Gone Fishing: The Present Necessity and Future Hope of Jesus Christ

When I was a young boy, our family would make annual trips to the Texas coast to fish and just relax. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting beside my dad and grandfather along the pier outside of the condo we would rent. With ice cold Dr. Pepper in hand, we would catch little perch and croaker that we would feed to the cranes nearby. When we were extra daring, the Dickson men would charter a boat with a guide to take us out into the gulf to fish for redfish and rainbow trout in its shallow waters. Sometimes we were successful and other times we made a trip to the fish market on the way home. On one occasion, we were incredibly fortunate and spent the entire day reeling in large reds and plenty of trout. We pulled in so much that several of us reached our legal limit and had plenty to eat on for several meals! One of the most satisfying dinners I ever enjoyed was as an 8-year-old boy, eating the fried fish that I helped catch (something about knowing I caught these fish made it taste better). Though we would like to take the credit for our success; ultimately, the guide who took us out to his “special spots” on his boat with his bait was responsible for placing our crew at the right place at the right time. His expertise made all of the difference in providing a fun and productive experience.

As we continue to move toward the end of John, more revelations of Jesus Christ are made. The next manifestation of the risen Lord takes place in John 21:1-14 as an unsuccessful fishing expedition is nearing its completion. However, one Guide is able turn things around and in two unforgettable scenes He demonstrates His ability to provide in this life and the next.  

SCENE #1: Jesus Fills the Disciples’ Nets-21:1-8

 “After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias and He manifested Himself in this way…” (21:1). This short introductory note establishes some measure of chronology as it suggests that the following events transpired after Jesus’ meeting with Thomas. However, it is not clear exactly how much time has passed in between the two meetings. Regardless, by this time the disciples have made it back to Galilee in the vicinity of the Sea of Tiberias (otherwise known as the Sea of Galilee) where the disciples enjoyed the some familiarity. Back home in this familiar region is where Jesus decides to reveal Himself for this third time following His resurrection.

Having returned to their home turf, Peter and several of his friends decide to take a fishing expedition, “Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to Him, ‘We will also come with you.’…” (21:2-3). Returning to a familiar locale instigates this return to normalcy and tells us something about the state of the disciples’ transformation at this point. Such a return to the mundane would be unimaginable after Pentecost (see Acts 2). After the Holy Spirit is sent, there is a certain eagerness for spreading the message of Jesus Christ that seems to be absent here. Therefore, this action taken by Jesus’ disciples suggests that without the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, those who believe are unable to serve as instructed—“there is neither the joy nor the assurance, not to mention the sense of mission and the spirit of unity, that characterize the church when freshly endowed with the promised Spirit” (Carson, 670).

In spite of the clearly repeated instructions of Christ to proclaim the good news, the disciples “went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing…”(21:3). Although there is some evidence which suggests that night time was considered best for fishing in this region, John includes this detail in effort to play on a familiar motif—the theme of light and darkness (see 3:2, 19-21; 13:30; 20:1). Throughout His gospel, light has been used to symbolize truth, revelation, and life. On the other hand, darkness has referred to sin, ignorance, and confusion. At this point, the disciples have not totally come to grips with all that the resurrection means for them and have not learned the profound truth that apart from Christ they can do nothing (15:5)—not even catch fish! (something they were good at before ever meeting Christ). In the darkness of ignorance surrounding these truths, made more dramatic under the cover of night, they are unsuccessful in their familiar endeavor, “…they caught nothing.”  This creates an opportunity for Jesus to teach them an all important lesson.

After their fishing trip proves unsuccessful, the day breaks, casting light onto the sea of Galilee and figuratively providing an opportunity for the disciples to confront the truths they have ignored or forgotten, “But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus” (21:4). In the dim light of morning, the Light of the world stands in the distance. However, the fog of the early morning made it impossible for the disciples to identify the figure before them, adding to the drama of this tender moment.

As soon as the outline of the figure appears, it speaks, breaking through the silence of the morning and the melancholy of the disciple’s fishless expedition. This voice says, “Children [boys], you do not have any fish do You?” (21:5). Knowing their answer before they gave it, Jesus is hoping to draw unique attention to the failure the disciples had experienced in doing something they had been used to doing for years.

After they reveal the unfortunate result of their excursion, Jesus turns Himself into a fishing guide and provides some helpful advice, “And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch’…” (21:6a). “Although the right side of anything was widely considered in Greek circles to be a sign of good luck, it would be utterly trivial to think that this is why Jesus gave this command” (Carson, 670). Instead, Jesus (because He is God), must have known that a great school of fish was swimming beneath the starboard side of the disciples’ vessel. What is more perplexing is why the disciples took this Stranger up on His advice. Remember, they did not recognize Jesus at this point. Therefore, if the disciples were not expecting to see Jesus and can’t tell who is speaking to them, they may have assumed that this advice was being given from a fellow fisherman. “I always catch more over there!” “Try casting on the other side!”

Though the specific reasons for the disciples’ obedience elude the audience, these seasoned fishermen, either out of hope or in desperation follow the advice and as a result, “they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish” (21:6a). This is not unlike the result experienced in Luke 5:1-11. There, after following Jesus’ instructions, the disciples loaded multiple nets onto the boat that nearly sunk the entire vessel! Here, perhaps after learning from their previous experience, the disciples keep the net in the water once they notice it is exceedingly full.

Though I imagine that the disciples took advice from other fishermen in the past that paid off, no advice previously received was this productive! In fact, it does not take long for John, “that disciple whom Jesus loved,” to recognize the man on the shore. He quickly tells Peter, “It is the Lord” (21:7a). Who else could have predicted the movement of the fish beneath the surface with such pinpoint precision?

As soon as John makes this connection clear to Peter, Peter covers his near-naked body and throws Himself into the sea, “So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, He put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea…” (21:7b). John’s insight combined with Peter’s characteristically over-the-top response confirm Jesus’ presence before the motley crew. The disciples had thrown the net into the sea to be filled and it was. Following this pattern, Peter threw himself into the sea hoping for the same blessing. 

As has proven to be the case on numerous occasions, the other disciples are not as flamboyant in their response as Peter, “the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish” (21:8). Eventually, all of them make their way to port following another unforgettable fishing trip—a trip that started rough, but ended with quite a splash. What made the difference? Jesus intervened, demonstrating that dependence on Him is appropriate not just for formally “spiritual” endeavors, but all endeavors.

SCENE #2: Jesus Fills the Disciple’s Bellies-21:9-14

In the next scene, the audience is transported from the Sea of Galilee to the shore where the disciples, “saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread” (21:9). Having already provided a miracle on the disciples’ behalf, proving that without Christ, even the most rudimentary actions are fruitless, Jesus now provides something else –a practical service. This was not new for the disciples for in John 13:1-17, Jesus was seen washing the disciples’ feet. Here, as their risen Savior, He meets their tiredness after a night of toil with a hot breakfast. Though cooking and setting the table might seem out of place for Jesus, it should not surprise astute bible students who remember that Christ is the same God who prepares tables for His own in the presence of their enemies (see Ps. 23).

