Thursday, September 17, 2009
Grace Church Purchases Property for Orphans
Grace Church recently used Birthday Gift for Jesus funds to purchase a house in Bangui, Central African Republic. This new Orphan Welcome Center will reach hundreds of orphans in the roughest side of town, where they can come to learn, play, and get help at any hour of the day or night. The house is of high value to the Project Hope and Charite program because it is large enough to accommodate two classrooms and it comes with a good amount of land (for being in the inner city). The property also has two smaller rooms for office space, an outhouse, and a second house that serves as a kitchen and house where the guard lives. The missionaries from the field and the African leadership have expressed great thanks and gratitude to Grace Church for providing this facility to meet and move so many orphans in Bangui, CAR.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The ADVANTAGES of JOY
In yesterday’s posting we discussed the attributes of joy seen in the book of Philippians. Today we will see three advantages of joy in Philippians 1:12-18.
We begin my noticing the reality of Paul’s circumstances that he refers to in verse 12. These circumstances are described in Acts 20-28. He was attacked by a lynch mob. He was put through a mock trial. He was betrayed and convicted as a criminal. He was beaten severely with rods. And he was imprisoned in stocks. You also see more of these circumstances in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. He was beaten by a mob. He was imprisoned. He was shipwrecked. He was snake-bitten. And he was imprisoned in the palace in Rome. These weren’t the best of circumstances but, as we saw yesterday, joy has nothing to with circumstances but everything to do with Christ. It all comes down to attitude.
In spite of Paul’s challenging circumstances his joyous outlook allowed him to find three powerful opportunities. Joy does that. It allows us to find opportunities in the midst of obstacles. The first opportunity Paul found in his circumstances was to proclaim the Gospel (v12b-13). This was directed to “the whole praetorian guard” which were 9,000-10,000 hand-picked soldiers serving Caesar. Paul was chained to a guard day and night. Guards were changed every 6 hours for 2 years of Paul’s imprisonment. If no duplicates occurred, Paul would have spoken with nearly 3,000 different guards over that time-span who would have also heard him pray, sing and read what he wrote.
This was also directed “to everyone else,” a reference to the household servants and government officials in the palace. At least some of these gave their lives to Christ seen in Philippians 4:22, “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”
The second opportunity Paul found was to encourage believers (v14). Paul’s circumstances had a profound and positive impact on most believers who knew of his ordeal. As a result, they were encouraged to speak the Word of God with fear. The word “speak” here refers to everyday conversation as opposed to preaching.
Finally, Paul found opportunity to exalt the name of Christ (v15-18). Not everyone who was encouraged to speak more boldly for Christ did so with proper motives. Many of them preached Christ out of a motive to hurt Paul. Some did so out of envy, perhaps being jealous of Paul’s success. Some did so out of strife. Perhaps they did not like Paul’s style. Some did so out of selfish ambition. They wanted to gain personally. And some did so desiring to cause distress to Paul and make his situation worse.
What was Paul’s response to those who attacked his integrity while proclaiming Christ? He asks, “What then?” In modern lingo, “So what?” or “Who cares?” The wrong motive of others to hurt Paul was insignificant in comparison to the fact that the message of Christ was being communicated. Paul’s response was an attitude of joy the resulted in opportunities. In Philippians 1:18 he concludes, “in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.”
We begin my noticing the reality of Paul’s circumstances that he refers to in verse 12. These circumstances are described in Acts 20-28. He was attacked by a lynch mob. He was put through a mock trial. He was betrayed and convicted as a criminal. He was beaten severely with rods. And he was imprisoned in stocks. You also see more of these circumstances in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. He was beaten by a mob. He was imprisoned. He was shipwrecked. He was snake-bitten. And he was imprisoned in the palace in Rome. These weren’t the best of circumstances but, as we saw yesterday, joy has nothing to with circumstances but everything to do with Christ. It all comes down to attitude.
In spite of Paul’s challenging circumstances his joyous outlook allowed him to find three powerful opportunities. Joy does that. It allows us to find opportunities in the midst of obstacles. The first opportunity Paul found in his circumstances was to proclaim the Gospel (v12b-13). This was directed to “the whole praetorian guard” which were 9,000-10,000 hand-picked soldiers serving Caesar. Paul was chained to a guard day and night. Guards were changed every 6 hours for 2 years of Paul’s imprisonment. If no duplicates occurred, Paul would have spoken with nearly 3,000 different guards over that time-span who would have also heard him pray, sing and read what he wrote.
This was also directed “to everyone else,” a reference to the household servants and government officials in the palace. At least some of these gave their lives to Christ seen in Philippians 4:22, “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”
The second opportunity Paul found was to encourage believers (v14). Paul’s circumstances had a profound and positive impact on most believers who knew of his ordeal. As a result, they were encouraged to speak the Word of God with fear. The word “speak” here refers to everyday conversation as opposed to preaching.
Finally, Paul found opportunity to exalt the name of Christ (v15-18). Not everyone who was encouraged to speak more boldly for Christ did so with proper motives. Many of them preached Christ out of a motive to hurt Paul. Some did so out of envy, perhaps being jealous of Paul’s success. Some did so out of strife. Perhaps they did not like Paul’s style. Some did so out of selfish ambition. They wanted to gain personally. And some did so desiring to cause distress to Paul and make his situation worse.
What was Paul’s response to those who attacked his integrity while proclaiming Christ? He asks, “What then?” In modern lingo, “So what?” or “Who cares?” The wrong motive of others to hurt Paul was insignificant in comparison to the fact that the message of Christ was being communicated. Paul’s response was an attitude of joy the resulted in opportunities. In Philippians 1:18 he concludes, “in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The ATTRIBUTES of JOY
It’s missing in so many churches today and in so many lives of believers, but it is not missing in the Bible. I’m talking about joy and there is an abundance of it in the Bible. It is seen in the Old Testament as Nehemiah declares, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). It is seen in the life of Jesus Himself as He told the disciples, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11).
joy is seen all through the New Testament. In fact, from Matthew to Revelation there are 15 different words are translated joy, joyful, joyfully, joyfulness or joyous and these 15 words are used some 70 times. But what is amazing is that of these 70 times, over 25% of the usages (18 of them) are found in Philippians. Joy is without question the theme of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi.
