Day 5: Judgement and Grace

Read John 8:1-11

It is in the gospel stories that we learn who Jesus is most clearly. Throughout his life and ministry he interacts with all sorts of people from all walks of life. Jesus did not confine himself to relating to those who were like him, he did not follow the rules that governed social interaction. Instead Jesus, time and time again, goes out his way to relate to those outside of his social network in order to show that God's love and grace is for everyone, everywhere. The story of the woman caught in adultery exemplifies how Jesus breaks through barriers to share the love and grace of God in a profound and transformational way.

As Jesus is teaching in the temple, the Pharisees bring before him a "woman caught in adultery." The Pharisees ask Jesus if the woman ought to be stoned to death as Hebrew law required (see Deut. 22:22, Lev. 20:10). They asked Jesus, not because they were confused on the law itself, but because they wanted to "test" him. If Jesus allows the woman to be stoned his popularity with the people and the compassion he so frequently demonstrated would be compromised. If he bars the stoning he is violating the law. The Pharisees were trying to discredit Jesus' authority because he was becoming more and more popular as religious leader, thus jeopardizing the Pharisees position of power and influence in Jewish society.

Jesus responds to the trick question as he so often does, by turning it back to the questioner. Jesus tells the Pharisees and the crowd: "let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." The judgment, anger, and blood lust of the crowd is turned away from the woman and back toward themselves. Jesus refused to validate the question about the law, and instead focuses on the judgmental anger of the Pharisees. In doing so, he offers a tremendous gift of grace for the woman and a valuable lesson for us all.

To be a disciple of Jesus we must learn more and more to think and act like Jesus. In this situation while the majority of people were filled with judgment, Jesus was filled with love, grace, and compassion. After each of the people depart, leaving Jesus and the woman standing alone, he says to her:

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”

John 8:10-11

In a situation where it would be incredibly easy to judge the woman, Jesus refuses to do so. There is no question in the story about whether or not the woman is guilty, as she was caught in the "very act" of adultery. Jesus is not at all interested in determining what actually happened or where blame deserved to be placed (notice however that the man who was caught in the act is no where to be seen--this seems a bit unfair doesn't it?). Jesus wants this woman to know that she is not condemned, that she remains a person of value and dignity. He tells her to go and sin no more. Jesus offers the gift of grace, a gift which transforms people at their very core. No doubt she left this encounter with Jesus a changed person, fully aware of the amazing and life-changing gift of God's love and grace.

As I reflect on this powerful story of Jesus, I cannot help but place myself in the story. If I am honest, I realize that sometimes I am just like the Pharisees. I can easily cast judgment on others and become focused on determining who is right and who is wrong in a situation. We rarely want to see ourselves as the judgers, but most of us are rather judgmental (whether we admit it or not). Jesus is calling us to move beyond such judgments, even when those judgments seems fully justified. After all, Jesus stands in our place so that we are not judged. We ought to be so grateful that judgment doesn't come our way that we steadfastly refuse to judge others. Imagine what our lives could be like if judging of others didn't take place....

Similarly, I can easily see myself as the woman in this situation. I have sinned and fallen short in life again and again. I deserve judgment and condemnation for all I have done and left undone. And yet, Christ comes to me, comes to us, and refuses to condemn. Instead of judgment, Jesus offers us an invitation to a new way of life. In Christ we no longer are defined by what we have done well or poorly, we are no longer defined by our ability or inability to live perfectly. In Christ we are defined by the life-giving and awesome gift of God's grace. Through Christ I am forgiven, through Christ I am transformed, through Christ I am free.

So let us receive anew the gift of grace and let God give us the strength and courage to be gracious to one another.

Day 4: Salty Light

Read Matthew 5:1-48

The fifth chapter of Matthew marks the beginning of what is called “The Sermon on the Mount” and contains some of the key teachings of Jesus. If we want to become followers of Jesus, this chapter is absolutely pivotal to not only understand, but to live out. In this sermon, Jesus offers us: the Beatitudes which give us a vision of who is blessed in God’s kingdom, ethical teachings, biblical instruction, advice on how to live faithfully, and much more. I would go so far as to suggest that this one chapter of scripture is the most important in terms of learning to become a disciple.