Shortly after the scene is set, Jesus invites the disciples to “bring some of the fish which [they]…caught” to be used for the meal. This spectacle has all of the makings of a very satisfying breakfast. Jesus had made it possible for the fishing expedition to be a success and now provided an opportunity for the disciples to participate in making the meal. There are few things more satisfying for a fisherman than enjoying his own catch.

Peter is the one who takes the initiative to bring some of the fish over (surprise, surprise!). The  text says, “Simon Peter went up and drew the net to the land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn”(21:11). 153 fish is a lot! But why 153? Why give this number so specifically? It should not surprise us that these morsels were counted as these fishermen wanted an accurate survey so that they could divvy them out amongst those present. What is more important to recognize is the sheer magnitude of the miracle—a miracle that is made even more surprising by the nets that have remained in tact. The implication of this detail is that when Jesus is involved in our rudimentary routine, amazing things can happen. 

If perchance some of the disciples were hesitant to join the Messiah beside the fire, Jesus spells out His invitation more clearly in verse 12, “come and have breakfast…” (21:12). As they approached, none of the disciples dared to ask Him if He was their resurrected Lord, “None of the disciples ventured to question Him, ‘Who are You?’ knowing that it was the Lord” (21:12). Following Jesus’ second appearance (to Thomas and the others), the disciples at this point had perhaps come to expect that Jesus would turn up again. Also, by this time the disciples had been given the strongest possible reasons for believing in Jesus’ resurrection (See 20:19-29). Therefore, there was no legitimate reason to ask this question.

With everyone gathered around and breakfast ready, “Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise…” (21:13). In this intimate scene, Jesus reassures them, meets their physical needs, and serves them. Having already provided a miracle, Jesus now provides an opportunity for the disciples to adjust to the new situation they now faced. Their Savior was alive! Here was the same miracle worker they had enjoyed before, the same man who had met their needs in abundant ways, and the same servant they had watched for the last three years. A breakfast feast is a perfect occasion to let this all sink in.

In fact, Jesus’ willingness to prepare a feast is not isolated to this occasion. This subtle breakfast in the company of His close confidants no doubt foreshadows a much larger meal that Jesus is preparing for (even at this very moment)—the marriage feast of the Lamb of God. We read about this special occasion in another book written by John.

Revelation 19:9-“Then he said to me, ‘Write Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb’…”

It is on this future occasion where Jesus will sit down with His own and enjoy the greatest of all meals. Listen to Jesus’ promise of this occasion in Matthew 26:29 and His description of this event in Matthew 22:1-14.

Matthew 26:29-“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.”

 Matthew 22:1ff-“Jesus spoke to them again in parables saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast,…”

Ultimately, Jesus is making a promise to His disciples and all other disciples in this scene. In providing a breakfast meal; Jesus proves that He is the same Messiah that lived on the earth and died on the cross and reveals Himself to be the one who is going to prepare something even better for those who follow Him after this world passes away.

So What?

These two scenes demonstrate Jesus as the provider in this life and in the next. In providing a miracle, Jesus reminds His disciples that they no longer have the luxury of leaving Him out of their lives, even in the rudimentary and mundane. When a disciple tries to go it alone, all they can expect is an empty net, and unsuccessful journey, and a sad report when asked, “did you catch anything?” In providing a bountiful meal, Jesus suggests that He takes delight in preparing a special place of fellowship for those who respond positively to His invitation, “Come.” As He invited the disciples to bring their fish with them to an intimate celebration on the shore, today Jesus invites His disciples to bring those whom God has placed beneath their boat to the marriage feast—those Jesus will use His disciples to help catch.

Are you constantly inviting Jesus to intervene on your behalf and involve Himself in your day to day life? If not, aren’t you tired of coming to port empty handed with little or nothing to show for your efforts of eternal significance?  

Are you living with the future feast in mind, diligently fishing where God has navigated your vessel in an effort to help others answer Jesus’ global invitation?  

From Doubt to Faith-The Climax of John's Gospel

A couple of years ago we began a series in the book of John that I affectionately titled, “Things are More than they Seem.” We have discovered in our study that this is true of life, who we are as human beings, and what we know of Jesus Christ. In fact, John’s expressed purpose in writing this gospel has involved demonstrating that when it comes to Jesus, things are more than they seem. Today, all of the pieces come together in John 20:24-29 and in a dramatic and highly personal scene, the climax of this lengthy literary work is presented in all of its glory. In this passage an unlikely individual who is late to the party is used to demonstrate what true faith looks like, and the voice of a skeptic is called upon to vocalize some of the most compelling theological truths. Let us take a close look at this passage by means of three circumstances that work together to make the case John has been working on for the last 19 chapters.

 

CIRCUMSTANCE #1: Doubt Drives a Wedge-20:24-25

Jesus’ post-resurrection manifestations we took a look at last week would have been life-changing for anyone in attendance. His miraculous appearance had to of had a lasting impact on the disciples who witnessed His presence, observed His scars, and felt His breath. However, not everyone was in attendance in John 20:19-23. In fact, at least one disciple was somewhere else, “but Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came” (20:24). Though we are not told where Thomas was when everyone had the benefit of witnessing the risen Christ, his “coming up to speed” episode allows for one of the greatest Christological confessions recorded and sets the stage for the climax of John’s Gospel.

Once Thomas is joined together with the other ten disciples, all of them share the great news of Jesus’ resurrection with him, “so the other disciples were saying to him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’…” (20:25a). This short testimony lets us know that at least initially, the disciples did share the message Jesus instructed them to publicize (However, as we will soon learn, their obedience only went so far). This news, although simple, is profound and would have been shocking to Thomas. First, the statement necessarily means that not one, two, or three, but at least TEN of Thomas’ closest confidants claimed to have witnessed the same miracle (that is pretty compelling evidence of the miracle’s legitimacy). Second, that Jesus was risen from the dead means that all of their worries and fears about following a man who had just been crucified had no basis. Their most profound grief would have been remedied into vivacious victory if what they said was true. Third, their reference to Jesus as “Lord” means that these men at least claimed to believe that Jesus had authority and that this authority was confirmed in His resurrection. Quite a learning curve for Thomas to navigate through in order to catch up with His contemporaries.

Remember, Thomas did not have the experience the others shared of seeing Jesus and investigating His scars. Though people traditionally give Thomas a hard time, it is healthy to remember that he is a step behind everyone else (exactly where the other disciples were after hearing the initial news from Mary Magdalene). How did they respond when they first heard the news? They locked themselves in a room out of fear instead of proudly proclaiming Jesus’ victory!  Poor Thomas gets a bad rap; however, he is just as doubtful as his colleagues were before they saw Jesus alive.

