Making Jesus Real

We took this summer to discuss many different philosophical as well as biblical arguments that point to God’s existence. Yet amongst all the arguments, I believe one of the greatest testimonies for the existence of a personal God is His love (1 John 4:8). Love is at the core of the Christian faith because God is Love. God loved us so much that He gave His own Son so that we would not have to experience judgment, impending death, and eternal separation from Him. The crucifixion brought glory to the Father because it revealed His wisdom, faithfulness, holiness, His love and commitment to His promises. The crucifixion brought glory to the Son because it revealed His compassion, His patience, His power and His love for His Father, and this whole world. This love is the greatest testimony to people from every nation, religious and secular background, to all who don’t know Him.

As Jesus spent His last week on this earth that He co-created, and before suffering an indescribably horrific death on the cross, what were some of His parting words to the disciples? He said:

Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35 NLT).

One of the last things my dad wrote at the very bottom of his will was: “When your mom and I are gone, we want you to stay close to each other, to continue to look out for each other, and take care of each other as a family.” How much more is Jesus saying this to His family? Love one another! Look out for one another. Care for each other. By this type of love everyone will know Whom we follow. It goes beyond natural, limited, human love - this is talking about being filled up in our hearts with God’s love for our brothers and sisters and the people around us.

What is the character of love? How does 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 define love?

Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening] (1 Cor 13:4-7).

J. C. Ryle, a 19th C Anglican preacher said:

There is nothing that the world understands and values more than true charity. The very men who cannot comprehend doctrine and know nothing of theology can appreciate charity. It arrests their attention and makes them think. For the world’s sake, if for no other cause, let us follow after charity more and more.

Ryle’s statement is beautiful and should inspire us but isn’t the love command one that we struggle the most with? Maybe this is because life is relationships but deep, healthy relationships are hard work. This brings us to the passage today.

Luke 10:25-37 (ESV)

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” 27 And he answered, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he encountered robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by coincidence a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan who was on a journey came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.’ 36 Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed compassion to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”