Matthew 5 has so many powerful teachings about discipleship that I cannot reflect on it all. Rather, I want to pick up on a key theme which woven throughout this important chapter. Jesus wants the crowd (and us) to understand that when we are in relationship to God it should make a profound difference in how we live our lives. In other words, if you are a person of faith you should behave differently in the world. Jesus calls us to be salt and light in world, to live among others but through our actions give witness to the transforming power of God’s love (Matthew 5:13-16). In order to live this out, Jesus reminds us that it is not enough to follow the letter of the law (think 10 commandments), we must also live up to the spirit of the law. The life of faith is not simply about believing Jesus is Lord, it is about placing God at the center of our lives and living life accordingly.

Jesus uses salt and light as metaphors for living the faithful life.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

When we think about salt we sometimes think in negative terms. Too much salt in your diet can indeed be unhealthy. Nonetheless, we need salt both in the food we eat and our bodies themselves. The key is having the right amount of salt. Think about a meal that is overly bland and how the addition of salt can make all the difference. Salt makes a difference and is noticed, but salt is also among things that are not salt. We wouldn’t eat salt on it s own—unless it was a dare—it is always mixed in with other ingredients. Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the world, but to be wary of losing our saltiness.

To be salt means we must live the life of faith in the world, among those who are not following Jesus. To be salt means that others will “see our good works” and the way we live our lives and want to be part of it. A person of faith doesn’t have the option of retreating from the world or only associating with other Christians. We must share our life and share our faith, and let our “salty” actions bear witness to the love and grace of God. Jesus also warns us that as salt we cannot lose our saltiness or we become useless. If we are living among those who are not in relationship with God, but we lose our faithfulness and people cannot tell the difference God makes, then we have lost our saltiness.

Later in chapter 5, Jesus goes on to re-interpret the classic teachings and understandings of the commandments. In a series of “you have heard it said, but now I tell you” statements, Jesus demonstrates what it means to be salt and light in the world. It is easy not to murder, anyone can restrain themselves from murder, but Jesus tells us that anger in our heart is what we must extinguish. Similarly, Jesus doesn’t simply affirm the prohibition against adultery; he also tells us that lust in our heart is the real issue. On several key issues, Jesus raises the expectations of what it means to be faithful. In essence he is calling us to live life with love in our hearts for all people. When someone wrongs you, don’t take revenge, pray for them. If someone takes your coat, give them your cloak as well. Jesus raises the expectations not only because it will be noticeable, but more importantly because the world desperately needs the love of God.

The life Jesus is calling us to live is truly radical and counter cultural. If we take him seriously, if we work on our relationship with God, we can begin more and more to live life differently. We can be in the world but not of it. We can be salt and light. Being a disciple means following Jesus and he is leading us to the cross, where true transformation happens. Jesus is calling you to be salty and be a light to a dark troubled world. I pray God gives us the strength and courage to be salty light.

Day 3: The Transformational Power of Healing

Read Mark 5:1-20

I love this scripture in Mark because it so powerfully demonstrates the love that Jesus has for all people. This scripture involves Jesus healing a man who has been possessed by a demon. Jesus specifically seeks out this man in order to restore him to health. It was no accident that Jesus went to the "other side" of the Sea of Galilee. He went there to find this strange and troubled man, and to restore him to health and wholeness. In healing this demon possessed man, Jesus not only saves a life he also shows us that no one is beyond redemption, no one is forgotten by God, all people matter and are deserving respect and dignity.

I also love this scripture because it is so strange, and it is one of many examples of Jesus interacting with demons. Until I really began to take seriously the power of darkness in the world, I would quickly dismiss stories in scripture about demons. But the reality is that each of us, at some level, must deal with the darkness in our own lives. And if our life isn't centered in Christ, we are vulnerable to over taken by it. For Jesus, the powers of darkness were very real and he constantly fought against them. In our modern world, with science, technology, and psychology are we too quick to dismiss demons? What are the demons that are present in our life? I believe Jesus has a lot to tell us in this scripture.

In chapter 5 of Mark, Jesus and his disciples travel by boat to the country of the Gerasenes, a great distance from their normal travels. When they arrive the text says:

And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Mark 5:2-8

A significant detail here is that demon possessed man lives among the tombs. In Jewish culture, associating with the dead in any way was a major taboo and to live among the dead would be a guaranteed way to both be left alone and raise significant questions within the community. The demoniac has either been pushed out of the community or voluntarily removed himself. The text implies that this man was well known to be demon possessed, and no doubt stories, rumors, and legends of this man with demons were well known. Yet, Jesus seems to seek out intentionally this man. He specifically comes to this strange land to met and heal this strange man. A man who has been left for dead and forgotten by the world.