 “But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (20:25b). Apparently, Thomas thinks the disciples may have seen a ghost (the Middle East during the first century was very superstitious). In fact, this would not have been the first time Jesus was mistaken to be a ghost, nor would it be the last time that people demanded confirmation of Jesus’ identity (see Matt. 14:26; John 21:4, etc.).

Ultimately, Thomas wants concrete evidence, the same kind of evidence that his fellow disciples enjoyed in John 20:19-23. Surely, Jesus, if His body was truly raised would have some sort of physical continuity with the Jesus who was crucified (i.e. scars in appropriate areas) (Carson, 656). However, for the time being, Thomas has not yet seen what He needs to see to make this quantum leap from skepticism to faith. Because of this, I imagine it drove an incredible wedge between him and his friends. Imagine being the odd one out in this situation. All of your closest buddies are enjoying the victory of hope and life and you are stuck wondering by yourself in a corner if any of this is true. Thomas was an outcast in his doubt and would remain this was for no less than 8 days.

Before we continue on this journey it is important to recognize the significance of the disciples’ experience and Thomas’ demand. Shortly after Jesus would ascend, the roots of Gnosticism were planted, saying that Jesus only appeared to be human (the heresy of Docetism, from dokeo, “to seem”) (Kostenberger, Zondervan Illustrated 190). However, John here and in talking about Jesus’ incarnation earlier (1:14) makes every effort to demonstrate that Jesus both “came in the flesh” and rose in the flesh (albeit a glorified flesh). In fact, in later letters to the churches, John continues this theme (1 John 4:2-3; 2 John 7).

1 John 4:2-3-“This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”

2 John 7-“I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.”

That Jesus rose bodily from the dead means that our bodies have a future resurrection to look forward to when we are glorified and become “like” Christ. Had Jesus not been risen bodily, this doctrine would be nonsensical and full-blown Platonism is confirmed.

CIRCUMSTANCE #2: Revelation Creates an Opportunity-20:26-27

Interestingly, the very same scenario is created a week later that existed before Thomas emerged on the scene, only this time, Thomas is in attendance-- “after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you’…” (20:26). The time reference of “eight days” is an idiomatic was of saying “a week later” putting this episode on the newly crowned “Lord’s Day.” However, instead of celebrating and sharing openly the news they have to share, it is obvious in this text that they have not done well to keep their new resolutions (see John 20:19-23 –resolutions include 1. Being a person of peace, 2. Being a person of action, 3. Being a person who shares). Instead, there they are hiding out for fear of the Jewish authorities behind locked doors…AGAIN! INSPITE OF THE EXPERIENCE THEY ALL SHARED! You might see why Thomas was unconvinced by the disciple’s message. To Thomas, their fearful behavior may have validated his skepticism.

Regardless of their faithlessness, Jesus, out of sheer grace, appears miraculously again and shares the same message, “Peace be with you” (20:26). I imagine the tenor of His voice implied “I SAID (a week ago) PEACE be with you” (not fear or hesitation). The idea here, again, is that because Jesus is alive, there is no reason to fear, no justification for being idle, and not cause for silence. 

After making His familiar declaration on the whole bunch, Jesus narrows His focus on Thomas and makes an example out of Him, “…Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here you hand and put it into My side;…” (20:27a). Though Jesus did not need to justify Himself in this way, He humbly offers His body to Thomas in this way for Thomas’ benefit, putting obvious revelation on the lowest shelf imaginable.

Here, Thomas is awarded the opportunity he asked for earlier—a thorough examination of Jesus’ wounds. Jesus’ allowance of Thomas’ empirical investigation is His way of reaching into Thomas’ skepticism in an effort to bring Him to a point of faith. In fact, following His invitation to Thomas, He calls for Thomas’ belief. 

“…and do not be unbelieving, but believing” (20:27b). There are several ways to translate this amazing invitation. Some translations render this “do not be unbelieving, but believing” while others render it, “do not be an unbeliever, but a believer.” However, no matter how you understand it, one things is certain, by taking up Thomas’ challenge, Jesus proves that he hears His disciples even when he is not physically present, and removes all possible grounds for unbelief (Carson, 657).

Jesus’ presentation of evidence to Thomas is indicative of what He and the Bible has done on a far more general scale. Thousands of corresponding copies of early manuscripts with no doctrinal differences make the Bible one of the most thoroughly vetted and consistent pieces of literature—even in modern day translations. Similarly, secular historical scholars agree that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most exhaustively evidenced events in all of history. These and countless other proofs demonstrate God’s willingness to offer evidence of Himself in manageable bites for even the most juvenile skeptic on the lowest epistemic shelf. The myriad of presentations all cry out the same message, “and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” (John 20:24-29)

Ultimately, these two circumstances lay the groundwork for the climax of John’s Gospel.

CIRCUMSTANCE #3: Belief brings Salvation-20:28-29

We are not told whether Thomas actually took Jesus up on His offer to insert His fingers into the Savior’s wounds or not. In fact, the text seems to suggest that the sight of Jesus and His invitation was enough to bring Thomas out of doubt and into profound reverence.  

The entire series we have been working through in this amazing gospel has been called “Things are More than they Seem” and it is here that this principle is realized when it comes to Jesus Christ.  Circumstances in Thomas’ life bring him here to a point of belief that Jesus is not just a man, not just a teacher, not just a miracle worker, not just a prophet, not just a good role model—HE IS GOD HIMSELF MADE FLESH and Thomas’ declaration of this is the climax of this gospel, “Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’…” (20:28). In a gospel that has done its best to demonstrate that Jesus is God, here is where we see one skeptic’s journey from disbelief to deep conviction in the face of overwhelming evidence.

His statement is important for several reasons. First, it is an explicit declaration of Jesus’ lordship and therefore His equality to God the Father. Because Thomas calls Jesus “Lord” and “God,” he is claiming that Jesus is equal to God—He is God made flesh. Anything other than this conviction falls short of true Christianity. Second, his statement is profoundly personal, “My Lord and my God!” It is one thing to say that Jesus has the authority of God and another thing entirely to subject oneself to that authority. That Thomas claims Jesus as his Lord and God means that he is surrendering his life to Christ and entering into a personal relationship with Him.

 In this statement we see a beautiful depiction of salvation. Romans 10:9-10 explains salvation this way, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” Thomas, after witnessing Jesus’ death personally and coming to grips with His resurrection declares that Jesus is Lord verbally, demonstrating what is already true in his heart. Because of this, Thomas is transformed from a lonely doubter to a faithful follower. Calling him a “doubting Thomas” now is not accurate in the least. Thomas may have doubted before; however, he ended up being a faithful follower. In fact, how is this for “doubting Thomas”—Thomas (Didymus) according to historical accounts traveled further than any other apostle with the news of Jesus Christ, making his way all the way to southern India where he was eventually speared by a pagan priest for refusing worship to an idol. I’d say that Thomas’ life adds to the mound of evidence for the legitimacy of Jesus and the reality of His resurrection. Not many would travel to the end of the world and give up there life for someone they believed was dead, especially if they used to be a skeptic.

