Tag: bible

The Darkside  – #67

Rather listen?

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke to learn how to avoid the mistake of taking too much ownership of our ministries. 

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 12:29–37, Mark 3:27-30, Luke 11:21-22

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, ties up the strong man, and then he divides up his plunder.

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Truly I tell you, the sons of men will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies, as many as they utter. But the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin.” Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come. Jesus made this statement because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

My Thoughts

Jesus is bringing a full court press against the religious leaders of His day. They had accused Him of being in league with the Devil. And now Jesus is exposing them for their real motives. He is getting after the heart. He begins by explaining His plan of attack against Satan by comparing him as a strong man to be disarmed and plundered. Jesus is stronger and has overcome him. He continues by describing the Pharisees real allegiance to Satan by ascribing the works of God to the Devil and actually committing the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. And finally, Jesus reveals that the fruit of their spiritual debauchery is rooted in an evil heart. They are an orchard of bad trees. The religious leaders were completely out of alignment with God.

As disciple-makers (spiritual leaders), we have to ask the question, “How did they get so far off target?” Well, several times the Scripture describes these men as envious (Mark 15:10), jealous (Acts 5:17-18, 13:45), petty (Matthew 23:23), and hypocritical (Matthew 23:1-15). They were trying to protect their turf and their reputation. (John 11:45-57).

I have discovered over the years there’s a fine line between trying to protect the flock and protecting ourselves. We may step across that line when we feel like our reputation, our methods, or our influence is being questioned or down right threatened by other disciple-makers. And then all of a sudden, things like envy, jealousy, pettiness, and even bitterness creeps in and Voilà! We go into full on self preservation mode just like the Pharisees. 

So how do we stay on the right side and not slip into the dark side? Here’s some things to consider;

  • All sheep belong to God. Hold them in an open hand.
  • Stay humble
  • Stay teachable
  • Know Thyself
  • Know the difference between a wolf and a big sheep
  • Stay in the Word
  • Be a team player
  • Protect but do not Possess 
  • Die to yourself

There is an appropriate level of preservation and stewardship of one’s self and ministry. But like I said, there can be a fine line between doing what is right as a disciple-maker and being a spiritual jerk. Watch out for the warning signs (envy, jealousy, pettiness, bitterness) when associating with other servants of the Lord.

My Story

I was reading John chapter 17 and I noticed something interesting. Jesus is praying to the Father and states that the men (the 11 remaining Apostles) were given to Him by the Father. I thought that it was incredible that even the Son of God received His ministry from the Father. Jesus became a steward of the little flock that was entrusted to Him. He acknowledges that these men were a gift from God when He says; “They were Yours and You gave them to Me.” (John 17:6).

Now if men had to be given to the Son of God, I thought, where do the men and women I’ve been entrusted with come from?! The same! They are a gift from God. He places them in my hand, so to speak, to shepherd in His ways. But I also realized that I needed to keep an open hand because I may only be their mentor for a season. Then He may give them to someone else to “water” what I “planted.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). I called this my “Open Hand Policy.”

It wasn’t very long before my new found “Policy” was tested. A guy we just moved into Deb and I’s home was immediately invited to another disciple-makers home for life-on-life discipleship. Without notice, the guy, up and moved out. You can imagine the feeling we were having at that moment. “Wait a minute! That’s my sheep!” Actually, no. All sheep belong to Jesus. We are just the under-shepherds. Envy, jealousy, pettiness, and bitterness are not options when you realize you don’t “own” the sheep. Oh, I could have tightened my grip on what I thought was rightfully mine but I’ve found it is very painful when God has to pry your fingers away from someone He wants to give to some other disciple-maker. Keep an open hand with God’s sheep!

Our Action Plan

Now we’ll look at some ideas on how to help us as disciple-makers avoid the pitfall of the Pharisees;

  • Do I have the “Open Hand Policy” with God’s sheep?
  • Do a study on how the Body of Christ disciples people and not just one individual
  • Point people to Jesus as their Master Shepherd

Take a moment to pray and give those who have been entrusted to you to their rightful Owner. Root out any envy, jealousy, pettiness, and bitterness you may have with other brothers and sisters. Now we are in proper alignment with the Master Shepherd and can steward the flock appropriately.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

El Lado Oscuro – #67

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo, Marcos y Lucas para aprender cómo evitar el error de apropiarnos demasiado de nuestros ministerios.

Así que comencemos

Mateo 12:29-37, Marcos 3:27-30, Lucas 11:21-22

Cuando un hombre fuerte, completamente armado, guarda su casa, sus posesiones están seguras. De hecho, nadie puede entrar en la casa de un hombre fuerte para robar sus posesiones a menos que alguien más fuerte lo ataque y lo domine, le quite la armadura en la que confiaba el hombre, ate al hombre fuerte y luego se reparta su botín.

»El que no está de mi parte está contra mí; y el que conmigo no recoge esparce.  Por eso digo que a todos se les podrá perdonar todo pecado y toda blasfemia, pero la blasfemia contra el Espíritu no se le perdonará a nadie. A cualquiera que pronuncie alguna palabra contra el Hijo del hombre se le perdonará, pero el que hable contra el Espíritu Santo no tendrá perdón ni en este mundo ni en el venidero.

»Si tienen un buen árbol, su fruto es bueno; si tienen un mal árbol, su fruto es malo. Al árbol se le reconoce por su fruto.  Camada de víboras, ¿cómo pueden ustedes que son malos decir algo bueno? De la abundancia del corazón habla la boca.  El que es bueno, de la bondad que atesora en el corazón saca el bien, pero el que es malo, de su maldad saca el mal.  Pero yo les digo que en el día del juicio todos tendrán que dar cuenta de toda palabra ociosa que hayan pronunciado.  Porque por tus palabras se te declarará inocente y por tus palabras se te condenará».

Mis Pensamientos

Jesús está ejerciendo una presión judicial contra los líderes religiosos de su tiempo. Lo habían acusado de estar aliado con el Diablo. Y ahora Jesús los está exponiendo por sus verdaderos motivos. Está persiguiendo el corazón. Comienza explicando su plan de ataque contra Satanás comparándolo como un hombre fuerte que debe ser desarmado y saqueado. Jesús es más fuerte y lo ha vencido. Continúa describiendo la verdadera lealtad de los fariseos a Satanás al atribuir las obras de Dios al Diablo y cometiendo el pecado imperdonable de blasfemia contra el Espíritu Santo. Y finalmente, Jesús revela que el fruto de su libertinaje espiritual está arraigado dentro de un corazón malvado. Son un huerto de árboles malos. Los líderes religiosos estaban completamente desalineados con Dios.

Como hacedores de discípulos (líderes espirituales), tenemos que hacernos la pregunta: “¿Cómo se desviaron tanto del objetivo?” Bueno, varias veces las Escrituras describen a estos hombres como envidiosos (Marcos 15:10), celosos (Hechos 5:17-18, 13:45), mezquinos (Mateo 23:23) e hipócritas (Mateo 23:1-15). Estaban tratando de proteger su territorio y su reputación. (Juan 11:45-57).

A lo largo de los años he descubierto que hay una delgada línea entre tratar de proteger al rebaño y protegernos a nosotros mismos. Podemos cruzar esa línea cuando sentimos que nuestra reputación, nuestros métodos o nuestra influencia están siendo cuestionados o directamente amenazados por otros hacedores de discípulos. Y luego, de repente, cosas como la envidia, los celos, la mezquindad e incluso la amargura se arrastran y ¡Allí está! Entramos de lleno en modo de autoconservación al igual que los fariseos.

Entonces, ¿cómo nos mantenemos en el lado correcto y no caemos en el lado oscuro? He aquí algunas cosas a tener en cuenta;

–       Todas las ovejas pertenecen a Dios. Sujétalos con las manos abiertas.

–       Mantente humilde

–       Mantente enseñable

–       Conócete a ti mismo

–       Conoce la diferencia entre un lobo y una oveja grande

–       Permanece en la Palabra

–       Sé un jugador en equipo

–       Vas a proteger pero no a poseer

–       Muere a ti mismo

 Hay un nivel apropiado de preservación y mayordomía de uno mismo y del ministerio. Pero como dije, puede haber una delgada línea entre hacer lo que es correcto como hacedor de discípulos y ser un déspota espiritual. Está atento a cualquiera señal de esto (envidia, celos, mezquindad, amargura) al asociarte con otros siervos del Señor.

Mi Historia

Estaba leyendo el capítulo 17 de Juan y noté algo interesante. Jesús está orando al Padre y afirma que los hombres (los 11 apóstoles restantes) le fueron dados por el Padre. Pensé que era increíble que incluso el Hijo de Dios recibiera Su ministerio del Padre. Jesús se convirtió en administrador del pequeño rebaño que le fue confiado. Él reconoce que estos hombres fueron un regalo de Dios cuando Él dice; “Eran tuyas y me las diste“. (Juan 17:6).

Ahora, si los hombres tuvieran que ser entregados al Hijo de Dios, pensé, ¿de dónde vienen los hombres y mujeres que me han confiado? ¡Igualmente! Son un regalo de Dios. Él los pone en mi mano, por así decirlo, para pastorearlos en Sus caminos. Pero también me di cuenta de que necesitaba mantener la mano abierta porque puede que solo sea su mentor por una temporada. Entonces Él puede dárselas a otra persona para que “riegue” lo que yo “sembré”. (1 Corintios 3:6-7). Llamo a esto mi “Política de las Manos Abiertas”.

No pasó mucho tiempo antes de que mi nueva “Política” fuera probada. Un chico al que nos acabábamos de mudar a mi casa y de Deb, fue invitado inmediatamente a otro hogar de hacedores de discípulos para el discipulado de vida – en vida. Sin previo aviso, el tipo, se levantó y se marchó. Te puedes imaginar la sensación que estábamos teniendo en ese momento. “¡Espera un minuto! ¡Esa es mi oveja!” En realidad, no. Todas las ovejas pertenecen a Jesús. Nosotros solo somos los pastores inferiores. La envidia, los celos, la mezquindad y la amargura no son opciones cuando te das cuenta de que no eres el “dueño” de las ovejas. Oh, podría haber apretado mi agarre sobre lo que pensé que era legítimamente mío, pero he descubierto que es muy doloroso cuando Dios tiene que apartar tus dedos de alguien que quiere darle a algún otro hacedor de discípulos. ¡Mantén las manos abiertas con las ovejas de Dios!

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora veremos algunas ideas sobre cómo ayudarnos a nosotros, como hacedores de discípulos, a evitar la trampa de los fariseos;

–       ¿Tengo la “Política de las Manos Abiertas” con las ovejas de Dios?

–       Haz un estudio sobre cómo el Cuerpo de Cristo discipula a las personas y no solo a un individuo

–       Señala a las personas a Jesús como su Maestro Pastor

Tómate un momento para orar y entregar a aquellos que te han sido confiados a su legítimo Propietario. Arranca de raíz cualquier envidia, celos, mezquindad y amargura que puedas tener con otros hermanos y hermanas. Ahora estamos en la alineación adecuada con el Pastor Maestro y podemos administrar el rebaño de manera apropiada.

“That’s of the Devil!” – #66

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke to see how demonizing someone’s ministry has its dangers.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

The Gospel – Matthew 12:22-28, Mark 3:22-26, Luke 11:14-20

Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see. The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees and the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem heard this, they said, He is possessed by Beelzebul and only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.” And others tested Him by demanding a sign from heaven.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand but will fall. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? If Satan is divided and rises against himself, how can his kingdom stand? He cannot stand; his end has come.

After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, His Spirit, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

My Thoughts

If anyone should have recognized Jesus for His good works, (let alone being the Messiah,) it should have been the religious leaders of His day. How disappointing it must have been for God to show up and not only remain unrecognized but “demonized” for His work. Obviously the Pharisees were in the wrong but as Deb and I got to talking about it, we realized Jesus actually “demonized” people too. 

The first example that comes to mind is when Peter rebukes Jesus for talking about the cross. Jesus says; “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” (Matthew 16:23). 

The second example is when He’s saying to the Jews; “You are of your father the devil.” (John 8:44). 

Before we run off and start demonizing people like Jesus and the Pharisees, let’s hit the pause button and ask some questions;

  • Were the Pharisees accurate in their assessment of Jesus?
  • Was Jesus accurate in His assessment of Peter and the Pharisees?

The Pharisees were way off and their “demonizing” was probably motivated by their jealousy and envy. On the other hand, Jesus was dead-on when He associated Peter and the Pharisees with being in league with the devil. Jesus is right and the Pharisees are wrong.

So what does all this “demonizing” have to do with disciple-making? A lot actually. How many times have we jumped the gun and demonized someone or a church for practicing different methods or different ideas than those we have? Or am I the only one who thinks I have all the right ways to do something and the most effective tools? Uh, yeah, I thought so. You struggle in this area as well. It’s one thing to acknowledge differences and it’s another to see others as inferior. And sometimes, if we are honest, we take it to a whole nother level when we say what they’re doing or saying is “of the devil!”

