Day #40 - The Master Plan: transition

Day 40

The Master Plan: transition

Read: Luke 4:1-2, 13-20; Acts 1:1-11

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Today is Day #40 of our “40 days with Jesus.” The 40^th day is not an ending day; it’s a day for transition. With Luke and other biblical biographers, forty is a number of completion, not ending; “40 day/year biblical experiences lead to purposeful missional transitions.” After forty days, rains end, earth enters a new moral spring; after forty days on a mountain with God Moses comes down, a new law and relationship are established; after forty years a nation leaves the wilderness, the land of inheritance entered . . . it goes on.

Twice in Luke’s Gospel/Acts Jesus’ biography public ministry transitions through a 40-day window. The first is from temptation in the wilderness into the Nazareth synagogue where reading Isaiah’s declaration the “Spirit of the Lord is upon me” his mission commenced (4:1ff). The second is from his resurrection to the Mount of Olives where he ascends back to His Father (Acts 1:3-11).

The “Front Forty” transitions from temptation to proclamation. Like Jesus how we face pressures influences our commitment to proclamation-mission. Temptation and temptations are tests to rise or fall; they are not opportunities to “stay the same.” For us, just like Jesus’ own experience, our dependence is to be on the leadership, presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

The “Back Forty” transitions from new beginnings to renewed responsibility. Over a period of forty days Jesus spoke to his disciples, showing convincingly he was alive. He talked of God’s kingdom, the Holy Spirit’s promised coming, their missional framework, and declared they were his witnesses.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• Jesus does not leave his disciples, he transitions them

Consider (respond)

• Is my current transition a “front or back forty?” 

Day #39 - The Master Plan: reorientation

Day 39

The Master Plan: reorientation

Read: John 21:1-22

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Ever had high hopes when getting involved in a vision or project? Then made a series of mistakes? Ever thought you have made such a mess-up, you won’t ever get another chance? So often, rather than facing up to failure, particularly if we made more than one mistake in a situation, we just wander off. Many times we take others who have lost vision and encouragement along with us. If that sounds familiar, it’s also “bible familiar.”

John tells us how Jesus came to the seven disciples who had gone fishing with Peter. They were disillusioned, after even Jesus’ resurrection and his upper room appearances to them they still had not “come-to-grips” with what was happening; though Jesus had repeatedly told them for over eighteen months what would happen at Jerusalem. Their fishing expedition was no mere recreational break, it was returning to “the old days.” John was there. He remembers how many fish they caught, and their surprise and relief at finding the net intact. John recounts how Jesus gave Peter the chance to cancel out his three-fold denial with the three-times-repeated question, “Do you love me?” how he restored Peter to his old place as leader, and gave him the task of caring for his people.

This last Jesus story from John says to us; “whenever we lose our way remember Jesus does not lose sight of us.” He who loves us and has called us into his “Kingdom purpose” seeks to encounter and re-orientate us – just as he did with Peter.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• Jesus calls us to be his lifelong followers

Consider (respond)

• What is today’s “Jesus and Peter story” saying to me?

Day #38 - The Master Plan: the Holy Spirit

Day 38

The Master Plan: the Holy Spirit

Read: Acts 1:1-8; 2:1-47

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The last time Jesus left his disciples they ran-every-which-way; this time they stayed where he left them . . . in Jerusalem awaiting the coming Holy Spirit. He told them;

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus had taught the Holy Spirit’s role would be incredibly diverse.  He would convict followers, teach truth, give spiritual gifts to each Christian believer, empowering them for mission, Jesus’ mission. Jesus is not merely our example; that would reduce us quickly to despair. Jesus promises to all believers that, through the Holy Spirit, the life that we see in him will be ours also: a free gift made available to us through his death and resurrection. Jesus’ promise was kept when the Spirit came at Pentecost, has been kept down all the centuries and is being kept still.

As soon as the disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost they began to draw others into their company and to share their new life in Christ among themselves - even to the extent of sharing their money and their possessions. The Spirit is the missionary Spirit who draws others into fellowship with Jesus. He is the Spirit of “koinonia” (fellowship), of sharing, who enables those who belong to Christ to share with each other, in very specific and down-to-earth ways, their prayers, their problems, their gifts, their resources, their love. He’s also the Spirit of the harvest who leads us in Jesus’ mission.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• The Spirit Jesus sent to us, lives in us, and works through us

Consider (respond)

• Over the last 38 days, what has the Holy Spirit been  saying to me?

