News
This simple word probably stirs up some pretty strong opinions for people nowadays. I’m not going to get into what those opinions may be, but I think it’s fair to say they’re all over the place. One description of news though that I think everyone would agree they’d like to hear more of is good news. News that is encouraging, uplifting, and brings people together. I mean who doesn’t love to hear about the average Joe who puts their safety and wellbeing on the line to help someone in a dire situation? We love to hear stories of those who make incredible sacrifices, those who run into danger to save others, and those who give their time and finances to serve those in need. Yet, we, as Christians, have the best news anyone could have and we rarely share it.
I know, I know, it’s not easy to share the Good News we have. We’re afraid of what people will say or think about us. We’re afraid we’ll mess it up and get it wrong or any number of reasons we conjure up in our minds. Regardless of those cares or concerns, we’re called to share that news. If you were able to read Krystal’s post last week you were reminded of the importance of first being able to craft what you thought the Gospel was. Having this understanding is foundational in our belief because when we have a proper view of the Gospel, we understand that it’s not just about me and what I receive—it’s about faith in Christ, which transforms us, challenges us daily, spurs us on to live outside of our comfort zones, and leads us towards the opportunities to share that faith with the people God puts in our lives. Not for any awards or applause, but for the advancement of His Kingdom.
Sunday is Coming
There are two days over the course of the year when we typically see a boom in church attendance. Do you think you could name them?
If you guessed Christmas Eve and Easter, you’re right! Sorry, though, no prizes.
I’m honestly not sure why these days are so popular, other than the fact that people who go to church regularly feel more comfortable inviting people they know don’t go to church to come on those days. Maybe because it feels safer and more acceptable, I don’t know. What I do know though is that Easter Sunday is coming and it’s coming up quickly this year. It’s actually March 31. Before we jump ahead to Easter Sunday I want us to look at the lead-up. The reason I think this is important is because when we look at this idea of sharing the Good News, it’s not just about the sacrifice Jesus makes. It’s about the example He lives out.
Before you read further, grab your Bible and read Matthew 21:1-11.
Now that you’re back, here’s a quick overview. To this point, Jesus has been baptized by John, gone into the desert for 40 days where He was tempted by Satan (and didn’t sin), gathered the disciples, preached, performed miracles, and is now heading into the start of the week that He will be crucified. We often refer to this week as the Holy Week. It’s an opportunity for us to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us, but also to see how quickly the public perception changed. The start of this week is highlighted by His “triumphal entry” to Jerusalem, which you just read through. It has some important details we can miss if we read through it too quickly.
Deep Dive
Matthew states that Jesus told the disciples to go and find a donkey in the village ahead of them with a colt tied up beside it and they should bring them both back (Matthew 21:2). Closer examination of this passage shows us, in verse four, that what is taking place was done, “to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet …” (Zechariah 9:9). This is an interesting note in Matthew when comparing this story to the other Gospels. Matthew wanted to remind the reader of the Messianic prophesy that was being fulfilled. This is also significant because Jesus is putting His kingship on display. At this moment, riding into town on the colt and donkey, the crowd of people shout praise to Jesus which is echoed from Psalm 118:26. This is one of the few times that records Jesus’ majesty being recognized by large crowds. Although this sentiment would quickly turn in just a few days.
What I am drawn to even more are the two parts of Jesus that can easily be taken for granted—that He is both fully God and fully human. The significance of this is enormous when you think about the totality of this week. Not just how it’s starting, but how it’s going to end. Philippians 2 is a beautiful picture of the nature of Jesus. Paul tells us that we shouldn’t do things out of selfish ambition, but humbly put other’s interests above our own (Philippians 2:3-4). He then reminds us of the truth that Jesus, “who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7). It’s easy to see Jesus as this person who was simply so great that His struggles are not comparable to ours. While this analogy pails in comparison, it would be like the CEO of a major corporation deciding to go around and clean bathrooms for the day as a janitor. He gave up His power and His position on high and came down to earth to live a life just like every other person. Not only that, but He sets aside any earthly wants and desires to serve others. To give of Himself and to not follow all of the laws simply because people say He should but, rather, in full reverence and awe of His Father. Not only that, but He does it all, knowing the pain of the cross that lies before Him (Matthew 20:17-19).
This is our beautiful example. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
Our Turn
So, what exactly does all this mean to us? When we hear the Good News of the Gospel it leaves us with a simple question. What do I believe about Jesus? Not just the simplicity of believing in my head that He did the things the Bible said He did, but that I believe it enough to change my life. Romans 5:8 tells us, “... but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He didn’t wait for us to wrestle with the laws, stop sinning, and then die. He humbled Himself and gave it all up so that we could be back in a relationship with the Father.
If you’ve never made that decision, Scripture is clear on what we do. Romans 8:9-10 tells us, “... if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved.” This is our decision. The decision that changes our lives. One that moves 18 inches from our head to our heart. It’s in this choice that we recognize the awe of God and the sacrifice He made for us and we humbly choose to live our lives out for Him. Let’s choose humility every day, not being like the people who, in just a week, recognized Jesus as the Messiah shouting, “Hosanna!” in one moment and, “Crucify Him!” in the next.
Lastly, if you’ve never chosen to ask Jesus into your heart and you have questions about that, don’t hesitate to reach out. Stop by the prayer room during service. Call or email during the week. We’d love to help guide you in this if we can.