Jesus’ critique of others was always spot on. Mine? Not so much. So I try to be careful about bringing out the big guns and start demonizing what others are doing.

My Story

I was having lunch with a fellow disciple-maker whose ministry was way different from mine. I like to get with others that don’t use the same tools and even have different ideas about making disciples of Jesus than mine. It keeps me on my toes and I learn a lot. I may not adopt everything that they have to say, but to be honest, I have stolen most of my stuff from other people (and especially Jesus).

But on this particular day I ran into a buzz saw! As I was describing something I was doing in my ministry, he pronounced, “I think that’s of the pit of Hell!” As you can imagine I was shocked and speechless. And then we continued talking about his ministry. (I dare not say any more about mine.) The conversation ended, I was cordial but inside I was kind of ticked off.

As I drove home I realized I was going to have to revisit the “pit of Hell” statement with my brother. So a couple of days later, I gave him a call. When I told him I was offended by his statement, he was quick to apologize. The Holy Spirit had been working on him and he recognized that the statement was harsh and out of bounds. All was forgiven but it was a great lesson for me. Don’t drop the “Satan Card” unless you’re dead sure you are 100% right.

“Different” doesn’t automatically mean “Demons.”

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas.

  • Do a self assessment. Are you quick as a disciple-maker to see other’s ideas and methods inferior?
  • Are you building your ministry on a negative platform? (Everyone else is doing it wrong.)
  • Get some time out of your silo and meet with people who make disciples but are quite a bit different from you. Learn from them.

I’ve seen that very committed spiritually minded people can be quick to demonize others. Let’s push the pause button and make sure the devil doesn’t get all that credit before we drop the “Satan Card.”

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

“¡Eso Es Del Diablo!” – #66

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo, Marcos y Lucas para ver cómo demonizar el ministerio de alguien tiene sus peligros.

Así que comencemos.

Mateo 12:22-28, Marcos 3:22-26, Lucas 11:14-20

Entonces un hombre poseído por un demonio, que era ciego y mudo, fue llevado a Jesús, y Él sanó al hombre para que pudiera hablar y ver. La multitud estaba asombrada y preguntaba: “¿Será este el Hijo de David?” Al oír esto, los fariseos y los escribas que habían bajado de Jerusalén dijeron: “Está poseído por Belcebú, y sólo este hombre expulsa a los demonios por Belcebú, el príncipe de los demonios”. Y otros lo pusieron a prueba exigiendo una señal del cielo.

Conociendo sus pensamientos, Jesús los convocó y comenzó a hablarles en parábolas: “¿Cómo puede Satanás expulsar a Satanás? Todo reino dividido contra sí mismo será desolado, y toda ciudad o casa dividida contra sí misma no permanecerá, sino que caerá. Si Satanás expulsa a Satanás, está dividido contra sí mismo. ¿Cómo, pues, puede permanecer su reino? Si Satanás está dividido y se levanta contra sí mismo, ¿cómo puede permanecer su reino? No puede mantenerse en pie; Su fin ha llegado.

Después de todo, dices que expulso a los demonios por Beelzebú. Y si yo echo fuera a los demonios por Beelzebú, ¿por quién los expulsan vuestros hijos? Así pues, ellos serán vuestros jueces. Pero si yo echo fuera a los demonios por el dedo de Dios, Su Espíritu, entonces el Reino de Dios ha llegado a vosotros.

Mis Pensamientos

Si alguien debiese haber reconocido a Jesús por sus buenas obras (además por ser el Mesías), deberían haber sido los líderes religiosos de su época. Cuán decepcionante debe haber sido que Dios apareciera y no solo permaneciera sin ser reconocido, sino que fuera “demonizado” por Su obra. Obviamente, los fariseos estaban equivocados, pero cuando Deb y yo empezamos a hablar de ello, nos dimos cuenta de que Jesús en realidad también “demonizó” a algunas personas.

El primer ejemplo que me viene a la mente es cuando Pedro reprende a Jesús por hablar de la cruz. Jesús dice; “Jesús se volvió y dijo a Pedro:”¡Aléjate de mí, Satanás! Quieres hacerme tropezar; no piensas en las cosas de Dios, sino en las de los hombres.” (Matthew 16:23). 

El segundo ejemplo es cuando Él les dice a los judíos: “Ustedes son de su padre, el diablo,” (John 8:44). 

Antes de que salgamos corriendo y comencemos a demonizar a personas como Jesús y los fariseos, presionemos el botón de pausa y hagamos algunas preguntas.

–       ¿Eran precisos los fariseos en su evaluación de Jesús?

–       ¿Fue Jesús exacto en su evaluación de Pedro y los fariseos?

Los fariseos estaban muy lejos y su “demonización” probablemente estaban motivados por sus celos y envidia. Por otro lado, Jesús dio en el clavo cuando asoció a Pedro y a los fariseos con estar aliados con el diablo. Jesús tenía la razón y los fariseos estaban equivocados.

Entonces, ¿qué tiene que ver toda esta “demonización” con la formación de discípulos? Mucho, en realidad. ¿Cuántas veces nos hemos precipitado y hemos demonizado a alguien o a una iglesia por practicar métodos diferentes o ideas diferentes a las que tenemos? ¿O soy el único que piensa que tengo todas las formas correctas de hacer algo y las herramientas más efectivas? Uh, sí, eso pensaba. Tú también luchas en esta área. Una cosa es reconocer las diferencias y otra es ver a los demás como inferiores. Y a veces, si somos honestos, lo llevamos a otro nivel cuando decimos que lo que están haciendo o diciendo es “¡del diablo!”

La crítica de Jesús a los demás siempre fue acertada. ¿La mía? No tanto. Así que trato de tener cuidado de no sacar la armas pesadas para empezar a demonizar lo que otros están haciendo.

Mi Historia

Estaba almorzando con un compañero hacedor de discípulos cuyo ministerio era muy diferente al mío. Me gusta juntarme con otras personas que no usan las mismas herramientas e incluso tienen ideas diferentes a las mías sobre cómo hacer discípulos de Jesús. Me mantiene alerta y aprendo mucho. Puede que no acepte todo lo que tienen que decir, pero para ser honesto, he robado la mayoría de mis cosas de otras personas (y especialmente de Jesús).

¡Pero en este día en particular me encontré con un siervo muy particular! Mientras describía algo que estaba haciendo en mi ministerio, él pronunció: “¡Creo que eso es del abismo del infierno!” Como puedes imaginar, me quedé conmocionado y sin palabras. Y luego seguimos hablando de su ministerio. (No me atreví a decir nada más sobre la mía). La conversación terminó, yo estaba cordial pero por dentro estaba un poco molesto.

Mientras conducía a casa, me di cuenta de que iba a tener que volver a examinar la declaración del “pozo del infierno” con mi hermano. Así que un par de días después, lo llamé. Cuando le dije que  su declaración me había ofendido, se apresuró a disculparse. El Espíritu Santo había estado obrando en él y reconoció que la declaración era dura y estaba fuera de los límites. Todo fue perdonado, pero fue una gran lección para mí. No sueltes la “Carta de Satanás” a menos que estés completamente seguro de que tienes razón al 100%.

“Diferente” no significa automáticamente “Demonios”.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación. Aquí tienes algunas ideas.

1.             Haz una autoevaluación. ¿Eres rápido, como hacedor de discípulos, a ver las ideas y  

          métodos de los demás como inferiores?

2.             ¿Estás construyendo tu ministerio sobre una plataforma negativa? (Que todos los 

          demás están haciendo las cosas mal).

3.             Sale por un tiempo de ti mismo y reúnete con personas que hacen discípulos pero 

          que son bastante diferentes a ti. Aprende de ellos.

He visto que las personas muy comprometidas con la espiritualidad pueden ser rápidas para demonizar a los demás. Apretemos el botón de pausa y asegurémonos de que el diablo no obtenga todo ese crédito antes de que soltemos la “Carta de Satanás”.

Over-Catalyzing Visionaries

Seven Dangers Visionaries Ought to Avoid

Rather Listen?

When a visionary goes beyond the God given message and the recipients start to feel oppressed and manipulated by the constant drumbeat of the dream, people can be over-catalyzed. The weariness of an “overly catalyzed” soul resonates deeply with me. I have stood on both sides of this dynamic. At times I have overstepped my bounds as a visionary. And I’ve also been the recipient of a constant campaign of an ardent champion for the cause. I understand the fatigue and disillusionment that it can cause. While the catalyst plays a vital role in any community, excessive zeal can lead to unintended consequences.

In the ever-evolving landscape of faith communities, visionaries play a crucial role. Their passion, creativity, and ability to inspire change are essential for growth and transformation. However, like any powerful force, visionary leadership can become a double-edged sword. When overused or misdirected, it can lead to unintended consequences. In this blog post, we explore seven dangers that visionaries should be aware of and actively avoid in over-catalyzing their people.

1. Being Presumptuous with the Will of God

Visionaries often walk a fine line between divine inspiration and personal ambition. While it’s essential to seek God’s guidance, presuming that every idea or vision aligns perfectly with His will can be dangerous. Over-catalyzing visionaries may rush ahead without proper discernment, assuming that their plans are unquestionably God-ordained. The result? Missteps, missed opportunities, and potential harm to the community we serve.

The sin of presumption can be clearly seen in 1 Samuel 13. King Saul has rallied the troops to fight against the Philistines. The prophet Samuel had instructed the king to wait seven days and he would make appropriate sacrifices for Saul and his army. On the seventh day, when Samuel delayed and the army started to dissipate, Saul took it upon himself to offer the sacrifices which is strictly forbidden. As soon as he finished, Samuel showed up and rebuked Saul. Saul’s excuse; 

 “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, then I said, ‘The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.” (1 Samuel 13:11-12)

In the same way a catalyst can feel compelled and overstep their responsibility and/or authority. They begin to presume God is going to do things that may not be in accordance with His will. This is a very dangerous assumption on the visionary’s part and undermines the confidence of God’s people. 

Solution: Be steeped in the Word of God and pray for discernment. Seek wise counsel and remain open to correction. Humility and a willingness to adjust course are vital.

2. Exaggerating the Results

Visionaries thrive on big dreams and audacious goals. However, when the pursuit of impact overshadows the actual outcomes, problems arise. Over-catalyzing visionaries may inflate their achievements, creating unrealistic expectations. This can lead to disappointment, disillusionment, and a loss of credibility.

When the Apostle Paul was encouraging the newly planted church in Galatia he also added this sobering admonition;  “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). Paul didn’t sugar coat and soft pedal the bad news along with the good news. 

There are two sides to the coin of vision casting. The first is the exciting possibilities of what God can do. The second is the reality that God has a plan and we must obey His will no matter the outcome. The visionary needs to express both possibilities and the need to trust the sovereign hand of God for the results.

Solution: Celebrate progress, but remain grounded. Honesty about both successes and setbacks builds trust and authenticity.

3. Stretching the Word of God

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It holds the blueprints for God’s plan and people. It gives us both direction and hope. However, Over-catalyzing visionaries may twist Scripture to fit their agenda. Whether misinterpreting passages or cherry-picking verses, this approach is misleading and undermines the integrity of the vision. It can also harm those who follow blindly.

While we cast vision for others, we dare not do what the Apostle Peter warns others had done to Paul’s writings and other Scriptures;

… just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.  (2 Peter 3:15-16)

For example, I’ve heard and even used the tactic myself of trying to speed up the return of Christ by completing the Great Commission. In other words, let’s get busy sharing the gospel so that we can reach every people group on the planet and go home to heaven. It sounds noble and we whip the disciples into a frenzy. But the fact is WE never finish the job, an angel does.

And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people. (Revelation 14:6)

The visionary must align him or herself squarely with the Scriptures. We cannot afford to add or subtract in order to make our case stronger. The power rests in the truth and the Word of God is able to stir the heart without embellishment or contrivance. 

Solution: Study the Bible diligently, seek context, and interpret it faithfully. Let the Word shape your vision, not the other way around.

4. Ignoring Some of the Gifts and Contributions of the Body

Visionaries often see the big picture, but we mustn’t overlook the diverse talents and gifts within their community. Over-catalyzing leaders may bulldoze over others’ contributions, inadvertently stifling creativity and collaboration. Unity suffers when individual voices are drowned out.

The catalyst may be tempted to single-out certain gifts or individuals to see the vision through. Certainly, it’s going to take committed disciples of Jesus to see the work of God advance. But they come with all kinds of gifts, talents, and abilities. As Paul outlines in his letter to the Ephesians;

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

The visionary must take into account that the church, in its wholeness, will be God’s approach to fulfilling His vision.

Solution: Cultivate a culture of inclusivity. Recognize and appreciate the unique strengths each member brings.

