CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
March 17, 2024
Make the Most of our Time
Luke 20:4-47, 21:1-4
We are continuing today to look at what Jesus was doing as his time on
this earth drew to a close. Jesus continued to teach, to answer
questions from skeptics, to simply make the most of the time he had
left before his arrest and crucifixion. Last week we looked at the three
ways talked about by Luke, that the priests and Pharisees were trying to
stop Jesus. We did not look at the ways they were trying to trap him in
detail, but Jesus always had an answer that was within God the Father’s
will.
Today we read three examples of teaching moments Jesus had with His
disciples, as well as some of those teachers of the law that were out to
get him. Jesus first sought to answer the question about who exactly he
was in relationship to God. He then went on to warn, especially the
disciples, about how there will be those who will put on a good show
for God but are really only worried about themselves and their position.
Warning to not be deceived by their clever lies and their false religious
actions.
Jesus then gives one more example of those who really care more
about God and His work than themselves. In the last two examples,
Jesus drew the contrast between the ones putting on a show and those
who just want to do the right thing for God. The final example Jesus
gave was about the widow who had very little to give. She barely had
enough to get by on for herself, yet gave to God’s work faithfully. Jesus
showed how she gave far more than those who gave greater amounts.
God sees and understands the attitudes of our hearts and understands
every situation. In all of these teaching moments, Jesus knows his time
with his disciples is drawing to a close. Jesus also knew what was going
to happen to his disciples when they were the ones continuing to teach
the message of salvation, grace, love and righteousness. Jesus knew
things were not going to be easy. So, he sought to prepare them as best
he could in those final weeks they were together. Jesus knew that at
times personal sacrifice would be necessary. So he wanted them to, not
only, understand who he was as the Son of God, but also be aware of
what would lie ahead for them. That is why he warned about those
who pretended to be teachers of God’s word. And then showed the
example of true humility and faithfulness.
If we were to have finished the 21 st chapter we would see Jesus then
gave them a picture of what would happen at the end of this age. We
might say the end of the church age. Jesus did this to let the disciples
know there will come a time when God will bring an end to all the lies
and deception that will happen. Jesus also wanted everyone to know,
especially future generations, that things will get worse before they get
better, but God will give His people the ability to overcome.
The final two verses of the 21 st chapter says this, “Each day Jesus was
teaching at the temple, and in the evening, he went out to spend the
night on the hill called the Mount of Olives and all the people came
early in the morning to hear him at the temple.” Jesus was making the
most of the time he had left to teach and share with those he loved, his
disciples as well as God the Father. In many ways that is another of the
examples Jesus has given to all of us. We have a limited amount of time
on this earth. God is calling each one of us, his children, to use the time
as wisely as we can. Spend time with our family and friends. Share
God’s love and His righteousness as often as we can, in the ways the
Lord leads us. Sometimes it will be all about mercy and grace as Jesus
showed in some of the verses we read. Other times it will be tough
honest and yes loving truth that we will be called on to share as we also
read in these verses this morning. That must always be the purpose for
us as it always was with Jesus. The desire to draw our family, our
friends, our neighbors to share in the eternal life God has for each who
will receive.
In closing I will ask you the question I felt God asking me, which goes
back to the sermon title. Are you, am I, making the most of the time
God is giving us? Both in sharing time with those we care about, those
we love, as well as using our time as ambassadors for Christ. As we see
how Jesus used every moment, every opportunity to teach and to love,
that is what he is asking us to do as well. God has great things in store
for each and every one of His faithful servants. We can, at times, get a
glimpse of that while we are here on earth. But truly the best is yet to
come when we hear our Heavenly Father say to each one of us, “Well
done good and faithful servant!”
Pastor Larry
Announcements:
Sunday School 9:00
Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study
Today and next Sunday—One Great Hour of Sharing—special
envelopes in the back
March 20—12:00 Women’s Fellowship luncheon and
meeting—meal provided, in the Fellowship Hall
March 28 7:00 p.m. Love Feast at the Brethren Church—we
are invited to participate with them.
March 31 Easter—sunrise service at Veterans' Park (at our church if
inclement weather)
--Please sign up to give a children’s message during worship
and/or children’s story lesson in the nursery during the sermon.
We need your help.
Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362
Donation Box for March: Camp Emmanuel
First Sundays: Food Bank donations
Keep in Your Prayers
Mike Roach and family; Carole McClarey; Dave White; Louis and Carol Sulwer; Ava; Nora
Hanaver; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Randy and Michelle West; Mike
Gentry; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Doug Larrick; Ron and Kathleen
Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Mike and
Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Mayo and Darlene
Hanaver; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests;
victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian
church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Israel and Hamas war
Military and Other Services and their families
Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers
District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Oakley Brick congregation and
for the denomination’s Discipleship Ministries Office.
