Series How Jesus Grew the Kingdom of God
Title: The People Factor
Text: John 20:17-18; 21:15-20
Introduce the Series: In the next six weeks we are going to at the days between the resurrection and. the ascension to heaven. It is during this time that Jesus lays the ground work for his church to go forward while he is physically absence. This series I am calling “Faith Factor” will explore the factors that caused the early church to grow and expand and continue to move forward even today.
----Today we will look at the People Factor----Jesus used people to reach other people. He chose people that possessed certain traits to take the Gospel to the world.
Jesus had already launched his Church by the use of people. He handpicked, trained and equipped his disciples. He sent them out into the world to spread the message of the Gospel. The great Commission—Go, preach, baptize, and teach
Let’s look at Jesus’ interaction with two of his disciples to see what he was/is looking for in those who lead his church.
Mary Magdalene and Peter—Both had a past (Jesus does not care about their past only their future) _both seem to let their emotions get the best of them at times.
Jesus called both men and women to serve and follow, Jews and Gentiles
Jesus meets Mary in the Garden and he tells her not to cling or hold me him because he has not ascended to heaven, but instead go and tell the other disciples.
I. JESUS DOES NOT WANT US TO CLING/HOLD TO HIM IN THE WRONG WAY
Many suggestions throughout history.
A. That he was now the High Priest and to touch him would be to defile him. (pollute him)-- Why did he say do not touch me and shortly after this invite Thomas to touch him?
B. Some believe he had to make a quick trip to heaven since he had just returned from preaching to the people trapped in Hell. He had to first present Himself to the Father. However God is everywhere –and Jesus is God
C. I believe along with many others that Jesus did not want her to cling to him or hold him because he had a job/work for her to do. While she is emotional and wants to hug him, he needs her to go and tell the others. I am returning to my Father and your Father my God and your God!
1.TO NOT CLING TO HIM AS A JEANIE IN A BOTTLE!
Recognize his divine mission: a Mission from God—AND THAT MISSION IS BIGGER THAN MY LIFE! While Jesus is concerned about our lives—our life is not the compass that he decides by! He is the CHRIST, THE MESSIAH, THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS! Jesus does not have to give us everything we wants. JESUS WANTS PEOPLE who can recognize his divine position and mission!
2. DO NOT CLING TO HIM AS THOUGH HE IS OURS ALONE-- LET’S NOT BECOME SELFISH AND POSSESSIVE OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS!
Jesus does love you, Jesus did die for you, but also for the world! To all who will believe!
Let’s not take the Personal pronouns, Possessive determiners, Possessive pronouns out of context:
My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
These words were spoken by a young actress who had recently accepted Jesus after meeting a disabled girl.
My Jesus, My Savior,
Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days
I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.
KEEP IN MIND ALSO, THAT JESUS IS NOT A ROMANTIC SAVIOR!
He had a wife ---it was the church, but he was not MARRIED TO MARY MAGDALENE –CONTRAY TO THE DAVINCI CODE, ETC. NOT BECAUSE IT WAS A SIN, BUT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT PART OF HIS MISSION AND PURPOSE!
Jesus did not choose people who wanted to keep him to themselves, nor was he looking Jesus is not your date!
ILL: A lady shared this about her mom’s friend-- once told me about a girl she knew in college who would pluck petals off a flower, slowly reciting, "He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me." On the occasion that she would end with "he loves me" she would exclaim for the entire dorm to hear, "He loves me! Jesus loves me!"
I once had a girl tell me she could not hang out on a Friday night because she had a "date" with God. Not only is it an incomplete picture of who our Christ is, it also sends the message that the girls (and women) who are truly devoted to Jesus equate contentment in him with a romantic relationship with him. (http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2012/june/why-jesus-isnt-your-boyfriend-critique-of-dating-god.html)
Marriage to Jesus while waiting for a husband can often trivialize our Savior in a way that makes him more like a sweet boyfriend who takes us out on dates, rather than the God-man who paid for our sin on the cross. Jesus did not accomplish redemption to marry us individually. He died for the church corporate, of which we are apart. His death accomplished something much greater than simply meeting our deep-seated desires for a significant other.