Day #37 - The Master Plan: a new command

Day 37

The Master Plan: a new command

Read: John 13:34-35; 17:20-26

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Jesus, who left his followers with a “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19-20), had already given them a “New Command on the Great Commandment.” The Great Commandment was to love God with heart, soul, mind, and to love neighbours as oneself (Matthew 22:36-40); the New Commandment to “His new community” was to love one another (John 13:34-35). Love is the key characteristic of Jesus’ new community. It is by love for one another that Christians are recognized and recognizable.   People will be drawn to Jesus by the love they see at work in the church, a love spilling out into their local community.       

In the New Testament the fundamental fact is that God is Love, and that there is a richness of love within God. Jesus is the Father's “beloved Son” and the Son loves the Father. Out of that love, flows the divine love for humankind, which shows itself in the coming of Jesus and particularly in his death. “God commends his love in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “God loved the world so much that he gave his only son” (John 3:16). The cross is an expression of God's love; in no way is it the action of a vindictive deity.

Love is no mere “fruit-for-the-picking” it’s the essential “root of all Christian spirituality.” One of love’s fruits is Christian unity. Among Jesus last prayers was for unity among believers. He asked his Father; “that the world would know that he was sent by God because of the love produced unity of his followers” (John 17:2-23).

Ponder Point (reflect)

• Christians are to be known by their love

Consider (respond)

• God loves me, so what am I learning about loving from Him?

Day #36 - The Master Plan: a mission

Day 36

The Master Plan: a mission

Read:  Matthew 28:16-20

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From the first day of our “40 Days with Jesus” we’ve seen how his’ life was lived with a purpose, one centred on God’s plan to bring his kingdom to earth.  Intentionally Jesus energetically sought out the lost, healed the sick, by delivering those in bondage, in bringing hope to the poor he proclaimed the Goodnews of God’s kingdom. Jesus continually called people to make a belief-choice concerning himself and God’s kingdom.

During the days immediately following his resurrection, Jesus met with some of his followers, explaining to them things which they had never understood before. He did more than simply rebuild the disciples’ faith and cast new light on the meaning of his death, burial and resurrection. He commissioned them to take into all parts of the world the Goodnews of what God had done by sending him to rescue the human race. They would not be alone in this task, he promised them he and his Father would send the Holy Spirit to empower them. He intentionally commissioned them into his mission (28:16-20).

In the preceding three years as he had touched thousands of lives within the fairly limited radius of Nazareth, the disciples had walked the mission-journey with him. Now Jesus’ master plan is clear, his followers will spread out across the world, duplicating his mission and methods, making disciples wherever they went. Jesus’ mission statement is intentional. It’s about going, making, baptizing and teaching; intentional action, purposeful mission.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• The clear mission Jesus left his followers starts with go

Consider (respond)

• Did Jesus say, “I will go with you, or you go with me?”

Day #35 - The Main Event: R+1

Day 35

The Main Event: R+1

Read: Luke 24:13-35

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On June 6, 1944 when the Allies launched their “D Day attack” on the Normandy coast they counted down to the day, then up from it.

For Jesus’ disciples “R Day” had come and gone. It was now R+1, a new day; a new phase in the mission of Jesus was begun; begun with the same people, while not leaving them the same. In today’s readings (1) Jesus talks with two travelling disciples, and (2) with eleven others in a locked room.

As two “downcast disciples” walk away from Jerusalem towards Emmaus Jesus joins them, opens the Scriptures to them, interpreting the events of his death and resurrection in light of the Word. The immediate effects of his’ death and resurrection are understood in light of the earlier biblical tradition. They later declare, “our hearts were burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, opening the scriptures to us" (24:13-35).

Then back in Jerusalem when Jesus appears to “the Eleven” showing himself to them; he opens their minds, understanding the Scriptures stating, “Everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled” (24:36-49).