5. Beating a Dead or Limping Horse

Visionaries are passionate about progress, but relentless pursuit can lead to burnout. Over-catalyzing leaders may push others and themselves beyond healthy limits. Like a rider flogging a tired horse, we risk exhaustion and diminishing returns. And then there are those who could care less about our vision and we relentlessly continue our campaign, thus beating a “dead horse.” But the over-catalyzing visionary’s motto is “No horse is too dead to beat.” We need to learn how to discern that we’ve reached a stopping point and push the pause button. Even Jesus knew when to say when;

“I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” (John 16:12)

In some cases the catalyst has gone too far and pushed too hard with willing participants. And this is where the savvy to know when to stop is essential. We can bend ‘em but not break ‘em.

Solution: Balance ambition with self-care. Rest, recharge, and recognize that sustainable growth requires pacing.

6. All Talk, Little Action

Visionaries excel at casting vision, but implementation matters. Over-catalyzing leaders may become enamored with ideas, neglecting practical steps. Promises of results without personal practice, modeling, and coaching erode trust and credibility. In the Army we wanted to make sure that we would never order anyone to do something we hadn’t done or wouldn’t do ourselves. Although this may be an unrealistic standard in every case, it was expected by leadership and subordinates alike in most situations. 

Jesus chided the religious leaders with this statement; 

“They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.” (Matthew 23:4)

Jesus on the other hand, lived out His vision before the people. He modeled day-in and day-out the practical steps to reach the goal. Like Jesus, the catalyst must be willing to do the hard work we expect others to do to fulfill their vision.

Solution: Pair vision with action. Set achievable goals, create action plans, and execute them diligently with your people.

7. Unrealistic Expectations of God and His People

Visionaries often dream of miraculous breakthroughs. However, expecting constant supernatural interventions beyond what God wills can lead to disappointment. Over-catalyzing leaders may forget that God often works through ordinary means and gradual processes too. Those under the influence of a visionary that always has his head in the clouds can be perceived as chasing rainbows and unicorns instead of the will of God. We can become demanding and frustrated with the people we lead. This can only spell disaster if left unchecked. We must be grounded in the Word and will of God. We could even venture in the realm of the false prophets.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires (2 Timothy 4:3)

As catalysts, we shouldn’t make promises that are not ours to keep.

Solution: Embrace faith without demanding constant fireworks. Trust God’s timing and appreciate the everyday miracles in the mundane.

There’s an old saying: “It takes one to know one.” You’ll notice that I have implicated myself in this article. I’ve committed all seven of the pitfalls. Deb and I were discussing this one day, and she provided a great illustration. She likened the catalyst to salt. Most recipes call for a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. However, if we use too much salt, it can ruin the dish. I confess to occasionally being a bit too salty. So as you read this, and if you feel any conviction, rest assured that the author is also repenting alongside you.

Visionary leadership is a gift, but it must be wielded with wisdom. By avoiding these pitfalls, visionaries can catalyze positive change without fleecing the flock. Let us honor the role of catalysts while remaining grounded in the Word and will of God.

A Kingdom Work Ethic – #65

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the gospels of Mark and Luke to observe the work ethic of Jesus and His church.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Mark 3:20–21, Luke 8:1–3

Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means. Then Jesus went home, and once again a crowd gathered, so that He and His disciples could not even eat. When His family heard about this, they went out to take custody of Him, saying, “He is out of His mind.”

My Thoughts

When you look at the “workforce” Jesus had assembled, you can’t do anything but admire the commitment, sacrifice, and work ethic of this band of brothers and sisters. Jesus had given them the invitation to follow Him and follow they did. They hit the road with Jesus as He preached the gospel of the kingdom, healed the sick, and cast out demons. They were His support crew, students, and fellow laborers in the harvest. This was no casual endeavor. They had left the comforts of family and home, hiking dusty roads, traversing stormy waters, and always being inundated with people. And when they returned home, there was no rest for the weary. They didn’t even have time to eat. The pace was so fernetic, His family had thought Jesus was crazy. 

Can you imagine keeping pace with Jesus? Now we need to remind ourselves, it was for a season and they did get away for respites. (More on that later). But you have to acknowledge with awe the team, or dare I say “church,” Jesus put together. I am amazed and challenged!

When we look at the commitment and work ethic of these people, would you say you have a church like this?

My Story

One of the greatest gifts my father ever gave me was a model for a strong work ethic. Once I was “helping” him change out a transmission on a dump truck. We spent hours on our backs, laying on a gravel driveway, pulling this big bad boy out. Basically, all I was doing was handing him tools. He single handedly yanked the thing out and placed it on the ground. 

Now you might be getting the idea that I was just a young boy watching his father act like superman but I was 45 and he was 65. Yeah, I didn’t quite pull my weight that day. But my dad was like that his whole life. A strong and hard worker.

Watching my dad and Jesus work that hard has really been an example for me throughout my life. I worked hard in the military and ministry. Quitting, although tempting at times, was never an option. Even this week was a banner week for Deb and I as we hosted several people in our home, shared the gospel, provided pastoral care, developed leaders, made disciples, and sent a missionary to Egypt. Not every week is like that but they are full. And I probably ought to remind you we are “retired.”  🤣

WARNING: If you are going to have a good work ethic, you also need a good “rest ethic.” As I said, more on that later. 

Our Action Plan

How do we help disciples develop a good strong work ethic? Here’s some ideas;

  • Do a Bible Study with them on the work ethic of Jesus
  • Schedule times of intense ministry and see who shows up
  • Balance hard work with hard rest (Don’t be a slave driver)

If we’re going to be like Jesus, we need to learn how to train people to work just as hard for eternal things as they do for earthly things. We need to model the same commitment, loyalty, and sacrifice Jesus did for the kingdom.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

Una Ética de Trabajo del Reino – #65

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los evangelios de Marcos y Lucas para observar la ética de trabajo de Jesús y su Iglesia.

Así que comencemos.

Marcos 3:20-21, Lucas 8:1-3

Poco después, Jesús viajó de un pueblo y aldea a otro, predicando y proclamando las buenas nuevas del reino de Dios. Los Doce estaban con él, así como algunas mujeres que habían sido sanadas de espíritus malignos y enfermedades: María, llamada Magdalena, de la que habían salido siete demonios, Juana, la esposa del mayordomo de la casa de Herodes, Chuza, Susana, y muchas otras. Estas mujeres les ministraban con sus propios medios. Entonces Jesús se fue a su casa, y una vez más se juntó una multitud, de modo que él y sus discípulos ni siquiera podían comer. Cuando su familia se enteró de esto, salieron a custodiarlo, diciendo: “Está loco”.

Mis Pensamientos

Cuando miras el “grupo de trabajadores” que Jesús había reunido, no puedes hacer nada más que admirar el compromiso, el sacrificio y la ética de trabajo de este grupo de hermanos y hermanas. Jesús les había dado la invitación de seguirlo y lo hicieron. Salieron al camino con Jesús mientras predicaba el Evangelio del Reino, sanaba a los enfermos y expulsaba demonios. Eran su equipo de apoyo, estudiantes y colaboradores en la cosecha. Este no fue un esfuerzo casual. Habían dejado las comodidades de la familia y el hogar, caminando por caminos polvorientos, atravesando aguas tormentosas y siempre inundados de gente. Y cuando regresaron a casa, no había descanso para los cansados. Ni siquiera tuvieron tiempo de comer. El ritmo era tan frenético que su propia familia había pensado que Jesús estaba loco.

¿Te imaginas seguir el ritmo de Jesús? Ahora tenemos que recordarnos a nosotros mismos que fue por una temporada y se escaparon para tomar un respiro. (Más sobre esto más adelante). Pero hay que reconocer con asombro al equipo, o me atrevo a decir “la Iglesia”, que Jesús juntó. ¡Estoy asombrado y desafiado!

Cuando observamos el compromiso y la ética de trabajo de estas personas, ¿dirías que eres parte de una iglesia como esta?

Mi Historia

Uno de los mayores regalos que me dio mi padre fue el modelo de una fuerte ética de trabajo. Una vez lo estaba “ayudando” a cambiar la transmisión a un camión volcador. Pasamos horas de espaldas, acostados en una vereda de piedra, sacando a esta gran máquina que estaba mala. Básicamente, todo lo que yo hacía era entregarle herramientas a mi papá. Solo él sacó la máquina y la colocó en el suelo.

Ahora, es posible que te estés haciendo la idea de que yo era solo un niño viendo a su padre actuar como Superman, pero yo tenía 45 años y él 65. Sí, no me esforcé del todo ese día. Pero mi papá fue así toda su vida. Un hombre fuerte y trabajador.

Ver a mi papá y a Jesús trabajar tan duro ha sido realmente un ejemplo para mí a lo largo de mi vida. Trabajé duro en el ejército y en el ministerio. Renunciar, aunque tentador a veces, nunca fue una opción. Incluso esta semana fue una semana excepcional para Deb y para mí, ya que recibimos a varias personas en nuestra casa, compartimos el evangelio, brindamos atención pastoral, desarrollamos líderes, hicimos discípulos y enviamos a un misionero a Egipto. No todas las semanas son así, pero están llenos. Y probablemente debería recordarles que estamos “jubilados”. 🤣

ADVERTENCIA: Si vas a tener una buena ética de trabajo, también necesitas una buena “ética de descanso”. Como dije, hablaremos de eso más adelante.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

¿Cómo ayudamos a los discípulos a desarrollar una buena y sólida ética de trabajo? Aquí hay algunas ideas;

–       Haz un estudio bíblico con ellos sobre la ética de trabajo de Jesús

–       Programa momentos de ministerio intenso y a ver quién se presenta

–       Equilibra el trabajo duro con el descanso duro (No eres dueño de esclavos)

Si vamos a ser como Jesús, tenemos que aprender a entrenar a las personas para que trabajen tan duro por las cosas eternas como lo hacen por las cosas terrenales. Necesitamos modelar el mismo compromiso, lealtad y sacrificio que Jesús hizo por el Reino.

Hi Friends and Family,

Recently, our church went through the Book of Acts together, and several times it mentions they gathered the church together and reported all the things God had done. I haven’t shared a “report” in a long time but we want you to join us in praising God for His goodness.

Deb and I are still living in San Antonio. We’ve been here over 12 years now. We spent two and a half years renting a place in the middle of the city. Deb’s folks rented the duplex right next to us. Then we moved to the Southside of San Antonio, which everyone tells you not to do. We spent a year there and sharing the gospel with our neighbors. We affectionately called that time our tour in “Antoniostan.” Now, we’ve been living in a house for eight and a half years, and it’s the longest either of us has stayed in one house in our lives. It’s fully handicapped accessible and more than we ever deserve. One of our dear friends nicknamed it the “fancy pants house,” and that name has stuck to this day.

Chuck, our oldest son, and Jessica are in Dallas. Chuck is a systems engineer for a big company and has really come into his own as a valued asset. Jessica is a talented artist and has sold some of her pieces. Blake is in Middle School, while Charles and Ava are in Elementary School.

Wes and Tina are in Alaska. Wes is a Major working in Military Intelligence, and Tina is a talented photographer. Calvin, Addie, and Owen are being homeschooled. Samuel enjoys getting in the mix, acting like he’s in school too. (Your time will come, little one, your time will come.) They enjoy being the church in their home with their neighbors and making disciples for Jesus.

For the past 12 years, we’ve been working both locally and globally, making disciples of Jesus. Some have coined this approach as “Glocal.” Throughout these years, we’ve experienced seasons where one emphasis was stronger than the other, but now we’re about 50/50. 

We host a church in our home, and everyone actively participates in making disciples. Additionally, we’re involved in planting churches that prioritize multiplying disciples for Jesus. Our goal is to see multiple spiritual generations in different relational streams. We like to say, “We seek out 4th Soil people to the 4th generation and beyond.”

Leadership Development for Churches Downstream

Our ministry extends beyond borders. We mentor leaders on Zoom who have their own ministries across the world. These leaders have established networks of multiplying churches in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and, of course, North America. It’s truly an amazing answer to our prayers, especially during our early years when we were asking God to use us to spread the gospel globally.

If you’re interested, I’ve put links at the bottom you can click on for our Top 12 Lessons we’ve learned during this remarkable journey over the past 12 years. I’ll be updating this list in weeks to come so stay tuned. If you’re listening, the Lessons Learned link is in the video description below. I will also be posting each of these on my Blog.

Most of you know that Chuck has been dealing with a disease called Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS). We’re happy to report that after our last visit to the neurologist, his lung capacity has improved by 50%, and he’s grown stronger since last year’s visit. This is very good news. Our neurologist, who is also a believer, said, “You’re a miracle! Keep praying!” So all glory to God, and thanks to all of you who have been praying all these years. God is hearing your prayers. Life is still challenging, but it’s become a very manageable rhythm and has opened many doors for the gospel.

Deb has recently struggled with chronic laryngitis. For four months, she could barely talk above a whisper. She underwent a procedure by an ENT for a temporary fix, but unfortunately, it only lasted a few weeks. There may be a more extensive surgery in her future. Please keep her in your prayers.

We’ve slowed down quite a bit. Our travels are mostly to see family, and we’re off the training and conference circuit. Chuck even takes a nap every day. So, we’re trying to act our age (and our disease).