When they encounter an obstacle, they will often try to jump over it, which may cause some odd, and rather humorous, behavior at obstacles they cannot overcome. This can be used with Pressure Plates to create constantly flashing energy, useful for certain piston mechanisms. Sheep can swim and make no attempt to stay out of water, therefore a common sight might be several sheep bobbing in the sea. A sheep's color has no effect on its behavior. Sheep will eat grass, turning it into dirt. This will make their wool grow back if they are sheared. The regrown wool will be of the same color as before the sheep was sheared, regardless of the original color. Packs of wolves may attack the occasional individual loner. If you are trying to capture a sheep for breeding or shearing, it will follow you as long as you are holding wheat. Keep in mind this can get very overwhelming if you are near a large flock of sheep as they will all try to follow you. Or it could be handy if you are making a large farm, which can be done by making them fall into a trench. What is this food with which shepherds are to feed the flock of God?
the Word of God.
Pure spiritual milk of the Word so we can mature in our salvation (1 Peter 2:2).
ILL: TO FEED MEANS TO MAKE THE FOOD AVAILABLE, but not force feeding!
Protestantism was also introduced into Korea, from the north without the direct preaching of a resident missionary. Mr. John Ross was a Scotch Presbyterian missionary in Manchuria. Becoming interested in the Koreans he met there, he learned their language, translated the New Testament and sent it into Korea, by the hands of some Korean colporteurs. Its message took root and when missionaries entered later they found Koreans in rather large numbers studying the Bible and professing Christianity. (South Koreans are sending tracts that speak of God’s love to the North in balloons) More recently they have sent tracts that tell the story of Nebuchadnezzar and how he was to be worshipped!
ILL: REAL SHEEP WILL MAKE NOICE WHEN THEY ARE HUNGRY!
ILL: They will bleat for food! A lamb will cry!
Babies cry!
ILL---Savannah was a baby—The lock was not working and she was crying. When I came home there was whole in the door… Jennifer had taken a hammer and beat a whole through the door so she could get it unlocked. She got her a bottle!
III.The third quality Jesus looked for and is still looking for in people is their motive!
The correct motive is that we feed and care for his “sheep because we love the Lord! Do you love me?”
LABORS OF LOVE:
Anne Sullivan------Some teachers recognized Sullivan's intelligence and tamed her headstrong ways. Michael Anagnos, director of the Institute, then located in South Boston, encouraged her to tutor younger students. She also underwent eye surgery that partially restored her vision. Sullivan graduated from Perkins School for the Blind in 1886, when she was 20 years old, as the valedictorian of her class. Anagnos was approached to suggest a teacher for a deaf-blind girl, Helen Keller. He asked Sullivan, herself visually impaired and only 20 years old, to become her instructor. Sullivan arrived at Keller's house in the small Alabama town of Tuscumbia on March 3, 1887. It was the beginning of a 49-year relationship-Wikipedia
To date, they have raced in 64 marathons (with a personal best of 2:40:47), 78 half-marathons and 206 triathlons. And they once trekked 3,735 miles across America. Their achievements become all the more staggering when you consider that when Dick runs, he pushes Rick in his wheelchair. When Rick Hoyt was born, the umbilical cord coiled around his neck and cut off oxygen to his brain, leaving him a quadriplegic. His parents, Dick and Judy, were told that there was no hope for their child's development. Despite being told Rick would be a vegetable all his life, his parents were determined to raise him as normally as possible. Since Rick was unable to speak, a group of engineers built him a specially designed interactive computer that allowed him to communicate his thoughts by using the slight head movements that he could manage. At the age of 15, Rick told his father he wanted to participate in a five-mile benefit run for a local lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Out of love for his son, Dick, who had never previously done any long-distance running, agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair.
----She has spoken countless times, authored many books, painted and drawn beautiful artwork with her mouth, worked and inspired millions of disabled people all over the world. Joni will be speaking at the final session of the NACC in Lexington, Ky. Every day for years her husband Ken Tada has climbed out of bed. He has had to awaken to turn her through the night. He will bring her to a sitting position and empty her catheter and help her clean up. He will transfer her to the chair and help her get into a shower where he wash her hair. He will brush and floss her teeth. He will blow dry her hair and help her with her make up. He will put her ear rings on and gently dress. He will kneel to help put her hose on and strap her shoes into place. He will feed her breakfast, wipe her mouth.
Jesus said ----“whoever wants to first among you must be last”
“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink …Lord when were you ‘’’’’’’----If you have done to least of these ….you have done it for me!
