https://www.bible.com/events/49058940

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Stories of Your Life Part 2: The Thief on The Cross

Easter Sunday

Welcome you to our teaching series “Stories of your life”

As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved.

Real people with real faults, real questions, and who made some real mistakes but they also found real grace and mercy in Christ.

People like me and people like you…

This series is about learning from their lives so that we too can know the forgiveness and life of Christ, so we can see our stories changed for the glory of God.

Today, we will study the story of the three crosses, the story we see told along our highways

Jesus and two criminals, all sentenced to death by crucifixion

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭32‬-‭33‬‬

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

Crucifixion was common enough that the original readers of Luke’s gospel knew exactly what it meant when he says “they crucified him”. They knew the sounds, they knew the smells, they knew all too well the horror of this scene.

3 men sentenced to death.

The one in the middle-innocent of any crime, the sinless son God.

The other two, guilty, receiving the just penalty of their crimes.‭‭

Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭34‬-‭38

‬‬Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

Three men, suffering immensely having just been nailed to cross, and their executioners throwing dice, playing games to see who will get their bloody clothes as a prize.

The notice of his crime has been placed above Jesus’ head for all to see “The king of the Jews”

The passersby are mocking him- “you could help others, but you can’t help yourself”

And Jesus…What’s response to all of this? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”‭‭

Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭39‬-‭43‬‬

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

This second criminal, we don’t know his name, we don’t know his crime, but he had been convicted- he was found guilty and deserving of punishment.

But when he encountered Jesus he had a change of heart- he simply asked him “will you remember me when you come into your kingdom?”

Can it really be that simple?

Can one confession of faith and belief in Jesus overturn a life full of sin and brokenness?

The short answer of this story is- YES. Yes, it can.

Jesus looks at him and says “Truly I tell you, you can be sure, today you will be with me in paradise.”

That’s the power of the cross. That’s the power of the person of Jesus

The story of Easter cuts across our natural tendency to think we must earn our salvation by being good enough, by doing enough good things for other people, or by having our lives neat and tidy before we can come to Christ.

This guy couldn’t do any of that- he couldn’t attend church, no bible study, he couldn’t make amends with people he had wronged.

What saved him, is what saves you and me- faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe that Jesus calls us to live differently as part of his kingdom, He said if you love me, keep my commandments, and we believe that. But we also see in this story, that’s not what saves us.

The apostle Paul wrote: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

The story of Easter, of Christ Resurrection is the story of your life. It is the story that we draw our very breath in even now.

So that begs the question today-Where are you in the story?

Let’s consider the criminals, one on either side of Jesus in this story.

No doubt, they had a lot in common.

They were both found guilty of a crime, deserving of death.

They were both suffering in this moment.

They heard him cry out “Father forgive them”

They even both wanted to be saved in one way or another.

The truth is today, we too have a lot in common with these criminals.

Honestly, we too have earned what the criminals on the cross were receiving.

Oh sure, your record at the courthouse might be clear- but your heart isn’t-Jesus is the only innocent one in the story.

You and I- we harbor hatred in our hearts. We lust. We tell little white lies and big fat ones too, we focus on ourselves at the expense of others.

The truth is, you and I are sinners. And we all have brokenness, scars, and wounds to prove it.

The bible says that the wages of sin, is death. Sin always leads to death- It cannot lead anywhere else. Death in us, death in our relationships. And death always brings along its cousins of guilt, shame, despair, and hopelessness.

For everything they have in common, how were these two different?

The first, shows no remorse, feels no guilt. He might be willing to believe in Jesus if he did a miracle for him or relieved his suffering instantly. He only sees Jesus as a possible escape from the moment, from his punishment.”

If you are King- get me out of this mess now.”

Maybe that’s how you feel: Like your life is a mess- maybe you are angry. You’re mad at God and wondering why he’s not helping.

Maybe it’s not all your fault. Maybe there are a lot of things happening, feelings you’re having, things you’re dealing with that don’t make any sense.

But your posture is one of hostility towards God, bitterness, wondering what’s in this for me?

Let’s consider the other criminal-Remember, he is just as guilty right? He did the crime, now he’s got the time. But something is different here.He feared God. God was real to Him.