A Gathering of Churches to Send Merari to Egypt

As we look to the future, there is a promise from God that He will “Fill our living room, it will multiply, and you will see My hand.” So it’s from our Living Room to the Nations. This has already been happening. We have one single woman headed to Egypt in March, a couple headed to St Louis in July, and a young couple possibly headed to Pakistan in a couple of years. And of course, we’ll keep plugging away at our city. We don’t see any major changes for the two of us but want to keep Jesus’ Great Commission in front of us and finish well. We want to keep pressing disciple-makers into the harvest every step of the way. We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing; loving Jesus and His people.

All for Jesus,

Chuck & Deb

Top 12 Lessons Learned Over the Last 12 Years (Click the Link)

  1. The Jesus Filter (27 March 24)
  2. Starting Your Own Movement — A Recipe for Burnout (28 March 24)
  3. How to Recover from Burnout (Working)
  4. The Dynamics of Social Networks in Ministry (31 March 24) 
  5. How We Go about “Churching” (Working)
  6. Regular Mentoring Makes All the Difference (Working)
  7. Context Matters (Working)
  8. Principles and Methods (Working)
  9. Simplicity is Key to Reproduction (Working)
  10. The Gospel Changes Everything (Working)
  11. Trusting the Word and Holy Spirit (Working)
  12. Investing in 4th Soil People (Working)

Missing the Punchline – #64

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Luke to see how Jesus addresses the issue of self-righteousness. 

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Luke 7:36–50

Then one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!” 

But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, Teacher,” he said. “Two men were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both of them. Which one, then, will love him more?” “I suppose the one who was forgiven more,” Simon replied. “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 

And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those at the table began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” And Jesus told the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

My Thoughts 

Do you think Simon got the “punchline” of the story Jesus told? I doubt it. It seems the woman was a notorious sinner. She humble herself and comes to Jesus with a lavish gift of repentance. She is acknowledging her sin and Jesus says “He who is forgiven much, loves much.”

And here’s the punchline Simon missed; Who of us has not sinned much? Who of us can stand before God and say with a straight face, “Well, I wasn’t that bad.” No, I think if we were standing in the Judge’s presence, Simon and the rest of us would quickly fall to our knees and confess our absolute depravity. We would clearly see our need for His forgiveness and comparisons would not even enter our minds. 

But this is what religion without relationship does to people. We forget that there is nothing we could do to merit our salvation. We begin to compare ourselves to other “sinners” and use them to elevate ourselves. Pretty soon we are thinking God loves us because we are so “good.” We have no need for grace and mercy and extend very little to those around us. 

But as disciple-makers, not only are we carefully watching for self-righteousness to rear its ugly head in our own lives, we are guarding against it in those we mentor as well. Jesus had to deal with this in His own crew several times. 

  • Who was the greatest?  (Luke 22:24-30)
  • Wanting to call down fire on a town.  (Luke 9:51-56)
  • Stopping others from casting out demons.  (Luke 9:49-50)

And the list goes on. As disciple-makers we have to spot it and call it out before the poison of self-righteousness sets in. 

My Story

I have friends I love and respect dearly but there’s one thing that annoys them about me. I refuse to quit calling myself a “sinner.” Now, I usually include “saved by grace.” But that doesn’t matter. It still bothers them that I include being a “sinner” as part of my identity. I understand where they are coming from. They are accentuating the fact that they are new creatures in Christ and have left the old life behind. They are no longer slaves to sin and as children of God they have a new identity. They don’t want to be associated with the old life that no longer exists in their justified state.

But in my mind, maintaining the moniker of being a sinner is a state of reality. I sin every single day (much to my chagrin). And I believe I’m in good (or not so good) company. Recognizing this does not rattle my confidence in my identity in Christ. In fact, it intensifies it! 

When I admit “I’m a sinner saved by grace” it brings two things in to clear focus;

  1. I have sinned much
  2. Therefore, I’m forgiven much

And what does Jesus say about those who are forgiven much? They love much! To me, admitting the fact that sin is still a very real part of my daily struggle and that Jesus loves me enough to die for all that wickedness within me, makes grace all that much more amazing. Reminding myself I’m a “sinner” also keeps me humble. I’m not as tempted to play the comparison game. 

As a disciple-maker, I want to own my condition and make sure everyone I mentor knows I’m under no illusions that I’m any better than them. I also want them to know they are no better than anyone else either!

So I stand with the Apostle Paul under the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ when he says;

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15 KJV)

I have been forgiven much and I love the Forgiver much!

Our Action Plan

Now we’ll look at some ideas on how to help us avoid self-righteousness and model humility for the people we are discipling.

  • Study 1 John together with a special focus on what John says about sin
  • Admit your short-comings to those you are discipling
  • Spend a special time of confessing your sins to one another (James 5:16)

Self-righteousness is a very dangerous sin in itself. Let’s learn to recognize it in ourselves and those we disciple and nip it in the bud.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

Falta de Conclusión – #64

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, veremos el Evangelio de Lucas para ver cómo Jesús aborda el tema de la justicia propia.

Así que comencemos.

Lucas 7:36-50

Uno de los fariseos rogó a Jesús que comiese con él. Y habiendo entrado en casa del fariseo, se sentó a la mesa. Entonces una mujer de la ciudad, que era pecadora, al saber que Jesús estaba a la mesa en casa del fariseo, trajo un frasco de alabastro con perfume;  y estando detrás de él a sus pies, llorando, comenzó a regar con lágrimas sus pies, y los enjugaba con sus cabellos; y besaba sus pies, y los ungía con el perfume.  Cuando vio esto el fariseo que le había invitado, dijo para sí: Este, si fuera profeta, conocería quién y qué clase de mujer es la que le toca, que es pecadora.  

Entonces respondiendo Jesús, le dijo: Simón, una cosa tengo que decirte. Y él le dijo: Di, Maestro.” Un acreedor tenía dos deudores: el uno le debía quinientos denarios, y el otro cincuenta;  y no teniendo ellos con qué pagar, perdonó a ambos. Di, pues, ¿cuál de ellos le amará más?” Respondiendo Simón, dijo:” Pienso que aquel a quien perdonó más.” Y él le dijo: Rectamente has juzgado. 

Y volvíendo a la mujer, dijo a Simón: “¿Ves esta mujer? Entré en tu casa, y no me diste agua para mis pies; mas esta ha regado mis pies con lágrimas, y los ha enjugado con sus cabellos.  No me diste beso; mas esta, desde que entré, no ha cesado de besar mis pies.  No ungiste mi cabeza con aceite; mas esta ha ungido con perfume mis pies. Por lo cual te digo que sus muchos pecados le son perdonados, porque amó mucho; mas aquel a quien se le perdona poco, poco ama.”  Y a ella le dijo: Tus pecados te son perdonados.  Y los que estaban juntamente sentados a la mesa, comenzaron a decir entre sí: ¿Quién es este, que también perdona pecados? Pero él dijo a la mujer: “Tu fe te ha salvado, ve en paz.”

Mis Pensamientos

¿Crees que Simón entendió la “conclusión” de la historia que Jesús contó? Lo dudo. Parece que la mujer era una pecadora notoria. Ella se humilla y se acerca a Jesús con un generoso regalo de arrepentimiento. Ella está reconociendo su pecado y Jesús dice: “Al que se le perdona mucho, mucho ama”.

Y aquí está la conclusión que Simón se perdió; ¿Quién de nosotros no ha pecado mucho? ¿Quién de nosotros puede pararse delante de Dios y decir con cara seria: “Bueno, yo no era tan malo”? No. Creo que si estuviéramos en presencia del Juez, Simón y el resto de nosotros caeríamos rápidamente de rodillas y confesaríamos nuestra absoluta depravación. Veríamos claramente nuestra necesidad de Su perdón y las comparaciones ni siquiera entrarían en nuestras mentes.

Pero esto es lo que la religión sin relación hace a las personas. Olvidamos que no hay nada que podamos hacer para merecer nuestra salvación. Comenzamos a compararnos con otros “pecadores” y los usamos para elevarnos. Muy pronto pensamos que Dios nos ama porque somos tan “buenos”. No tenemos necesidad de gracia y misericordia y nos extendemos muy poco de ésta a los que nos rodean.

Pero como hacedores de discípulos, no solo estamos vigilando cuidadosamente si la justicia propia asoma su fea cabeza en nuestras propias vidas, sino que también nos estamos protegiendo contra ella a aquellos a quienes asesoramos. Jesús tuvo que lidiar con esto en sus propios discípulos varias veces.

–       ¿Quién fue el más grande?

–       Querer provocar fuego sobre una ciudad.

–       Impedir que otros expulsen demonios.

Y la lista continúa. Como hacedores de discípulos, tenemos que detectarlo y denunciarlo antes de que el veneno de la justicia propia se establezca.

Mi Historia

Tengo amigos a los que quiero y respeto mucho, pero hay una cosa que les molesta de mí. Me niego a dejar de llamarme a mí mismo un “pecador”. Ahora, por lo general incluyo “salvados por gracia”. Pero eso no importa. Todavía les molesta que incluya ser un “pecador” como parte de mi identidad. Entiendo de dónde vienen. Están acentuando el hecho de que son nuevas criaturas en Cristo y han dejado atrás la vieja vida. Ya no son esclavos del pecado y, como hijos de Dios, tienen una nueva identidad. No quieren ser asociados con la vieja vida que ya no existe en su estado justificado.

Pero en mi mente, mantener el apodo de ser un pecador es un estado de realidad. Peco todos los días (muy a mi pesar). Y creo que estoy en buena (o no tan buena) compañía. Reconocer esto no hace tambalear mi confianza en mi identidad en Cristo. De hecho, ¡lo intensifica!

Cuando admito que “soy un pecador salvado por la gracia”, esto pone dos cosas en claro;

–       He pecado mucho

–       Por lo tanto, se me ha perdonado mucho

¿Y qué dice Jesús acerca de aquellos a quienes se les perdona mucho? ¡Aman mucho! Para mí, admitir el hecho de que el pecado sigue siendo una parte muy real de mi lucha diaria y que Jesús me ama lo suficiente como para morir por toda esa maldad dentro de mí, hace que la gracia sea mucho más asombrosa. Recordarme a mí mismo que soy un “pecador” también me mantiene humilde. No estoy tan tentado a jugar el juego de la comparación.

Como hacedor de discípulos, quiero ser dueño de mi condición y asegurarme de que todos los que asesoro sepan que no me hago ilusiones de que soy mejor que ellos. ¡También quiero que sepan que tampoco son mejores que los demás!

Así que estoy con el apóstol Pablo bajo la gracia del Señor Jesucristo cuando dice;

Este mensaje es digno de crédito y merece ser aceptado por todos: que Cristo Jesús vino al mundo a salvar a los pecadores, de los cuales yo soy el primero. (1 Timoteo 1:15 NIV)

¡He sido perdonado mucho y amo mucho al Perdonador!

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora veremos algunas ideas sobre cómo ayudarnos a evitar la justicia propia y modelar la humildad para las personas a las que estamos discipulando.

–       Estudie 1 Juan juntos, enfócate especialmente en lo que Juan dice acerca del pecado

–       Admite tus defectos a aquellos a quienes estás discipulando

–       Dediquen un tiempo especial a confesar sus pecados unos a otros (Santiago 5:16)

La justicia propia es un pecado muy peligroso en sí mismo. Aprendamos a reconocerlo en nosotros mismos y en aquellos a quienes discipulamos y cortemosle hasta la raíz misma.

Jesus Christ and His Apostles

A Painting by Jessica and Ava Wood

Rather Listen, Click Here…

Introduction

My daughter-in-law is a gifted artist. We recently toured her in-home studio and there was a particular abstract style I really liked. The characters, although nondescript, exhibit different personalities. The earth tone she used made me reflect on what I would imagine ancient Palestine to be like. Then an idea popped into my head. “Why not commission her to do a painting of Jesus and the Twelve?” I would love the style and study the individual apostle and match them with the actual Biblical character as I reflected on their personalities. So not only did she put her skills to work but our granddaughter, Ava, helped as well! Here’s the wonderful piece of art they painted for me. Now to study and draw out the Master and His twelve Apostles. Here’s a brief description of how I will tackle each character in the painting;

Outline for each character

  1. Short description
  2. Why I chose that particular character in the painting
  3. Longer description
  4. What I admire about the character
  5. Scripture references used

Jesus is at the center of all the disciples but I will save the best for last and why I chose this particular character to represent Him. A list of the Apostles is given in Matthew’s Gospel.

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him. (Matthew 10:2-4)

We have a lot of information about a few Apostles, a little on a few more and almost none on the rest. I’m going to stick to information found in the Bible and let you research the archives on tradition on your own. I hope you find this interesting and informative as we reflect on the Biblical descriptions of those who literally changed the course of history and use Jessica and Ava’s painting to open the windows of our imagination. 

One last note before we start in earnest; I’m going to use a writing style that will be both understood and enjoyed by my nine year old granddaughter. Ava, I hope you enjoy my description of your painting.

Thank you so much Jessica and Ava!