Jesus built his church on those who were servants!
We have a young man in our Spanish Language--service who likes to hug an kiss people. When he was born he was so ting and unable to eat the doctors told his mom he would only live a couple of days. He loves to come to church and last month Caleb baptized. When he came out of the water he raised his hands in joy..
Conclusion: PEOPLE FACTOR ---JESUS USED PEOPLE, BUT PEOPLE ARE NOT ENOUGH! HE PROMISED TO NEVER LEAVE US OR FORSAKE US!
ILL: Warren, the author of the multimillion-selling book "The Purpose Driven Life," said in an email to church staff that he and his wife had enjoyed a fun Friday evening with their son before Matthew Warren returned home to take his life in "a momentary wave of despair." The elder Warren founded Saddleback Church in 1980, according to his biography on the church website, and over the years watched it grow to 20,000 members. He and his wife, Kay, began by holding Bible studies for people who weren't regular churchgoers. The church says it now offers more than 200 community ministries and support groups for parents, families, children, couples, prisoners, addicts, and people living with HIV, depression and other illnesses. Despite having accomplished all of this in career --Rick Warren had to stand in front of a camera and tell the world that his son had taken his life.---MSN NEWS
The Warrens will need HOLY SPIRIT TO COMFORT AND THE PROMISES OF JESUS!
3. Jesus does not want us to simply cling!
Hold on to him with a sentimental attachment.
After the cross life had changed for Jesus and his disciples.
Things were not going to be the same anymore.
I am sure that Jesus’ disciples were somewhat hurt when he ascended to heaven.
II. In JESUS interaction with Mary we know that after the resurrection he began His church with people who could recognize His divine position and mission!
With this interaction with Peter we see that he wants people in His Kingdom who are willing to feed (the correct word here is shepherd or care) for His sheep or lambs!
One of the key reasons the Church got off to such a great start was because they were fed so well in the early days! They received rich spiritual milk that helped them to grow stronger each day. –They gathered together daily for the Apostles teaching, the breaking of bread and the fellowship of the saints!
ILL: Many have an aversion to the words “sound doctrine” but without it we are not serving the food people need.
1. For Peter this meant that he would have to make some choices in life! Do you love me more than these?
----What is/was these?
-----Maybe the other disciples?
-----Maybe the fish?
-----Maybe the secular business of fishing?
2. 3 times he is told to Feed my lambs; feed my sheep; feed my sheep. (Most scholars believe that the three times is compared to three denials) ----Jesus does not have a three strikes your out system!
The church is his flock, which he purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28), and he is the chief shepherd.
MINECRAFT ---CARE OF SHEEP!
Sheep tend to be one of the lesser intellects in the game, and have been known to walk into lava. Like other passive land mobs, sheep wander around aimlessly, often spawning in flocks of 2—8. They can be heard bleating occasionally, even from some distance away. When they encounter an obstacle, they will often try to jump over it, which may cause some odd, and
. When they encounter an obstacle, they will often try to jump over it, which may cause some odd, and rather humorous, behavior at obstacles they cannot overcome. This can be used with Pressure Plates to create constantly flashing energy, useful for certain piston mechanisms. Sheep can swim and make no attempt to stay out of water, therefore a common sight might be several sheep bobbing in the sea. A sheep's color has no effect on its behavior. Sheep will eat grass, turning it into dirt. This will make their wool grow back if they are sheared. The regrown wool will be of the same color as before the sheep was sheared, regardless of the original color. Packs of wolves may attack the occasional individual loner. If you are trying to capture a sheep for breeding or shearing, it will follow you as long as you are holding wheat. Keep in mind this can get very overwhelming if you are near a large flock of sheep as they will all try to follow you. Or it could be handy if you are making a large farm, which can be done by making them fall into a trench.
What is this food with which shepherds are to feed the flock of God?
the Word of God.
pure spiritual milk of the Word so we can mature in our salvation (1 Peter 2:2).
ILL: TO FEED MEANS TO MAKE THE FOOD AVAILABLE, but not force feeding!
Protestantism was also introduced into Korea, from the north without the direct preaching of a resident missionary. Mr. John Ross was a Scotch Presbyterian missionary in Manchuria. Becoming interested in the Koreans he met there, he learned their language, translated the New Testament and sent it into Korea, by the hands of some Korean colporteurs. Its message took root and when missionaries entered later they found Koreans in rather large numbers studying the Bible and professing Christianity.
