John 13: Serving and Judas

The Sovereign Servant

As a preacher, there are times when we have to deliver “farewell messages” to congregations we work with and it is not an easy thing to do. And, while a preacher may not have succeeded, the purpose is to always prepare them for the future. That is the issue with our Lord in Jn. 13-17 as he addresses his disciples.

Now, Jesus had entered Jerusalem on Sunday, and on Monday had cleansed the temple. Tuesday was a day of conflict as the religious leaders sought to trip Him up and get evidence to arrest Him. These events are recorded in Matthew 21-25. Wednesday was probably a day of rest, but on Thursday He met in the Upper Room with His disciples in order to observe Passover. But, the emphasis in John 13:1-5 is on what our Lord knew and what he did. Jesus knew that “His hour was come.” What hour? It was the time when He would be glorified through His death, resurrection, and ascension. From the human point of view, it meant suffering; but from the divine point of view, it meant glory.

In vs. 2, the word translated “put” literally means “to throw.” It reminds us of the fiery darts of the wicked one (Eph. 6:16). And so, Judas had succumbed to the wicked one’s attacks on the heart. But, Jesus knew that the Father had given Him all things (vs. 3). And, what Jesus knew helped determine what Jesus did (vs. 4-5). So, the disciples must have been shocked when they saw their Master rise from supper, lay aside His outer garments, wrap a towel around His waist, take a basin of water, and wash their feet. This was a special mark of affection. But, it was much more than that for as the disciples began to dispute who was to be the greatest (Lk. 22:24-30), he gave them an unforgettable lesson in humility, and by His actions rebuked their selfishness and pride.

But, as Peter watched the Lord wash his friends’ feet, he became more and more disturbed and could not understand what He was doing (vs. 6-17). We can admit that Peter was often impulsive out of ignorance and often had to be corrected by Jesus. Jesus here was trying to teach his disciples the importance of a holy walk and was washing, which meant “bathing all over” here showing how necessary it was to be cleansed, similar to the priest in the Old Testament (Ex. 29:4; 30:18-21). Of course, the Lord cleanses us through his blood (Rom. 6:3-4) and it is through his words that our hearts and minds can be kept clean so as to avoid the pollutions of the world. And, if a Christian does sin, we have a loving Advocate, which forgives (1 Jn. 2:1-2). But, Peter did not understand what his Lord was doing and when he discovered that to refuse the Lord would mean to lose the Lord’s fellowship, he went in the opposite direction of Judas (vs. 11) and asked for a complete bath! But, our Lord was teaching that real joy comes from serving, the mark of true Christianity (Jam. 1:25).

But in vs. 18-35, a dark shadow now fell across the scene as Jesus dealt with Judas, the traitor. It is important to note that Judas had become a hypocrite. It was told of him that he would not believe in Jesus (Jn. 6:64-71) and had not been completely clean (vs. 10-11) and was there to fulfill the Scriptures (vs. 10-11; Psa. 41:9). Still, Judas was responsible for his own decisions, and those decisions fulfilled God’s Word. Judas had been disloyal.

Now, the remarkable thing is that the others at the table with Jesus did not know that Judas was an unbeliever and a traitor. Up to the very hour of his treachery, Judas was protected by the Saviour whom he betrayed. Had Jesus openly revealed what He knew about Judas, it is likely that the men would have turned on him. Remember what Peter did to Malchus when soldiers came to take Jesus! Jesus knew what Judas would do, but He did not compel him to do it. Judas was exposed to the same spiritual privileges as the other disciples. Jesus had spoken before about a traitor (Jn. 6:70), but the disciples did not take it to heart. Now when He spoke openly about it at the table, His disciples were perplexed.

Peter signaled to John, who was the closest to Jesus at the table, and asked him to find out who the traitor was (vs. 22-24). But, the Lord’s reply to John was certainly not heard by all the men (Lk. 22:23). Now, when Jesus gave the bread to Judas, it was interpreted as an act of love and honor. But for John, no doubt he was stunned by this revelation, but before he could say or do anything, Jesus had sent Judas on his way (vs. 27). Keep in mind that Judas knew what he was doing and that he did it deliberately. He had already met with the Jewish religious leaders and agreed to lead them to Jesus without any public disturbance (Lk. 21:37-22:6). He heard Jesus say, “Woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born!” (Matt. 26:24). Yet, he persisted in his unbelief and treachery. In vs. 30, John mentions it was night. It is interesting here because Jesus is the Light of the world (Jn. 8:12), but Judas rejected Jesus and went out into darkness and those who do evil hate the light (Jn. 3:18-21). The Lord’s warnings go unheeded by Judas.