Jesus responds to Thomas’ declaration by saying, “…’because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed’…”(20:29). Although many understand the first part of Jesus’ response as a word of rebuke, it is important to point out that Thomas’ faith far exceeded his colleagues at this point. We will discover in the next couple of weeks that the rest of the disciples were not yet where Thomas was. In fact, the one who was lagging behind the others earlier now stood out front! Therefore, it is better to interpret Jesus’ words as a confirmation of Thomas’ saving faith posed as a question in an effort to introduce the main thrust of John’s Gospel (located in the second part of verse 29).

“Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (20:29). In other words, Jesus says, blessed are those who will come long after I leave the earth and reach the same conclusion Thomas reached—that I am their Lord and their God. With this statement, Jesus breaks the fourth wall and stares down anyone who picks up this book, letting them know how they can have real life. Real life is bestowed on those who in light of the evidence provided in God’s Word, creation, and experiences reach the inevitable conclusion that Jesus is Lord and in response surrender their lives to Him. Blessed are these!

So What?

When it comes to Jesus, things are more than they seem. Jesus is Lord and God! Do you believe this? Those who doubt this (believing anything less of Christ) drive a wedge between them and God, leaving them in a stubborn state of disbelief. These know nothing of God, ultimately have no hope, and enjoy a mediocre and altogether meaningless life.  Perhaps it is time that you examine the evidence and see for yourself. The Bible is the most trustworthy document known to man with the most compelling and exhaustively evidenced events (events that carry with them eternal implications). Its characters (like Thomas) were historical people who were really changed in profound ways and in many cases gave their lives proclaiming that Jesus rose from the grave! If this is true and Jesus really did rise as numerous sources support from secular historians of the first century, then everything Jesus said and did is confirmed. When all Jesus said and did is added up, it leads to one conclusion—Jesus is Lord and God! Is it not about time you recognize the futility of your skepticism and faithfully follow Jesus saying along with “faithful” Thomas, “My Lord and my God?”

For those who have voiced this confession, is it not time we live accordingly? Our Savior is alive from the dead! Why should we not lay down our lives spreading this message? Let us take our cue from the one we call a doubter and put our feet and hands where our mouth is! Do not let you inactivity in the kingdom building project and your silence fluff the pillows in the living room of skepticism. Because things are more than they seem.

Righteous Resolutions for 2015 on

If you are like 45% of Americans, you probably made at least one New Year’s resolution a couple of days ago. Maybe your resolution was one of the top ten resolutions made in 2014:

                1. Lose Weight

                2. Get Organized

                3. Spend Less, Save More

                4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest

                5. Stay Fit and Healthy

                6. Learn Something Exciting

                7. Quit Smoking

                8. Help Others in Their Dreams

                9. Fall in Love

                10. Spend More Time with Family (statisticbrain.com)

 

All of these resolutions are good ones to keep; however, it you are like 92% of Americans who made them last year, you will fail to achieve these goals. Some of these goals (trying something new, getting organized, etc.), if not kept, are no big deal. In fact, many people will say things like, “I can always try next year.” However, the resolutions I hope we will glean from John 20:19-23 are far more important than most and, if left unkept, can have eternal ramifications. What will serve as our motivation for making and keeping the resolutions we will soon learn about? –The greatest event in all of history—Jesus’ resurrection. Following this greatest act, Jesus manifests Himself in three ways to His disciples in John 20:19-23 and accompanies these manifestations with three messages that will give us confidence, call us out, and break our silence in this year and in every year to come.

The Miraculous Appearance-20:19

 

As we return to our John series, we arrive immediately after Mary Magdalene is sent from the empty grave to the disciples with the glorious news of Jesus’ resurrection. It is now evening on “that day, the first day of the week” and her incredible message had no doubt made its way to the disciples and their close friends/loved ones. However, instead of bringing them cause for celebration, it is obvious that at this point, Mary’s news has brought them nothing but anxiety; the ”doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews” (20:19a). They probably wondered, “What would the Jews now do that the body was missing?” “What would Rome say?” “Could they really trust Mary’s message?” Instead of leaving the bunker they had rested in for the last few days to look for answers to these questions or faithfully spreading the message of Jesus’ victory to others, they held themselves up and hesitated to do just about anything. Something profound would have to wake them from their increasingly comfortable insulation and fearful isolation—something even more shocking than news from a secondary source—something like Jesus Himself! In His first manifestation, a miraculous appearance demonstrates that Jesus’ peace can be known in the midst of anxious situations.

 

At this time, “Jesus came and stood in their midst” (20:19b). There stood the body that was bruised and bleeding just days before healed and alive! Having made His way past the locks and through the doors, the disciples’ Savior, Teacher, and Friend confirmed Mary Magdalene’s most wonderful report, “Jesus is alive! Just as He said He would be!” The same man who buckled under the weight of a heavy cross and was taken from His loved ones to die now stood before them in total victory.

Jesus never performs a miracle for show, He always accompanies His acts with a message. This time, the message is peace. As soon as He appeared, He spoke this peace into the fearful milieu that gripped the disciples saying, “Peace be with you” (20:19c).  Victory had been achieved! Death was conquered! Everything Jesus said and did was now confirmed in this one miracle!  Surely this would wake them from their worry!

 

This is just like Jesus to break through barriers to bring encouragement and inspiration. Throughout His ministry He had conquered illness, storms, and the Jewish authorities. Though these previous victories should have inspired faith among the disciples, nothing was as grand as Jesus’ victory over death. However, to bring confirmation of this to those who should have expected it all along, Jesus had to break through the doors and locks His followers had put in place to insulate and isolate themselves.

 

The tendency we see in the disciples’ here is not unlike what we are prone to do in our lives. Some faith-shaking events or tragedies drive us into insulation or isolation behind closed doors into bunkers of fear or hesitancy. When this takes place, we are paralyzed spiritually, unmoved by the good news, and incapable of sharing it with anybody. However, we are not without help. Jesus breaks into our bunkers of isolation and insulation and wakes us up, speaking peace into our trouble, rendering us useful again! Sometimes He speaks through His word in times of quiet devotion, undeniable experiences, or through faithful messengers who preach His Word. No matter what way the message is communicated, Jesus is constantly reminding His own that because He rose from the grave, we can rise out of despair knowing that His victory is confirmation of our own in Him. His miraculous appearance here in verse 19 demonstrates Jesus’ peace in the midst of our anxiety.