Simon Peter: The Bold and Impulsive Disciple

Simon Peter was a fisherman by trade, casting his nets into the Sea of Galilee. But when Jesus came into his life, everything changed. Jesus saw something special in Simon and gave him a new name: Peter, which means “rock.” Peter was a mix of boldness and blunders, making him one of the most colorful characters among Jesus’ disciples. I picked this character to show Simon Peter because, if you squint your eyes a little, it seems like his mouth is wide open. Peter was a talkative guy who sometimes got himself into hot water. He’d say things that made people cheer and other times made them scratch their heads.

Peter had moments of great insight and moments when he stumbled. One day, Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was. Peter boldly declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus commended him for this revelation, saying that it came from God Himself. Peter was like a super hero, standing on the rock of faith.

But then, just moments later, Peter’s impulsiveness got the better of him. When Jesus explained that He would suffer and die, Peter objected, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” Jesus responded sternly, calling Peter “Satan” because he was not thinking about God’s plan but human concerns.

Peter also witnessed a remarkable event on the Mount of Transfiguration. There, he saw Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. Excited, Peter suggested building three shelters for them. It’s as if he couldn’t contain his awe and enthusiasm. Peter’s journey was a rollercoaster of faith, doubt, and passion—a reminder that even flawed individuals can play significant roles in God’s story. 

I really like Peter because he was a brave person. Although he made plenty of mistakes, he was not afraid to try new things and follow Jesus. He was willing to lead even if people didn’t understand him. I think this is what Jesus noticed and why He picked Peter to lead the other apostles.

(Matthew 4:18, 10:2, 16:16-23, 17:1-9, Mark 3:16, 8:29-33, 9:1-8, Luke 9:19-36)   

Andrew: The First Follower

Andrew was the brother of Peter. But before he met Jesus, he was already seeking spiritual truth. He had been a disciple of John the Baptist, which shows his hunger for God even before encountering Christ. One day, John pointed at Jesus and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Andrew and another disciple immediately started following Jesus. He was one of Jesus’ first followers. That’s why I picked the character just to the right of Jesus to represent Andrew.

Andrew wasted no time. He found his brother, Peter, and introduced him to Jesus. Imagine the excitement of following a great teacher! Both Andrew and Peter were fishermen, working together in their family business. They lived in a place called Bethsaida, and their family was tight-knit—they all shared a house, which even included Peter’s mother-in-law.

When Jesus called, Andrew and Peter left everything behind. They dropped their nets and followed Him. Andrew was part of some private discussions with Jesus, like when Jesus explained the end of the world. But he wasn’t as chatty as his brother Peter. After Jesus’ resurrection, Andrew was among those who received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

What I admire most about Andrew is that he took Jesus’ initial invitation seriously. Jesus had said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Andrew lived up to that promise. He was always bringing people to Jesus. 

Andrew’s story reminds us that we don’t need to be perfect to play a significant role in God’s plan. Sometimes, it’s the quiet ones who make the biggest waves. 

(Matthew 4:18; 10:2, Mark 1:16, 29; 3:18; 13:3, Luke 6:14; John 1:40, 44;  6:8-9; 12:22. Act 1:13-2:4)

James: The son of Zebedee

James was also one of the twelve Apostles, which means he was part of a group chosen by Jesus to help spread His teachings. I chose this figure in your painting because he seems to have a strong face. Like someone who is determined to be faithful to Jesus.

James had a brother named John. They were like two peas in a pod! They were both fishermen, just like their dad, Zebedee. One day, Jesus came along and said to James and John, “Follow me!” It was like an exciting adventure. Jesus wanted them to be fishers of men, which meant they would help bring people closer to God. James and John left their fishing nets behind and followed Jesus everywhere.

On one occasion Jesus healed a sick girl. She was the daughter of a man named Jarius. James watched in wonder as Jesus touched her and made her well. It was another miracle! 

James and John were known as the “Sons of Thunder.” Maybe they were called that because they were bold and full of energy! One time they asked Jesus if they could sit next to Him in His kingdom. The other disciples got a little upset because they thought it was very arrogant. Truth be told, they were probably mad because they didn’t ask first.

After Jesus rose from the dead, James saw Him! Can you imagine the joy? James became even bolder. He told everyone about Jesus, even when it was dangerous. Sadly, James was the first Apostle to die for his faith. But he knew that Jesus was worth it.

I like James because he was loyal to Jesus even when it cost him his life. He was committed to his teacher and friend Jesus. 

(Matthew 4:21, 10:2, 17:1, 20:20, 26:37; Mark 1:19-20, 3:17, 5:37, 9:2, 10:35, 41, 13:3, 14:33; Luke 5:10, 6:14, 8:51, 9:28, 54; John 21:2; Acts 1:13,12:2)

John: The Apostle of Love

John was the younger brother of James, another special friend of Jesus. He wrote some important books about Jesus, like the Gospel of John and a few letters called Epistles. John loved to talk about loving God and other people. Because of this, people started calling him the “Apostle of Love.”

I picked the character that stands right next to Jesus. His robe is white, covering his heart. It’s like he’s saying, “I love Jesus with all my heart!”

But how did John become so close to Jesus? Well, it all started when Jesus met John by the Sea of Galilee. John was a fisherman, and Jesus invited him to join His special group of followers. John, along with his brother James, became part of Jesus’ inner circle. They saw amazing things together, like healing miracles and even a special prayer in a garden.

John and James were sometimes called the “Sons of Thunder.” Why? Well, they were a bit like firecrackers—full of energy and passion! John had to learn from Jesus how to love people the way He did. Once, they wanted to bring down fire on a village that didn’t welcome Jesus. He corrected John and told him that He came to save people, not destroy them. Another time, they stopped people from casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus told him, “Don’t do that. If people use my name for good, they can’t be against me.” John made his share of mistakes but Jesus was patient with him and taught him how to love people better.

At a very sad moment, when Jesus was crucified (which means He was killed on a cross), John was there. He stood by Jesus’ side, along with some other women, including Mary, Jesus’ mother. Jesus trusted John so much that He asked him to take care of Mary. Even though Jesus had brothers, John was the one who looked after Jesus’ mom.

I like to remember John as the Apostle who learned to love from Jesus before he was called the Apostle of Love. His courage, love, and commitment to Jesus shine brightly in the pages of the Bible. So, whenever I look at your painting, I see John, and think about love, bravery, and a heart for God and people. 

(Matthew 27:56, Mark 1:19-20, 3:17, 5:37, 9:2; 14:33, John 13:23, 19:26-27, 20:2-8, 20, 21:7, 20, 24; 1 John 1:1-4; Revelation 1:1-2, 9)

Philip: The Friendly Apostle

 Philip was a special person chosen by Jesus to be one of His messengers. I picked the character who is standing at the end, looking friendly with his long hair and a beard like your dad’s.

Jesus walked a long way to find Philip. He already knew some other friends—John, Andrew, and Peter. But Jesus wanted Philip to be His friend too. When Jesus asked Philip to join Him, Philip said yes right away! He was great at making new friends.

Later, Jesus gave Philip and the other friends a special job. They had to go around helping people who were sick or scared. Their message was simple: “God loves you and His kingdom is here!” Philip saw Jesus do amazing things, like making blind people see and even bringing dead people back to life!

One day, there were lots of hungry people listening to Jesus. Jesus turned to Philip and asked, “Where can we get food for all these people?” Jesus already knew what He would do, but He wanted to see how Philip would respond. Philip said, “We don’t have enough money to buy food for everyone. Even if we did, it wouldn’t be enough.” But then Jesus did something incredible. He took a little bit of bread and fish and made it multiply until there was plenty for everyone to eat. He fed 5000 people with just a small amount of food!

As Jesus’ time on earth was ending, some Greek guys came to Philip. They wanted to talk to Jesus, but they weren’t Jewish, so they didn’t know if they could. Philip was kind and helpful. He took them to Jesus, connecting them with the amazing teachings of Jesus.

And that’s why we remember Philip as the friendly guy at the end of the picture—always ready to help and connect people with Jesus! 

(Matthew 10:1-3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, John 1:43-46, 48;  6:5, 7; 12:21-22)

Bartholomew: The Hungry Apostle

Bartholomew was one of Jesus’ special friends. His name means “son of a farmer.” I picked the character who looks like he’s wearing a brown robe, looking a bit like he has dirt on him from working in the fields. Maybe Bartholomew was a farmer, or maybe not—we’re not sure. But let’s explore some stories about him and the other friends of Jesus.

Once, Bartholomew and the others were very hungry. They walked through a field of wheat and picked some to eat. But some people who thought they knew everything about God got upset. They said to Jesus, “Your friends are breaking the rules! They’re not supposed to work on the day of rest!” Jesus stood up for his friends and said, “You don’t really understand God’s rules or how to love people.”

Another time, Bartholomew witnessed a miracle at a wedding. Jesus and his friends were at a party when they ran out of wine. Jesus’ mom asked for his help. At first, Jesus hesitated, but then he decided to do something amazing. He took eight big pots of water and turned them into wine. And guess what? It was the best wine ever! The person in charge of the party was so surprised that they told everyone how special the wine was.

Bartholomew was part of these incredible moments with Jesus. He learned about love, kindness, and miracles. Even though we don’t know much about him, we remember Bartholomew as a friend who walked, ate, and drank wine with Jesus. 

(Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:1-19, John 2:1-12, Acts 1:13)

Thomas: The Brave but Doubting Apostle

Thomas was a special friend of Jesus. He followed Jesus everywhere, like a loyal companion. Thomas had two remarkable qualities: he was very brave, and he loved asking questions. I chose the character that looks like he has a white patch over one eye. Maybe it was hard for him to see clearly. Sometimes he felt confident and strong, but other times he worried and wasn’t sure.

One day, Jesus wanted to visit His sick friend Lazarus. But the other friends warned Jesus that it was dangerous because some bad people wanted to hurt Him. Despite the risk, Jesus decided to help Lazarus. Thomas boldly said to the others, “Let’s go with Him. If we die, we die!” He wasn’t afraid at all.

Later, after Jesus died and miraculously came back to life, He appeared to His friends. But Thomas didn’t believe them. He insisted, “Unless I see the marks on His hands and touch them, I won’t believe.” Thomas needed proof. Then, one amazing day, Jesus stood before Thomas. He showed Thomas the scars where He was hurt. Thomas saw that Jesus was truly alive again. It was a moment of wonder and faith.

What’s great about Thomas is that he’s like many of us. Sometimes we’re brave and faithful, just like Thomas when he stood up for Jesus. Other times, we doubt and worry. But in the end, Jesus showed Thomas that He was real and that He loved him—even when he had questions. 

(Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, John 14:5, 20:24-28, 21:2)

Matthew: The Radically Changed Apostle 

Matthew was one of Jesus’ friends. He used to collect money from people for the bad guys who ruled the land. People did not like him because he took more money than he should. I picked this guy on the far right because he was the last person you would think Jesus would choose. He also had many friends who did bad things. But Jesus loved him and his friends just as much as the other disciples.

One day, Jesus asked Matthew to come with Him. Matthew said yes and left everything behind. He invited Jesus and his friends to his house for dinner. The religious leaders were mad at Jesus for this. They thought they were better than Matthew and his friends. They did not want to be around them. But Jesus told them that He came to help people who needed Him, not people who thought they were perfect. He said, “People who are well do not need a doctor, but people who are sick do; I did not come to invite good people, but bad people.” This reminds us that we should love everyone and tell them about Jesus.

I admire Matthew for his loyalty and for giving up his old life to follow Jesus. He was probably the richest and most comfortable of Jesus’ friends. But he was ready to give it all up for Jesus.

(Matthew 9:9-10, 10:3, Mark 2:14-17, 3:18, Luke 5:27-32, 6:15)

James: The son of Alphaeus

James was one of the twelve friends of Jesus who helped him spread God’s message of love. He was also called James the younger because he was younger than another James who was also Jesus’ friend. He was not the same as Jesus’ brother who also had the same name. I picked the friend who is next to the last one on the right. We don’t know a lot about him and the Bible only talks about him a few times. Sometimes it’s really about his mom who also loved Jesus. Since there is not much to say about him I will tell you some amazing things that he and the other friends saw.

The first thing was when Jesus walked on water. Jesus had just finished telling many people about God and it was getting dark. He told his friends to get in a boat and go to the other side of the lake. But Jesus stayed there to talk to God in his heart. Later that night the friends saw something scary on the water. They thought it was a ghost coming to their boat. But it was actually Jesus walking on the water. He told them not to be afraid and got in the boat with them. They were all so amazed!

Another thing was when a man with a very bad skin problem came to Jesus and asked him to make him better. The friends were all very scared because the skin problem could spread to anyone who touched the man. But do you know what Jesus did? He actually reached out and touched the man and made him better. Jesus was not scared and trusted that God could make him better.

I like James because he got to see some amazing miracles that Jesus did. Can you imagine hanging out with Jesus and seeing some of the things James did?!

