Jesus’ Holy Week Journey – Day 3

Posted by Pastor Jeff on Mar 31st, 2010 | no comments

Restoration and Reconciliation Through Foot Washing

As we read John 13, Jesus is beginning to celebrate the Passover meal, what we now call the Last Supper. 

It’s in this powerful chapter that Jesus, in an act of humility and love, washes each of His disciple’s feet.  In verse 10, Jesus explains that he who has bathed does not need to wash, except his feet. What is going on here? Why does Jesus wash His disciples’ feet, and in verse 14 say that you ought to wash one another’s feet? 

For this reason, as we go on our journey, sometimes we do get off the path. Temptations, stresses, confusions, wrong choices.  Before long we have strayed from the path of righteousness and into the dirt, mud, soot and mire of sin. The action of foot washing is symbolic of our restoring one another in humility and kindness.  We don’t in harshness and condemnation shout, “What is wrong with you, you sinner!” Instead, recognizing our own need to have our feet washed, to gently have the stain of sin that comes from straying from the path, we lovingly restore one another to purity, righteousness, and holiness. 

Our call as we reflect on Jesus’ journey is two-fold: to consider the need for our own “foot washing” as we have stepped or even run off the path, and how might we offer the hand of reconciliation and restoration to our brothers and sisters?

Jesus’ Holy Week Journey Day 2

Posted by Pastor Jeff on Mar 30th, 2010 | no comments

BE OBEDIENT AND DISCOVER…

Luke 22:7 – 14 reads …Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare the Passover. When they asked where to do so, Jesus explains that they are to find a man carrying a jar of water and follow him.  After following him into the house, the disciples are to tell him that the Teacher needs to know where is the room that the disciples will eat the Passover.  Jesus added that this man would show them an upper room that they are to make ready.

I think if I were Peter or John I would have replied, “What? You want me to go to a total stranger, and just because he is carrying water, stalk him and track him to his house and ask to have Passover there?”  I would have been thinking, this doesn’t make sense.

Do you ever feel like what Jesus asks is just too illogical or unnatural?  What about turn the other cheek? Forgive 7 X 70, and if you’re counting if you have to start over, does that seem sensible?  Or…how about this one…love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you?

When the disciples were met this illogical, unnatural challenge, they found (in v:13) everything just as He had told them!!!  Sometimes our journey isn’t about being clever or sensible; it’s just about being obedient!  That’s my prayer for us this week as we reflect on Jesus’ journey. 

Lord teach us not to rely on our wisdom, but help us to be obedient and discover anew that we can experience everything just as You have said! Amen.

Jesus’ Holy Week Journey – Day 1 by Pastor Jeff

Posted by Pastor Jeff on Mar 29th, 2010 | no comments

Extravagant Worship – by Pastor Jeff

From Mark 14: It was 2 days before the Passover and as Jesus was at Bethany a woman named Mary came “with an alabaster flask of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over His head”.  John tells us she also anointed His feet.  For this some criticized and reproached her. Others questioned her use of the expensive ointment.  How did Jesus respond to this extravagant act of worship?

Mark 14:6 tells us He called her actions a beautiful thing! Verse 8 states that “she has done what she could!” 

This is my invitation to you this Holy Week.  In consideration of what this week means and in gratitude for where this Holy Week journey would take Jesus, worship Him extravagantly!  Sometimes with life’s pressures, overwhelming needs, and increasingly demanding times we wonder what can we do. 

Just as Mary did, worshipping Jesus is always something He takes note of and marks as something worth doing!  In humility, awe, and gratitude, despite what others might say or think about it, set a time, an extravagant amount of time this week to worship the One who demonstrated His extravagant love for us!

People Power

Posted by Pastor Scott on Mar 9th, 2010 | no comments

I know, I know, you don’t have to be in church to be a Christian. That may be, but you sure will have a hard time growing as a Christian without other Christians around you.

I don’t get mad or tired of hearing people argue this with me, I just get sad. Sad for them.

You see, the more time I spend in small groups of people who are seeking to grow their relationship in Christ, the more I grow and get refueled and energized.

Tuesday mornings, I spend an hour with five to six men who are all working on their understanding of God and how He fits into their everyday lives. It is the best time of my week. Why? Because we can share together, suffer together, learn together and laugh together. We always leave in a good place. That is what Christian fellowship is all about, whether that is happening in a men’s group, a Life group, a Sunday School Class or on Sunday mornings.

By definition, you can be alone and be a Christian. Personally, I just don’t recommend it. You miss so much in fellowship and accountability. You never know when someone may have a significant insight for your life. We are created to be together. It just works better.