[The following is the manuscript of my sermon delivered on the 14th of June, 2015. Look for the video on our Vimeo channel, http://vimeo.com/pilgrimreformedchurch.]
Last week we examined the question of who speaks for Jesus. We read in the Gospel of John where our Lord listed five witnesses to His authority as the Son of God. One of those “witnesses” was the mighty works He performed during His short walk on this earth.
Today we’ll ask yet another question as we look at just one example of that particular witness, turning again to an account of the Good News that Jesus brought us. Listen and follow along as I read from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 8, verses 5 through 13, and again I will be reading from the Contemporary English Version…
Today we’ll ask yet another question as we look at just one example of that particular witness, turning again to an account of the Good News that Jesus brought us. Listen and follow along as I read from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 8, verses 5 through 13, and again I will be reading from the Contemporary English Version…
5 When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, 6 “Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can’t even move.”
7 “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied.
8 But the officer said, “Lord, I’m not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. 9 I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I can say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes. I can say to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he will do it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you that in all of Israel I’ve never found anyone with this much faith! 11 Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 12 But the ones who should have been in the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. They will cry and grit their teeth in pain.”
13 Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.”
Right then his servant was healed.
--Matthew 8:5-13 (CEV)
Let us pray… Heavenly Father, once again we come in the name of Your Son Jesus to hear Your word. Speak through Your servant that we might receive Your message this day. Touch us with Your Holy Spirit that we might be filled with Your presence. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Most of you have probably heard of Johann Sebastian Bach. He was born into a musical family in 1685 and lived until 1750. Both of his parents had died by the time he was ten years old. But early in his life, young Johann determined he would write music, and not just any music but music for the glory of God.
Being a devout Lutheran, the vast majority of Bach’s works are explicitly Biblical. His works have been described as being “cerebral, spiritual, and gorgeous”. At the age of 17, Johann became the organist at his church and soon afterwards was given charge of the entire music ministry.
Something Dianne and Mary Ann and the choir can appreciate: during this ministry in Weimar, Germany, Johann wrote a new cantata every month! And during one three-year period he wrote, conducted, orchestrated, and performed (with his choir and orchestra) a new cantata every week!
At the beginning of every authentic manuscript you can see the letters “J.J.” This stands for Jesu Java [ hey-soo hah-vah ? ], which is Latin for “Jesus help me”. And at the end you will find the letters “S.D.G.” This stands for Soli Deo Gloria, which is Latin for “To the glory of the only God”.
Back in his day, no one had any idea what an astonishing influence Johann Sebastian Bach would have on this world. His legacy lives on some 300 years later. You can hear his music any time you wish still today. Bach is a reminder that one who gives his life to Jesus and serves Him does not count it a loss. It’s just as Jesus said in Mark chapter 8 verse 35…
Most of you have probably heard of Johann Sebastian Bach. He was born into a musical family in 1685 and lived until 1750. Both of his parents had died by the time he was ten years old. But early in his life, young Johann determined he would write music, and not just any music but music for the glory of God.
Being a devout Lutheran, the vast majority of Bach’s works are explicitly Biblical. His works have been described as being “cerebral, spiritual, and gorgeous”. At the age of 17, Johann became the organist at his church and soon afterwards was given charge of the entire music ministry.
Something Dianne and Mary Ann and the choir can appreciate: during this ministry in Weimar, Germany, Johann wrote a new cantata every month! And during one three-year period he wrote, conducted, orchestrated, and performed (with his choir and orchestra) a new cantata every week!
At the beginning of every authentic manuscript you can see the letters “J.J.” This stands for Jesu Java [ hey-soo hah-vah ? ], which is Latin for “Jesus help me”. And at the end you will find the letters “S.D.G.” This stands for Soli Deo Gloria, which is Latin for “To the glory of the only God”.
Back in his day, no one had any idea what an astonishing influence Johann Sebastian Bach would have on this world. His legacy lives on some 300 years later. You can hear his music any time you wish still today. Bach is a reminder that one who gives his life to Jesus and serves Him does not count it a loss. It’s just as Jesus said in Mark chapter 8 verse 35…
35 “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
--Mark 8:35 (NKJV)
Bach lost his life to Jesus. He gave up what most would consider a “normal” life. Instead, he devoted just about all of his activity to worshiping our Lord. And by doing this, he created works of beauty that show us God’s great grace and also provide us with an expressive way of worshiping God too! Bach was truly a servant of our Lord.
Today’s scripture speaks a good bit about servants. As I mentioned, it is but one example, one instance, of the many wonderful and mighty works Jesus accomplished during His ministry on earth. The miracles He performed – impossible for any ordinary man – stand as a clear witness to the Godhead of Jesus. Yet the actual miracle in this story is mostly downplayed, appearing at the very end of our reading in verse 13: “Right then his servant was healed.” What is of greater significance in this reading is the role of servants and masters, of superiors and subordinates.