In the book of Philippians we can clearly detect two major attributes of joy. First, joy has nothing to do with circumstances, but everything to do with Christ. In other words, joy is different than happiness. Happiness is a temporary feeling based on our circumstances. Joy is a permanent contentment in spite of our circumstances. How do we know this is the case? Consider the fact that as Paul writes this letter that uses 25% of the New Testament’s usages of joy while he is a prisoner in a Roman dungeon. Obviously, Paul’s joy was not based on circumstances.
You also see this in the life of Christ. Jesus was called a “man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53; Luke 18:31-33) but He still came to make our joy full (John 15:11) and found joy even in going to the cross (Hebrews 12:2 – “Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”). The cross was not a happy circumstance for Jesus, yet it we a source of joy. James makes the same teaching when he says that we are to consider it joy when we fall into various trials (James 1:2). Trials do not produce happiness but there can still be joy.
It isn’t circumstances that determine our joy it is Jesus. Consider this. Only one word is mentioned more than “joy” in the book of Philippians (which is mentioned 18 times) and that is “Christ” (which mentioned 70 times). There is a direct link between joy and Jesus. It is Christ then and now that brings joy. 1 Peter 1:8 says, “and though you have not seen him, you love him, and though you do not see him now, but believe in him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”
The second attribute of joy we see in the book of Philippians is that joy is not a matter of action, but rather a matter of attitude. We have already seen that the most used word in this letter is the word “Christ.” The second most used word is a form of “joy.” But the third most used word in the book of Philippians is the word “mind” which Paul used 10 times. He then uses the word “think” 5 additional times. You see, the secret of Christian joy is found in the way a believer thinks – his attitudes.
joy is seen all through the New Testament. In fact, from Matthew to Revelation there are 15 different words are translated joy, joyful, joyfully, joyfulness or joyous and these 15 words are used some 70 times. But what is amazing is that of these 70 times, over 25% of the usages (18 of them) are found in Philippians. Joy is without question the theme of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi.
In the book of Philippians we can clearly detect two major attributes of joy. First, joy has nothing to do with circumstances, but everything to do with Christ. In other words, joy is different than happiness. Happiness is a temporary feeling based on our circumstances. Joy is a permanent contentment in spite of our circumstances. How do we know this is the case? Consider the fact that as Paul writes this letter that uses 25% of the New Testament’s usages of joy while he is a prisoner in a Roman dungeon. Obviously, Paul’s joy was not based on circumstances.
You also see this in the life of Christ. Jesus was called a “man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53; Luke 18:31-33) but He still came to make our joy full (John 15:11) and found joy even in going to the cross (Hebrews 12:2 – “Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”). The cross was not a happy circumstance for Jesus, yet it we a source of joy. James makes the same teaching when he says that we are to consider it joy when we fall into various trials (James 1:2). Trials do not produce happiness but there can still be joy.
It isn’t circumstances that determine our joy it is Jesus. Consider this. Only one word is mentioned more than “joy” in the book of Philippians (which is mentioned 18 times) and that is “Christ” (which mentioned 70 times). There is a direct link between joy and Jesus. It is Christ then and now that brings joy. 1 Peter 1:8 says, “and though you have not seen him, you love him, and though you do not see him now, but believe in him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”
The second attribute of joy we see in the book of Philippians is that joy is not a matter of action, but rather a matter of attitude. We have already seen that the most used word in this letter is the word “Christ.” The second most used word is a form of “joy.” But the third most used word in the book of Philippians is the word “mind” which Paul used 10 times. He then uses the word “think” 5 additional times. You see, the secret of Christian joy is found in the way a believer thinks – his attitudes.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Touchdown Jesus - September 13
To quote a saying that I constantly see on one of our church member's blogs (Rick Glass)...
I LOVE MY CHURCH!
Bye Matt! We'll Miss You!
Last Sunday was Matt McElravy's last Sunday with us as our Worship Arts Director.
"Blessings to you, Matt! By the way, you look great in a sweater vest! If that won't get you a wife, nothing will! Love ya, bro!"
My 1200th Post - THE INCOMPLETION
Today is another milestone for my “Folks Listen” blog. Today is my 1200th post and I am using post #1200 to review week two in our current Touchdown Jesus message series as we study the parable of the sower, also called the parable of the four soils, seen in Matthew 13. As we have already seen, the parable of the sower involves three elements.
The sower, which can apply today to anyone who faithfully proclaims the message of Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
The seed which is the Word of God (Luke 8:11; Mark 4:14).
The soil which represents the heart of man. There are four soils and each soil represents a different heart toward the Gospel.
In this series we are looking at what this parable may have looked like if it would have been told in a football setting.
The sower would be the quarterback.
The seed would be the football.
The four soils would be four receivers or four pass plays.
In week one of this series we looked at the seed that fell beside the road (v4). In football terms, we call this the interception. This is the indifferent heart. This soil represents one who hears the Word but does not understand it (Matthew 13:19) due to a hardness of heart (Matthew 13:15).
In week two we looked at the seed that fell on rocky places (v5-6). In football terms we call this the incompletion. In the parable, some seeds fell on rocky places speaking of beds of rock and limestone just under the surface of the soil where the plow could not reach. The seeds sprang up quickly but the roots of the plants could not penetrate the rock that was just below the surface and absorb the moisture and nourishment needed. As a result, when the sun and heat came, these plants quickly withered away.
We could call this the impulsive heart or the superficial hearer. This soil represents the person who hears the gospel and seems to immediately receive the Word with joy on the surface (Matthew 13:20). But because their faith has no root, the product seen is only surface and only endures for a short while (Matthew 13:21). This type of soil produces a temporary religious experience but not genuine salvation. When tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, they immediately stumble (Matthew 13:21). This persecution can be external, such as criticism. It can also be the reality of discipleship. Either way, this is not a touchdown! This is not conversion.
The sower, which can apply today to anyone who faithfully proclaims the message of Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
The seed which is the Word of God (Luke 8:11; Mark 4:14).
The soil which represents the heart of man. There are four soils and each soil represents a different heart toward the Gospel.
In this series we are looking at what this parable may have looked like if it would have been told in a football setting.
The sower would be the quarterback.
The seed would be the football.
The four soils would be four receivers or four pass plays.
In week one of this series we looked at the seed that fell beside the road (v4). In football terms, we call this the interception. This is the indifferent heart. This soil represents one who hears the Word but does not understand it (Matthew 13:19) due to a hardness of heart (Matthew 13:15).
In week two we looked at the seed that fell on rocky places (v5-6). In football terms we call this the incompletion. In the parable, some seeds fell on rocky places speaking of beds of rock and limestone just under the surface of the soil where the plow could not reach. The seeds sprang up quickly but the roots of the plants could not penetrate the rock that was just below the surface and absorb the moisture and nourishment needed. As a result, when the sun and heat came, these plants quickly withered away.