(Matthew 10:3, 27:56, Mark 3:18, 15:40, 16:1, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13)

Thaddaeus:  The Curious Apostle

Thaddaeus, also known as Judas (not the same as Judas Iscariot), was one of Jesus’ close followers and messengers. In your painting I chose this character because he has a unique way of standing next to Jesus—his head is slightly tilted, like he is curious about everything.

Now, let’s explore why Thaddaeus is interesting. When Jesus told stories called “parables,” Thaddaeus was always eager to learn. These parables were like mysterious messages, waiting to be understood. But not everyone got them right away.

Thaddaeus loved asking questions. And guess what? Jesus loved answering them! He said, “To you, my friends, I reveal the mysteries of God’s kingdom. But those who don’t ask questions get stories in riddles.”

So, every time Thaddaeus wondered, “Why did Jesus say that?” or “What does this mean?” Jesus patiently explained. Thaddaeus felt like he was unwrapping precious gifts.

After Jesus came back to life (yes, that’s a whole other adventure!), Thaddaeus and the other disciples had another question. They asked Jesus, “Are you going to make our land better now? Will You get rid of all our enemies?”

Jesus smiled and replied, “My dear friends, it’s not for you to know exactly when things will change. But listen carefully. You’ll receive a special power from God—the Holy Spirit. And you’ll become my messengers, spreading love and good news everywhere—from our hometown to faraway lands.”

So, Thaddaeus was always asking questions and being curious. He became a special messenger of Jesus with his heart full of love for God and people.

Remember, my granddaughter, asking questions is like an amazing key unlocking the best mysteries and secrets. Keep asking lots of questions but keep a simple faith. Maybe you’ll discover some of the secrets of the Kingdom of God too! 

(Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 1:10-12, 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; John 14:22, Acts 1:6-8, 13)

Simon the Zealot: The Apostle Who Loved His Enemies

Simon was also a special friend of Jesus and helped spread His teachings. But Simon didn’t agree with the way Jesus treated His enemies. I picked this character because it looks like his hair is sticking straight up like an angry cat. Let’s find out more about him!

Simon belonged to a group called the “Zealots.” They were like under-cover soldiers who fought for what they believed in. They had a strong faith in God and were very patriotic. These Zealots didn’t like the Romans, who ruled their land. They wanted their country to be free and peaceful. 

Simon used to be really angry at the Romans. He thought they were bad and wanted to get rid of them. But then something amazing happened. Jesus came into Simon’s life. Jesus taught everyone about love, kindness, forgiveness, and even love for their enemies. He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who treat you badly.” This was a big deal because most people didn’t think that way.

One day, some religious leaders tried to trick Jesus. They asked Him, “Should we pay taxes to the Roman Emperor?” Jesus was clever. He asked for a coin and said, “Whose picture is on this coin?” They said, “It’s Caesar’s.” Jesus replied, “Give Caesar what belongs to him, and give God what belongs to God.” It was like saying, “Be a good citizen, but also remember to love God.” That had to blow Simon’s and everyone else in the crowd’s minds.

I like Simon because he listened to Jesus and changed his ways. Instead of hating the Romans, he started loving everyone. He even taught others to do the same. Simon’s devotion turned from anger to love. He became a hero in a different way. Simon the Zealot learned that love is stronger than hate.

(Matthew 5:43-44, 10:4, 22:20-21, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:1, Acts 1:13 )

 Judas Iscariot: The Apostle of Betrayal

Judas Iscariot is a name you might have heard before. He’s famous for something not-so-great: betraying Jesus. But let’s start from the beginning.

Jesus had a special group of followers called the Twelve Apostles. They were like his closest friends and helpers. Judas was one of them. Imagine being part of this special team, traveling with Jesus, and learning from him! Judas was a bit different from the others. He was probably more sophisticated (fancy word for “fancy”) and not from the same place as the rest. But here’s the thing: Judas was pretending. That’s why I chose this character. It looks like he’s wearing a mask. He acted like a good friend of Jesus, but deep down, he had other plans.

One day, Judas made a secret deal with some important religious leaders. He agreed to help them catch Jesus. Can you believe it? The person who followed Jesus, saw his miracles, and listened to his teachings was now going to betray him! The religious leaders gave Judas 30 pieces of silver (that’s like getting paid for doing something bad). Imagine having a bag of shiny coins, but they felt heavy with guilt. Judas led the leaders to Jesus. And how did he do it? With a kiss! Imagine your friend coming up to you and giving you a friendly kiss, but secretly planning something hurtful. That’s what Judas did.

Even when Judas betrayed him, Jesus didn’t get angry. He called Judas “friend.” Jesus loved everyone, even those who hurt him. He showed us how to love our enemies, just like he taught. After the betrayal, Judas felt terrible. He tried to give back the silver coins, but it was too late. He couldn’t undo what he had done. Judas’ story reminds us that actions have consequences. It’s important that we stay true to God, our family, and our friends. And even when someone we think is our friend betrays us, we should follow Jesus’ example of kindness and forgiveness. 

(Matthew 10:4, 26:14-16, 47-50, Mark 3:19, 14:10-11, 45, Luke 22:3, 47-48, John 6:71)

Jesus Christ: The Son of God

I’ve saved the best for last, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. I chose the character in the middle. He is not only at the center but He appears to be in front of His followers. He is also called the Son of God because God sent Him to earth with a special mission. Let’s explore His story!

God loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to Earth. Jesus was born in a miraculous way. And just like you, Jesus grew up as a child, playing and learning.

When Jesus turned 30 years old, He left His job as a carpenter and began traveling through places around Galilee and Judea. His message was exciting: God’s kingdom is near! People were curious. Was Jesus a king? But Jesus was different—he healed the sick, showed kindness, and taught important lessons.

Long before Jesus arrived, God had told special messengers called prophets that a Messiah (a chosen One) would come to save His people. People thought the Messiah would fight against their enemies, the Romans. But Jesus surprised everyone. He said He came to save them from God’s judgment for the wrong things they had done.

Jesus had a group of close friends called the Twelve Apostles. They learned from Him and helped spread the good news about God’s love. These are the men you and mom painted in this wonderful painting.

Sadly, some religious leaders and the Romans didn’t like Jesus’ message. They arrested Him and hung Him on a cross. But here’s the amazing part: God knew this would happen. He wanted Jesus to take the punishment for all our wrongs. Jesus died on that cross to pay the price for our mistakes so we wouldn’t have to. But He didn’t stay dead! In three days He rose from the dead and proved He is King over all creation.

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” This means that if we believe in Jesus and follow Him, we can have eternal life with God.

I love Jesus so much because He took on the punishment I deserved and is a great example for how to live life. I’ve been His follower for over 40 years and although it hasn’t been easy, it has been extremely rewarding. I love telling others about Him.

And that is the story of Jesus and His Twelve Apostles that you and your mom painted. Thank you so much for helping to create this. It hangs in my office so I can look at it everyday. This is to remind Nana and I that we are God’s special messengers of Jesus and His love. I hope one day you will become one too.

(Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, Matthew 1:18-25, 4:23, 9:35, 21:5, 23:3-4, Mark 6:3, 15:1-47, Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20, 40, 3:23, 24:1-12,  John 3:16, 12:15, Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, Revelation 17:14, 19:16)

The Bridge is Out! – #63

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be discussing the Gospel of Matthew to discover how Jesus loved people so much, He was willing to warn them of coming judgment.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

The Gospel – Matthew 11:20–30

Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” 

At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

My Thoughts 

Inclusivism is the religion of the day. We are so careful not to offend people that anything goes. Political correctness has graduated to the level of the absurd and the macabre. We have to be careful not to call a “he” a “him” and a “she” a “her.” We think it’s ok for a child to have the right to have body parts removed but the unborn have no rights at all.  Our culture, who long ago rejected the true Creator for materialism, has now even kicked “Mother Nature” to the curb. Our appetite for sex not only defies God, it defies our very biological design. We are in a tailspin of ridiculous thinking that we can do as we please and have no immediate or even eternal consequences. And even some in the “evangelical community” are embracing this craziness. We are so afraid to marginalize or disenfranchise someone, we bless them with a “ticket to heaven” because “God loves everyone.” So everyone gets a trophy, everyone gets to “do you” except anyone who stands up and drops the “God card” that requires any semblance of Divine accountability. Why? Because it’s considered “unloving” to tell someone the truth about their sin and their coming judgment.

But who was the most loving person to ever live? Who desires everyone to join the party and will celebrate every single member added to the family. You guessed it, JESUS! And yet He did not fear the fall out of telling people the truth. He flat out told people they were headed to hell on a fast moving freight train if they didn’t repent. And He did it out of love! He was warning people that not only was God a God of love but He is equally a God of justice. He can not allow unrepented souls in His presence. Jesus (God in the flesh) gave people an ample heads up that there would be eternal consequences. He first came as the Lamb but there is a day of judgment when we will meet the Lion. 

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead… (2 Timothy 4:1)

In light of our observation about the way Jesus shared the gospel, can we afford not to warn people? I like to make this comparison. The bridge over the river has collapsed and you are driving at 60mph. You are unaware that there is no longer a bridge and you encounter two men on the side of the road. The first gives you a casual wave and would warn you if you stopped to ask questions. But because he doesn’t want to inconvenience or offend you, he doesn’t make much of an effort to flag you down. On the other hand, the second man is frantically waving his arms in the air and is almost in the middle of the road trying to get you to stop and warn you the bridge is out. Which one is more loving? 

So let’s train people to share the gospel more like Jesus. Let’s help them see that giving people a warning that the “bridge is out” is actually the most loving thing to do.

My Story

Full disclosure. I struggle with telling people why they need to repent. I struggle with telling people that there is a judgment day coming. I struggle with telling a person that Hell is a very real place for very real people. I’d rather be a nice guy and not ruffle any feathers. But more than anything else, I want to become more like my King, Jesus. So as I was writing this, I decided that when I share the gospel this week, I was going to talk about Hell.

So today in the Fort Sam food court I talked to two young Army medics and included the judgment of Hell in my gospel presentation. I made it clear that Jesus said; “I’m the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6). One of the guys said he believed in Hell and that Jesus was the only way to avoid it. The other guy squirmed and couldn’t get out of the discussion fast enough. We were both uncomfortable but it brings to mind two sobering thoughts. First, I’m sure the cross was pretty uncomfortable for Jesus when He died on my behalf. And secondly, I’m sure Hell is going to be much more uncomfortable for my unbelieving friend. I was willing to get out of my “comfort zone” in order to love people like Jesus does. 

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas.

  • Assessment: Is judgment and Hell a part of your gospel presentation?
  • Do a Bible study on how Jesus shared the gospel.
  • Train others to share the gospel the way Jesus did.

If we truly want to love people, we need to give them the bad news along with the good news.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

¡El Puente Está Cerrado! – #63

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, hablaremos del Evangelio de Mateo para descubrir cómo Jesús amaba tanto a las personas que estaba dispuesto a advertirles del juicio venidero.

Así que comencemos

Mateo 11:20–30

Entonces Jesús comenzó a denunciar a las ciudades en las que se habían realizado la mayoría de sus milagros, porque no se arrepentían. “¡Ay de ti, Corazín! ¡Ay de ti, Betsaida! Porque si los milagros que se hicieron en vosotros se hubieran hecho en Tiro y en Sidón, se habrían arrepentido hace mucho tiempo con cilicio y ceniza. Pero yo os digo que el día del juicio será más llevadero para Tiro y Sidón que para vosotros. Y tú, Cafarnaúm, ¿serás elevada al cielo? ¡No, serás llevado al Hades! Porque si los milagros que se hicieron en ti se hubieran hecho en Sodoma, habría permanecido hasta el día de hoy. Pero yo les digo que será más llevadero para Sodoma en el día del juicio que para ustedes”.

En ese momento, Jesús declaró: “Te alabo, Padre, Señor del cielo y de la tierra, porque has ocultado estas cosas a los sabios y entendidos, y las has revelado a los niños. Sí, Padre, porque esto era agradable a Tus ojos. Todas las cosas me han sido confiadas por Mi Padre. Nadie conoce al Hijo sino el Padre, y nadie conoce al Padre sino el Hijo y aquellos a quienes el Hijo decide revelárselo. Venid a Mí todos los que estáis cansados y agobiados, y os haré descansar. Toma Mi yugo sobre ti y aprende de Mí. porque soy manso y humilde de corazón, y hallaréis descanso para vuestras almas. Porque Mi yugo es fácil y ligera Mi carga”.

Mis Pensamientos

El inclusivismo es la religión del día. Tenemos tanto cuidado de no ofender a la gente que todo vale. La corrección política se ha graduado al nivel de lo absurdo y lo macabro. Tenemos que tener cuidado de no llamar a un “él” un “él” y a un “ella” un “ella”. Creemos que está bien que un niño tenga derecho a que le extirpen partes del cuerpo, pero el que no ha nacido no tiene ningún derecho.  Nuestra cultura, que hace mucho tiempo rechazó al verdadero Creador por el materialismo, ahora incluso ha pateado a la “Madre Naturaleza” a la acera. Nuestro apetito por el sexo no solo desafía a Dios, sino que desafía nuestro propio diseño biológico. Estamos en una espiral de pensamiento ridículo de que podemos hacer lo que nos plazca y no tener consecuencias inmediatas o incluso eternas. E incluso algunos en la “comunidad evangélica” están abrazando esta locura. Tenemos tanto miedo de marginar o privar a alguien de sus derechos, que lo bendecimos con un “boleto al cielo” porque “Dios ama a todos”. Así que todos reciben un trofeo, todos pueden “hacer lo que quieras” excepto cualquiera que se levante y deje caer la “carta de Dios” la cual requiere cualquier apariencia de responsabilidad Divina. ¿Por qué? Porque hoy día se considera “falta de amor” decirle a alguien la verdad sobre su pecado y su juicio venidero.