The instant Judas was gone, the atmosphere was cleared, and Jesus began to instruct His disciples and prepare them for His crucifixion and His ultimate return to heaven. In vs. 31-35 he speaks of the glory of God and how he would be glorified through the Son of Man. The Father was glorified when the Lord finished the work that he was given to do (Jn. 17:4). This is the way all of us glorify God, by faithfully doing what He calls us to do. In our Lord’s case, the Father’s will was that the Son die for lost sinners, be raised from the dead, and then ascend to heaven.

Now, one day the believing disciples would go to be with Him (Jn. 14:1-3), and they would also see Him after His resurrection. But during this time of His suffering and death, it was important that they not try to follow Him. Instead, the disciples’ responsibility was to love one another just as Christ had loved them. They would certainly need this love in the hours to follow, when their Master would be taken from them and their brave spokesman, Peter, would fail Him and them. In fact, all of them would fail, and the only thing that would bring them together would be their love for Christ and for each other. This bond is mentioned 44 times between Jn. 13-21. And this new command meant that this was a new experience in that this love would take on a new meaning and power because of the death of Christ on the cross (Jn. 15:13) and because of the power in the Gospel (Acts 2; Rom. 1). This section begins and ends with love: Jesus’ love for His own (vs. 1) and the disciples’ love for one another (vs. 35). It is love that is the true evidence that we belong to Jesus Christ. And how do we evidence that love? By doing what Jesus did: laying down our lives for the brethren (1 Jn. 3:16). And the way to start is by getting down and washing one another’s feet in sacrificial service.

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Partiality and Profiling

Partiality, favoring one thing over another, is seen in many aspects of life. Common expressions lend themselves to this: the teacher’s pet, the star player, and the best friend. We choose filet mignon over liver, mountains over plains, and trucks over VW bugs. Certainly, in life we have to make judgments. Assuming these choices are acceptable, are there times when partiality is not acceptable? Taking this question further, could profiling be considered a form of partiality? One object is given closer scrutiny than another under profiling. To be clear, I have no problem profiling terrorists or criminals. The facts are that percentages support profiling. As recent as November 2010, a terrorist was caught in Oregon. Was he Christian? No. Was he an old grandmother? No. Was he Muslim? Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding! The question I want to examine further is: Are partiality and/or profiling acceptable in the eyes of God?

From the Book of James, the following passage is found:
James 2:1-4 – My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing; and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool; Do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

The respect of persons or partiality is discussed in this passage. The context lends itself to the sharing and reception of the Word of God and Kingdom. Men and women of all financial means, colors, sizes, backgrounds, and sinfulness come to God. None is more welcome than the next, but all are equally welcome to enjoy the fruit of being a child of God. This verse does not comment on whether or not one can be partial or profile an individual in regard to secular means, but it certainly does state that one cannot profile or be partial in regard to who God invites into His Kingdom.

The apostle Paul had an encounter with false teachings when he was in Antioch (Acts 14:26-Acts 15), it was believed that these teachings had come from the Church in Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas went there to make certain falsehoods were not being taught. Here he profiles based on knowledge that he has been given. The folks in Jerusalem not only included the Lord’s brother, but apostles. Paul was not partial in seeking out to correct any man spiritually. He would approach them regardless of rank. However, he tests the situation first. He sets up a profiling if you would. He talks to folks who are suspects and gathers data for a conclusion. Ultimately, he learns the concerns regarding the Church, its leaders, and the apostles to be false.

Paul demonstrates his ability not to be partial again in (Galatians 2:11-21). In this instance, he rebukes the Apostle Peter for acting contrary to the word of God. Peter himself was showing partiality in regard to Jews, eating with them instead of the Gentiles. Peter’s actions were based on fear, because the Jews had issues with the Gentiles being partakers of God’s Kingdom and he did not want to incur their displeasure. You will note again the context is that of spirituality, that is adherence to the Word of God. In this Paul is not partial. Paul did profile Peter though based on knowledge . He knew Peter was in violation of the Word of God. He was an eye witness to all information needed. Thus, he gave his judgment.