We could call this the impulsive heart or the superficial hearer. This soil represents the person who hears the gospel and seems to immediately receive the Word with joy on the surface (Matthew 13:20). But because their faith has no root, the product seen is only surface and only endures for a short while (Matthew 13:21). This type of soil produces a temporary religious experience but not genuine salvation. When tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, they immediately stumble (Matthew 13:21). This persecution can be external, such as criticism. It can also be the reality of discipleship. Either way, this is not a touchdown! This is not conversion.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
School Spirit
Here is my daughter, Joy, and her best friend, Kara, at Liberty University's first home football game of the season on Saturday. Liberty beat North Carolina Central 35-10!
GO FLAMES!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Got Wet...Saw History
After a day walking around in the rain around Times Square in Manhattan and having dinner at ESPN Zone, I was able to go with my wife and friends to New Yankees Stadium. After a 90 minute rain delay, we sat in more rain watching the game. How awesome it was, however, to watch as Derek Jeter, the Yankee captain, got a base hit in the third inning to pass Lou Gehrig as the all-time leading hits record in Yankee history. Obviously, I am young enough that I never got to see the likes of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Lou Gehrig play, but I did witness baseball history last night and I loved it!
And what was the icing on the cake? THE YANKEE's LOST! Listen, I love baseball and I was thrilled to witness baseball history last night, but I still hate the Yankees!
Friday, September 11, 2009
9.11 in New York
It has been a good number of years since that horrible day when America came under attack in New York City and in Washington D.C. This year I am returning to New York on 9.11. To be honest, I am not going solely because it is 9.11. I’m actually going to the baseball game at New Yankee stadium. But as much as I love baseball, I am also excited because I have to believe that there will be some amazing pre-game ceremonies. This will be the first 9.11 remembrance since Barak Obama became president and the first 9.11 remembrance in New Yankee Stadium. So this should be an amazing evening.
But aside from it being 9.11, this will also be my 23rd major league stadium in which I have been able to watch a game. Here are the other 22 stadiums:
Cleveland Indians (old and current stadiums)
Detroit Tigers (old and current stadiums)
Chicago White Sox (current stadium)
Chicago Cubs (current stadium)
Cincinnati Reds (old stadium)
Baltimore Orioles (current stadium)
Philadelphia Phillies (old and current stadium)
Minnesota Twins (current stadium…soon to become their old stadium)
Boston Red Sox (current stadium)
Kansas City Royals (current stadium)
Atlanta Braves (current stadium)
Seattle Mariners (old stadium)
San Fran Cisco Giants (current stadium)
Los Angeles Dodgers (current stadium)
Toronto Blue Jays (old stadium)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (current stadium)
Milwaukee Brewers (current stadium)
Colorado Rockies (current stadium)
Washington Nationals (current stadium)
But aside from it being 9.11, this will also be my 23rd major league stadium in which I have been able to watch a game. Here are the other 22 stadiums:
Cleveland Indians (old and current stadiums)
Detroit Tigers (old and current stadiums)
Chicago White Sox (current stadium)
Chicago Cubs (current stadium)
Cincinnati Reds (old stadium)
Baltimore Orioles (current stadium)
Philadelphia Phillies (old and current stadium)
Minnesota Twins (current stadium…soon to become their old stadium)
Boston Red Sox (current stadium)
Kansas City Royals (current stadium)
Atlanta Braves (current stadium)
Seattle Mariners (old stadium)
San Fran Cisco Giants (current stadium)
Los Angeles Dodgers (current stadium)
Toronto Blue Jays (old stadium)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (current stadium)
Milwaukee Brewers (current stadium)
Colorado Rockies (current stadium)
Washington Nationals (current stadium)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Hey, Grace Church...Construction Has Begun!
Hey, Grace Church! Construction has begun on our foyer renovation and expansion project which will include a large connection cafe with additional restrooms and a large meeting room as well as an office expansion! Now, everytime you come to church you will see progress being made as part of our 5-year vision plan which will further equip us to be able to meet as many people as possible right where they are at, and help move them to where God wants them to be!
Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Banana Pudding at Doc's Diner
Having our daughter at Liberty University takes my wife and I back to Lynchburg, VA quite frequently. Last time we were there we visited a new restaurant on campus that is called Doc’s Diner. It is a wonderful modern diner that is filled with memorabilia of Dr Jerry Falwell. There are pictures all over the walls of Dr Falwell in all kinds of situations including body surfing down the student body at a basketball game or talking on the set of FOX News’ Hannity and Colmes. Dr Falwell always wore a black suit with a red tie. As a result, all around the diner are framed red ties. But my favorite picture in Doc’s Diner wasn’t of Dr Falwell, it was of a scoreboard.
The picture goes back quite a few years to when the Liberty’s basketball team won the Big South Conference and found themselves in the NCAA tournament…the big dance. Liberty was ranked #64 out of the 64 teams in the tournament and found themselves going up against the #1 ranked Tar Heels of North Carolina in round one. No one gave Liberty even a prayer to be anywhere near the Tar Heels five minutes into the game.
I remember that game clearly. I was flying back home from a meeting and was in the airport on a layover in Charlotte, North Carolina. The only place to watch the game in the whole airport was in a bar. So, proudly sporting my Liberty University Alumni sweatshirt, I ventured into the bar, ordered a Coke, and fixed my gaze on the screen. They were interviewing Dr Falwell before the game. The reporter compared the coming athletic showdown to the Biblical story of David and Goliath. Dr Falwell, with a huge smile on his face, reminded the reporter that in the Biblical account, David won.
As the game started, the rather drunken North Carolina fans in the airport bar were giving me all kinds of grief, especially since I was the only Liberty fan in the joint. But the game did not go according the plan of the Tar Heels and their fans. To everyone’s amazement, with less than ten minutes to go in the game, Liberty took the lead. It was incredible. By this time, the North Carolina fans in the bar were no longer talking smack my direction. Rather, they were buying me my Cokes.
Now what does that have to do with the picture of the scoreboard in Doc’s Diner? As you could probably guess, it is a picture of the scoreboard at that moment in the game with less than ten minutes to go when Liberty was beating the #1 team in the country. Liberty ended up losing that game that day, but they almost pulled off what would have been arguably the greatest upset in NCAA tournament history.
