PONDERING... How Will Your Story End? (Part I) (Acts 28:11-23)

VIDEO

How Will Your Story End? (Part I) (AM Sermon Notes)

GIST: Seek opportunities to share the gospel, be prepared for two responses, and remember: there is only one way to end well. 

SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:11-31

Well, I planned on starting this message by saying today is kind of a big deal, and not because the Chiefs are in the Super Bowl, but because we’re finishing the book of Acts together. Then, I looked at the length of my notes and realized...that will have to wait until next week ☺. In fact, it wasn’t until yesterday afternoon that I decided this was going to have to be a two-parter ☺️. 

Today, we’ll pick up where we left Paul last week: on his way to Rome. It’s been quite the trip. After being shipwrecked and snake bit, he finally makes it to Rome. Along the way, we’re once again reminded of the value of Christian fellowship. Look at verses 11-15 here.  “11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.” For the sake of time, this isn’t going to be a major point this morning, but I couldn’t just skip over it. There is an expectation set here. We’re meant to be a family. We’re meant to grow together. These people even went out of there way to minister to Paul. In a world where it is so easy to isolate yourself from everyone else and live behind the safety of a screen, we’re called to invest in those around us. That’s what it means to be the Body of Christ. 

Now, it’s in this transition passage that we reach our final destination. After a winding, though purposeful, path to get here, Paul has finally arrived in Rome—exactly where Jesus told him he’d be taken! We’ve seen Paul arrive in many cities before now. Despite the fact that he’s technically a prisoner of the Roman Empire at this point, do we really have any reason to believe he’ll behave much differently? No. Paul is wholeheartedly devoted to Jesus and spreading His gospel! So when he arrives, he follows a very similar pattern. As we look at this one last time together over these last two Sundays, I want us to pay special attention to what this should mean for our personal walks. Here’s our last “Acts Gist”: Seek opportunities to share the gospel, be prepared for two responses, and remember: there is only one way to end well.  (Of course, this morning, we’ll just get to that first point…☺️.) 

I. Seek Opportunities To Share The Gospel 

After spending time with the believers, he dives into sharing the truth with those for whom he was sent. He knows he’s not just here for vacation. He’s been sent to Rome with the same purpose that drives his entire life: making Jesus known. Which, by the way, is true of me and you too. No matter where we are, we’re on mission. That isn’t something we turn on and off when it suits us. 

Here we see Paul doing this in at least two ways. One is more implicit and the other is direct. I called them Provided and Pursued Opportunities...because I like the alliteration there ☺️ . Truthfully, both were provided, just in different ways. Look at verse 16 first. “16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.” 

This provided opportunity was a... captive audience. This one wasn’t “sought” by Paul, but it was definitely an opportunity he seized! The entire time he is in Rome, he is chained to a soldier. Like he’s experienced in his previous imprisonments, this would have been on a rotation, so several men would have been in direct and intimate contact with his during this time. Do you think they heard about Jesus? Absolutely! In fact, during this imprisonment, he dictated at least 4 New Testament letters. Which means, these soldiers would have experienced Scripture being written! They would have heard the gospel being clearly explained in that context, not to mention in conversations with him daily. Beyond that, they also saw how he conducted himself in this setting and were influenced by the testimony of his life. 

I’ve said this before, but we all need to realize this. There are people you go out of your way to connect with and there are people who seem thrown into your company. Both are put in your path for a reason. If there are people you find yourself in regular contact with, they are there on purpose. You’re supposed to shine the light of Jesus to them. This could be your colleagues, your family, the people you see at the store every week, etc. For me, it helps to remember this especially when I’m teaching a more difficult class. Those students are forced into my company for an hour every day. What are they seeing? I actually had the same thought when coaching my kids’ basketball teams yesterday. What kind of witness am I having? Me being around these particular kids wasn’t something I planned or they necessarily wanted ☺️, but we’re together multiple days each week now. Am I being a Godly witness, even if we’re down by 20? 

