult ripped your head of because they didn’t understand your intentions. Misunderstood? Man, it is rubbish when people take what we do and say the wrong way. But we are in good company. If anyone was misunderstood from his birth to his crucifixion, it was Jesus. He was misunderstood by those who wanted him to come to Earth and misunderstood by those that hated him. Here is Jesus the Son of God going about his Earthly life teaching and preaching and the local coppers are accusing him of all sorts of stuff. So how does Jesus react? Well ultimately Jesus dies on the cross for those that loved him and for those that hated him. Now that’s pretty sacrificial. We might need a lot of strength from God to bite our lips when people misunderstand us and accuse us of all sorts of things, but maybe that’s the place to start. Our first instinct might be to lose our rag and shout back at them; but instead, pausing and taking a deep breath would be a good start. Counting to ten and then saying something like “I understand how you could think that my intention was that, but this is what I really meant.” It’s the counting to ten and pausing that will be hard, but hey if Jesus can die on the cross for those who hate him, perhaps we should give counting to ten a try.

Have you ever got into trouble for something that was taken the wrong way? Maybe you said something to a brother or sister and Mum and Dad snapped at you. But that’s not what you meant to come out, you didn’t mean for it to sound that way. Perhaps you were doing something at school or college and an adult ripped your head of because they didn’t understand your intentions. Misunderstood? Man, it is rubbish when people take what we do and say the wrong way. But we are in good company. If anyone was misunderstood from his birth to his crucifixion, it was Jesus. He was misunderstood by those who wanted him to come to Earth and misunderstood by those that hated him. Here is Jesus the Son of God going about his Earthly life teaching and preaching and the local coppers are accusing him of all sorts of stuff. So how does Jesus react? Well ultimately Jesus dies on the cross for those that loved him and for those that hated him. Now that’s pretty sacrificial. We might need a lot of strength from God to bite our lips when people misunderstand us and accuse us of all sorts of things, but maybe that’s the place to start. Our first instinct might be to lose our rag and shout back at them; but instead, pausing and taking a deep breath would be a good start. Counting to ten and then saying something like “I understand how you could think that my intention was that, but this is what I really meant.” It’s the counting to ten and pausing that will be hard, but hey if Jesus can die on the cross for those who hate him, perhaps we should give counting to ten a try.

Jesus provokes emotion. It might be a positive emotion, it might be a negative emotion, but he does provoke emotion. If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you must have experienced it. Some people seem to be full of happiness because they love Jesus and follow him. But I bet you have also experienced the opposite. Maybe there are people at school who ridicule your beliefs. Maybe there is some guy at college who just won’t stop harping on about God. It seems to me if someone keeps bringing God up, in whatever ever way, that is because they know that God is out there. They know that God is on their case, and they have to make a decision. No one talks constantly about things that they are not aware of, do they? A close friend of mine recently asked that “I talk to the main man for him.” He said that he had had a tough year, and that if God existed, then why was that the case? My response? I simply said that maybe, just maybe, God was trying to get his attention. Now the truth is, I don’t know if God was trying to get his attention, but for whatever reason God had got his attention, whether my friend realised it or not. Now once God has your attention, you can’t ignore him and that will provoke an emotion in someone. So what’s our job in all this? I’m not sure we have one, other than to show our emotion about Jesus, and be real with it.

Jesus provokes emotion. It might be a positive emotion, it might be a negative emotion, but he does provoke emotion. If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you must have experienced it. Some people seem to be full of happiness because they love Jesus and follow him. But I bet you have also experienced the opposite. Maybe there are people at school who ridicule your beliefs. Maybe there is some guy at college who just won’t stop harping on about God. It seems to me if someone keeps bringing God up, in whatever ever way, that is because they know that God is out there. They know that God is on their case, and they have to make a decision. No one talks constantly about things that they are not aware of, do they? A close friend of mine recently asked that “I talk to the main man for him.” He said that he had had a tough year, and that if God existed, then why was that the case? My response? I simply said that maybe, just maybe, God was trying to get his attention. Now the truth is, I don’t know if God was trying to get his attention, but for whatever reason God had got his attention, whether my friend realised it or not. Now once God has your attention, you can’t ignore him and that will provoke an emotion in someone. So what’s our job in all this? I’m not sure we have one, other than to show our emotion about Jesus, and be real with it.