But as great as the pictures were in Doc’s Diner, the best part of the establishment by far was the banana pudding. This was one of Dr Falwell’s favorite and I can tell you, it was the best banana pudding I have ever tasted. And it was so big that my wife, daughter and I shared one between us. So if you ever are in Lynchburg, VA, drop by Doc’s Diner and order some banana pudding. I will be returning to Lynchburg in October and you can be sure that while there I will once again find my way to Doc’s for some southern style banana pudding.
The picture goes back quite a few years to when the Liberty’s basketball team won the Big South Conference and found themselves in the NCAA tournament…the big dance. Liberty was ranked #64 out of the 64 teams in the tournament and found themselves going up against the #1 ranked Tar Heels of North Carolina in round one. No one gave Liberty even a prayer to be anywhere near the Tar Heels five minutes into the game.
I remember that game clearly. I was flying back home from a meeting and was in the airport on a layover in Charlotte, North Carolina. The only place to watch the game in the whole airport was in a bar. So, proudly sporting my Liberty University Alumni sweatshirt, I ventured into the bar, ordered a Coke, and fixed my gaze on the screen. They were interviewing Dr Falwell before the game. The reporter compared the coming athletic showdown to the Biblical story of David and Goliath. Dr Falwell, with a huge smile on his face, reminded the reporter that in the Biblical account, David won.
As the game started, the rather drunken North Carolina fans in the airport bar were giving me all kinds of grief, especially since I was the only Liberty fan in the joint. But the game did not go according the plan of the Tar Heels and their fans. To everyone’s amazement, with less than ten minutes to go in the game, Liberty took the lead. It was incredible. By this time, the North Carolina fans in the bar were no longer talking smack my direction. Rather, they were buying me my Cokes.
Now what does that have to do with the picture of the scoreboard in Doc’s Diner? As you could probably guess, it is a picture of the scoreboard at that moment in the game with less than ten minutes to go when Liberty was beating the #1 team in the country. Liberty ended up losing that game that day, but they almost pulled off what would have been arguably the greatest upset in NCAA tournament history.
But as great as the pictures were in Doc’s Diner, the best part of the establishment by far was the banana pudding. This was one of Dr Falwell’s favorite and I can tell you, it was the best banana pudding I have ever tasted. And it was so big that my wife, daughter and I shared one between us. So if you ever are in Lynchburg, VA, drop by Doc’s Diner and order some banana pudding. I will be returning to Lynchburg in October and you can be sure that while there I will once again find my way to Doc’s for some southern style banana pudding.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
The President's Speech to our Nation's Students
This morning President Obama gave a speech to our nation’s students that was aired in many public and private schools all across our country. The administration of Lititz Christian School made the decision to participate in this broadcast. This decision was not finalized until the speech had been posted on-line in advance so that the content could be measured against our values. It was determined that the content of the speech was valuable and in no way compromised what our ministry stands for.
As Senior Pastor of our minsitry, I fully support and am proud of our administration and faculty for deciding to air this speech, even realizing that this decision would not be well received by everyone. I feel it was a bold step with wonderful opportunities that fit our values as a ministry.
It allowed us to show and teach our students the Biblical principle of respecting and honoring our authorities as taught by Paul in Romans 13:1-7. Keep in mind, that the power in authority at that time was Nero, arguably the cruelest and most anti-God ruler in the history of the world. Yet, Paul admonished the church at Rome to honor their authority and reminded them that all authorities (including Nero) are put in place by God. Now without question, if any authority instructs us to disobey Biblical principles, we should obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). But the Biblical principle to honor and respect our authorities, even if we disagree with them, is still a command of Scripture that cannot be and should not be ignored.
It also allowed us the opportunity to be able to discuss the issues that we would disagree with the President on in a Christian setting and in the context of a Christian worldview. What better place to do so than in a Christian School and around the dinner tables of our homes as believers in Christ?
I realize that politics can produce some emotion in the hearts of people. Obviously, by airing the President’s speech, we were in no way making an endorsement of all of the administration’s policies. And no student was forced to watch the speech if they and their parents preferred otherwise. We did see this speech, however, as a historical and cultural opportunity to impart Biblical principles and a Christian worldview to our students in a safe setting.
As Senior Pastor of our minsitry, I fully support and am proud of our administration and faculty for deciding to air this speech, even realizing that this decision would not be well received by everyone. I feel it was a bold step with wonderful opportunities that fit our values as a ministry.
It allowed us to show and teach our students the Biblical principle of respecting and honoring our authorities as taught by Paul in Romans 13:1-7. Keep in mind, that the power in authority at that time was Nero, arguably the cruelest and most anti-God ruler in the history of the world. Yet, Paul admonished the church at Rome to honor their authority and reminded them that all authorities (including Nero) are put in place by God. Now without question, if any authority instructs us to disobey Biblical principles, we should obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). But the Biblical principle to honor and respect our authorities, even if we disagree with them, is still a command of Scripture that cannot be and should not be ignored.
It also allowed us the opportunity to be able to discuss the issues that we would disagree with the President on in a Christian setting and in the context of a Christian worldview. What better place to do so than in a Christian School and around the dinner tables of our homes as believers in Christ?
I realize that politics can produce some emotion in the hearts of people. Obviously, by airing the President’s speech, we were in no way making an endorsement of all of the administration’s policies. And no student was forced to watch the speech if they and their parents preferred otherwise. We did see this speech, however, as a historical and cultural opportunity to impart Biblical principles and a Christian worldview to our students in a safe setting.
Lessons on Effective Minsitry from a Picnic
The miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 men plus women and children is the only miracle of Jesus mentioned by all four Gospel writers. I believe from what we see in all four accounts that we can learn some very important principles about doing ministry.
Principle #1: Effective ministry begins by developing a heart of compassion. Though Jesus wanted some alone time with His disciples, He was met by a crowd. Instead of being annoyed or irritated, Jesus had compassion on them. Before you ever pass out the fish and the bread, you must first develop Christ’s heart of compassion (Matthew 14:13-16).
Principle #2: For effective ministry to take place, you must look past your reality and resources and look to Jesus. Philip could not look past his reality. Andrew could not look past his resources. Though Jesus was standing right in front of them, they both were blinded to His power because of their own reality and resources (John 6:5-9)
Principle #3: Jesus does ministry through people. Jesus could have rained down tilapia from the heavens or caused bread to grow out of the ground, but instead He told the disciples to feed the people (Matthew 4:16-17)
Principle #4: Effective ministry occurs when God gives to His church and His church then impacts the world. Jesus gave the bread to the disciples and the disciples gave the bread to the people. That is still how God works. He gives to His church so that the church can impact the world. God doesn’t bless us so that we can simply revel in His blessing but so that we can then bless others. God doesn’t save us solely for us to revel in His salvation but so that we can then share His salvation with others.