We cannot miss out on these opportunities. However, let me just be honest here. Sometimes, these are the hardest moments to be witnesses in. Why? Because it is easier to be a Christian in isolated contexts, like when you’re at church or doing some kind of special outreach (i.e. a mission trip or VBS). That doesn’t require complete transformation. It’s like acting a part for a play. I know that seems harsh, but this thought has been really convicting to me. We must share with those we see… everyday. 

Next, we’ll see his more “purposeful” approach. Not that he wasn’t purposeful with the guard, but he sought this encounter out. 

“17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar--though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain."” 

I wanted to label this a pursued opportunity because there are people we encounter naturally and people we go out of our way to find. Paul went out of his way to call them together, and Jesus opened that door. I love this, and need this in my life. If I’m truly passionate about seeing people saved, I can’t just sit around waiting for them to come to me. Notice that that’s what this is all about here. He doesn’t call them together to “defend himself”. Instead→ 

He Connected His Struggles To Their Hope. Right away, he establishes that his imprisonment is for their hope. He understands his role here. Any hardship he might be facing is so that these people can hear of Jesus’ salvation. That’s the hope of Israel, the Messiah for whom they’d been waiting. That’s the hope for every single person on this earth. No matter what their facing at this moment, they need to realize that Jesus came to take their place, to bear Hell for them, and that by coming to Him in faith, believing Him and surrendering to Him, they will be saved! 

As a church, we need to be constantly going out sharing this good news. This is something I’m very passionate about, in part, because I see my shortcomings here. As His body, we must constantly be reaching out! Not doing this is failing to be the true Church of Jesus because this is 100% His heart. If we’re not trying to be like Him and love like Him and go like Him, who are we immulating? 

When Paul was intentional here, he actually found them interested. → 

“21 And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against."”  Immediately, two questions came to me when I read this response. First: Where Did This Desire To Hear Come From? Jesus. Paul was sent to speak to these people, but God was already working in their hearts. We need to remember this reality. You don’t initiate God’s movement. You’re a vessel God uses in what He’s doing! 

Now, these Jews had heard about Christianity, but not in a positive light, which made me also think: Is Christianty Still Spoken Against? In much of the world, yes. Yet, rather than make us afraid, this should spur us to action. Let’s be ambassadors for the truth! Look at how Paul takes up that mantle here. I think we can definitely learn from this. 

“23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.” Man, I could camp out here for a long time (which is partly why this began a two-parter ☺️), but I want to make sure we get this whole picture here. First, we see his→ 

Dedication. He taught…. all day! Christianity isn’t a part-time gig. This is our life. This is who we are...all the time. There is no such thing as half-hearted salvation. We’re either all in or… not. If you’re only really a Christian on Sundays, are you really a Christian? I don’t think I could call myself a husband if I only pretended to like my wife for four hours a week. Just saying. Next, we see that what he’s doing is→ 

Expounding. This implies making an effort to clearly explain. Which...well...takes effort. This requires not just throwing tracks at people or tossing around “churchy” phrases, but actually working to help ensure people understand the truth of Jesus’ salvation...which is the content of his explanation→ 

The Kingdom of God. God’s Kingdom is His purpose amongst His people! The Jews longed for this Kingdom to be fulfilled. They were looking for the Messiah to come and establish it once and for all. Paul tells them this has been realized in Jesus! That hope you’re looking for, that fulfillment… it’s in Jesus too! That’s what we go around proclaiming still today. Now, how did he make this connection for them? With→ 

Evidence from Scripture. Let me make two points here. First, there is evidence. Christianity is not just some blind faith. Do you know why you believe what you believe? Are you a church attender or a follower of Jesus? If you’re His, you’ll be a serious student of His Word. You won’t just take things at face value, but you’ll have a vibrant and active fatih. Which is feeds my second observation actually→ Oh, how vital is God’s Word! I need it. You need it. The world needs it. Are you… you know where I’m going here… reading it? Paul didn’t use his wisdom to try and convince them. Instead, he took them to God’s Word which has the power to transform lives!