The Roman Centurion, the “army officer” in this passage, certainly understood these roles, as would anyone who ever served in the armed forces. Look in verse 9 of our reading. He took orders from those greater in rank than he, and he issued orders to those under his own authority. Not only that, but those who are given orders are fully expected to carry them out, without exception. If the superior says, “Do this”, the subordinate better make sure it gets done. If told to “Go there”, he’d better go. If the command is to “Come”, he comes. The subordinate’s role is clear: if a superior issues a command, do it – period.
The centurion also equates a servant’s role to that of the subordinate, and in those days a servant would have been little more than a slave, even if only temporarily while some debt was paid. Today we tend to think of servants more along the lines of either employees or volunteers – basically as folks who are willing to serve, but just as easily could refuse to obey some contrary command and walk away if they really wanted to. But even today, those who are really dedicated to serving others will do just about anything it takes to complete their task – even if that means being subservient to those they are trying to help. I think these people are trying their best to follow the example that Jesus set.
Our Lord put a slightly different spin on superiors and subordinates, when speaking to His disciples about true greatness, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 44 and 45…
Today’s scripture speaks a good bit about servants. As I mentioned, it is but one example, one instance, of the many wonderful and mighty works Jesus accomplished during His ministry on earth. The miracles He performed – impossible for any ordinary man – stand as a clear witness to the Godhead of Jesus. Yet the actual miracle in this story is mostly downplayed, appearing at the very end of our reading in verse 13: “Right then his servant was healed.” What is of greater significance in this reading is the role of servants and masters, of superiors and subordinates.
The Roman Centurion, the “army officer” in this passage, certainly understood these roles, as would anyone who ever served in the armed forces. Look in verse 9 of our reading. He took orders from those greater in rank than he, and he issued orders to those under his own authority. Not only that, but those who are given orders are fully expected to carry them out, without exception. If the superior says, “Do this”, the subordinate better make sure it gets done. If told to “Go there”, he’d better go. If the command is to “Come”, he comes. The subordinate’s role is clear: if a superior issues a command, do it – period.
The centurion also equates a servant’s role to that of the subordinate, and in those days a servant would have been little more than a slave, even if only temporarily while some debt was paid. Today we tend to think of servants more along the lines of either employees or volunteers – basically as folks who are willing to serve, but just as easily could refuse to obey some contrary command and walk away if they really wanted to. But even today, those who are really dedicated to serving others will do just about anything it takes to complete their task – even if that means being subservient to those they are trying to help. I think these people are trying their best to follow the example that Jesus set.
Our Lord put a slightly different spin on superiors and subordinates, when speaking to His disciples about true greatness, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 44 and 45…
44 “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
--Mark 10:44-45 (NKJV)
Doesn’t that nicely define the role of a servant – not to put ourselves first? Jesus knew the role He came to mankind to play, the role His Father God gave Him. To serve, not to be served. To give His life for many.
As He was growing up, Jesus studied and became quite familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, including the prophecies of Isaiah, such as in chapter 42 verse 1 of his book…
As He was growing up, Jesus studied and became quite familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, including the prophecies of Isaiah, such as in chapter 42 verse 1 of his book…
42 “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.”
--Isaiah 42:1 (NKJV)
God, through Isaiah, was describing His Son Jesus as His Elect One that He is sending to mankind as His Servant. And I love that last part, where God sent Jesus to “bring forth justice to the Gentiles”. That’s us – the Gentiles. Jesus came for us, to justify us when we stand before God.
But God wasn’t leaving the Jews, His chosen people, out of this. Earlier, in Isaiah chapter 41, verses 8 through 10, God revealed this through His prophet…
But God wasn’t leaving the Jews, His chosen people, out of this. Earlier, in Isaiah chapter 41, verses 8 through 10, God revealed this through His prophet…
8 “But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.
9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its farthest regions,
And said to you,
‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
10 Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’"
--Isaiah 41:8-10 (NKJV)
God is saying that all of the children of Israel are His servants. But our Father takes it a step further when He includes, “you whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions”. God includes us in His call to servanthood, to be His servants. He has chosen us!
How will we respond to that call?
Going back to our scripture reading this morning, the centurion went to Jesus seeking the Lord’s help in healing his servant, bedridden at home in great pain. Jesus readily agreed to go to the centurion’s house to heal his servant, but the officer stopped Him, and with a comment I bet many of us have said at some point in our lives.
Lord, I’m not good enough for You to come into my home. I’m not good enough for You to heal me. I’m not good enough for You to die for me.
And after the centurion shows his understanding of service, Matthew makes an amazing statement. He says that the explanation the centurion gave surprised Jesus!
Think about that a minute… If we accept that Jesus is God, and that God is omniscient and knows everything, then how could Jesus be surprised? Yet here we have Matthew saying that Jesus exhibited what we would most likely consider to be a surprised reaction to the centurion’s depth of understanding, and to the utmost faith in Jesus the officer was showing! Jesus exclaims this is the greatest display of faith He’s seen yet!
