John 15
From our childhood, we have always wanted loving and trusting relationships.
We wanted the very best from our parents.
We wanted teachers who give their all to help us learn.
We wanted mechanics who do not cheat us, but tell us exactly what is needed to keep our cars running properly.
We wanted pastors who lead us with honesty and integrity.
We wanted spouses and friends who are loving, committed, and supportive through the highs and lows of life.
We grow up with these desires and expectations. But somewhere along the way, we are disappointed and let down. Our parents are not as loving or supportive as we thought. Not all teachers want to inspire children. Some mechanics do cheat people. Pastors violate our trust. Spouses and friends hurt us and leave us at our most vulnerable moments.
Matthew 5:1-12 – And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
After Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, He began to preach and say, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Jesus taught in the synagogues of Galilee and His fame grew throughout Syria. He healed the sick, diseased, and those possessed with devils. People from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond Jordan followed Him.
As Jesus saw the multitudes, He went up into a mountain and taught His disciples as they came to Him. As He began, He gave nine ‘attributes’ of those that are blessed. In many circles, these nine attributes are commonly referred as the Beatitudes. The word Beatitude is Latin for blessings.
The Beatitudes represent the character traits/behaviors that one attains on earth to enter eternal life (the kingdom of heaven). Each statement represents personal attributes rather than something to be accomplished corporately as a church or group.
A disciple is a person that is conformed into the image of Jesus through careful study and obedience to His life example, commands, and guidance through the Spirit.
Jesus outlines what one must do to be a disciple, how a disciple is identified, and how they are to live. Below is a listing of scriptural references that further outline the preceding sentence. Disciples:
1. Are not forced to follow Jesus (John 6:43-71).
2. Are drawn by the Father (John 6:44).
3. Must hate their father, mother, wife, children, and their own life (Matthew 10:32-39; Luke 14:26-33).
Temptation is similar to the cheese on the mousetrap. Though WE understand the purpose of the mousetrap (to kill the mouse), the mouse is only drawn to the potential ‘benefit’ of having something to eat. The mouse has no concern of its location or any associated dangers…just a desire to be fed. In the end, it is the desire that leads to its demise.
What about you? What desire is drawing you to the trap of sin?
Why do I always have to go through trials and temptation? I don’t want to continue facing the same things over and over and over AND OVER again! I just want to be free.
Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt like the Apostle Paul when he said that when he wants to do right, sin is right there (Romans 7:21)? OR the things you want to do you don’t do, but the things you don’t want to do, THAT you find yourself doing (Romans 7:15)? Many of us can relate to Paul’s statements of temptation and sin, but we often stop there without going any further. We continue to live in a cycle that goes from temptation-sin-repentance-temptation-sin-repentance and it never seems to stop. We want to get off the merry-go-round, but it doesn’t seem like we ever can. Why do I have to go through this? Why can’t God just take it away because He knows I want to serve Him. If I didn’t have this ‘sin’ issue, I could just run for Him.
1. Superheroes have a hidden identity. As children, most of us watched superhero cartoons. We would witness people with superhuman strength and abilities entrusted to stop evil and create a safer environment for city. Many of the superheroes had a separate identity among the public. (I never understood why the animators would do this because it would be a lot easier to for the superhero to remain ‘super’ all day, but I guess superheroes have to make a living too.) They could easier conceal their identity and no one could figure out who they were.
As Christians, we should not live in this manner. Jesus is calling us to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). We must allow our light to shine so that others may see our good works and praise our Father in Heaven.
Unfortunately, many of us hide our identity as Children of the Most High. We hide behind other characteristics that conceal our true identity. We display characteristics of anger, malice, sexual sins, robbery, lying, etc. No one would ever believe you were a Christian – even if you told them!
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