So this is what we do. We go out seeking opportunities for sharing the gospel with wholehearted devotion. Next week, we’ll see what our expectations need to be when doing this, but for this morning, I want us to leave meditating on that truth. Here’s our→ 

TAKEAWAYS

1. Will you seek opportunities to tell people about Jesus? Again, there are opportunities at your fingertips every day: those that come rushing your way and those you’re meant to rush after! Do you care enough about their needs to go to them and make a conscious and wholehearted effort to share Jesus? Man, I need this conviction!

2. Will you come to Jesus? I would be at a loss if I assumed this is where everyone is this morning, as well. Maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of this message today. You’ve never given Jesus control of your life. You’ve never sought His forgiveness and experienced that life change. Will you come to Him today?

PONDERING... How Can We Avoid Abandoning Jesus? (Mark 14:1-11)

VIDEO

How Can We Avoid Abandoning Jesus? (PM Sermon Notes)

GIST: Wholehearted devotions are wholeheartedly followed.

SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:1-11

1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

We would have looked at this passage together this morning, but I wanted to give Pat King as much time as he needed to share about the awesome ministry of the Gideons. I am always blessed by the Gideons, and Pat is someone I have long admired as a man of God, as well. Therefore, today, I was doubly blessed, and pray each of you were, as well.

So, on that note, we’re going to begin looking at chapter 14 of Mark this evening. This is the longest of the remaining chapters and will take us a few weeks to get through. It leads us to the central pillar of the Christian faith--the crucifixion of Christ. Just flipping through the headings in most modern Bible translations will give you a pretty clear picture of the driving theme of this chapter. By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Mark is not just randomly recording events; he has a clear purpose. Just before the most important event in history, Jesus is abandoned by His followers. Specifically, much attention is given to Judas and Peter (and that comparison will likely come up in later conversations).

This opening block sets the stage. Again, we’re faced with a sandwich passage (one passage placed inside another to demonstrate that they’re meant to be taken together. The passage opens with the Pharisees wanting to kill Jesus and closes with Judas providing them with their means. In the middle? A beautiful picture of a woman doing exactly the opposite--and an event which was likely, and ironically, the last straw for Judas*.

This is probably a very familiar passage. An event like this is recorded in each of the Gospels. Some of the events are identical to this one, which points to them being the same event, and some have variations, which points to something like this happening to Jesus more than once. This event seems to line up most closely with the ones in Matthew and John’s accounts, which means that this woman is most probably Mary the sister of Lazarus, as named in John. And, again, this is a familiar character.  And it makes sense that we would be familiar with this. Jesus Himself says in this passage that “9b wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Why? Because what happens here is a big deal and has a lot to teach us about following Christ.

On that note then, what happens here? We’re told the Pharisees want to kill Jesus, but they don’t want to do it during the feasts because they don’t want to stir up the people. This is one of the biggest celebrations of the year for the Jewish people. It would be like causing a riot on Christmas. After being told this, we’re taken to the house of Simon the Leper. We know nearly nothing about who this man is, though many speculations have been made. Either way, what is important to note here is that Jesus and His disciples are dining with, at least, this family. It’s in this setting that Mary comes and anoints Jesus with this very costly nard. The perfume fills the house--as does indignation. From whom? The disciples, who claim it was a waste of money. Jesus then condemns them and commends her. Immediately afterwards were told Judas decides to sell out Jesus to the Pharisees. Now we’re full circle--or to the bottom slice of bread on our sandwich☺.

So, what is the gist for us tonight? Given that the context of the entire chapter is the abandonment of Jesus, what does this sandwich teach us about not abandoning Him? In short, wholehearted devotions are wholeheartedly followed.