 

The Presentation of Evidence-20:20-21

 

After Jesus had miraculously appeared to the disciples behind closed doors, He decides to take things a step further by offering more proof of what has occurred. He does this by presenting evidence of Himself to those who at this point were probably wiping their eyes and asking, “is this a dream?” “And when He said this, He showed them both His hands and His side” (20:20). The verb “show” is emphatic and suggests that Jesus took time to explain the meaning or significance of the scars that remained on His body.  These scars confirmed that the glorious figure they beheld was the same one who hung on the cross and was taken away. They were a grim reminder of the most glorious demonstration of love ever made.

 

Jesus’ scars were empirical evidence of Jesus’ bodily resurrection. This was not just a spirit floating overhead or a mirage in an amber glow. Jesus had been raised bodily from the dead. Also, Jesus’ post-resurrection scars are a brilliant reminder of to what lengths Jesus was willing to go to provide salvation for His disciples. The evidence has spoken; Jesus’ scars tell the story; Jesus has risen from the dead!

 

 At this point that the readers of John’s account are given the response the disciples made after witnessing these first two manifestations, “the disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord” (20:20b). Having witnessed the miraculous appearance and having examined the evidence along with Jesus’ corresponding explanation, they rejoice. Why, because they beheld their Lord! Knowing that Jesus is alive from the dead is the difference between being most pitied and exceedingly blessed.

1 Cor. 15:17-19-“and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.”

Because Christ has been raised from the dead, our faith is fruitful; we are no longer in our sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have life. If we have hoped in Christ in this life AND the next, we are of all men most blessed!

Jesus accompanies this presentation with another message, “So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (20:21). His second message is a reiteration of the first (“Peace be with You”) with a corresponding call (“I also send you”). In fact, the call that Jesus makes is dependent on the peace the disciple has because of Jesus’ life in them. One cannot be sent of God like Christ unless they know His peace. Because Jesus came and ministered without fear or worry, we must have peace to be like Him as we are sent into this world. To obtain this peace, we must examine the evidence Jesus has presented and, like the twelve, behold our Lord alive and well.

 

What this passage makes abundantly clear is this: because Jesus is alive, there is no reason to be anxious and no justification for being idle. We have His peace and because of that we have His call to be sent into the world to share it.

 

The Promise of the Holy Spirit-20:22-23

 

The final manifestation Jesus offered in this text is a simple breath, “and when He said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’…” (20:22). “The process of breathing on someone may have very important symbolic implications. In some instances this can be related to a blessing” (Louw Nida). So what does it symbolize here? The most obvious theological antecedent is Genesis 2:7. There the exact same verb form is used (albeit in the Septuagint) when God breathes His Spirit into Adam at creation, (rendering him a “living being”). Here, at the occasion of the commissioning of His disciples, Jesus breathes life into the new messianic community (Kostenberger, 574-75).

 

However, is this new community really established in this moment? Is the Holy Spirit actually given here?  What about Pentecost in Acts 2? Is this a biblical discrepancy? No, instead, Jesus is symbolically promising the future gift of the Spirit at Pentecost with this breath and encouraging, nay, commanding that the disciples receive Him when He comes.

 

Like the miracle and the presentation of evidence before, this action comes complete with an accompanying message. The first message was about peace and the second was a command to be sent. This time, the message has everything to do with forgiveness, “If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained” (20:23).

 

In this context, the mission of Jesus’ disciples and the Spirit who empowers them is in full view (“being sent” in verse 21 and the reception of the Holy Spirit in verse 22). With this in mind it is important to correctly interpret the perfect verbs here as aspectual (i.e. “they stand forgiven”) and passive (implying that it is God who is doing the forgiving). There is therefore little doubt that the reference to forgiving sins, or withholding forgiveness, is connected to the message the disciples would eventually preach. The preaching of the gospel either brings men to repent as they hear of the forgiveness of God (forgiving them), or it leaves them unresponsive to the offer of forgiveness, thereby leaving them in their sin (i.e. retaining their sin) (Marsh, 641-42). Therefore, a paraphrase of this might read, “if you preach a message of forgiveness and they respond positively, their sins have been forgiven by God; however, if you preach a message of forgiveness and they respond negatively, they are still in their sin” (Jeff Dickson).

Each of the three messages builds on to reach other. First, there is peace because of Jesus’ resurrection. Second, those who have this peace are able to be sent into the world. Third, those who are sent into the world must do so to spread a message of forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

So What?

I cannot think of a more appropriate message for the beginning of this year. As often as we taken time to remember the birth of Jesus and the death of Jesus, we should also reiterate His glorious resurrection. This passage offers three manifestations of a risen Jesus that inspire His disciples away from fear and toward peace, off the pew and into the world, and call us to speak up and not be silent. All of these activities depend on one’s understanding and remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection. For those who are IN Christ, there really is no reason to fear, no justification for remaining seated, and no message more important than forgiveness of sin through Jesus.

Therefore, resolve this year to live in the confidence that comes from knowing your Savior is alive and not dead. Resolve this year to use the peace Jesus has made available to catapult you out into your world for His sake. Resolve this year to keep His message of forgiveness of sin on the tip of your tongue as you do life with those around you who need to hear it. These are resolutions that I pray through God’s grace His church will keep!

 

Christmas Greatest Hits: The First Ever Christmas Song Luke 1:46-55

One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is the music. Some of my favorite Christmas tunes include O Holy Night, Sleigh ride, and anything by the Tran-Siberian Orchestra. However, I’m not the only one who enjoys carols and familiar musical phrases. The research shows that Christmas music is a powerful force to be reckoned with as it is a multi-billion dollar a year industry!
 

One thing that many arrangers or recording artists have done is provide compilations or medleys of several different songs that have already been written. Whether it’s a medley of carols or a grouping of holiday favorites, I always enjoy how arrangers use what has already been made available or already written to create something new (with its own spin and flavor). I had the privilege of singing such medley at the holiday pops along with the symphony orchestra choir and an entire auditorium full of people just the other day.

However, songs or groupings of songs used to commemorate a season are not new. In fact, many might be unaware of the very first Christmas song ever written. Though this first ever Christmas song is a single tune, Mary’s Magnificat is also a compilation of previous melodies that existed in the first century.  Written by the Holy Spirit and originally recorded by the virgin Mary, this song is a hymn of praise and reflection that continues to inspire those who hear it today. Let us look at its two profound verses in Luke 1:46-55.

I. VERSE #1: MARY’S PERSONAL PRAISE BALLAD-1:46-49

The very first Christmas song was sung by a virgin girl who would one day give birth to Christ Himself. The word “magnificat” is Latin for my soul magnifies and it comes from the first word used in the Latin text of this passage. In this translation, the opening lines read, “my soul exalts.” Mary begins this ancient hymn and most beautiful Christmas melody with praise and adoration for the Lord God in Heaven. The direction of her praise and adoration is to the Lord in whose eyes she had found undeserved favor.  While we have already observed how she reacted to such grace with obedience (putting her “yes” one the table), she now responds in praise and explodes in worship. 