Rather than shaking his fist at God- he came to the end of himself. He admitted the wrong he had done- he owned up to his mistakes, his failures-yes, his sin.

He acknowledges the righteousness of Jesus- He believed that he was the Messiah- The savior.

Then, he looks to Jesus and asks for help- His belief in who Jesus had caused him to ask the most profound question of his life…Will you remember me? And Jesus welcomed him home.

How are you responding to the challenges, the heart aches, the mess in your life?

How do you respond to the sin of your past? The sin of your present?

Do you respond like the first man- shaking your fist?

Or like the second man, asking for Jesus to remember you?

Here is the powerful truth for us today friends: Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross.The Love, the grace, the forgiveness, the hope that you so desperately long for is found in the man on the middle cross- The person of Jesus.What will your response be?

Will you be the one lashing out against God?“I thought you were good, I thought you loved me”. Get me out of this mess now if you are GodOr will you be found at the end of yourself- asking God to remember you.In repentance. In humility.God, I’ve made mistakes, to many to count.

I can’t figure all this out, I don’t know where to go or what to do, but I know I need you.

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If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Stories of Your Life – Zacchaeus

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.He did it then.

He still does it today.

Powerful stories don’t just inspire you, or captivate you. Inspiring stories invite you into the story.

Throughout our new series, “The Stories of Your Life”, we are looking at the pages of Holy Week. But instead of simply reading the story, we are entering into the greatest story in human history. This is your story, This is my story.

Each week we will look at a glimpse through the eyes of one character along the journey.

What can we learn?

What can we apply to our lives right now?

How is this story from thousands of years ago still alive today?

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭10

‬‬Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

-The first two things we know about Zacchaeus: he was a tax collector and he was wealthy (verse 2).

-As a tax collector, he worked for Rome. He was hated by his own people.

-The fact that he was wealthy meant he took a cut of tax skimmings from people, many of whom couldn’t afford food.

-This man was not just an outsider. He was the worst of the worst.

-But there’s one more thing we learn about Zacchaeus: he wanted to see Jesus (verse 3).-Despite how unworthy this man was, he wanted to see Jesus.

The story of Zacchaeus may be most important because it culminates in Jesus declaring His mission statement: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

So why here? Why now?

Why begin our journey to Easter Sunday, our journey to the empty tomb, with this story?

So where do you find yourself in this story?

OPTION 1: Maybe you’re part of the crowd, but you don’t take action.

-You watch from a safe distance, but you don’t pursue Jesus. You haven’t pursued him.-You’re held back by religion. You’re skeptical. You’re afraid to trust and truly believe.

OPTION 2: Maybe you’re one of the ‘mutterers’.-In response to Jesus acting this way towards an outsider? You mutter. You grumble.

-You might be very religious (many in the crowd were, no doubt). You might be faithful. You might be involved in the church. But you can’t believe Jesus would welcome someone so unworthy.

OPTION 3: Maybe you’re not a part of the crowd at all.-You’ve never felt like you’re truly a part. You feel like an outsider.

-You believe the lie: no one could truly love me. In fact, you’re thinking right now: “If you really knew me, you would never accept me.”

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.

He did it then.

He still does it today.

Jesus uses Zacchaeus as an example of His saving work – for all to see.

On His way to the cross, Jesus stops to shine a spotlight right here.

He came to seek and save the lost.

Verses for further study/reflection:

Luke 15:1-2

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If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@abeaconofhope_pbz6m2

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

Four week series titled The Stories of Your Life with key stories of the people surrounding Christ’s passion.

We’re calling the series “The Stories of Your Life” because we believe they are Passion-week stories that impact you today.

The purpose of this series is to challenge us to learn from these stories and apply this knowledge to our lives.

Their mistakes, strengths and perspectives can teach us much in 2023. IF we are teachable!

Today we’re going to focus on a story that may be a little unusual…It’s the story of a little man who climbed a tree and became world famous because he did.

Today is Palm Sunday. It is the Sunday before Easter and it begins the Holy Week, the Passion of Christ. Christ came to seek and save the lost, including the worst of sinners. Palm Sunday is that very important day in history, when Jesus began His journey towards the cross.

Jesus was on mission, fully knowing what was ahead of Him.

Luke 19:28-38

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,

30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.

31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them.

33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Palm Sunday is the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey.