Principle #5: Before God can give us in effective ministry He often must break us first. Jesus took the bread, blessed the bread, broke the bread, then He gave the bread (Matthew 4:19). Why must He break us before He gives us? Because for effective ministry to occur we must realize that it is not about us, it is all about Him.
Principle #6: For effective ministry to take place, you must keep going back to Jesus. According to Mark 6:41, the bread multiplied in the hands of Jesus. Jesus “kept giving” the bread to the disciples. It appears that the disciple kept coming back to Jesus for more bread to pass out to the people. If we are going to have effective ministry, we must keep coming back to Jesus over and over and over and over again.
Principle #7: For effective ministry to take place we must start with what we have. We must give what we have to Jesus. We must obey what Jesus commands. And we must trust Jesus for the results.
Isn’t it amazing what we can learn about doing ministry today by studying a miracle that Jesus did so many years ago? That’s why I call this miracle a “Picnic with a Purpose”.
Principle #1: Effective ministry begins by developing a heart of compassion. Though Jesus wanted some alone time with His disciples, He was met by a crowd. Instead of being annoyed or irritated, Jesus had compassion on them. Before you ever pass out the fish and the bread, you must first develop Christ’s heart of compassion (Matthew 14:13-16).
Principle #2: For effective ministry to take place, you must look past your reality and resources and look to Jesus. Philip could not look past his reality. Andrew could not look past his resources. Though Jesus was standing right in front of them, they both were blinded to His power because of their own reality and resources (John 6:5-9)
Principle #3: Jesus does ministry through people. Jesus could have rained down tilapia from the heavens or caused bread to grow out of the ground, but instead He told the disciples to feed the people (Matthew 4:16-17)
Principle #4: Effective ministry occurs when God gives to His church and His church then impacts the world. Jesus gave the bread to the disciples and the disciples gave the bread to the people. That is still how God works. He gives to His church so that the church can impact the world. God doesn’t bless us so that we can simply revel in His blessing but so that we can then bless others. God doesn’t save us solely for us to revel in His salvation but so that we can then share His salvation with others.
Principle #5: Before God can give us in effective ministry He often must break us first. Jesus took the bread, blessed the bread, broke the bread, then He gave the bread (Matthew 4:19). Why must He break us before He gives us? Because for effective ministry to occur we must realize that it is not about us, it is all about Him.
Principle #6: For effective ministry to take place, you must keep going back to Jesus. According to Mark 6:41, the bread multiplied in the hands of Jesus. Jesus “kept giving” the bread to the disciples. It appears that the disciple kept coming back to Jesus for more bread to pass out to the people. If we are going to have effective ministry, we must keep coming back to Jesus over and over and over and over again.
Principle #7: For effective ministry to take place we must start with what we have. We must give what we have to Jesus. We must obey what Jesus commands. And we must trust Jesus for the results.
Isn’t it amazing what we can learn about doing ministry today by studying a miracle that Jesus did so many years ago? That’s why I call this miracle a “Picnic with a Purpose”.
Monday, September 07, 2009
First and Goal - INTERCEPTION
The parable of the four soils is found in every Gospel but that written by John and involves three elements. First, there is the sower. The identity of the sower is not specifically mentioned in this parable but the sower in the parable of the wheat and the tares is Jesus himself (Mt 13:37). This can certainly apply today to anyone who faithfully proclaims the message of Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
The second element is the seed. Luke makes it clear that the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11; Mark 4:14). Like a seed, the Word of God has life in it…spiritual life (Hebrews 4:12; Romans 10:17).
The third element is that of the soil. The soil represents the heart of man. There are four different types of soil and each represents a different type of heart toward the Gospel. The seed that fell beside the road (v4) represents the indifferent heart. The seed that fell on rocky places (v5-6) represents the impulsive heart. The seed that fell among the thorns (v7) represents the indulgent heart. The final soil is the seed that fell on the good soil (v8) representing the intelligent heart. The first three soils are all unbelievers while the fourth soil is a genuine believer.
But what if the parable had been the parable of the pass play? What if instead of the sower there was the quarterback? What if instead of seed it was a football? And what if instead of four soils there was four receivers. We could call the seed that fell beside the road, “the interception.” We could call the seed that fell on rocky places, “the incompletion.” We could call the seed that fell among the thorns, “the penalty.” And we could call the seed that fell on good soil, “the touchdown.”
Jesus told the parable of the sower to many listeners (13:1-2). He was using this parable to teach that just because large crowds were following Him did not mean that they were all genuine believers. As Jesus told the story, chances are that his listeners could look around and see a man sowing seed…perhaps Jesus pointed at him. Jesus then told the interpretation of the parable to the disciples and a few other genuine believers (13:18-23)
The first scenario in the parable is the seed that fell beside the road (v4). As the sower spread his seeds, some would fall beside the road which was a narrow path separating one field from another where travelers walked. This soil would be untilled and packed down hard. Seeds that fell on this soil could not penetrate the ground and take root. Because these seeds lay exposed, one of two results would take place. They would either get trampled by people walking on them (Luke 8:5) or the birds would come and eat them.
We could call this the indifferent heart or the unresponsive hearer. This soil represents one who hears the Word but does not understand it (Matthew 13:19), most likely due to a hardness of heart (Matthew 13:15). The birds which eat the seeds represents the Devil or the Wicked One (Luke 8:12). Paul calls this person one who is blinded by Satan to the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). In a football context, this would be the interception.
The third element is that of the soil. The soil represents the heart of man. There are four different types of soil and each represents a different type of heart toward the Gospel. The seed that fell beside the road (v4) represents the indifferent heart. The seed that fell on rocky places (v5-6) represents the impulsive heart. The seed that fell among the thorns (v7) represents the indulgent heart. The final soil is the seed that fell on the good soil (v8) representing the intelligent heart. The first three soils are all unbelievers while the fourth soil is a genuine believer.
But what if the parable had been the parable of the pass play? What if instead of the sower there was the quarterback? What if instead of seed it was a football? And what if instead of four soils there was four receivers. We could call the seed that fell beside the road, “the interception.” We could call the seed that fell on rocky places, “the incompletion.” We could call the seed that fell among the thorns, “the penalty.” And we could call the seed that fell on good soil, “the touchdown.”