When encountering new movements and events in our life as individuals or church corporate body, applying biblical perspectives is essential for understanding and evaluating what is happening. The two disciples on the Emmaus road and the eleven apostles were to have their understanding of the events of Jesus' death and resurrection brought into the light of Scripture.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• We read Scripture to renew thinking and refresh faith

Consider (respond) 

• The last time we were close what was Jesus saying to me?

Day #34 - The Main Event: the resurrection

Day 34

The Main Event: the resurrection

Read: Luke 24:1-44

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The disciples were not expecting Jesus to rise again. With the Pharisees they shared a contemporary belief of the in the resurrection of the righteous, they had neither paid attention to, nor understood or believed Jesus' teaching about his own resurrection. His death completely shattered their belief that he was the Messiah, the one who would establish God's kingdom. Frankly it’s understandable why the disciples were not participants in his burial or first to visit the tomb on the first day of the week.

It was the women of Jesus' inner circle, those who had followed him from Galilee. Full of love and devotion to their dead friend, they went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with aromatic oil.

To their great amazement, they discovered that the stone which covered the tomb-entrance was rolled away and that the tomb was empty. They rushed to report this sensational news to the disciples.

Of itself, the empty tomb could not convince the disciples. Someone could have carried the body away and buried it elsewhere. Only John believed immediately, when he saw the empty tomb. Peter and John found the linen burial wrappings, stiff with dried ointment, as though they still enclosed a body; the head cloth lay separately, as if Jesus had passed through the shroud. The visual evidence was important, but their coming encounter would be transformational.

The disciples were convinced when they personally met the risen Jesus, hopelessness and despair turned into joyful belief. The lifelike person they met really was Jesus of Nazareth in bodily form.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• Jesus is interested in transforming more than convincing me

Consider (respond) 

• If you don’t expect Jesus to do what he said will he do it anyway?

Day #33 - The Main Event: burial

Day 33

The Main Event: burial

Read: Luke 23:50-56

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“At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid (23:53).”

Joseph of Arimathaea was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin council and a secret disciple of Jesus (23:50-53; John 19:38-42). After the crucifixion he asked Pilate for Jesus' body. Joseph, accompanied by Nicodemus took Jesus’ body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in Joseph’s own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.

The burial of Jesus, recorded in the New Testament Gospels, is one of the few events in the story which archaeology helps us to understand better.

Jesus’ resurrection, the basis for the existence of the Christian church, is a matter for faith. No excavation or archaeological research could ever prove or disprove that Jesus rose from the dead. If someone were to find Joseph's tomb, and to find it empty, he could still say nothing about its occupant.

Eighteen months before Jesus had said to his’ disciples “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” Mark notes, “But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it” (Mark 9:31-32). Ever been afraid to ask Jesus what does he mean? Jesus was dead, most of the disciples had fled, but Nicodemus and Joseph who had encountered him in their lives were not ready to walk away from his crucifixion empty handed. That day they moved from private disciples to public followers.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• When things look “dead” don’t just walk away empty handed

Consider (respond) 

• What would shift me from private disciple to public follower?

Day #32 - The Main Event: crucifixion

Day 32

The Main Event: crucifixion

Read: Luke 23:26-49

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The Gospels give us seven-sentences he spoke during his crucifixion. To the very last Jesus offers himself in service, forgiving his enemies, bringing a hardened criminal to salvation, caring for family. In all his suffering grace oozes from Jesus.

1.    “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34) – Jesus prays to his Father for the Jewish people and the Roman soldiers.

2.    “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43) – Are his word to the repentant thief, crucified beside him.

3.    “Woman, here is your son!”  “Here is your mother!” (John 19:26-27) – He commends Mary his mother in John's care.

4.    “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34) – As Jesus expresses in the words of Psalm 22:1 the agony of separation from God as the full weight of human sin pressed upon him.

5.    “I am thirsty” (John 19:28).

6.    “It is finished” (John 19:30).

7.    “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46).

Jesus’ crucifixion is a mystery, but it is not mysterious. While we shall never fully understand the cross in this life; at the heart of it there is mystery - “through Jesus’ death God is reconciling us to himself.” God does not require us so much to understand it as to experience it, to discover its benefits.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• In all his suffering grace oozes from Jesus

Consider (respond) 

• Within which “seven-words” is a benefit to discover today?