The crowds who were in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover met Him with palm branches shouting: “Hosanna! (Save Now!) Palm branches were considered symbols of victory and triumph at the time. Days later, the same people of Jerusalem would turn on Jesus and demand of the Romans, ‘Crucify Him!’

We are busy people with stuff going on almost every day of the week.

· Many of you are on the heels of spring break

· Some are returning from the Men’s Retreat

· You may have thoughts about Easter: ‘Who is coming for dinner?’ ‘What am I going to cook for dinner?’ ‘I have to hide the eggs before the children arrive’, and in all of the upcoming thoughts about Easter, the real meaning of it may, even unintentionally, get missed.

From day one, Jesus was on mission.

Jesus the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Jesus is still on mission. Jesus came to seek and to save you and me!

It is important to stop and look more closely at Jesus and the buildup of miracles prior to His entry into Jerusalem.

Jesus and his disciples travel through Jericho which is about a day’s journey from Jerusalem. Two blind men cry out to Jesus, Lord, let our eyes be opened.

Jesus is moved with compassion and He touches their eyes, and the two blind beggars receive their sight. The blind men begin to praise Jesus and also the crowd of people.

There are tremendous crowds around Jesus as He passes through Jericho. Everyone wants to see the one who has healed the blind men.

Now we begin with the story of the man I’ve already referenced: Zacchaeus. The story of Zacchaeus is not so much about “Who” Zacchaeus was but “Who” Jesus is. Jesus is the God of the universe who came down from heaven in human form to connect with us.

Luke 19:1-10

19 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.

Zacchaeus was a Jew. He was a traitor to his nation.

He collected money for Rome, and no one liked him.

Think of the politician you despise the most – that’s how people felt about this man.

Zacchaeus was a crook.

Verse 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

It is likely that people were jeering at Zacchaeus as he was climbing that tree. They surely didn’t want this type of man, a sinner, interrupting their chance to see Jesus.

Zacchaeus was short in stature but he didn’t let his limitations stop him.

Zacchaeus was far from Jesus but he didn’t want to be. He was curious.

He had heard many things about Jesus, that He was the Christ, the Messiah, and the Son of the living God.

For all that was wrong with Zacchaeus – there was something very right about him: He wanted to see Jesus.

Sometimes we need to do our own thing, to break the status quo to meet God.

The crowds were ‘pressing in’. Zacchaeus went vertical.

He climbed a sycamore tree because he was unable to see over the people.

In 2023, breaking the status quo may look like:

1. Saying “No” to something that your friends are doing that isn’t nice.

2. Getting up early to pray when the norm is to sleep in.

3. Tithe to your church when the norm would be to spend it on yourself.

Will you step up or be content with the crowd?

Zacchaeus did what it took to see the Savior.

My question for you today is “What excuses do you make for not seeking Jesus?”

I believe we all feel a tug on our heart to come to God more, but it’s too often suppressed by our excuses:

1. The Bible is overwhelming. I don’t understand it when I read it.

2. My life is too busy to sit down and read the Bible.

3. I rather be doing something that I enjoy.

4. I can’t concentrate on the Bible. I have a thousand things that I am thinking about so I am easily distracted.

Maybe today will be a good day to shine light on your excuses.

What excuses are hindering you from seeing Jesus?

We would never be hearing about the story of Zacchaeus if he chose to wallow in his inability to see Jesus. If you want to know Jesus more do something about it!

I want to be in the tree. And not in the crowd.

Verse 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

It may not feel like it because we’ve heard the story so many times…

BUT, THIS IS scandalous!

It was very unpopular to be associated to tax collectors.

Jesus didn’t seem to mind that He was getting a reputation for hanging out with sinners.

Jesus shocks the crowd by willingly calling Zacchaeus out, to be a guest in his home at the expense of offending the crowd. Likewise, Jesus expects us to welcome the unwanted and unacceptable.

Will you accept the unlovable into your life like Jesus?

Verse 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

When the people see what is happening, that Jesus is going to be the guest of a man who they view as a sinner, they become furious. They don’t marvel at such grace; they just mutter.

What’s your response when someone deserving of punishment receives mercy instead?

Zacchaeus had become rich by dishonestly extorting their money when collecting taxes. Certainly he didn’t deserve mercy.