Pero, ¿quién fue la persona más amorosa que ha existido? Que desea que todos se unan a la fiesta y celebren a cada miembro agregado a la familia. ¡Lo has adivinado, JESÚS! Y, sin embargo, no temía a la consecuencia de decirle a la gente la verdad. Le dijo rotundamente a la gente que se dirigían al infierno como en un tren de carga moviéndose a gran velocidad si no se arrepentían. ¡Y lo hizo por amor! Él estaba advirtiendo a la gente que Dios no solo era un Dios de amor, sino que también es un Dios de justicia. Él no puede permitir que almas no arrepentidas estén en Su presencia. Jesús (Dios en la carne) le dio a la gente un amplio aviso de que habría consecuencias eternas. Él vino primero como el Cordero, pero hay un día de juicio cuando nos encontraremos con el León.

Te encarezco delante de Dios y del Señor Jesucristo, que juzgará a los vivos y a los muertos en su manifestación y en su reino. (2 Timoteo 4:1)

A la luz de nuestra observación sobre la forma en que Jesús compartió el Evangelio, ¿podemos darnos el lujo de no advertir a la gente? Me gusta hacer esta comparación. El puente sobre el río se ha derrumbado y usted conduce a 60 mph. No te das cuenta de que el puente ya no está y te encuentras con dos hombres al costado de la carretera. El primero te da un saludo casual y te avisa si te detienes a hacer preguntas. Pero debido a que no quiere incomodarte u ofenderte, no hace mucho esfuerzo por hacerte señas para que te detengas. Por otro lado, el segundo hombre agita frenéticamente los brazos en el aire y está casi en medio de la carretera tratando de que te detengas y te advierta que el puente se ha derrumbado. ¿Cuál es más amoroso?

Así que entrenemos a las personas para que compartan el Evangelio más como Jesús. Ayudémosles a ver que advertir a la gente de que “el puente está cerrado” es en realidad lo más amoroso que se puede hacer.

Mi Historia

Divulgación completa. Me cuesta decirle a la gente por qué necesita arrepentirse. Me cuesta decirle a la gente que se acerca el día del juicio. Me cuesta decirle a una persona que el infierno es un lugar muy real para personas muy reales. Prefiero ser un buen tipo y no alborotar las plumas. Pero más que cualquier otra cosa, quiero llegar a ser más como mi Rey, Jesús. Así que mientras escribía esto, decidí que cuando compartiera el Evangelio esta semana, iba a hablar sobre el infierno.

Así que hoy, en el patio de comidas de Fort Sam, hablé con dos jóvenes médicos del ejército e incluí el juicio del infierno en mi presentación del evangelio. Dejé claro que Jesús dijo; “Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida. Nadie viene al Padre sino por mí”. (Juan 14:6). Uno de los chicos dijo que creía en el infierno y que Jesús era la única manera de evitarlo. El otro chico se retorció y no pudo salir de la discusión lo suficientemente rápido. Los dos estábamos incómodos, pero esto trajo a mi mente dos pensamientos aleccionadores. Primero, estoy seguro de que la cruz fue bastante incómoda para Jesús cuando murió por mí. Y en segundo lugar, estoy seguro de que el infierno va a ser mucho más incómodo para mi amigo incrédulo. Estuve dispuesto a salir de mi “zona de comodidad” para amar a las personas como lo hace Jesús.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación. Aquí tienes algunas ideas.

–          Evaluación: ¿El juicio y el infierno son parte de tu presentación del Evangelio?

–          Haz un estudio bíblico sobre cómo Jesús compartió el Evangelio.

–          Entrena a otros para compartir el Evangelio de la manera que Jesús lo hizo.

Si realmente queremos amar a las personas, tenemos que darles las malas noticias junto con las buenas.

Dazed and Confused – #62

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to see how Jesus handled John the Baptist’s doubts. 

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 11:2–19, Luke 7:18–35

Meanwhile John’s disciples informed him in prison about all the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples. So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’” At that very hour Jesus healed many people of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind.

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. He who has ears, let him hear.

All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.

Then Jesus said, “To what can I compare the men of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep and mourn.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions and all her children.”

My Thoughts 

Deb and I talk about this passage all the time. It kind of sticks out to us as a prime example of human frailty. Here the great John the Baptist, and I truly mean great, is asking questions about Jesus’ identity. “Are you really the Messiah or not?” But wait a minute! Is this the same John the Baptist that so confidently heralded Jesus into His ministry? Did we hear him say;

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.” John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:30-34)

That sounds pretty confident to me! John had pinned the rose squarely on Jesus as being the Messiah. But what happened to all that conviction? Now when John was in prison the doubts started to creep in. Perhaps John had expectations of the Messiah’s mission that had gone unfulfilled. Maybe John had expectations of God that weren’t being met. If I had to guess, I would say this is exactly what is causing John to question Jesus’ Messiahship. 

We’ve all heard of the “Divine Appointment” but have you ever heard of the “Divine Disappointment?” Even if you haven’t, I bet ten dollars and a doughnut you’ve experienced it! It’s when you have put your confidence in God and start to develop expectations that don’t align with His will and WHAM! You’re in a prison cell wondering what happened. You may say something like, “Wait a minute God. I’ve been reading Your Bible, and had believed you would do X, Y, and Z! What happened? Are You really there?” I think we’ve all been there. And we have to believe that all the major Bible characters from Abraham to the Apostle Paul had to go through a similar crisis of faith. 

So how does Jesus handle John’s question? He answers the inquiry about His Messiahship by pointing to the evidence. People are being healed, demons are being cast out, the dead are raised, the gospel is preached. These were the true indicators of Jesus’ Messiahship in fulfillment of the Scriptures. It was not bringing heaven to earth (yet). It was not to overthrow the Roman occupation. It was not breaking John out of jail. It was not all the things the Children of Israel and even us today, add to the laundry list of things we think the Christ ought to do for us. No, Jesus was doing exactly what the Father had willed Him to do before the foundation of the world. 

But we also have to notice that Jesus didn’t berate John for his question or maybe even a lack of faith. He answers another question; “What does God think about our hard questions when we’re going through tough times?” Jesus affirms John as a person and his ministry. He recognizes before others that even though John is going through a rough patch right now, he is the greatest of the prophets under the Old Covenant. Jesus praises John publicly! He doesn’t throw him under the bus.

I think, if we’ve been walking with Jesus for more than a day, we can relate to John’s circumstances. But how is it possible to swing so wildly in our convictions? One sure fire way to experience doubts in our faith is through suffering and persecution. These two things can wear us down over time and we start to wonder if God somehow missed the reality of our miserable circumstances. I think John’s imprisonment played a huge role in his doubts. It’s like he got a spiritual knock in the head and now he’s dazed and confused. 

My Story

Recently Deb and I attended a healing service. Most of you know about the debilitating disease I’ve struggled with for years. But what you may not know is that Deb has been battling chronic laryngitis for months. She had a tumultuous procedure done by the doctors and was told it may only be a temporary fix. Sure enough, after a few weeks, Deb started to lose her voice again. So when we were invited to a healing service, we enthusiastically accepted the invitation.

So in faith and with a bit of humility we got to the church building early, anticipating that we would donate my walker to the congregation and Deb would be able to sing like a robin. Nope. We walked out in the same physical condition we entered. Were we mad at God or the person who performed the healing service? No. Were we angry at the kind lady who invited us? No. (In fact, afterward, we thanked her profusely.) Were we angry with ourselves for, yet again, having hope that God would perform a miracle that we could all praise Him for? No. Were we disappointed? Were there questions? To be honest, yes. We fully expected to be healed as we have been commanded to believe by the Lord Himself. And yet it didn’t happen. 

So how did Deb and I navigate these tricky shoals? We have learned how to keep a strong faith and manage our expectations in alignment with God’s will and sovereignty. We’ve also memorized several verses on the subject of God’s will and plan for our lives. His Word has become the anchor in stormy times when we are blown this way and that. It’s ok to be disappointed that God didn’t heal us. But I’m not going to shake my fist at Him, accuse Him of not loving us, and leave the faith. Nope. I’m thanking Him for His choice to do in and through our lives what He chooses to bring Him most glory. Besides, people who shake their fist at God should probably be outfitted with a full Kevlar suit and underwear. 

You know Jesus modeled this for us in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed;

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)

So let’s admit we are disappointed but keep a strong faith and manage our expectations in accordance with His will.

Our Action Plan

How do we help disciples prepare for the Divine Disappointments which are bound to come? Here’s some ideas;

  • Do a topical Bible study with them on suffering and persecution
  • Be open and honest with those you are discipling with your own disappointments
  • When people are struggling with disappointment, comfort and take them back to the Word

It’s hard to maintain perspective in the midst of the storm. Prepare the disciples of Jesus well in advance for suffering with the rock solid assurance of God’s Word.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

Aturdido y Confundido

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Lucas para ver cómo Jesús manejó las dudas de Juan el Bautista.

Así que comencemos

Mateo 11:2-19, Lucas 7:18-35

Mientras tanto, los discípulos de Juan le informaron en la cárcel de todas las obras de Cristo. Entonces Juan llamó a dos de sus discípulos y los envió a preguntar al Señor: «¿Eres tú el que había de venir, o debemos buscar a otro?» Cuando los hombres se acercaron a Jesús, dijeron: “Juan el Bautista nos envió a preguntar: ‘¿Eres tú el que había de venir, o debemos buscar a otro?'” En esa misma hora, Jesús sanó a muchas personas de sus enfermedades, aflicciones y espíritus malignos, y dio la vista a muchos que estaban ciegos.

Jesús le respondió: “Vuelve y di a Juan lo que oyes y ves: Los ciegos ven, los cojos andan, los leprosos quedan limpios, los sordos oyen, los muertos resucitan y a los pobres se les anuncia el Evangelio. Bienaventurado el que no se aparta por causa de mí”.

Cuando los discípulos de Juan se iban, Jesús comenzó a hablar a las multitudes acerca de Juan: “¿Qué salieron a ver al desierto? ¿Una caña mecida por el viento? De lo contrario, ¿qué saliste a ver? ¿Un hombre vestido con ropas finas? Mira, los que visten ropa elegante y viven en el lujo se encuentran en los palacios. ¿Qué, pues, saliste a ver? ¿Un profeta? Sí, os lo digo, y más que un profeta. Éste es aquel de quien está escrito: ‘He aquí, yo enviaré a mi mensajero delante de ti, el cual preparará tu camino delante de ti’. En verdad os digo que entre los nacidos de mujer no se ha levantado nadie mayor que Juan el Bautista. Sin embargo, aun el más pequeño en el reino de Dios es mayor que él. Desde los días de Juan el Bautista hasta ahora, el reino de los cielos ha estado sujeto a la violencia, y los violentos lo reclaman. Porque todos los Profetas y la Ley profetizaron hasta Juan. Y si estás dispuesto a aceptarlo, él es el Elías que había de venir. El que tenga oídos, que oiga.

Todo el pueblo que oyó esto, incluso los recaudadores de impuestos, reconoció la justicia de Dios. Porque habían recibido el bautismo de Juan. Pero los fariseos y los expertos en la ley rechazaron el propósito de Dios para sí mismos, porque no habían sido bautizados por Juan.

Entonces Jesús dijo: “¿Con qué puedo comparar a los hombres de esta generación? ¿Cómo son? Son como niños sentados en la plaza y se gritan unos a otros: ‘Tocamos la flauta para ti, y no bailaste; Cantamos un canto fúnebre, y tú no lloraste ni te lamentaste. Porque Juan el Bautista no vino ni comiendo pan ni bebiendo vino, y vosotros decís: “Tiene un demonio”. El Hijo del Hombre vino comiendo y bebiendo, y dijeron: ‘¡Mira a este glotón y borracho, amigo de publicanos y pecadores!’ Pero la sabiduría se demuestra justa por sus obras”.