Day #31 - The Main Event: the trial

Day 31

The Main Event: the trial

Read: Luke 22:47–23:26

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It is possible to understand Jesus' death from a secular, historical point of view. His life and teachings provoked increasingly intense reactions which throughout his ministry had been simmering away; now at his trial all this opposition and accusation “explodes.”

Jesus was brought before two different courts. Jewish religious leaders initiated his arrest, they were threatened.   Believing they had a monopoly on truth, they did not want to see anything undermine their part of the prevailing religious system.  The Sanhedrin, the Jew's Supreme Court condemned Jesus to death for blasphemy, but did not have the legal powers to carry out the sentence, so Jesus was taken to the Roman governor Pilate.

The disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ arrest was to flee. Even Peter, when under pressure, denied knowing Jesus. No one stood in Jesus’ defence. The whole scene becomes a sick-circus! The soldiers openly mocking, full of contempt and even hatred, Herod only interested in Jesus if he could provide a show, and Pilate aware of Jesus’ innocence, but swayed by public and political pressure.  The crowds fickle only interested in a shallow-way and turned by the strong opinions of others. Pilate in giving in to the chief priests, passed sentence on the grounds of high treason; not even acknowledging the Sanhedrin's sentence, he pronounced judgment on the basis of a completely new judicial procedure.

Ultimately Jesus is “convicted” by his own testimony. Following years of not openly declaring who he is, Jesus acknowledges his identity. Neither blasphemer nor traitor; Jesus is Son of God, he is God’s King.  

Ponder Point (reflect)

• Like Jesus it’s a positive to “be on trial” for who I really am

Consider (respond) 

• Do I determine who I am by what I do, or vice versa?

Day #30 - The Main Event: the last supper

Day 30

The Main Event: the last supper

Read: Luke 22:1-46

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The meal we know as the Last Supper was celebrated during Passover time. In this setting Jesus saw it as an anticipation of the great victory feast when God's kingdom would be finally established (22:15-16). God's rule could be achieved only by Jesus sacrificing his body and shedding his blood in death. Jesus here presents his forthcoming execution as an offer of salvation. Jesus reconstructed the Passover with new meaning. Replacing the substitute Lamb for himself (22:17-20). The act of Jesus’ last supper with his’ disciples is the framework of Christian Communion’s celebration; as instituted by Jesus himself (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Our regular participation in the celebration of Communion in church fellowship affirms the intimate oneness between Jesus, his death and the participants.

Jesus approached his suffering impressively composed and purposeful. But there was agony and turmoil behind this strength, as seen in his anguished prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me” (22:42). Jesus was in extreme suffering. His sweat was like drops of blood. The cup which Jesus drank contained more than physical suffering and death. He was taking all the world's sin and evil on himself.

One of Jesus’ own disciples Judas led the soldiers to Jesus in Gethsemane (22:47-48). The Roman commanding officer was evidently expecting armed resistance and the troops were ready for a struggle. Jesus rejected armed resistance, once again refusing the role of a political Messiah. The disciples ran away. The potential for mass uproar from the crowds of Galilean pilgrims was not realized.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• The main event of human history is Jesus’ sacrifice

Consider (respond)

• My “felt” Communion-connection to Jesus is ...................

Day #29 - The Main Event: triumphal entry

Day 29

The Main Event: triumphal entry

Read: Luke 19:28-44

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Unlike other memoirs, the Gospels devote a third of their length to the matter and manner of His’ death. Jesus’ death is central to his life-purpose. In today’s reading Luke’s prolonged build-up transitions; Jesus’ enters Jerusalem, a city packed with several hundred thousand Passover-pilgrims. Expectant crowds are there for Passover’s annual continuing celebration; Jesus arriving for his last Passover. To suffer, die, to complete his mission of fulfilling everything Passover prophetically promises, Passover’s completion.