Consider now the words of John regarding false teachers:
1 John 4:1 – Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

John, an apostle, a man inspired by the Holy Spirit to give God’s words, says test men to see if they are from God. Profile them! Set up a test and if they don’t meet that test then they need to be examined closer. Is John saying be partial and only profile certain people? No, he says apply your test to everyone.

So think about this. Of the terror crimes committed against the United States in recent history, 100% have been Muslim. Thus, does it not make sense to “test the spirits”, that is all people, to see who is Muslim? Then based on that data further examine them as security risks? If your house was robbed by a 7 foot tall white man, are you going to not profile based on that data? You don’t go looking for a 5’0” Asian female. You look at all people and then when you see a 7 foot tall white man you examine further. You are not being partial, you are being wise.

Let’s look further at the words of Christ in regard to profiling:
Matthew 7:18-21 – A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Christ is not partial in regard to trees. He made them all. However, he does establish a method of profiling. He says to look for ones producing good fruit. I used to pick apples and pears in a fruit orchard. There are some trees that produce great fruit! It is large, sweet, not scabby, no worms. There are also some fruit trees that turn out wormy, small fruit, fungus, etc. You don’t sell fruit like that. Well, Christ does not accept bad fruit either. He says you will be able to profile them based on knowledge. This verse is figurative. It applies to knowing men by the deeds. Christ is very clear that he expects us to profile and do so on knowledge.

Before closing, leaving the assertions that partiality is not acceptable and profiling with knowledge is, let’s examine one more verse:
John 13:23 – There was at the table reclining in Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Gasp! Jesus was partial??? Yes, he was. Note, that in all other examples, the partiality in discussion had to do with not favoring one person over another to the extent false conclusions or treatment in regard to the Word of God was concerned. Christ here was simply expressing a delight in one person over another for reasons which did not conflict with the Gospel. Partiality can be exercised with those whom you might choose to fellowship more closely. An individual can be partial in regard to what they might eat. Partiality can be expressed in regard to where an individual might vacation.

In answer to the question are partiality and/or profiling acceptable in the eyes of God? You cannot be partial in regard to the Word of God and who its invitation and judgments extent toward. However, partiality as it exists under the realm of personal preferences is acceptable. Profiling with knowledge is also acceptable under the authority of God and is in fact encouraged. The inclusion of knowledge is important, because without having knowledge, that is by assuming and going forward with rebuke, chastisement, or punishment, the individual may do a grave harm to the individual upon whom they have focused their words or action. This is true when discussing matters secular or theological or when punishing a presumed terrorist just because they were Muslim.

Matthew 10:16 – Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

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A Tolerant God

I Serve a Tolerant God

When Phil Robertson spoke out in an interview with GQ magazine about his views and what the Bible clearly says concerning homosexuality the LGBT community reared their intolerant, hypocritical, vitriolic ugly heads to complain about the intolerant personal views of a Christian and reality show television personality. The fallout led A&E (Arts &Entertainment Network) to suspend the Duck Dynasty patriarch from future production (I’m sure he’s crushed, being the fragile, delicate soul that he is).

So let me get this straight… The LGBT community can run around flaunting their lifestyle, behavior, opinion, and agenda and we must be tolerant. Which means we have to sit back and let them have their way without being allowed to share or advance our lifestyle, behavior, opinion or agenda. Do they honestly not see the hypocrisy and double standard of their intolerance?

Personally I am 1) a Christian, 2) an American, 3) a fiscal conservative, and 4) a social libertarian. How people want to live their lives is a God given matter of free moral agency. It always has been. My duty as a Christian is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). I must worry about my self, my life, and my own responsibilities (1 Timothy 4:16); I cannot control what anyone else says or does. But I do have a God given obligation to be a light to those around me (Matthew 5:14–16) and to preach and teach the Word of God to a lost and dying world (Matthew 28:18–20; 2 Timothy 4:2).

Now before I go any further let me stop you right there. Don’t give me that whole, “You can’t judge me” nonsense. Those who try to use Matthew 7:1 to silence any criticism simply show their ignorance of what the Bible really says concerning our making judgments. In fact, we are required to make righteous judgments (John7:24); we are to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15), and we are to “mark” and “avoid” the divisive and the false teacher (Romans 16:17). No the “You can’t judge me” crowd doesn’t know the Bible any more than those who claim that there are “true Christians” who support and practice homosexuality.