I. THE FILLINGS OF DEVOTION TO CHRIST (3-9)

Let’s break this down by looking at the sandwich backwards. We’ll start without the bread--a low carb sandwich if you will ☺. This is the part of the sandwich we want to immulate. So, what’s going on here. Let’s try and answer this by looking at three questions: 1. What did this symbolize?, 2. What did this cost her?, and 3. Why is she commended?

1. What did this symbolize?

1. Jesus' Worth. When you think about anointings happening in the Old Testament, they are always signs of honor. While this can sometimes be done in more commonplace settings, like a host honoring a guest...etc., the official use of anointing seems to have been reserved for your three major offices--offices which Jesus Himself came to ultimately fulfill: prophets (1 Kings 19:16), priests (Exodus 30:23-33--interesting prohibition against anointing anyone else with costly oil), and kings (1 Samuel 9:16)! (See Smith’s Bible Dictionary) So either way you slice this, it was a sign of respect and honor. She is treating Him like the prophet, priest, and king that He is--she is anointing the Messiah!

2. Jesus’ Unanointed Death. There has been speculation about whether or not she understood this point, but trying to figure that out seems a bit of a moot point to me. She has been around Jesus, so she has heard Him speak of His coming death and resurrection. I see no reason to assume that she, like the disciples, did not believe or understand what He meant. Maybe she understood it completely. Either way, Jesus says, “7b...she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.” He is about to die. It was customary to anoint dead bodies to help with the smell of decomposition. So this points not only to the fact that He will soon die, but that when He dies he won’t need this anointing. John tells us Nicodemus anointed the body at burial, but because of the Sabbath, the women who followed Him and wanted to anoint Him were unable to go to the tomb. By the time they came to prepare His body, He didn’t need it! Therefore, this not only points to His death, but to to His resurrection which brought our salvation! Did she fully understand this? I do not know. But Jesus did.

2. What did this cost her? A lot. Let’s look at it under two headings

1. Her Future Security. Financially, this nard was very costly (nearly a year’s wages). Unless you possessed extravagant wealth, which there is no indication that was the case, it would be nearly impossible to replace this by earthly means in your lifetime. The study notes in your Bibles might even tell you that this was likely imported from India; it was precious. This is the kind of item that would have been kept as a dowry for an unmarried woman, and if the woman remained unmarried would have been either passed down the family line or used to anoint her own body in burial. Do you see what she’s doing here? She’s putting her future on the line. She’s sacrificing her security for Jesus. (We could just stop there, right?)

2. Her Social Acceptance. There are several points to note here. If this is indeed the same account as recorded in John, which it appears to be, we’re given even more of this picture. Look at John 12:3, “3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”

She is stepping over several social lines to make this sacrifice. 1. It is possible that she shouldn’t have even been at the table. If this were an evening meal, which seems to be indicated in John’s account, women were not allowed to recline at the table with the men, but were expected to be serving. 2. She is revealing her hair in public. In this culture, hair is considered a woman’s “crown and glory”, her dignity. To show it to anyone but her husband was considered immodest. 3. She touches His feet with her hair. Touching feet was considered degrading. (Remember the staggering example Jesus gave the disciples when He washed their feet while they were unwilling to do it for each other?) However, she not only touches His feet, but wipes them with her hair, her dignity, her pride, her glory. (A Youth Worker's Commentary on John Volume 2)

Do you see the sacrifice here?

3. Why is she commended? Let’s take this in two points, as well.

1. Jesus is not anti-poor. This is more of a side note, I guess, but it is sometimes taken out of context, so we need to address it. The pretext the disciples use for complaining against this woman is that her waste could have been used to do great good for the poor. “6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.” Jesus is not saying we shouldn’t help the poor. In fact, He’s quoting Deuteronomy 15:7-11 which says the opposite. He’s telling them they should always be concerned for the poor, and I think it’s safe to take the implication that this had not been the case--so He’s calling their bluff (John says as much about Judas in John 12:6  “He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.”) Nonetheless, while you will always have the poor to serve, you will not always have the opportunity to serve Me. She’s not missing her chance to do something beautiful, were they? Well, we’ll see that in the weeks to come.