His disciples were there trembling, questioning and anticipating; but expecting what? From the Gospel narratives, it would appear that right to the last they were expecting Jesus to establish God's kingdom in a tangible, external way - to win the final victory over all God's enemies. The entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, cheering crowds, loud hosannas, seemed to meet the disciples’ expectations. The common people were now waiting for Jesus to drive out the Gentiles from Jerusalem and re-establish the political and religious identity of Israel. He rode a donkey (representing royalty and peace) rather than a stallion (representing authority and war); the “celebrating crowd” included lame, blind, children and peasants from Galilee. Not entering in a procession of power to impress sceptics; Jesus the King had arrived to establish his Kingdom.

As he entered Jerusalem Jesus wept.  Knowing people’s hearts he was aware many would call for his death by week’s end. Jesus himself had arranged this entry to proclaim he was the promised Messiah. His route to glory was not to be by the way of political and military struggle. He would tread the way of suffering and humiliation.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• Jesus’ knew his triumphal entry was his gateway to the Cross

Consider (respond)

• If sent to get a donkey, would I “improve on the instructions?”

Day #28 - Jesus' Miracles: warnings

Day 28

Jesus’ Miracles: warnings

Read: Luke 11:29-32; John 14:7-14

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Despite all that Jesus had done, the Jewish crowds keep pressing him to perform more miracles as a miraculous sign of his authority. Jesus refuses to do this, and insists that the only sign they will receive is the sign of Jonah (11:29-30). He contrasts their obsession with signs with the reactions of Gentiles who were prepared simply to listen to God's word. The Queen of the South [Queen of Sheba] came from the ends of the earth (11:31), the farthest point of the then-known world; not to see miraculous signs but to listen. She did not ask Solomon for signs as proof that he spoke wisdom (11:31; 1 Kings 10:1-9. The men of Nineveh also repented at the preaching of Jonah without seeing him do any miraculous signs (11:32; Jonah 3:5). Jesus is far greater than Jonah, but they are not prepared to listen to him!

In this week’s readings and reflections we have considered how miracles demonstrated Jesus’ power, pointed to his divinity, and gave glimpses of the world to come.   As his followers we listen to Jesus’ words, pray and believe for God’s power to be at work in this world. We also have to live with the tension of seeking and believing for God’s supernatural working, and yet living by faith, knowing that God’s kingdom has not yet fully come.  

As we wrestle with Jesus’ words desiring signs and evidences is normal. Philip as the disciples’ spokesperson asked, “Please show us a bit more, then we will have enough to really grasp things” (John 14:8). Jesus response, “believe my words concerning Father God, or believe my works for My Father God – either way believe” (14:10-12).

Ponder Point (reflect)

• By themselves miracles don’t bring faith

Consider (respond)

• When will I stop asking for “one more sign” and start settling belief on what I already see and hear?

Day #27 - Jesus' Miracles: new life

Day 27

Jesus’ Miracles: new life

Read: Luke 7:11-15; 8: 41-42, 49-56

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Jesus’ miracles demonstrated his power, He is Lord over nature, sickness, and sin; but for us humans’ death is the ultimate test. Prolific author Max Lucado tells us: “You see if God is God anywhere he has to be God in the face of death . . . psychology can deal with depression.  Pep talks can deal with pessimism.  Prosperity can handle hunger.  But only God can deal with our ultimate dilemma, death.”

The two of the three miracles in today’s readings give a “prophetic forecast” of Jesus’ own resurrection and the “great Christian hope”, the resurrection of the dead. A young man is raised to life during his own funeral (7:11-15), a young girl’s dead body arises to life (8:49-56) – both resurrections occur because Jesus “speaks them back to life.”   The greatest miracle is yet to come.  Our bodies are decaying, but will one day be renewed.   Death is not final.  Suffering is not in vain.   Jesus’ resurrection miracles give us hope for the future.  There will be no more pain, suffering or death in the world to come for those who believe in Jesus. Christian hope is a resurrection faith.

When Jesus was preparing to speak Lazarus back to life, he declared to the grieving sisters; “I am the resurrection and the life.   Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25). He asked Martha the critical question, “Do you believe this?”  Jesus: prince over life and Lord over death is the creator of new life.

Ponder Point (reflect)

• Jesus Prince of Life, Lord over death, lives in me

Consider (respond)

• How would I answer Jesus’ question to Martha? (Worth thinking about, because “he will ask!”)