What I will not do, what I cannot do (as Phil Robertson said), is condemn you! It is God’s job to condemn, not mine. Your salvation or condemnation is between you and Him! My job is to love you (Matthew 5:44) and to tell you the truth (Galatians 4:16). So here it is…I serve a tolerant God.

God tolerated the wickedness of man for years before mankind became so corrupt that He destroyed the earth with a flood (Genesis 6; 1 Peter 3:20). God tolerated the sin that defiled the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). Paul posed the question in Romans 9:22–24, “What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?” And God is longsuffering with us “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

But God’s tolerance is not without righteous judgment and consequence. The wicked before the Flood were destroyed, but the righteous were saved (1 Peter 3:20). The wicked of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed while He promised to saved the cities is only ten righteous could be found. Nonetheless he saved the righteous (2 Peter 2:7). He cut off the sick branches of Israel, but he grafted in the healthy branches of the Gentiles (Romans 11).

One day Jesus is going to return and the final Judgment will commence! All men will be judged and go into eternity. The dead will be raised and “those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:29). Those are the words of Jesus and His words are what will judge us in that day (John12:48).

Yes, I serve a tolerant God. He calls all men to come but gives every one of us the choice to believe and obey or deny and rebel. He is a tolerant God but He is also a God of goodness and severity (Romans 11:22). He sent His Son to die for you (John 3:16) and die He did so that you and I might have the freedom to serve God and not sin. God loves you and wants you to be saved. Me too! That is why I will continue to serve a tolerant God and be just as tolerant as He is. But those who refuse to live in accordance with His Word will not silence me!

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Can You Locate Your Heart?

Everybody knows that their heart is on the left side of the body, for when the National Anthem is heard, our hand is placed over the heart as a sign of devotion to this land. It is likely that few have heard of dextrocardia situs inversus, but about one person in 10,000 suffers from this medical situation where the heart is located in the right side of the body. It is not often fatal to have the heart located in the wrong place, but there is another fatal condition called spiritualitus cardia situs inversus. Having the spiritual heart in the wrong place is always fatal.

The Bible uses the word “heart” 837 times and almost never uses it to refer to the muscle which pumps our blood. It uses the word to refer to our inner being, our souls and our emotions. Who has not heard of the greatest commandment, to love the Lord with all our heart?  Our love is tied to our hearts.

Jesus indicated this when He said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). The context in which He said this is preceded by two commands:
(1)  Do NOT lay up treasures for yourself on earth.
(2)  Do lay up treasures for yourself in heaven.

Notice how vividly the Lord described the two options where our treasures, and therefore, our hearts, will be focused. Far too many are so focused on physical matters that their hearts are not heaven centered. There is no middle ground, for the verses that follow show that it is impossible for one to serve God and riches (mammon).

Now all of this is tied to the heart. Those in the world, and sadly many Christians, have their hearts located in the wrong place. There is no way anyone can live focused on the physical pleasures which money enables and stay focused on spiritual matters. Why? Because “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

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Spiritual Harddrive

Recently I learned a very important lesson about internet and computer security. I had not backed up all of my important files, except for some sermons which I backed up about May of last year. None of the church bulletins or other church related documents had been backed up since I have been working with the Oak Grove congregation. Also, the antivirus software on the church office computer was not up-to-date nor had a virus sweep been run recently. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way the computer was infected with a “worm” virus that destroyed the contents of the hard drive. I lost virtually everything I had done on that computer in the last year. It’s GONE! Some of it might be recovered, but the computer tech told me not to get my hopes up. Today I purchased an external hard dive so that I can store and protect my important “data treasures” and prevent another catastrophic loss. If only I had done so the previous week, I would not have had my valuable documents destroyed! But once the worm eats your data – it’s too late, there’s little chance of recovery!

This reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal…”

Like me with my “date treasures,” many trust their infinitely more important spiritual treasures to their “internal physical hard drive” (i.e. “laying up treasures upon the earth”) instead of in the “external spiritual hard drive” (i.e. “laying up treasures in heaven”). If our spiritual treasures are stored only on the earth, what will happen to them when our system crashes (and crash it will) – and we die? Our spiritual treasures will be GONE FOREVER! There is no “technician” that can restore or recover our spiritual treasures once the system crashes – it’s too late to retrieve what will be lost! We need to place our valuable spiritual treasures somewhere that nothing can harm them! We need to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where our God will keep them safe and protected and hold them preserved for us until the time when our “physical system” crashes and our “internal hard drive” is gone forever.

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