Jesus told the parable of the sower to many listeners (13:1-2). He was using this parable to teach that just because large crowds were following Him did not mean that they were all genuine believers. As Jesus told the story, chances are that his listeners could look around and see a man sowing seed…perhaps Jesus pointed at him. Jesus then told the interpretation of the parable to the disciples and a few other genuine believers (13:18-23)
The first scenario in the parable is the seed that fell beside the road (v4). As the sower spread his seeds, some would fall beside the road which was a narrow path separating one field from another where travelers walked. This soil would be untilled and packed down hard. Seeds that fell on this soil could not penetrate the ground and take root. Because these seeds lay exposed, one of two results would take place. They would either get trampled by people walking on them (Luke 8:5) or the birds would come and eat them.
We could call this the indifferent heart or the unresponsive hearer. This soil represents one who hears the Word but does not understand it (Matthew 13:19), most likely due to a hardness of heart (Matthew 13:15). The birds which eat the seeds represents the Devil or the Wicked One (Luke 8:12). Paul calls this person one who is blinded by Satan to the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). In a football context, this would be the interception.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Almost KICK-OFF Time
This weekend our new Touchdown Jesus message series begins here at Grace Church in Lititz. I can’t wait. I love football. I love church. I love preaching. The thought of putting all three together has me pumped and anticipating a great month.
During the coming month of September we will be studying together Jesus’ parable of the four soils. As we do, we will have everything taking place in a football setting. The following elements will be included:
TAILGATING: As you approach the main lobby doors each week prior to all three services you will see a group of people enjoying a tailgate party. After all, people go hours early to a football game to begin the celebration early. Why not do the same for church? Week one, the tailgating will be done by our Youth Department. Week two, the tailgaters will be from our Educational Ministries of Lititz Christian School and MorningStar Childcare and Academics. The final two weeks of tailgating will take place by our Connect Groups. But we also want to invite everyone to come early each Sunday, meet some friends, and have your own tailgate party out in the parking lot. I have already heard of several groups of people that are already making plans for some pre-service celebration.
RED ZONE: As you pass the guest relations center in the lobby on Sunday you will be entering the red zone which is the final 20 yards prior to the end zone. We have artificial turf ordered and lines ready to be painted along with the side yard markers. As you look at the wall above the doors to the auditorium you will see the goal posts coming out in 3D style. Even our ushers will be dressed in referee shirts.
FOOTBALL APPAREL: Everyone on stage will be sporting their favorite team’s shirts. So pull out your apparel for your favorite high school, college and NFL teams and wear them to church each Sunday. You Philadelphia fans can wear your Michael Vick jerseys. You Minnesota Viking fans can wear your Brett Favre jerseys. You Green Bay Packer fans can put on your cheeseheads.
FOOTBALL FOLLIES: Each week we will see different football oriented videos. Some will be more serious but others will also be more light-hearted including a collage of famous football follies including the infamous scene from the Brady Bunch when Marsha gets hit in the nose with the pigskin.
PRE-GAME SHOW: What’s a football game without the pre-game show by the pundits as they critique the coming performances? Well, come 5-minutes early to see the pre-game show taped from the sports desk giving you all the information you need of the players in that week’s service.
This is going to be a great series. You won’t want to miss one week beginning Labor Day weekend. Be sure to invite everyone you know to come to Grace for TD JESUS!
During the coming month of September we will be studying together Jesus’ parable of the four soils. As we do, we will have everything taking place in a football setting. The following elements will be included:
TAILGATING: As you approach the main lobby doors each week prior to all three services you will see a group of people enjoying a tailgate party. After all, people go hours early to a football game to begin the celebration early. Why not do the same for church? Week one, the tailgating will be done by our Youth Department. Week two, the tailgaters will be from our Educational Ministries of Lititz Christian School and MorningStar Childcare and Academics. The final two weeks of tailgating will take place by our Connect Groups. But we also want to invite everyone to come early each Sunday, meet some friends, and have your own tailgate party out in the parking lot. I have already heard of several groups of people that are already making plans for some pre-service celebration.
RED ZONE: As you pass the guest relations center in the lobby on Sunday you will be entering the red zone which is the final 20 yards prior to the end zone. We have artificial turf ordered and lines ready to be painted along with the side yard markers. As you look at the wall above the doors to the auditorium you will see the goal posts coming out in 3D style. Even our ushers will be dressed in referee shirts.
FOOTBALL APPAREL: Everyone on stage will be sporting their favorite team’s shirts. So pull out your apparel for your favorite high school, college and NFL teams and wear them to church each Sunday. You Philadelphia fans can wear your Michael Vick jerseys. You Minnesota Viking fans can wear your Brett Favre jerseys. You Green Bay Packer fans can put on your cheeseheads.
FOOTBALL FOLLIES: Each week we will see different football oriented videos. Some will be more serious but others will also be more light-hearted including a collage of famous football follies including the infamous scene from the Brady Bunch when Marsha gets hit in the nose with the pigskin.
PRE-GAME SHOW: What’s a football game without the pre-game show by the pundits as they critique the coming performances? Well, come 5-minutes early to see the pre-game show taped from the sports desk giving you all the information you need of the players in that week’s service.
This is going to be a great series. You won’t want to miss one week beginning Labor Day weekend. Be sure to invite everyone you know to come to Grace for TD JESUS!
Thursday, September 03, 2009
PRE-GAME SHOW
The countdown video for this Sunday that begins 5-minutes before the start of each morning service will be a pre-game show with two sports commentators giving analysis of the players in the service as we get set to kick-off our Touchdown Jesus series. If you would like to see it in advance, use the link below to watch a preview:
a PICNIC with a PURPOSE - part 3
This is part 3 of a 3 part posting. Be sure to read parts 1 and 2 before reading part 3!
Later in the miracle we will learn how we are to do ministry today but as the stage is set we first must learn that ministry stems from a heart of compassion. I’m not just talking feeling sympathy for someone because we see their physical and spiritual needs. I’m talking having our inner being stirred because of the reality of their need. I’m talking about our suffering with them on the inside because we see their desperation. I’m talking a compassion that is so real and so strong that it causes us to postpone our agendas and overlook our preferences in order to make a physical and spiritual difference in the lives of others. I’m talking about a compassion that looks beyond our own grief and our own tiredness because we are overwhelmed with the real needs of others. I’m talking a compassion that is the complete opposite of selfishness and self-interest.