Are you complaining about things? The Bible says that the crowd despised Jesus’ acceptance of Zacchaeus. They were so tied up in their own emotion of disgust that they missed the miracle of Jesus transforming the heart of a sinner.

Verse 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

After Jesus reached out to Zacchaeus, he got down quickly from the tree. He had a response full of joy and great excitement.

Zacchaeus changed his ways and went above and beyond to make things right. That’s the definition of repentance.

With Jesus, Zacchaeus overcame his past.

He became a new person!

Verse 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. (And now Jesus gives us the moral of the Zacchaeus story)

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Jesus does what is “Impossible with man” but “possible with God”.

Zacchaeus was a changed man.

Forgiveness and grace made him immediately generous.

Jesus seeks and saves lost people because they are valuable to Him.

Jesus has no requirements for us before He comes to visit.

If He visited Zacchaeus, He will visit you!

Jon Kelly is living proof that the transformative work of Jesus Christ in the life of an individual can result in a transformed heart and a remarkable life change.

We don’t have to make everything right with all our dealings before letting Him in. He already knows you by name and He desires to be in relationship with you.

Two points from today’s message:

Point One: Jesus loves all people! Including sinners and outcasts.

Ephesians 5:1 says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.”

Likewise, we are to imitate God.

He expects us to welcome the unwanted and unacceptable.

· A mother who is lost in romance novels and is full of lust

· Drug addicts, alcoholics

· The business man who is full of pride and greed and is far from Jesus

· You fill in the name of the person or people who are ‘unwanted’ in your life

Some people might seem like they are beyond hope, but then, Jesus seeks them, and the Gospel changes them.

Lost people are valuable to Jesus.

Therefore, they must be valuable to you and me.

We should remember this is what happened with us before we were believers.

We were lost, Jesus sought us, He found us, and He changed our lives.

Romans 5:6 says, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

Point Two: Luke 19:10, “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”

The Son of Man came to seek and to save you.

When you are far from Jesus, He closes the distance.

Jesus was willing to go to the cross to redeem you back from sin and death.

Likewise, we are to imitate God.

Matthew 28:19-20, is for the church, you and me. We must individually reach out to those who are lost and help them find their way home.

As believers we must be willing to welcome the outcasts, the lost, and all people BECAUSE relationships matter.

1. Ask Jesus to give you opportunities to share the Good News in conversations, even if it terrifies you.

2. Be willing to talk about Jesus, even if we think people won’t listen and may even ridicule us.

Today you have an opportunity to respond. We are going to celebrate Palm Sunday by celebrating Communion together. Some call it the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

You do not have to be a member of the Church of the Nazarene to take communion. What we ask is that you have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Maybe you are thinking “I am like Zacchaeus. I have done awful things in my lifetime.

But, today, I am MORE than curious. I want to come to Jesus.

I want to experience the JOY of the LORD living inside my heart.”

If that is you, then this day and this Holy Communion is exactly for you.

Today, you can ask Jesus to forgive you for the things you have done wrong against Him and against others AND ask Him to come live in your heart.

If that is you, heaven is rejoicing!

Reading from Luke 22: 14-20,

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

The Lord himself ordained this holy sacrament. He commanded His disciples to partake of the bread and wine, emblems of His broken body and shed blood. This is His table.

The feast is for His disciples. Let all those who have with true repentance turned from their sins, and have believed in Christ unto salvation, draw near and take these emblems, and, by faith, partake of the life of Jesus Christ, to your soul’s comfort and joy.

Let us remember that it is the memorial of the death and passion of our Lord; also a token of His coming again. Let us not forget that we are one, at one table with the Lord.

You are invited to come forward and partake in the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

Church Family: (Raise up the bread) The bread, representing the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was broken for you, may it preserve you blameless, unto everlasting life. Take and eat this, in remembrance that Christ died for you.

(Raise up the cup) The cup, representing the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, may it preserve you blameless unto everlasting life. Drink this, in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.

May it be, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Tough Sayings of Jesus – Part 4″Take Up Your Cross”

Today, on our way to passion week, we conclude our 4

-part teaching series called “The Tough Sayings of Jesus.”