It is no accident that Jesus has come to this place and is meeting with this man. In Mark however, it is part of a theme where Jesus consistently interacts with demons (cf. 1:21-28; 3:7-12; 7:24-30; 9:14-29). Jesus has power and authority over the demons and they seem to know exactly who he really is. This is quite remarkable because in Mark there is a continual theme of people not understanding who Jesus really is. Yet the demons know Jesus and they are scared of his power. In this episode, the demons have fully taken over the man. Jesus does not address the man because the man doesn't exist in his demon possessed state. When demons are allowed to take over and become powerful, the person hosting the demons for all practical purposes ceases to exist. In the end, Jesus confronts the demons and casts them out, into a herd of pigs which are cast into the sea (vv. 10-13), restoring the man to health and wholeness. The demoniac has been restored and his transformation is so dramatic that the crowds are in disbelief and fear. (vv. 14-16) The man asks Jesus if he can become a follower and assist in his ministry. Jesus refuses, telling the man to tell his story of transformation and healing to all of his friends.

For me, this strange and bizarre story of demons exemplifies Jesus' earthly ministry. Time and time again Jesus searches out the most vulnerable, forgotten, and marginalized members of society. He spends time with the blind, the deaf, the lame, the lepers, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, and demon possessed. He seeks out the forgotten and acknowledges their humanity, giving them dignity and respect. Jesus never gives up on anyone, no one is ever beyond the miraculous healing power of God.

What would our world look like if we took this example seriously? Who are the forgotten ones in our world today and what are we doing to acknowledge their humanity?

Today we might label a demon possessed person as mentally ill, epileptic, addicted, or eccentric. These labels may give us some level of understanding, but there are whole segments of our world that are forgotten and marginalized. Jesus' ministry calls us to love and serve all people, with particular emphasis and passion for the forgotten.What would this mean for us? How can we actualize this in our life today?

Day 2: Let's Get it Started!

Read Mark 1:16-28

As Jesus began his public ministry he traveled throughout Galilee proclaiming the good news of God: "the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe the good news." (Mark 1:15) Jesus was saying that now was the time to turn back to God, now was the time to change your life because the promises of God were about to be fulfilled. No doubt this was a powerful message which inspired hope and transformation. And as Jesus traveled, sharing the good news, more and more people received the message and began to follow. But perhaps evenmore powerful than the message of Jesus, was who he shared the message with and who he included as his followers.

When Jesus comes to the Sea of Galilee he sees a group of fishermen and immediately calls his first disciples: "follow me and I will make you fish for people." (1:17) Simon, Andrew, James, and John all abandon their boats and begin to be Jesus' disciples. Perhaps we have heard this story so many times that we fail to see how revolutionary Jesus' actions truly were. Most rabbis spent years working with the absolute best students to cultivate a group of dedicated disciples. Jesus simply walks up to a group of strangers and says "follow me." It is the most bizzare and powerful recruiting speech ever! Jesus doesn't tell them about the benefits of being a disciple, or warn them of their impending hardships, he simply invites a group of fishermen to leave their life behind and follow him.

Now fishermen were not an educated group. Most likely they had long prior dropped out of school and were never even considered by their teachers to be candidates as disciples. In their culture, the expectation was working the family business, starting a family, and being part of society. Jesus calls them out of the life they knew and they all willingly and immediately left it behind. Jesus called together the most unlikely group of disciples and for three years they followed Jesus, were taught by Jesus, mentored by Jesus, and empowered by Jesus. This unlikely group went on, after Jesus' death and resurrection, to start the Christian church and change the world. Where others saw deficiency, Jesus saw potential. Where others saw the uneducated, Jesus saw faith. Jesus, time after time, saw potential and value in the most unlikely people. He sees it in you. What do you see?

Just has powerful and unorthodox was Jesus' next stop. After gathering a group of disciples, Jesus heads to the local synagogue to teach the Word of God. The people are amazed at his teachings, as he taught "as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (1:22) In other words, Jesus was not simply offering the same old interpretation of the scriptures, he was bringing something new, something challenging, and something radical. Nonetheless, the people received Jesus' teaching and were beginning perhaps to understand what the kingdom of God was all about.