Did the disciples catch this truth? As the day winds down the disciples became concerned (Matthew 14:15). It was now evening (nearing 6pm…just before sunset) and the location was desolate and the people had not eaten. So they go to Jesus with an “easy answer” to the predicament. Their suggestion was simply for Jesus to send the crowd away (Mark 6:35-36). How’s that for compassion? By the way, this would not be the last time the disciples saw the answer to a tough situation as sending the people away (Matthew 15:23). The disciples sure had a lot to learn, didn’t they? But let’s be honest, so do we.
I’m not sure that we as a church collectively truly have the same type of compassion that Jesus showed in Bethsaida that day. I’m not sure that we are really stirred in our hearts at the physical and spiritual needs of people around us. In fact, I’m not sure that we take all that much time to even notice the needs all around us wherever we go. I’m not sure that we suffer inside with the desperation of others around us and the desperation of those around the world. I’m not sure that we are ready to abandon our own personal agendas, preferences and needs on a moment’s notice because God has broken our hearts with the hurts of others.
Meeting people right where they are at begins when we have real, Christ-like compassion for others. Moving people to where God wants them to be occurs when our compassion compels us to move away from our own selfishness, take some risks, and place ourselves right smack dab in the middle of the lives of others. And this compassion can only be developed as we become more like Christ, as we spend more time alone with Jesus. I wonder what would happen if every single person who calls Grace Church home would start every day of the rest of their lives by dropping to their knees and asking God to give them a love for hurting and needy people. I wonder what would happen if everyone who calls Grace Church home would start every day of the rest of their lives by asking God to break their hearts and fill them with a real, Christ-like compassion for others. I wonder.
Over the last 2 Sundays here at Grace we have taken the time to study this entire miracle of Jesus thoroughly. Be sure to visit our website (www.lgbc.org) and watch the videos.
Did the disciples catch this truth? As the day winds down the disciples became concerned (Matthew 14:15). It was now evening (nearing 6pm…just before sunset) and the location was desolate and the people had not eaten. So they go to Jesus with an “easy answer” to the predicament. Their suggestion was simply for Jesus to send the crowd away (Mark 6:35-36). How’s that for compassion? By the way, this would not be the last time the disciples saw the answer to a tough situation as sending the people away (Matthew 15:23). The disciples sure had a lot to learn, didn’t they? But let’s be honest, so do we.
I’m not sure that we as a church collectively truly have the same type of compassion that Jesus showed in Bethsaida that day. I’m not sure that we are really stirred in our hearts at the physical and spiritual needs of people around us. In fact, I’m not sure that we take all that much time to even notice the needs all around us wherever we go. I’m not sure that we suffer inside with the desperation of others around us and the desperation of those around the world. I’m not sure that we are ready to abandon our own personal agendas, preferences and needs on a moment’s notice because God has broken our hearts with the hurts of others.
Meeting people right where they are at begins when we have real, Christ-like compassion for others. Moving people to where God wants them to be occurs when our compassion compels us to move away from our own selfishness, take some risks, and place ourselves right smack dab in the middle of the lives of others. And this compassion can only be developed as we become more like Christ, as we spend more time alone with Jesus. I wonder what would happen if every single person who calls Grace Church home would start every day of the rest of their lives by dropping to their knees and asking God to give them a love for hurting and needy people. I wonder what would happen if everyone who calls Grace Church home would start every day of the rest of their lives by asking God to break their hearts and fill them with a real, Christ-like compassion for others. I wonder.
Over the last 2 Sundays here at Grace we have taken the time to study this entire miracle of Jesus thoroughly. Be sure to visit our website (www.lgbc.org) and watch the videos.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
a PICNIC with a PURPOSE - part 2
This is part 2 of a 3-part series of postings. Be sure to read part 1 before reading part 2!
Mark’s account would tell us that Jesus wanted His disciples to be with Him during this time of grief (Mk 6:30-31). This appears to have been for two reasons. First, John the Baptist was the first New Testament martyr and Jesus knew that He Himself would be next followed by all of His disciples (except John, who would be tortured but not killed, and Judas, who would hang himself). Each of them would be the next ones to die for their faith and commitment to Christ. For this reason, Jesus wanted to spend time alone with these men who meant so much to Him and talk to them about the significance of John’s death. Jesus also knew that they all needed a little bit of rest (Mk 6:31). They hadn’t even had time to eat anything. On the trip over in the boat, the disciples had begun to tell Jesus all about the ministry they had just experienced when Jesus had sent them out in pairs (Mk 6:7-13). It was important to Jesus to spend time alone with these men hearing about their ministry experiences and the lessons they had learned.
However, Jesus had become something of a magnet among the people and they followed Him on foot toward His destination. Many of them beat Him to the shore where He landed (Mt 14:14). Some no doubt had real needs but many were also thrill seekers who simply wanted to be entertained by seeing His miracles (Jn 6:2). It is apparent from the text that many in this multitude had traveled a long ways as the disciples would later point out their need for lodging as evening begin to set in. (Luke 9:12). They were far enough away from home that they were in need of a Motel 6 and someone to leave the light on for them.
Now put yourself in Jesus’ shoes for a moment. You are tired. You are grieving. You have just learned that a family member, friend and ministry companion had been savagely murdered. You now want to spend some time alone with your closest friends catching up on their lives. But the multitude of people insist on your ministering to them instead. How would you respond? Would you be annoyed? Would you be irritated? I sure would! “Hey, folks, can’t you give me a break here? I have needs too you know?”
Jesus most certainly had a right to feel all of this, but how did Jesus respond when His agenda got completely interrupted by the people? The Bible says that Jesus had compassion on them. Now don’t skip over this word too quickly. Understand its depth and significance. This word literally means “to be moved in one’s bowels.” The bowels were considered to be the seat of emotion in the Middle Eastern culture much like today we use the symbol of the heart (i.e., “I love you with all of my heart”; “Put your heart into it.”). The idea is much stronger than simple sympathy. It means to have one’s inner being “stirred.” It comes from a Latin origin meaning “to suffer with.” This word is used in the Gospels 8 times to speak of Jesus’ compassion toward hurting people. He had compassion toward people’s spiritual needs. He had compassion toward people’s physical needs. He had compassion toward people’s daily needs. And as a result, His compassion caused Him to postpone His rest during a time of great stress and grief in order to heal (Mt 14:14) and teach (Mark 6:34) the people.