Mis Pensamientos

Deb y yo hablamos de este pasaje todo el tiempo. De alguna manera se nos presenta como un excelente ejemplo de la fragilidad humana. Aquí el gran Juan el Bautista, y realmente quiero decir grande, está haciendo preguntas sobre la identidad de Jesús. “¿Eres realmente el Mesías o no?” ¡Pero espera un minuto! ¿Es este el mismo Juan el Bautista que con tanta confianza anunció a Jesús en su ministerio? ¿Le oímos decir;

“Este es aquel de quien yo dije: Después de mí viene un varón, el cual es antes de mí; porque era primero que yo. Y yo no le conocía; mas para que fuese manifestado a Israel, por esto vine yo bautizando con agua.  También dio Juan testimonio, diciendo: Vi al Espíritu que descendía del cielo como paloma, y permaneció sobre él  Y yo no le conocía; pero el que me envió a bautizar con agua, aquel me dijo: Sobre quien veas descender el Espíritu y que permanece sobre él, ese es el que bautiza con el Espíritu Santo.  Y yo le vi, y he dado testimonio de que este es el Hijo de Dios.” (John 1:30-34)

¡Eso me parece bastante seguro! Juan había puesto la rosa directamente sobre Jesús como el Mesías. Pero, ¿qué pasó con toda esa convicción? Ahora, cuando Juan estaba en prisión, las dudas comenzaron a aparecer. Tal vez Juan tenía expectativas de la misión del Mesías que no se habían cumplido. Tal vez Juan tenía expectativas de Dios que no se estaban cumpliendo. Si tuviera que adivinar, diría que esto es exactamente lo que está causando que Juan cuestione el mesianismo de Jesús.

Todos hemos oído hablar de la “Divina Cita”, pero ¿alguna vez has oído hablar de la “Divina Decepción”? Incluso si no lo has hecho, ¡apuesto diez dólares y una rosquilla a que lo has experimentado! Es cuando has puesto tu confianza en Dios y comienzas a desarrollar expectativas que no se alinean con Su voluntad y ¡WHAM! Estás en una celda de prisión preguntándote qué pasó. Puedes decir algo como: “Espera un momento, Dios. ¡He estado leyendo Tu Biblia y había creído que harías X, Y y Z! ¿¿Qué pasó? ¿De verdad estás ahí? Creo que a todos nos ha pasado. Y tenemos que creer que todos los personajes principales de la Biblia, desde Abraham hasta el apóstol Pablo, tuvieron que pasar por una crisis de fe similar.

Entonces, ¿cómo maneja Jesús la pregunta de Juan? Él responde a la pregunta acerca de Su mesianismo señalando la evidencia. Las personas están siendo sanadas, los demonios están siendo expulsados, los muertos son resucitados, el evangelio es predicado. Estos eran los verdaderos indicadores del mesianismo de Jesús en cumplimiento de las Escrituras. No traía el cielo a la tierra (todavía). No se trataba de derrocar la ocupación romana. No se trataba de sacar a John de la cárcel. No fueron todas las cosas que los Hijos de Israel, e incluso nosotros hoy, añadimos a la larga lista de cosas que pensamos que Cristo debería hacer por nosotros. No, Jesús estaba haciendo exactamente lo que el Padre había querido que hiciera antes de la fundación del mundo.

Pero también tenemos que notar que Jesús no reprendió a Juan por su pregunta o tal vez incluso por su falta de fe. Responde a otra pregunta; “¿Qué piensa Dios acerca de nuestras preguntas difíciles cuando estamos pasando por tiempos difíciles?” Jesús afirma a Juan como persona y como su ministerio. Él reconoce ante los demás que a pesar de que Juan está pasando por una mala racha en este momento, él es el más grande de los profetas bajo el Antiguo Pacto. ¡Jesús alaba a Juan públicamente! No lo tira debajo del autobús.

Creo que, si hemos estado caminando con Jesús por más de un día, podemos relacionarnos con las circunstancias de Juan. Pero, ¿cómo es posible oscilar tan salvajemente en nuestras convicciones? Una forma segura de experimentar dudas en nuestra fe es a través del sufrimiento y la persecución. Estas dos cosas pueden desgastarnos con el tiempo y comenzamos a preguntarnos si Dios de alguna manera pasó por alto la realidad de nuestras miserables circunstancias. Creo que el encarcelamiento de John jugó un papel muy importante en sus dudas. Es como si hubiera recibido un golpe espiritual en la cabeza y ahora está aturdido y confundido.

Mi Historia

Recientemente, Deb y yo asistimos a un servicio de sanación. La mayoría de ustedes conocen la enfermedad debilitante con la que he luchado durante años. Pero lo que quizás no sepas es que Deb ha estado luchando contra la laringitis crónica durante meses. Los médicos le hicieron un procedimiento tumultuoso y le dijeron que podría ser solo una solución temporal. Efectivamente, después de unas semanas, Deb comenzó a perder la voz nuevamente. Así que cuando nos invitaron a un servicio de sanación, aceptamos con entusiasmo la invitación.

Así que con fe y con un poco de humildad llegamos temprano al edificio de la iglesia, anticipando que donaríamos mi andador a la congregación y Deb podría cantar como un petirrojo. No. Salimos en las mismas condiciones físicas en las que entramos. ¿Estábamos enojados con Dios o con la persona que realizó el servicio de sanidad? No. ¿Estábamos enojados con la amable señora que nos invitó? No. (De hecho, después, le agradecimos profusamente). ¿Estábamos enojados con nosotros mismos por, una vez más, tener esperanza de que Dios realizaría un milagro por el que todos podríamos alabarlo? No. ¿Nos decepcionó? ¿Hubo preguntas? Para ser honesto, sí. Esperábamos plenamente ser sanados como el Señor mismo nos ha ordenado creer. Y, sin embargo, no sucedió.

Entonces, ¿cómo navegamos Deb y yo por estos complicados bajíos? Hemos aprendido a mantener una fe fuerte y a manejar nuestras expectativas de acuerdo con la voluntad y la soberanía de Dios. También hemos memorizado varios versículos sobre el tema de la voluntad y el plan de Dios para nuestras vidas. Su Palabra se ha convertido en el ancla en tiempos tormentosos cuando somos soplados de una manera y de otra. Está bien estar decepcionado de que Dios no nos haya sanado. Pero no voy a agitar mi puño contra Él, acusarlo de no amarnos y dejar la fe. No. Le agradezco por Su decisión de hacer en y a través de nuestras vidas lo que Él escoge para darle la mayor gloria. Además, las personas que agitan su puño a Dios probablemente deberían estar equipadas con un traje completo de Kevlar y ropa interior. 

Usted sabe que Jesús modeló esto para nosotros en el Huerto de Getsemaní cuando oró;

“Padre mío, si es posible, pase de mí esta copa; pero no sea como yo quiero, sino como tú.” (Mateo 26:39)

Así que admitamos que estamos decepcionados, pero mantengamos una fe fuerte y manejemos nuestras expectativas de acuerdo con Su voluntad.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

¿Cómo ayudamos a los discípulos a prepararse para las Decepciones Divinas que están por venir? Aquí hay algunas ideas;

–       Haga un estudio bíblico temático con los que discípulas sobre el sufrimiento y la persecución

–       Sé abierto y honesto con aquellos a quienes estás discipulando con tus propias decepciones

–       Cuando las personas están luchando con la decepción, consuélalos y llévalos de regreso a la  Palabra

 Es difícil mantener la perspectiva en medio de la tormenta. Prepare a los discípulos de Jesús con mucha anticipación para el sufrimiento con la sólida seguridad de la Palabra.

Show Them How to Love – #61

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

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Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be studying the Gospel of Luke to observe how Jesus modeled compassion.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

The Gospel – Luke 7:11–17

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.” Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. And He said,“Young man, I tell you, get up!” And the dead man sat up and began to speak! Then Jesus gave him back to his mother. A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said. “God has visited His people!” And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding region.

My Thoughts 

Compassion was Jesus’ middle name. His radar was always up to serve those in need. So what does He see in this case? A dead man. He was the only son of a widow. Now she was all alone. That would tug at most people’s hearts but would it be enough to stop a funeral procession and raise someone from the dead? Yes, if you had the kind of faith and compassion Jesus had.

But there was another driving force that caused Him to do such things. Notice who witnessed this great act of love;

His disciples went with Him (Luke 7:11)

He wanted His disciples to be just like Him. These guys following Him around were getting instruction. They were seeing Love 101.  Eventually they would be filled with the same compassion and have the faith to raise the dead. Jesus was modeling what it looked like, not only how to take care of people, but how to make the next generation of compassionate disciple-makers. He was teaching them to be bold instruments of love.

As we go about our day to day business are we not only being compassionate to those in need but are we modeling this for those we are discipling? It would be good to show people how to love people in very bold ways and multiply our acts of kindness. Now that puts a whole different spin on this verse; 

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

My Story

Not too long ago we had a very influential pastor pass away leaving a widow and some young children. Deb and I wanted to do something for the widow but remain anonymous. So we tucked a good amount of money in an envelope and asked one of the gals in our church to deliver it. She was instructed not to reveal the givers of the gift. The widowed opened the envelope in front of the gal, both being curious to what it contained. They were both overwhelmed by the compassion and generosity.

We accomplished two things that day. First we practiced bold compassion and second, we modeled that compassion by making the disciple the messenger. 

Our Action Plan

Now we’ll look at some ideas on how to help us be more compassionate and model it for the people we are discipling.

  • Practice having your radar up for people who are in need
  • Make sure you’re doing this when those you are mentoring are with you
  • Intentionally take bold steps to help someone 

Jesus wants us to be conformed to His image in every way. We should be growing in compassion and our abilities to not just talk about loving others but showing them how to do it.

Muéstrales Cómo Amar – #61

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, estudiaremos el Evangelio de Lucas para observar cómo Jesús modeló la compasión.

Así que comencemos

Lucas 7:11–17

Aconteció después, que él iba a la ciudad que se llama Naín, e iban con él muchos de sus discípulos, y una gran multitud.  Cuando llegó cerca de la puerta de la ciudad, he aquí que llevaban a enterrar a un difunto, hijo único de su madre, la cual era viuda; y había con ella mucha gente de la ciudad. Y cuando el Señor la vio, se compadeció de ella, y le dijo: No llores. Y acercándose, tocó el féretro; y los que lo llevaban se detuvieron. Y dijo: Joven, a ti te digo, levántate. Entonces se incorporó el que había muerto, y comenzó a hablar. Y lo dio a su madre. Y todos tuvieron miedo, y glorificaban a Dios, diciendo: Un gran profeta se ha levantado entre nosotros; y: Dios ha visitado a su pueblo.  Y se extendió la fama de él por toda Judea, y por toda la región de alrededor.

Mis Pensamientos

La compasión era el segundo nombre de Jesús. Su radar siempre estuvo al servicio de los necesitados. Entonces, ¿qué ve Él en este caso? Un hombre muerto. Era el único hijo de una viuda. Ahora estaba completamente sola. Eso tiraría del corazón de la mayoría de las personas, pero ¿sería suficiente para detener una procesión fúnebre y resucitar a alguien de entre los muertos? Sí, si tuvieras el tipo de fe y compasión que Jesús tuvo.

Pero había otra fuerza impulsora que lo llevó a hacer tales cosas. Fíjate en quién presenció este gran acto de amor;

Sus discípulos fueron con él (Lucas 7:11)

Quería que sus discípulos fueran como Él. Estos hombres que lo seguían a todas partes estaban recibiendo instrucción. Estaban viendo Amor 101.  Con el tiempo, estarían llenos de la misma compasión y tendrían la fe para resucitar a los muertos. Jesús estaba modelando cómo se veía, no solo cómo cuidar a las personas, sino cómo hacer la próxima generación de hacedores de discípulos compasivos. Les estaba enseñando a ser audaces instrumentos de amor.

A medida que avanzamos en nuestros asuntos diarios, ¿no solo estamos siendo compasivos con los necesitados, sino que estamos modelando esto para aquellos a quienes estamos discipulando? Sería bueno mostrarle a la gente cómo amar a la gente de maneras muy audaces y multiplicar nuestros actos de bondad. Ahora, eso le da un giro completamente diferente a este versículo;

“Así alumbre vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas obras, y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.”. (Mateo 5:16)

Mi Historia

No hace mucho tiempo, un pastor muy influyente falleció, dejando una viuda y algunos hijos pequeños. Deb y yo queríamos hacer algo por la viuda, pero permanecer en el anonimato. Así que metimos una buena cantidad de dinero en un sobre y le pedimos a una de las chicas de nuestra iglesia que se lo entregara. Se le instruyó que no revelara a los dadores del regalo. La viuda abrió el sobre delante de la chica, sintiendo curiosidad por lo que contenía. Ambos se sintieron abrumadas por la compasión y la generosidad.

Logramos dos cosas ese día. Primero practicamos la compasión audaz y segundo, modelamos esa compasión haciendo del discípulo el mensajero.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora veremos algunas ideas sobre cómo ayudarnos a ser más compasivos y modelarlo para las personas a las que estamos discipulando.

  • Practica tener tu radar abierto para las personas que lo necesitan
  • Asegúrate de hacer esto cuando las personas a las que estás asesorando estén  V   contigo
  • Tomar medidas audaces intencionalmente para ayudar a alguien 

Jesús quiere que seamos conformados a su imagen en todos los sentidos. Deberíamos crecer en compasión y en nuestras habilidades no solo para hablar de amar a los demás, sino para mostrarles cómo hacerlo.