Such exaltation is witnessed in Hannah’s song in 1 Sam. 2:1-10- “my heart exults in the Lord.” Interestingly, she too had found favor with God by means of a miraculous conception and in response chooses to praise the Lord.

It is important to understand that although God had shown Mary grace by choosing her for this task, the result of this journey, the completion of this task, would result in her own salvation. In a very Jewish way, Mary had also waited for the Savior that she now bore and would deliver. In essence, Mary was asked to be a small part in the program of salvation by acting as the vessel through which the God-child would come to earth. In this she rejoices in God who would save her through her child saying, “and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (1:47).  It is obvious by this personalization (“my Savior”) that Mary saw herself as part of the godly remnant that had served the Lord.  

Hannah also understood how God had saved her in spite of her barrenness by providing for her pregnancy. In her prayer you read that she also rejoices in the salvation that God provided.

1 Samuel 2:1-“My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is lifted up by the Lord. My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.”

One reason for Mary’s praise ballad is the attention God gave to her humble situation.  Luke cannot seem to shake the theme of humility in the account of Jesus’ birth. This awesome and Mighty God took notice of Mary’s humble state (a teenage girl from a small township in the middle nowhere) and chose her for a most important task. Because of His unique and surprising choice in this matter, Mary can help but to send praise His way, “…For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond slave;…” (1:48a). The only difference this reference to her humble obedience has with the one we talked about last week is that she is now living out her obedience, not just claiming it. She has made good on her answer and is living out her humble commitment to God’s great scheme to bring Jesus to earth.

Have you ever considered that only smaller birds sing in a pleasing way? You never hear a note worth whistling from the eagle, nor admire the sound a turkey makes, nor find the squawking of an ostrich pleasant to the ear. However, we love to listen to the sophisticated tunes of the canary, the wren, and the lark. Similarly, the sweetest music comes from those Christians who are small in their own estimation.

Not only does Mary praise the Lord because of His recognition of her in spite of her humility; but she also understood the eternal implications of the child she bore and that she too would be remembered for her humble service in God’s incarnational program, “for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed…”(1:48b). The small role she plays would be remembered by all who know the Bible and appreciate her example of courageous obedience. The opportunity to be a testimony of obedience is yet another reason that she praises the Lord in the first verse of this song.

However, while some might be tempted to venerate Mary herself. Mary is careful in her song to keep attention where it should be--the Lord God. God and His mighty power is the third reason she give Him praise, “for the Mighty One has done great things for me…” (1:49a). Even in her song Mary expresses that she was undeserving of any credit or any glory. Instead, she points all glory to the One who made her great because of His grace. The great things God did in her life are the only source of her goodness and that is the reason we see her praise the Lord in song, rather than sing about herself.

Mary concludes her praise ballad with a proclamation of God’s holiness—the fourth reason for her praise. Perhaps God’s most over-arching quality, holiness describes His unique and separate character that made everything transpire in both Mary’s life and in the world. It was God’s holy and awesome will that put this program of salvation together and now was pleased to bring Jesus to Earth. It is His holiness that authored salvation in the first place and it was his holy wisdom that saw fit to extend to Mary His grace and favor. For that reason Mary sings her humble praises.

Mary’s personal praise ballad is a rubric that can be followed today. Just as Mary borrowed from Hannah’s Old Testament hit, we can borrow form this song several principles to apply in our lives. Taking from this song’s template so far, we must pick up the melody and praise the Lord by our obedience in all things. Following Mary’s example, we are compelled in this text             to glorify God for all of the good that He has given. When we do this, the melody is beautiful.

II. VERSE #2: MARY’S REFLECTIVE REFRAIN-1:50-55

In this second verse of Mary’s song, she borrows lyrics from several popular Psalms and makes a transition from praise and toward reflection. First, Quoting from Psalm 103:17, Mary reflects on God’s activity in Israel’s history in general and how this miraculous conception in her life fits into a much larger story, “And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him…” (1:50). Truly, the entire story of the Old Testament that led up to this moment in Mary’s life was characterized by rebellion and mercy. In rebellion man sinned in the garden and God provided his mercy with the coverings of animal skin through a sacrifice. In rebellion, mankind grew so wicked that God determined to annihilate mankind in a flood and yet because of God’s mercy Noah and his family were saved. In rebellion, mankind built a tower to God and they were confused in their languages, forming all kinds of peoples and nations. In mercy, God chose Abraham to start a new nation that would bless the world. In rebellion, the nation God chose was disobedient and as a result was displaced and thrown into slavery. In God’s mercy Moses was raised and led his people to the Promised Land. In rebellion, God’s people demanded a king when they were supposed to follow Him. In God’s mercy he provides King David (albeit after Saul). In rebellion God’s people turn toward idols and are thrown into exile. In God’s mercy, He returns them to the land and rebuilds their city, their temple, and its walls. The entire Old Testament is a testimony of the incredible mercy of God. Most recently for Mary, God has been silent for 100s of years silence because of man’s rebellion; but now in this single act, He breaks that silence in a big way and shows Israel, once again, His incredible mercy by sending His son.  

Along with God’s mercy as demonstrated in the Old Testament, Mary reflects on God’s mighty deeds—floods, fires, healing, victory, etc. “…He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart, He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble…”(1:51-52). Each mighty act showed favor to the humble and judged the proud. Fires or floods were sent to scatter or destroy those who had become too proud to worship the one true God (Proverbs 8:13-The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate). Defeat was handed to those nations who were haughty in the face of Israel. Even for Israel herself, pride led to exile, destruction, and defeat (cf. Amos 6:8-The lord God has sworn by Himself, the Lord God of hosts says: “I abhor the pride of Jacob, and hate his palaces, therefore I will deliver up the city and all that is in it”). However, when returned to her correct state of humility, Israel was blessed, protected, and provided for. Victory and promise is given to the humble. Reflecting on this principle for Israel, Mary realizes that because of her humility, she was able to experience her own mighty act of God.

Quoting from another song (Psalm 107:9), Mary also reflects on God’s unique provision in response to man’s desperate need “…he has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty -handed” (1:53). It is clear when one looks at this Psalm (Psalm 107:5-6-“they were hungry and thirsty their soul fainted within them. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble…”), that Mary is not condemning the rich, but rather a failure to recognize dependency on the Lord for all things. This line in her reflective refrain reveals that those who recognize their hunger before the Lord are filled; however, those who already think they have it all will be sent away with nothing. Mary recognizes this throughout Israel’s history and in her own life as well. In no way did she pretend to have it all and not need God. In her own mind, she understood that God’s grace had filled her and her life with good things because of her dependency on Him. That was something to sing about.

So What?