Throughout this series we want to navigate our way through some of Jesus’ most challenging declarations- yes, the uncomfortable ones too. Jesus wasn’t trying to create likes and follows on his social media account when he said controversial or uncomfortable things. He was communicating truth, guidance and direction for his followers.

Our goal is not to somehow transform these texts into something easier to swallow. They were challenging 2000 years ago when Jesus said them, and they will always be that way, long after this series.

Today we focus on “Take Up Your Cross”.‭‭

Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭22‬-‭26

‬‬And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Jesus’ expectation is clear:

1. Deny themselves

-The Greek word for “deny” in verse 23 – arneomai –Is the same word used when Peter denies Jesus. To deny yourself is, simply, to turn on, betray your self. That’s the implication here.

-The Bible sometimes calls the self our flesh.

-This ideal of denying self (betraying self) is an intentional decision to not move away from self as the primary motivation.

2. Take up their cross

-To “take up one’s cross” referred to the practice of forcing a condemned person to carry the cross beam to his execution site. This showed that the condemned person was now completely conquered. Their last act in this world is carrying the instrument that would lead to their death.

-Jesus is painting a picture here of suffering. Of a journey that will lead to pain.

Discipleship = self-denial + cross-bearing

I realize “taking up our cross” may sound strange or vague at first, but for me it’s meant breaking old habits to create space in my heart for new growth. It’s meant moving beyond a plastic Christian checklist … Go to church. Read the Bible. Don’t cuss. Be nice. Pray. Give to the poor … and letting God mess with any and every area of my life.

Lysa TerKeurst

Ultimately Jesus is painting a picture here of complete and total surrender.

The tension in this text is that there are many who consider themselves a disciple of Jesus, but who are not completely and totally surrendered.‭‭

Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭26

‬‬But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

If your life isn’t cross-centered, it’s off-centered”.

Ann Voskamp

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20

‬‬I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Verses for further study/reflection:

Mark 8:34

Matthew 10:38

Galatians 5:24

Luke 14:26

Philippians 2:3-8

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@abeaconofhope_pbz6m2

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

http://bible.com/events/49053042

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Tough Sayings of Jesus – Part 4″Take Up Your Cross”

Today, on our way to passion week, we conclude our 4-part teaching series called “The Tough Sayings of Jesus.”

Throughout this series we want to navigate our way through some of Jesus’ most challenging declarations- yes, the uncomfortable ones too. Jesus wasn’t trying to create likes and follows on his social media account when he said controversial or uncomfortable things. He was communicating truth, guidance and direction for his followers.

Our goal is not to somehow transform these texts into something easier to swallow. They were challenging 2000 years ago when Jesus said them, and they will always be that way, long after this series.Today we focus on “Take Up Your Cross”.‭‭

Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭22‬-‭26‬‬

And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Jesus’ expectation is clear:

1. Deny themselves-The Greek word for “deny” in verse 23 – arneomai –Is the same word used when Peter denies Jesus. To deny yourself is, simply, to turn on, betray your self. That’s the implication here.

-The Bible sometimes calls the self our flesh.

-This ideal of denying self (betraying self) is an intentional decision to not move away from self as the primary motivation.

2. Take up their cross

-To “take up one’s cross” referred to the practice of forcing a condemned person to carry the cross beam to his execution site. This showed that the condemned person was now completely conquered. Their last act in this world is carrying the instrument that would lead to their death.

-Jesus is painting a picture here of suffering. Of a journey that will lead to pain.

Discipleship = self-denial + cross-bearing

I realize “taking up our cross” may sound strange or vague at first, but for me it’s meant breaking old habits to create space in my heart for new growth. It’s meant moving beyond a plastic Christian checklist … Go to church. Read the Bible. Don’t cuss. Be nice. Pray. Give to the poor … and letting God mess with any and every area of my life.

Lysa TerKeurst

Ultimately Jesus is painting a picture here of complete and total surrender.

The tension in this text is that there are many who consider themselves a disciple of Jesus, but who are not completely and totally surrendered.‭‭

Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭26‬‬

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

“If your life isn’t cross-centered, it’s off-centered”.

Ann Voskamp‭‭

Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬‬

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Verses for further study/reflection:

Mark 8:34

Matthew 10:38

Galatians 5:24

Luke 14:26

Philippians 2:3-8

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