2. She is commended for her wholehearted devotion. Let’s just take Jesus’ words here (always the best route!) She did what she could, and it was a beautiful thing!  Jesus commends her because, like the widow with her mite, she gave everything for Him! I love Spurgeon’s comments on this passage, “When lives are lost in Christ’s honor, or strength is spent in His service, there is no waste. It is what life and strength are made for—that they may be spent for Him.”

II. THE BREAD OF SELF DEVOTION (1-2, 10-11)

Now, let’s look at the bread. Don’t worry, this point won’t be near as long as the first ☺. In fact, let’s just look at one question here.

1. Why were they seeking His death? Again, we don’t have to search or speculate. Just look at the sandwich!  “2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”” They want to kill Him, but are doing it in secret to save face. We’ll see this reiterated in the passages which follow, but it has been clear up until this point, as well. The Pharisees want to kill Jesus because they’re jealous of His impact and afraid of losing their authority.

What about Judas? Well, it’s basically the same thing, right? Again, back to the sandwich! “4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her…” John calls out Judas on this, but Matthew says it was the disciples! So, Judas might have started these grumblings, but others joined in. These are people who should have known better. Like we noted before, Jesus’ response seem to hit on this. “7... you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me…” Despite this condemnation, possible because of it, “10 ...Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.” Why? Following Jesus removes financial benefits. Following Jesus demands giving up selfish desires. Bottom line: following Jesus is too costly.

Remember, this is a sandwich, so we’re supposed to see these together. Not only does the filling point to why and how the bread would be accomplished, but it also provides a contrast. From this point forward, we will see several people abandon Jesus. Every time, it is because devotion to self wins out. Yet, this woman demonstrates how not to fall away: be devoted to Christ instead of self. The point is simple. The application is difficult. But we have to remember our wholehearted devotions are wholeheartedly followed. So→

TAKEAWAYS

1. To what are you wholeheartedly devoted? Ponder these questions this week: What do you value most? What are you not willing to sacrifice? What have you done that was reckless for the Lord? We’re not called to be irresponsible, but we are called to follow Him, even if that seems foolish to the world. Think about your decision making process. What’s your check-list? Whatever you have to check off first, that’s your priority. If it’s not: does this honor Christ, or does it give me an opportunity to better serve Him?, pray that God forgive and redirect.

2. Are you quick to condemn or quick to serve...even if it’s costly?

Charles Spurgeon said, “Whenever a man is very quick condemning gracious men and women, you may be quite as quick in condemning him. He is usually a Judas.” What’s your attitude toward the service of others? Are you quick to condemn and gossip or are you quick to just serve Jesus?

Look at Mary’s example again. She sacrifices security and social acceptance. Where’s her self-defense here? Where’s her outcry for vindication? Nowhere. Jesus vindicated her. He stood in her place. She just served. Do you see the implications for us today?!

3. Are you doing what you can...or what you want?

I’m going to be honest, that question hurt to type. I know most people look at ministers and think of them as a “level above” the rest of the world in terms of Christian service. You guys are likely not so deceived, but in case you are, let me assure you, I do not always do all that I can. There are times that Christian service is just flat inconvenient. Why? Because I have a fallen heart. Though I have been bought with the ultimate price, I am still a victim to selfish desires.  

Wholehearted devotions are wholeheartedly followed. Oh, Lord, may I be wholeheartedly devoted to You!

*Side note: The Gospel writers were less concerned with chronology than content. Therefore, it is likely that these events are being connect more in theme than strict time period. I only make this note because it has been cited than John’s account and this account seem to take place several days apart. However, there is no reason to assume the Pharisees wanting to kill Jesus two days before the feast, and Mary anointing Jesus in Simon’s house had to have happened on the same day.