He notes that people will come from everywhere to seek entry into heaven – Jews and Gentiles alike. But the ones who should be there – those of God’s chosen people, the children of Israel - will not be accepted, because they refuse to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior. They won’t accept the call to be servants that God our Father issued.
To end our little story, Jesus told the centurion to go on home, where - because of his faith - he would find his servant all healed. But I can’t get over how Matthew described Jesus as being surprised at the faith shown by the centurion. And it makes me wonder…
Can we surprise Jesus? What would it take? Does our faith surprise Him, or maybe the depth of our faith? What better measure of our faith is there than in how we serve the One we proclaim as Lord and Master? Do we serve willingly, without regard for personal reward, without caring whether we might be considered subservient or even inferior in our role? Or do we want others to think we are being of service when in actuality we fully expect to get something out of it, whether now or in the near future, whether in money or fame and glory?
Let’s try our best to surprise Jesus by how willingly, how subserviently, how selflessly we serve others, for in doing so we serve Him. And to God be all glory! Forever and ever. Amen.
Let us pray… Lord God, we know that You can never really be surprised, but Lord we pray that You will take pleasure by our offering to You of our service, of our time, of our love we share with others. May we have the same strength of faith as the Roman Centurion, trusting in the power of Jesus.
Almighty God, You know how this world seems to sink ever deeper into sin and immorality with each day that passes. Too many people care only for themselves, seek only to get as much as they can before someone else takes it. They put themselves first, even above their own family. Help us, Father, not become like them. Remind us that Jesus came to us not to be served, but to serve us. He came and acted as Your Servant. He is at once our Lord and our Servant. Help us always follow His example and put others first, because we love them, as You would have us do.
Please hear us now, Father God, as we pray to You silently from our hearts, giving You thanks and seeking Your help in this life...
Lord let us serve You by serving others. Let us show You our love by loving others. Let us be more like Jesus: servants in whom Your soul delights. This in the glorious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
How will we respond to that call?
Going back to our scripture reading this morning, the centurion went to Jesus seeking the Lord’s help in healing his servant, bedridden at home in great pain. Jesus readily agreed to go to the centurion’s house to heal his servant, but the officer stopped Him, and with a comment I bet many of us have said at some point in our lives.
Lord, I’m not good enough for You to come into my home. I’m not good enough for You to heal me. I’m not good enough for You to die for me.
And after the centurion shows his understanding of service, Matthew makes an amazing statement. He says that the explanation the centurion gave surprised Jesus!
Think about that a minute… If we accept that Jesus is God, and that God is omniscient and knows everything, then how could Jesus be surprised? Yet here we have Matthew saying that Jesus exhibited what we would most likely consider to be a surprised reaction to the centurion’s depth of understanding, and to the utmost faith in Jesus the officer was showing! Jesus exclaims this is the greatest display of faith He’s seen yet!
He notes that people will come from everywhere to seek entry into heaven – Jews and Gentiles alike. But the ones who should be there – those of God’s chosen people, the children of Israel - will not be accepted, because they refuse to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior. They won’t accept the call to be servants that God our Father issued.
To end our little story, Jesus told the centurion to go on home, where - because of his faith - he would find his servant all healed. But I can’t get over how Matthew described Jesus as being surprised at the faith shown by the centurion. And it makes me wonder…
Can we surprise Jesus? What would it take? Does our faith surprise Him, or maybe the depth of our faith? What better measure of our faith is there than in how we serve the One we proclaim as Lord and Master? Do we serve willingly, without regard for personal reward, without caring whether we might be considered subservient or even inferior in our role? Or do we want others to think we are being of service when in actuality we fully expect to get something out of it, whether now or in the near future, whether in money or fame and glory?
Let’s try our best to surprise Jesus by how willingly, how subserviently, how selflessly we serve others, for in doing so we serve Him. And to God be all glory! Forever and ever. Amen.
Let us pray… Lord God, we know that You can never really be surprised, but Lord we pray that You will take pleasure by our offering to You of our service, of our time, of our love we share with others. May we have the same strength of faith as the Roman Centurion, trusting in the power of Jesus.
Almighty God, You know how this world seems to sink ever deeper into sin and immorality with each day that passes. Too many people care only for themselves, seek only to get as much as they can before someone else takes it. They put themselves first, even above their own family. Help us, Father, not become like them. Remind us that Jesus came to us not to be served, but to serve us. He came and acted as Your Servant. He is at once our Lord and our Servant. Help us always follow His example and put others first, because we love them, as You would have us do.
Please hear us now, Father God, as we pray to You silently from our hearts, giving You thanks and seeking Your help in this life...
Lord let us serve You by serving others. Let us show You our love by loving others. Let us be more like Jesus: servants in whom Your soul delights. This in the glorious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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