4th Sunday of Easter – Sermon – 265

7th January 2019 Off By Derek

4th Sunday of Easter
10.00am Holy Communion –
17th April 2016

May the words of my lips and the thoughts of our hearts be graciously received for the Glory and Honour of our Lord Jesus Christ

AMEN

INTRODUCTION

Who do we trust? Who do we depend on? 

Who do we rely on to lead us through life’s dangers and difficult moments?

The Jews in Jerusalem were looking for someone to have faith in – to lead them out of their enslavement by the Romans –

They wanted to know who Jesus is – and whether He really was the long expected Messiah –

Point 1         Knowing Jesus 

It was the time of the ‘Feast of the Dedication’ – also known as Hannuka – festival of many candles – commemorating the victory of Judas Maccabeuas over the Syrians nearly 200 years before – when he re-established Temple worship after they tried to replace it with a pro-Greek culture. 

It was a terrible time for the people.  Over 80,000 Jews perished at the hands of the Syrian King (Antiochus) – and many were sent to slavery –

So when they asked Jesus if he was the Messiah” – what they were really asking was ‘Are you the new Maccabean deliverer – are you going to free us from the Romans? – Are you the new light of freedom for Israel?’

In His response Jesus makes it clear that he knows their intent – that they were trying to trap Him – and that are not part of His flock. 

He draws attention to – their need for faith – that they should know who He is from the miracles and deeds that God has performed – through Him –

To those who follow Him – Jesus promises eternal life – and once they are His – no one will snatch them away

Listen to these two stories that Illuminate Jesus’ message to these Jews and to us –

Point 2         Jesus is our shepherd

Elma was a troublesome sheep – who on previous occasions – had caused much distress amongst the herd – when the shepherd –had gone off to find one who had been lost –

One day, a big rain came and the streams became very treacherous.

The shepherd saw the danger from the rising water, and began leading his flock AWAY from the succulent meadows, where they were grazing – toward the craggy hills – where nothing grew but thorny scrub and unappetizing stubble.

Elma called three of the sheep together to assess the situation- we are heading the wrong way – ‘she said’ the good grazing was THAT way, and we are headed the OTHER WAY – and so after some persuading – ever so slowly – Elma and the other sheep began to edge away from the shepherd and bring some of the others with them.

The shepherd was busy trying to choose a safe path away from the rising water, so – he didn’t notice that these sheep were sneaking off.

Once the sheep had separated themselves from the shepherd, they quickly found the stream separating them from the good grazing – and leapt into the water to swim across.

But – their joy was soon replaced by horror – as the waters washed them downstream.  By the time their panic had lifted – and they realized what was happening – they found themselves scrambling for the bank – and eventually arriving safe on dry land-

It wasn’t long before a very snappily-dressed fellow walked right up to them and began to lead them right along the way.

“Well!” thought Elma, “That is service! This fellow certainly seems to know where HE is going! And look! He even has a WAGON we can ride in!”

Sure enough, the door was opening on a wagon that read, “Orville Kleeber, purveyor of fine lamb and mutton.”

The sheep began discussing their luck in overcoming their earlier misfortune, when they noticed that the wagon had come to a grinding halt. In their efforts to see what was going on, one sheep noticed some odd stains on the floor, and after a couple of careful sniffs realized that it was sheeps’ blood!

Outside, their shepherd had stopped the wagon to ask if they had seen a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Upon recognizing the shepherd’s voice, the sheep began to bleat and bray, raising such a ruckus that the mutton monger could only apologize for having made such a mistake.

Sunlight flooded the interior of the wagon as the doors flew open and the sheep burst forth to greet their master.

The sheep had resented the difficult path chosen for them – by the shepherd, and they had struck out on their own, only to find disaster. The shepherd picked up the pieces when they tried to make it on their own, and he rescued them from the consequences of their own folly.

The moral of this story is that those who promise you comfort and ease are not necessarily your friends, and those who put you through difficulty and pain are not necessarily your enemies. But whatever happens, when things go wrong, and you are in trouble, if you listen to the voice of the master, you will be saved. ✢

Point 3         Jesus is our Saviour

A vicar was strolling round his empty church which was medieval and boasted a fourteenth century wall Painting of Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper –

He gazed up at the picture – and was joined by Jesus –who quietly came a stood beside him –

‘Well’ said Jesus – it amazes me the way these artists always fix me according to the fashion of the time – I never had a fourteenth century hairdo.

Perhaps they are trying to make you relevant to their time- said the vicar

Perhaps they should grasp the timelessness of my existence- replied Jesus

But it is very difficult to understand who you are outside the context of our own times – said the minister – the people seem to be more worried about committee politics and whether it will be good weather for our planned Church events – If only you could show them a thunderbolt – or an amazing miracle of just who you are

Everyone says that, said Jesus, if you are the Messiah prove it -‘don’t keep us in suspense – tell us plainly

But it was always plain – I made it about as plain as I could.

I even told you who I am in a series of sayings – and performed some symbolic actions to support them- You know the sayings that begin with ‘I am’

‘I am the Bread’ – I said- and I fed 5000 people on a few loaves and fishes

‘I am the True Vine’ – and I changed water from old ritual purifying jars into wine

‘I am the Good Shepherd’ – then I walked out into a stormy lake to lead the frightened disciples back to the shore

‘I am the Gate’ – I said – ‘with me close by it is safe to walk with confidence’ – I healed the nobleman’s child from a distance – he was so confident – that he went home without a backward glance-

‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life’ – and I healed the paralysed man so he could walk – on the Way unaided

‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’ – and I brought Lazarus back to life

‘I am the Light of the World – reflecting the everlasting light of God’ – and I gave the blind man his sight.

It’s all in the sayings and the signs, I have spoken as plainly as I could. I am in God and God is in me.

As the vicar pondered on these words he looked again at the painting – and saw eleven men who looked upon their Lord with faces of love and adoration – but the twelfth one leant away from the others as he dipped his bread into a dish of bitter herbs

Ending         Trusting Jesus

Christian confidence about the future – is not a matter of wishful thinking or a vague general hope- it is built firmly on the union of Jesus – with the Father –

To acknowledge Jesus as our leader – and Saviour is not to enrole in a fighting army – but to listen to Him –and do as He asks –

We need to build a relationship with Jesus – based on self-giving love – as Jesus Himself demonstrated – through His life and death – and share in His obedience to the Father – so that we – and He – and the Father will be one – and we will become safe and eternally secure with Him –

We like the Jews have been told plainly who Jesus is – and why He is here – and what He plans for each one of us –

The next move is not His – but ours – we are the sheep of His flock – we should trust in His presence and His word – and follow Him – all the way to paradise –

Prayer to Finish

In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit –

                                      AMEN

Video of Sermon 265 on You Tube