IT IS GETTING CLOSER!
Matthew 10:1-2, 16-30
What we read
this morning is a direct continuation of what we looked at last Sunday. In the
first two verses we are told Jesus had been teaching in Galilee and now has
gone to the region of Judea. We also see not only were the disciples following him
and learning everything they could from Jesus but we also see that a large
crowd is following him as well. Some may be following because of what Jesus is
teaching, but we see in the second verse there may be another reason. When they
got on the other side of the Jordan, Jesus healed those who had problems as
well. What would we do if we knew there was a man in the area that without
exception could heal your illness every time? We would probably seek him out if
we had a health or emotional problem, wouldn’t we?
As the time
was getting closer to Jesus’ appointment with destiny. Jesus was continuing to
not only be with the disciples but also with anyone who sought him out. As we
see in the 16th verse, a man asked Jesus the question, “What good
thing must I do to get eternal life?” Jesus asked the man why he used the word “good”
in his question. Jesus then proceeded to tell him there is only one who is
good. Jesus’ response to the question was that if you want eternal life you
need to obey the commandments. The man then asks Jesus a strange question,
“Which ones?” To which Jesus stated 7 of the 10 commandments. The man
confidently answered, “All of these I have kept, so what do I lack?” To which
Jesus gave his answer. He said, “If you want to be perfect, sell all that you
have, give it to the poor and follow me.” If you notice, Jesus never questioned
the young man’s heart about the commandments. He simply said “If you want to be
perfect, this is what you have to do.” The young man left Jesus, disillusioned,
because he had great wealth. The disciples were stunned by everything that had
happened to the point of asking Jesus who can be saved. Obviously, they were
impressed with the young man. Jesus said “With man this is impossible, but with
God all things are possible.” Peter then boldly said, “We have left everything
to follow you. What then will there be for us?” Jesus’ answer gave a hint of
things to come when he said, “At the renewal of all things, when the son of man
sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on the
twelve thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.” He goes on to say everyone who
has sacrificed for him and for God’s kingdom will receive 100 times as much as
they have given up. Jesus closes out the 19th chapter by saying,
“Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” In
these verses we read this morning, what is Jesus saying to his disciples, to
those who had been following wherever he went, and to us today? On the one hand, Jesus is pointing out the
futility of trying to earn your own salvation. The young man who asked Jesus
the question of what it takes had apparently lived a very faithful life for
God. Yet he wanted to be certain of this salvation through his own efforts. Jesus
knew in a very short time from that moment, he was going to make a way for all
of us to get right with God. At the same time Jesus assured the disciples that your
love and commitment have not gone unnoticed. Something special will be reserved
for us at the time of judgment. Jesus also went on to say those who have given
up much will also reap a great reward.
I feel so
blessed by God to have the opportunity to be a Christian in America. Much of
the sacrifice and persecution that happens to Christians in other parts of the
world have not really reached us. Yet there can be a price to pay, even in
America, for the cause of Christ. How far have you and I been willing to go in
our faith for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? As Jesus continues to teach his
disciples, he also reminds them to be careful about judging people. Things are
not always what they seem. When man tries to decide who is worthy and who is not,
we have our own prejudices and opinions that can get in the way, but Jesus is
pointing out God looks at the heart. God sees and understands things in ways we
simply cannot. That is why his answer to the disciples about who is worthy to
be saved, stated with man it would be impossible but with God all things are
possible.
Aren’t we so
thankful God can see things as they really are, not how some may think they are?
Jesus is wanting the disciples to realize no one can earn their salvation
through good works as nice as that might be. Jesus also wants the disciples and
the church to realize with God all things are possible. Jesus also wanted all
of us to know some who may appear to be first in God’s kingdom may actually be
towards the back of the pack. And those we may think are going to be at the
back of the line will actually be at the front. Jesus wants us to know, do not
worry about where you fit in, just do your best during your lifetime and God
will take care of the rest. Jesus knows it is getting closer and the hard work
that we cannot do for ourselves is about to be done. To God Be All the Glory,
Honor and Praise!
Larry
Announcements:
Every Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study. All are invited to attend.
March 16-20 District “Potluck” via Zoom. See details on
bulletin board--worship and workshops. Carol will send you the links if you are
interested in attending any or all of the sessions.
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering will be collected on March
28. We will envelopes at the back of the sanctuary for you to use.
Denominations across the country support OGHS. You may have received a brochure
in the mail.
Copies of the March newsletter are in the back.
Care packages: bring
snack items by the end of March please. We know of these 6: Madison Warren, Michelle
Wright, Jordan Wright, Sadie Sawyer, Shawn Cain, Robert Cripe
To
keep up on Church of the Brethren news:
Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign
up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.
District:
iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link) and on facebook
Our
pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon, announcements, &
calendar) and on facebook
Keep
in Your Prayers
Terry Marvin; Tera
Runyan; Holly Flenner; Carl and Wilma Cable; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Sherry
Wright; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany
Wright; Evelyn Eads; Anna Gentry Thompson; Marlene & Arnold Schultz; Clyde
and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose
Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo &
Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy
Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and
first responders; the families of the 530,000+ people who have died from
COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers,
staff, and students; victims of natural disasters; District of IL/WI search
committee; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; our nation’s government
Military and Other
Services and their families
Brethren Volunteer
Service workers; Disaster project workers
Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362
Our
Mission Statement:
Love
God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost, find peace.
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