(South Koreans are sending tracts that speak of God’s love to the North in balloons)
More recently they have sent tracts that tell the story of Nebuchadnezzar and how he was to be worshipped! Ill: SHOW PICTURE
ILL: REAL SHEEP WILL MAKE NOICE WHEN THEY ARE HUNGRY!
ILL: They will bleat for food! A lamb will cry!
Babies cry!
ILL---Savannah was a baby—Jennifer had left her key and she was crying. When I came home there was whole in the door… Jennifer had taken a hammer and beat a whole through the door so she could get it unlocked. She got her a bottle!
III.The third quality Jesus looked for and is still looking for in people is their motive!
The correct motive is that we feed and care for his “sheep because we love the Lord! Do you love me?”
Anne Sullivan------Some teachers recognized Sullivan's intelligence and tamed her headstrong ways. Michael Anagnos, director of the Institute, then located in South Boston, encouraged her to tutor younger students. She also underwent eye surgery that partially restored her vision. Sullivan graduated from Perkins School for the Blind in 1886, when she was 20 years old, as the valedictorian of her class. Anagnos was approached to suggest a teacher for a deaf-blind girl, Helen Keller. He asked Sullivan, herself visually impaired and only 20 years old, to become her instructor. Sullivan arrived at Keller's house in the small Alabama town of Tuscumbia on March 3, 1887. It was the beginning of a 49-year relationship,
To date, they have raced in 64 marathons (with a personal best of 2:40:47), 78 half-marathons and 206 triathlons. And they once trekked 3,735 miles across America. Their achievements become all the more staggering when you consider that when Dick runs, he pushes Rick in his wheelchair. When Rick Hoyt was born, the umbilical cord coiled around his neck and cut off oxygen to his brain, leaving him a quadriplegic. His parents, Dick and Judy, were told that there was no hope for their child's development. Despite being told Rick would be a vegetable all his life, his parents were determined to raise him as normally as possible. Since Rick was unable to speak, a group of engineers built him a specially designed interactive computer that allowed him to communicate his thoughts by using the slight head movements that he could manage. At the age of 15, Rick told his father he wanted to participate in a five-mile benefit run for a local lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Out of love for his son, Dick, who had never previously done any long-distance running, agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair.
----She has spoken countless times, authored many books, painted and drawn beautiful artwork with her mouth, worked and inspired millions of disabled people all over the world. Joni will be speaking at the final session of the NACC in Lexington, Ky. Every day for years her husband Ken Tada has climbed out of bed. He has had to awaken to turn her through the night. He will bring her to a sitting position and empty her catheter and help her clean up. He will transfer her to the chair and help her get into a shower where he wash her hair. He will brush and floss her teeth. He will blow dry her hair and help her with her make up. He will put her ear rings on and gently dress. He will kneel to help put her hose on and strap her shoes into place. He will feed her breakfast, wipe her mouth.
Jesus said ----“whoever wants to first among you must be last”
“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink …Lord when were you ‘’’’’’’----If you have done to least of these ….you have done it for me!
Jesus built his church on those who were servants!
We have a young man in our Spanish service who likes to hug an kiss people. When he was born he was so ting and unable to eat the doctors told his mom he would only live a couple of days. He loves to come to church and last month Caleb baptized. When he came out of the water he raised his hands in joy..
Conclusion: PEOPLE FACTOR ---JESUS USED PEOPLE, BUT PEOPLE ARE NOT ENOUGH! HE PROMISED TO NEVER LEAVE US OR FORSAKE US!
ILL: Warren, the author of the multimillion-selling book "The Purpose Driven Life," said in an email to church staff that he and his wife had enjoyed a fun Friday evening with their son before Matthew Warren returned home to take his life in "a momentary wave of despair." The elder Warren founded Saddleback Church in 1980, according to his biography on the church website, and over the years watched it grow to 20,000 members. He and his wife, Kay, began by holding Bible studies for people who weren't regular churchgoers. The church says it now offers more than 200 community ministries and support groups for parents, families, children, couples, prisoners, addicts, and people living with HIV, depression and other illnesses. Despite having accomplished all of this in career---
The Warrens will need HOLY SPIRIT TO COMFORT AND THE PROMISES OF JESUS!