With that, Mary’s compilation of Old Testament hits is complete. Having borrowed from Hannah’s timeless hit and a couple of noteworthy tunes from the Psalms, Mary was able to create something new for the first ever Christmas season. Both her personal praise ballad and reflective refrain sing of God’s greatness, mercy, and sovereign purpose in the world to bring about redemption to mankind. First, Mary’s personal praise reveals that this experience was one that brought much joy and wonder to her life. She recognized that her humility had been awarded with this opportunity to shine brightly for the Lord. After praising God for this she reflects on how God has done similar wonders in the life of her people. He extended mercy to Israel following prideful rebellion, had done mighty acts, and would continue to see the promises He had made fulfilled.

These verses teach us that God is eager to bless the humble with greatness and desires to perform the miraculous with the lowly. It is when we grow proud or arrogant that God decides we are useless (just as He demonstrated in the flood and in exiling His nation). Mary’s humility was an opportunity for God to use her. Israel’s humility led to incredible victory. Your humility before the Lord today is also an opportunity for God to use you in extraordinary ways. The more unlikely you may feel it is for God to use you, the more likely it is that God wants to glorify Himself through your life. The less you feel you have to offer, the more God will have to come through when you throw yourself out there. This Christmas, humble yourself before the Lord in order that He might shine brightly in your life. Recognize that your humble state, my humble state, and the humble state of this church is not an obstacle we are having to fight against. Instead, it is an opportunity we have for God to shine in ways other people or places who fail to realize this cannot.

This song also outlines how we should respond when God uses us. Like Mary, we are always to give God the credit and praise His holy Name. Who do you praise? Who gets the credit for what takes place in your life? Choose this Christmas to sing a new song in place of the selfish tunes we are prone to belt.

Christmas' Greatest Hits: Gabriel's Gloria -Luke 1:26-38

Any man who is married has experienced the following scenario: Your wife comes in and tells you something that she presumes you already know and you obviously have no idea what she is referring to. She then proceeds to say that she already told you about the event, situation, or errand earlier, perhaps even days earlier. In this moment, the husband has a choice to make. He can be stupid and try and prove that she didn’t make him aware of whatever it is they are discussing, or he can plead ignorance and chalk it up to not remembering what she must have made perfectly clear. In my short tenure as a married man, I have learned to choose the latter.  In fact, I have unfortunately proven very adept at forgetting the unmemorable. There are few conversations that I can remember vividly. 1Unless, it is really important or commands my full attention, I will probably forget the details. However, I do remember the conversation I had with Brianna’s parents before I asked her to marry me. Everything from where we ate to what was said to how we left is imprinted in my mind. I’ll never forget the conversation I had with my parents as they dropped me off at College my freshmen year and drove off. I can still remember what was said and how long the embraces lasted. I remember every detail surrounding the moment when Brianna told me we were expecting our first child and second child! Some conversations you just don’t forget.

 Today we are going to look at 4 Parts of a conversation experienced between two unlikely individuals, an archangel and a teenage girl, as we look forward to Christmas time. Like my conversation with Brianna’s just a few months ago, a young woman is soon going to learn that a baby changes everything. How she responds will teach each one of us how we ought to respond when God speaks.

I. PART 1: The Context of the Message-1:26-27

The timing of the conversation is intimately connected to the first 25 verses of Luke’s Gospel. Jesus’ story begins as yet another story has already been introduced—the birth of Jesus’ would-be cousin John.  This obvious correlation is made to show how Jesus’ life and work was a large part of an even greater narrative God was in the process of writing. Just as Elizabeth had conceived miraculously in her old age, Mary would conceive even more miraculously in her virginity. When John would be called great in the sight of the Lord (1:15), the Lord Jesus would be called the Son of God (1:32 & 35). 

After the timing of this conversation is identified, the messenger is revealed.  Gabriel is the trusted messenger who has been sent from the eternal glory of heaven. His angelic resume makes Gabriel a perfect choice as it is riddled with eschatological events. Twice in Daniel, it is Gabriel who brings news of the end of the ages. This new message He will bring to Mary is yet another announcement of God coming to earth. What he reveals will turn Mary’s gaze ahead to the long awaited Messiah’s work on the earth and how that work would usher in the age that would lead to the end of time.

So rare had God’s activity in the world been for the last 400 years (the intertestamental period) that this would have been absolutely shocking.

Now that we’ve examined the time and source of the message Mary was given, it follows next that we uncover the location in which the message was received. Luke is oddly specific (as would become his trademark in Luke and in Acts) concerning where Gabriel was sent.

Nazareth was the Brookneal, VA of Israel.  Have you heard of Brookneal? Exactly. In order to help his readers understand where the tiny town of Nazareth was, he specifies its location in the land of Galilee. The humility of this birthplace is made even more acute in John 1:46 when Nathaniel says, “What good can come out of Nazareth?” Humble beginnings like this are not accidental nor are they superfluous. It is purposeful that God would allow His Son to be sent in such a humble way as His ministry would be forever marked with humility and His destiny marked with an even greater humiliation (Calvary). God’s glory is, even in Christ’s birth, shown most beautifully in the most unlikely of places.

I’ll never forget finding a 20 dollar bill on the road one day as a kid. It was so exciting to find something so valuable in such an unlikely spot. I would not have been so excited or pleasantly surprised to have a 20 dollar bill given to me from my dad’s wallet. In the same way, to create something special, galvanize excitement, and draw attention to the glory of Christ, God places Jesus in the most unlikely of situations from the beginning.

Part of understanding the context of this interaction involves understanding who was included in the activity. Luke clearly emphasizes here and elsewhere that Gabriel was sent to a virgin woman. Not only was this woman a virgin, she was given to be married to a man –something that could not be broken except through something similar to a formal divorce. At this time, Mary would have probably been only 15 years old, some scholars suggest she was even a younger 13 (as this was the normal age of betrothal).

The lucky fiancé of this young lady was none other than Joseph of the descendants of David. This important factoid demonstrates Jesus’ relationship to the line of David, King of Israel, who was promised a forever kingdom. Through these context clues, Luke reveals that the message Gabriel is bringing has something to do with this royal family line. This, along with the unlikely setting and even more unlikely miracle would have created quite a stir Mary and Joseph’s life.

Before we move on to talk about the content of the message consider this. An angel going to Nazareth of Galilee to deliver this message to Mary would have been like an angel going to the outskirts of Brookneal, VA to speak to the young daughter of a family who lived in a double-wide. This is a proper way to view the situation as it was for Mary and Joseph as this is how Gabriel’s news found them in their lives. You can bet that she would never forget this encounter or the conversation that would take place.

II. PART 2: The Content of the Message-1:28-33

So eager was Gabriel to bring this news that he begins talking as he was coming into Mary’s presence. While in the process of appearing, he tells Mary that God considers her highly favored, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you” (1:28). There is no evidence to suggest that this was because of any merit or special holiness she possessed (as some suggest). Instead, she had been chosen because of his own mysterious and glorious purposes. This proclamation of God’s choosing is quickly followed with a promise of God’s presence in her life (the Lord is with you), revealing a timeless principle: once God chooses you, there is no escaping His presence in your life.

