John 19:38-42 UNDERCOVER CHRISTIANS
I. SOMETIMES THE GREATEST FOLLOWERS ARE THE LEAST NOTICED. (v. 38)
A. Some followers are unknown, but not insignificant notice:
1. He honored Christ when everyone deserted Him.
2. He honored Christ when it was personally dangerous.
3. He honored Christ when it was personally costly.
4. He honored Christ when to all appearances, there was nothing to gain.
Illustration: D.L. Moody being turned down for church membership because of Biblical illiteracy.
B. Mary also anointed Jesus
1. Others ridiculed her for her act of love.
2. Others thought she was being wasteful.
3. Jesus said she should be honored for her humble service.
II. SOMETIMES THE WORST FOLLOWERS ARE THE MOST NOTICED.
A. These followers do much harm in the spotlight.
B. These followers only have the spotlight because they demand it.
C. These followers are ignorant of who is watching.
D. These followers are ignorant of the damage to testimonies.
E. These followers mentally and physically drain others.
Illustration: Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone but the one that has it sick.
III. SOMETIMES FOLLOWERS HIDE
A. Where were the other disciples?
1. Peter was having a pity party because of his denial.
2. What about the others. (John 2:19)
B. What were they doing?
1. Hiding with the doors shut (John 2:19)
2. They went back to their old ways (John 21:3)
IV. SOMETIMES OTHERS ARE INSPIRED BY YOUR ACTIONS. (v.39a)
A. You can be a Godly follower/leader: 1. At school
2. At work
3. To your neighbors
4. At Wal-Mart
5. At home
B. You can be a ungodly follower/leader
1. At school
2. At work
3. To your neighbors
4. At Wal-Mart
5. At home
Conclusion: Some here serve God in the shadows, know this God takes notice of your service.
Some here might run to the shadows when the heat is on, know this God takes notice.
If your one who has to have the spotlight in order to motivate you to serve, your not needed, God has got plenty like that.
Remember this others are watching you, some of them have small frames and call you mom and dad.