Compline – Sermon 15
Prayer to start
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
Life is about choices ! – We all have choices to make – where we live – who we share our lives with – what we eat – how we spend our time – which political party we vote for – the crowds in Jerusalem had made a choice – to vote Jesus as their new King – after all some people had seen Him perform great miracles – even raised someone from the dead –
Surely He above anyone else should be their leader!
the people were optimistic – that – maybe this time – they had found someone who would make a difference – and free them from the oppression of the Romans
point 1
but when we do go home – there to greet us is the love of the father – just as he looked for the younger son – and saw him from a long way off – so God looks for each one of us – wanting us to make that commitment towards him –
But – with the arrival of some Gentiles (or Greeks – in other translations ) – Jesus made a staggering announcement –
That in a matter of hours – He would be dead – it must have gone down like a lead balloon
What! – but the Scriptures say the Messiah remains for ever – what do you mean by saying “the Son of Man will be lifted up”?
But Jesus tells them that His death isn’t the end of His reign – but the beginning – His Kingdom doesn’t start with a coronation but a crucifixion
Just as a grain of wheat is planted in the ground – and dies – in order for new growth and a new crop to be produced – So Jesus’ death will be the source of a new spiritual life and growth in the world – a new beginning for mankind – It will draw people from all over the world to Him – like iron filings to a magnet – and produce a rich harvest for God’s Kingdom
But – entry into the Kingdom isn’t automatic – if we want to enter God’s Kingdom – we must put that desire above everything else – before any short term gains we may receive in this life – we must die to our own self righteousness and give ourselves completely to Him –
It will be costly – we will be tempted to take an easier path – even Jesus was tempted – John gives us a picture of Jesus in torment – as He makes
His final decision of obedience unto death –
We are all afraid to go forward for Christ – its a tremendous responsibility – but Jesus shows us that the way to overcome our fears is by faith in Him – Jesus promises that if we trust Him and serve Him – He will helps us walk the true path towards the Kingdom –
John doesn’t say whether the Gentiles took any notice of Jesus – but the Jews certainly got the message and openly ridiculed Him –
Jesus warns them – that time is short – and appealed to them to respond while the light is still with them – before the cross comes and He is taken away-
Jesus challenged them – that if they wanted to see God’s Kingdom – they have to accept God’s love on as cross –
We too are challenged to choose the way of the cross – to be one of the fruits of Jesus’ death and glorious resurrection
Without Jesus we are lost in darkness – but with Jesus we have a clear view of the truth –
Without Jesus we are dead – with Jesus we have eternal life –
We either follow the crowd – and live for the promises of this world – or – follow Jesus – take up the cross that God has given us – and live for the promises of the next
Conclusion
What do you choose!
Closing prayer
AMEN