There is nothing implicitly confusing about Gabriel’s salutation. However, think for a moment about how it was given in the first place. Here is an angelic being appearing to young girl in the middle of nowhere after God has proven almost silent for 100s of years. A little confusion is understandable of this young girl who had seen nothing of this sort in all of her life, “But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was” (1:29). Maybe she wiped her eyes thinking it was a dream or checked herself to see if she had hit her head on something.

The heavenly being is able to read her expression of dumbfoundedness and quickly assures her that there is nothing to be afraid of. God’s favor has found Mary. (As stated earlier, this does not suggest that Mary had earned it in some way, but it does mean that she had been sovereignly chosen of God for the task she would soon hear about).

After assuring her, Gabriel eagerly divulges the prediction he had been sent to communicate, “…You will conceive in your womb and bear a son…”(1:31).

Immediately following the prediction of the child Himself, Gabriel provides Mary with the name of the child. This follows an Old Testament pattern of prophecy and then naming.

When Brianna and I found out she was pregnant (both times) we couldn’t wait to discover whether it would be a boy or a girl. However, notice here that Mary is not given the opportunity of waiting to see what the sex of the baby will be. Nor is she able to name the baby for herself!

Gabriel states that the name will be “Jesus.” Luke doesn’t make a big deal out of the name, in fact, the commonality of his name in the Jewish culture runs parallel to His ordinary birthplace. However, Jesus (which means God is salvation), would prove to be anything but ordinary and his life everything but common.

 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord will give Him the throne of His father David” (1:32). According, to Gabriel, Jesus will be great…PERIOD (no qualifications, nor conditions)! Gabriel also reveals that He will be the “Son of the Most High,” which is simply another name for the Son of God. Finally, Jesus will prove to be the long-awaited heir to the throne of David. The Davidic throne is clearly a regal image drawn from the Davidic covenant’s promise of a son, a house, and an everlasting rule. In fact, the promise made to David (the hero of the Old Testament) will culminate in Jesus Christ. Words like “son” and the reference to “David” are examples of strong regal language Gabriel used to let Mary know that her son would prove to be the King her people had awaited for a long time.  

However, not only will Jesus have a title and claim to the throne of David, “He will reign over a the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end…”(1:33). The phrase “house of Jacob” is another way to refer to Israel. However, the everlasting quality of His reign seems to suggest that his sovereignty will extend beyond Israel’s borders.

What an earful! Sure I don’t get to name my baby or talk things over with Joseph but the son of God! Wow! He is going to be THE King! He is going to rule THE forever kingdom the OT looks forward to! But wait…how is this even possible? A justified question from a young Jewish girl.

III. PART 3: The Explanation of the Message-1:34-37

Given her lack of sexual experience, Mary questions how this all will transpire. While not yet through high school, it is obvious that Mary understands that several things need to take place socially and biologically for this to happen; and yet, in keeping her vow to stay pure, she has not “known” a man. This question along with the couple’s resolve to abstain from sexual activity until after Jesus’ birth help to prove that Jesus would be miraculously conceived. This is what Gabriel reveals next.

What Gabriel tells Mary runs parallel to what was spoken to Elizabeth and is similar to other stories of miraculous births in Scripture, “the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God” (1:35). Sarah gave birth to Isaac, Isaac had Jacob and Esau, Hannah had Samuel, etc. God has always enjoyed bringing life from barrenness and glorifying Himself in these miraculous births. In fact, these allusions are small images of Christ Himself who brought life in a dead and dying world. In the midst of spiritual barrenness, Jesus breathes life. Jesus’ birth through the power of the Holy God is what gave Him His perfect nature and set Him apart from any other man. His birth was the direct result of God’s creative power and because of this He can be called the Holy Child and Son of God—holy because Jesus was set-apart for Spiritual Service, like His Father in every way. First called the Davidic son because of his practical parents (Joseph and Mary), Jesus is now revealed to be the Son of God because of His true Father and divinity.

To help Mary to process this incredible influx of information, Gabriel draws her attention to her relative Elizabeth whose miracle birth would have given Mary pause to consider the possibility that with God, all things (even bringing God to earth in the womb of a virgin) are possible, “and behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a child in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month” (1:36).

 Only God could perform this greatest of miracles—the incarnation. In Jesus’ birth, God came to earth in the form of a man.  The outsider and creator of everything became the creation to save it from itself.

Message complete, proclamation given, and predictions made, Gabriel’s task is complete. He now leaves the ball in Mary’s court. This early teenage girl’s response to the message is what I hope inspires us today. Before we think about how excited we would be to accept such an offer, consider the risk it was for her. She was pledged to be married. What would Joseph say about the teenage baby bump that would eventually show? What would friends and family members speculate?  Sure her life was simple and common, but it was familiar and stable. What if she didn’t want this God-sized interruption? What if she wished it upon someone else? She probably recognized more than anyone else that she was no one special. “Why me?” she could have asked. However, Mary says none of these things.

IV. PART 4: The Response to the Message-1:38

”And Mary said, ‘Behold, the bond slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”…” (1:38). In this response, Mary immediately calls herself a slave of God and places herself under His rule, His will, and His ways. As God’s handmaid, she openly accepts what God asks of her and proves exemplary in the way she responds to God’s message of grace. Because of the grace shown to her (God found favor with her simply because He was pleased to do so), she proved submissive and obedient to Him. God can now do with her what he wishes. Despite all the risk involved, as the Lord’s servant, she willingly places her “yes” on the table.

Mary says yes in spite of what Joseph would choose to do with her. She says yes in spite of what her family would say. She says yes, in spite of how her community might respond. She says yes in spite of her own plans for her life. In response to the grace of God in her life, Mary is willing to leave everything to follow Him in obedience.

With this positive response, the Angel departs back toward the heavens excited, overjoyed, and grinning at the news he is now eager to share with his angelic peers, “she said YES!”

So What?

What a conversation! The great thing about it is we don’t have to wish we were a fly on the wall to experience what took place. Instead, Luke reveals what happened with pinpoint precision. After understanding the context of this incredible message and observing the content and explanation of the message, how will we choose to respond? While I’m sure God will never appear to you and ask of you to bear His Son, what does he keep asking you to do for Him. Haven’t we also been shown favor from God undeserved as Mary? Haven’t we been given unearned grace from the Almighty? If so, then why don’t we respond like Mary does with complete obedience? If and when we do this God is able to do with us far more than we ever could have imagined. Isn’t it about time we stop letting age or circumstance keep us from responding to God’s grace. What better gift could we give God this Christmas season than to allow our “yes” to be on the table when God asks us to do anything? What better activity could we engage in as believers than busying ourselves with actually doing what He has already instructed in His Word? Maybe it’s time you had a memorable conversation with God.