However, Jesus had become something of a magnet among the people and they followed Him on foot toward His destination. Many of them beat Him to the shore where He landed (Mt 14:14). Some no doubt had real needs but many were also thrill seekers who simply wanted to be entertained by seeing His miracles (Jn 6:2). It is apparent from the text that many in this multitude had traveled a long ways as the disciples would later point out their need for lodging as evening begin to set in. (Luke 9:12). They were far enough away from home that they were in need of a Motel 6 and someone to leave the light on for them.
Now put yourself in Jesus’ shoes for a moment. You are tired. You are grieving. You have just learned that a family member, friend and ministry companion had been savagely murdered. You now want to spend some time alone with your closest friends catching up on their lives. But the multitude of people insist on your ministering to them instead. How would you respond? Would you be annoyed? Would you be irritated? I sure would! “Hey, folks, can’t you give me a break here? I have needs too you know?”
Jesus most certainly had a right to feel all of this, but how did Jesus respond when His agenda got completely interrupted by the people? The Bible says that Jesus had compassion on them. Now don’t skip over this word too quickly. Understand its depth and significance. This word literally means “to be moved in one’s bowels.” The bowels were considered to be the seat of emotion in the Middle Eastern culture much like today we use the symbol of the heart (i.e., “I love you with all of my heart”; “Put your heart into it.”). The idea is much stronger than simple sympathy. It means to have one’s inner being “stirred.” It comes from a Latin origin meaning “to suffer with.” This word is used in the Gospels 8 times to speak of Jesus’ compassion toward hurting people. He had compassion toward people’s spiritual needs. He had compassion toward people’s physical needs. He had compassion toward people’s daily needs. And as a result, His compassion caused Him to postpone His rest during a time of great stress and grief in order to heal (Mt 14:14) and teach (Mark 6:34) the people.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
a PICNIC with a PURPOSE - part 1
Everything in the Bible is important. There is no question about that. Paul told Timothy that all scripture is inspired and it is profitable. But when something is repeated in the Bible, then you can bank on the fact that it is uniquely important. Such is the case with the well-known story of Jesus feeding the multitude of people with one little boy’s lunch. It is unique among all the miracles performed by Jesus because it is the only miracle that is mentioned by all four Gospel writers – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
It is also important to realize that Jesus performed a miracle of feeding a multitude of thousands not once, but actually twice. The first time He did so was in a place called Bethsaida (today it is called Tabgha). This is the region that several of the disciples were from, including Philip, which will play an important part later in this story. Bethsaida literally means “house of fish” but some linguists say that in its root, the word means, “house of the boxed lunch,” which would certainly be fitting. This miracle involved 5,000 men (mostly Jewish) plus women and children being fed with 5 loaves and 2 fish, and having 12 baskets left over. This is the miracle that is recorded in all 4 gospels (the only other miracle record in all 4 gospels is the resurrection of Jesus Himself).
The sequel to this miracle happened in a totally different location known as Decapolis. Instead of 5,000 mostly Jewish men, this event involved 4,000 men who were mostly Gentile, plus women and children. In the first miracle, Jesus fed the crowd using 5 loaves and 2 fish. This second miracle was done with 7 loaves and a few fish. Instead of 12 baskets left over, as in the first instance, this time there were just 7 baskets left over. The first miracle is recorded in all four Gospels while this one is recorded only by Matthew and Mark.
As we look in more detail at the first miracle of Jesus, we will see that its being repeated in all four Gospels means that it is more than just a miraculous story. Certainly, Jesus must have been teaching His disciples something very important. I believe He was trying to show them how they (and how we) were going to do ministry after Jesus left the earth.
The setting of the story is needed to be known in order to understand the meaning of the miracle. According to Matthew, Jesus desired to be alone and went via boat to a secluded place (Mt 14:13). Why did Jesus want to be alone? We learn from Matthew’s account that He had just heard of the death of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod (Mt 14:10-12). Now, keep in mind that Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins. They had no doubt spent time much together in their childhood. John became the forerunner of Jesus who pointed to Jesus and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” Jesus had been baptized by John to start his 3 years of ministry here on earth that would lead up to his death, resurrection and ascension back to the heaven. And according to Matthew’s earlier words in the same chapter, John had not died an ordinary death. He had been beheaded by Herod and then had his decapitated head displayed on a silver platter. Hearing about this, Jesus wanted some time alone. Wouldn't you?
It is also important to realize that Jesus performed a miracle of feeding a multitude of thousands not once, but actually twice. The first time He did so was in a place called Bethsaida (today it is called Tabgha). This is the region that several of the disciples were from, including Philip, which will play an important part later in this story. Bethsaida literally means “house of fish” but some linguists say that in its root, the word means, “house of the boxed lunch,” which would certainly be fitting. This miracle involved 5,000 men (mostly Jewish) plus women and children being fed with 5 loaves and 2 fish, and having 12 baskets left over. This is the miracle that is recorded in all 4 gospels (the only other miracle record in all 4 gospels is the resurrection of Jesus Himself).
The sequel to this miracle happened in a totally different location known as Decapolis. Instead of 5,000 mostly Jewish men, this event involved 4,000 men who were mostly Gentile, plus women and children. In the first miracle, Jesus fed the crowd using 5 loaves and 2 fish. This second miracle was done with 7 loaves and a few fish. Instead of 12 baskets left over, as in the first instance, this time there were just 7 baskets left over. The first miracle is recorded in all four Gospels while this one is recorded only by Matthew and Mark.
As we look in more detail at the first miracle of Jesus, we will see that its being repeated in all four Gospels means that it is more than just a miraculous story. Certainly, Jesus must have been teaching His disciples something very important. I believe He was trying to show them how they (and how we) were going to do ministry after Jesus left the earth.
The setting of the story is needed to be known in order to understand the meaning of the miracle. According to Matthew, Jesus desired to be alone and went via boat to a secluded place (Mt 14:13). Why did Jesus want to be alone? We learn from Matthew’s account that He had just heard of the death of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod (Mt 14:10-12). Now, keep in mind that Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins. They had no doubt spent time much together in their childhood. John became the forerunner of Jesus who pointed to Jesus and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” Jesus had been baptized by John to start his 3 years of ministry here on earth that would lead up to his death, resurrection and ascension back to the heaven. And according to Matthew’s earlier words in the same chapter, John had not died an ordinary death. He had been beheaded by Herod and then had his decapitated head displayed on a silver platter. Hearing about this, Jesus wanted some time alone. Wouldn't you?
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