Now is the time. Now is the time that I would like Jesus to come back to Earth. How about you? Wouldn’t you love Jesus to choose now to come back to Earth? Think about it, all you mates as school would have no choice but to believe in Jesus if he came back now. If Jesus came back now, it would be so easy for us to be Christians. Wouldn’t it? Yes, now is the time. Two thousand years on and you and I are just like the disciples, pushing the time for Jesus to show himself, so that our friends and family would have to believe in him. But the bad news is, just like two thousand years ago, Jesus knows better then us. Just like two thousand years ago, Jesus will choose when he reveals himself to your mates at college or school. The real issue for them is that even before Jesus does return, there is plenty of evidence for them to know he exists. Frustrating though it is for us, we have to admit that our creator God knows best and he will choose when he returns. Maybe now is not the time after all.

Now is the time. Now is the time that I would like Jesus to come back to Earth. How about you? Wouldn’t you love Jesus to choose now to come back to Earth? Think about it, all you mates as school would have no choice but to believe in Jesus if he came back now. If Jesus came back now, it would be so easy for us to be Christians. Wouldn’t it? Yes, now is the time. Two thousand years on and you and I are just like the disciples, pushing the time for Jesus to show himself, so that our friends and family would have to believe in him. But the bad news is, just like two thousand years ago, Jesus knows better then us. Just like two thousand years ago, Jesus will choose when he reveals himself to your mates at college or school. The real issue for them is that even before Jesus does return, there is plenty of evidence for them to know he exists. Frustrating though it is for us, we have to admit that our creator God knows best and he will choose when he returns. Maybe now is not the time after all.

The Son of God arrives on this planet and is ready to tell everyone that he is the one way to Heaven. What do the people around him do and say? “Hey, don’t we know this guy? Isn’t he Jo the carpenter’s boy?” They missed Jesus message because they could not see beyond their own preconceived ideas, beyond their own prejudice. How about you, do you miss opportunities that God has line up for you, because you can not see beyond your own preconceived ideas? Maybe you think that God wouldn’t ask you to do something because you are too young? Wrong! Maybe you think God wouldn’t ask you to do something for him in your school, because that would just be too embarrassing. Wrong! Maybe you think God wouldn’t ask you to speak because you don’t see yourself as a good speaker. Wrong! Whatever your preconceived ideas are of what God would ask you to do, you are probably just plain wrong. God asked a bloke with a speech impediment, to speak for his people, in Egypt. God asked a young virgin, who wasn’t married, to deliver his son into the world. God asked a killer of many Christians, to spread the word about Jesus and to start many churches. What we have to remember, is our God, is so big, that we really do not have a clue how his mind works. So next time the Holy Spirit prompts you, and you think that God is speaking to you, Pause. Take the time to look at what God is saying, because it may seem crazy to us, but then we are not God.

The Son of God arrives on this planet and is ready to tell everyone that he is the one way to Heaven. What do the people around him do and say? “Hey, don’t we know this guy? Isn’t he Jo the carpenter’s boy?” They missed Jesus message because they could not see beyond their own preconceived ideas, beyond their own prejudice. How about you, do you miss opportunities that God has line up for you, because you can not see beyond your own preconceived ideas? Maybe you think that God wouldn’t ask you to do something because you are too young? Wrong! Maybe you think God wouldn’t ask you to do something for him in your school, because that would just be too embarrassing. Wrong! Maybe you think God wouldn’t ask you to speak because you don’t see yourself as a good speaker. Wrong! Whatever your preconceived ideas are of what God would ask you to do, you are probably just plain wrong. God asked a bloke with a speech impediment, to speak for his people, in Egypt. God asked a young virgin, who wasn’t married, to deliver his son into the world. God asked a killer of many Christians, to spread the word about Jesus and to start many churches. What we have to remember, is our God, is so big, that we really do not have a clue how his mind works. So next time the Holy Spirit prompts you, and you think that God is speaking to you, Pause. Take the time to look at what God is saying, because it may seem crazy to us, but then we are not God.