While at the synagogue, and while teaching, a man with an unclean spirit (demon possessed) proclaims "what have you to do with Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are the Holy One of God." (1:24) Jesus then casts out the demon and restores the man to health and wholeness. While it is quite fascinating that over and over, the demons recognize Jesus for who is really is (this is another topic for another day), what is truly remarkable is that Jesus even takes the time. To be a man with an unclean spirit meant that everyone would be afraid and unwilling to associate with you. Not only is the man considered unclean, he is also possessed by a demon and potentially dangerous. It is no mistake that this is the first healing story of Jesus. He restores and renews a man his society had deemed untouchable and invisible. In doing so, Jesus reveals his heart for the "least of these" in society. Jesus loves the unlovable, heals the broken, retores the hopeless, and transforms the hard-hearted. Where is our heart? Who are the forgotten and the invisible in our life?

So what is God up to?

Jesus is calling the unlikely, teaching the hard-hearted, healing the forsaken, and transforming lives.

Day 1: Tempting Jesus

Read Luke 4:1-13

The story of Jesus' temptation is a powerful reminder of the humaness of Jesus, and how easily we can be distracted from God's purpose for our life. Jesus was given a divine mission to share God's Word, bring healing and wholeness to the poor, oppressed, and broken hearted and to give himself on the cross for all of humanity. Jesus understood God's plan for his life and knew the sacrifice, focus, and dedication it would require. The temptation of Jesus was an attempt by Satan to distract, distort, and derail Jesus. Jesus' temptation was real and his success in overcoming temptation is inspiring.

At baptism, Jesus receives the power of the Holy Spirit. This power would enable him to do his earthly ministry and complete his mission on the cross.

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil." Luke 4:1-2

Here we have Jesus filled and empowered by the Spirit, but also driven to the desert by the Spirit. It is almost as if the Spirit wants and needs Jesus to endure the temptation by Satan. At the same time, while Jesus is attacked by Satan's temptations, he also filled up with the Spirit. Perhaps Jesus needed to successfully go through temptation in the desert, so that he would be able to overcome the later temptation to abandon God' plan of pain and suffering to be endured on the cross.

The circumstances of Jesus' temptation are important to note. It is only after 40 days of living in the desert without food, that his temptation begins. Jesus was at his absolute weakest when he was tempted. He was physically weak and after so much time in the desert he must have been emotionally fragile as well. For many of us, our temptations come when we are at our weakest; when we are tired, emotionally and physically spent, or when we have lost a sense of who we are.

It is also important to see the kinds of temptations Jesus goes through. He is tempted with food, earthly power, and divinity. Satan tries to get Jesus to use his divine powers to help himself. If Jesus had done so he would have jeopardized God's mission. Jesus resists the temptations of Satan by drawing upon the strength of his faith by quoting the scriptures (Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:13, 6:16 respectively). In our lives, Satan will use whatever means necessary to lead us off track. Some of us are tempted by money and power, others pleasure, food, sex, popularity, affection, or acceptance. Whenever we act out against God and against who God created us to be, we are giving into temptation.

I am more and more convinced that the closer we get to fulfilling God's purpose for our life, the more temptations come our way. Think about it. If we start fulfilling God's purpose for our life and participating in God's mission in the world, Satan will lose! As we start being more and more faithful, temptations increase. The story of Jesus illustrates this increasing level of temptation (Jesus will continually be tempted to use his power and to reveal himself before the time is right, and he was most certainly tempted to avoid the pain and suffering of the cross). As we grow in our faith, deepen our committment to Christ, and become disciples we too can expect temptation to come our way. But like Jesus, we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, given the gift of God's Word, and the knowledge that with God on our side we can and will do amazing things.

The Discipleship Challenge

Would you like to become closer to God? Would you like to better understand your purpose in life and how you can make a difference? Would you like your faith to grow and become a bigger part of your life? If so, the 40 days of Lent this year are for you!

Growing up the first thing I learned about Lent was it was time when you had to give something up. Whether it was chocolate, pop, TV, or something else, the emphasis was always on taking some away. When such sacrifices are done with the right spirit it can be liberating and edifying, but more often than not these Lenten sacrifices ring hallow, and not just because we aren’t very successful at keeping them. I would like to suggest that this year be a year where we focus intentionally on growing in our faith. This year I hope you will join in 40 Days of Discipleship.

Over the 40 days of Lent, I ask you to prayerfully consider taking time to grow your relationship with Christ and take the Discipleship Challenge. I believe that we can grow in our relationship to God by pursuing a path of discipleship; when we work at our faith and our spiritual life we will become closer to Jesus and be blessed. To be a disciple means to be a follower of Jesus, it means connecting to God in serious, disciplined, and intentional ways. When we make the time for God in our life and work at our spiritual lives, God will work and transform us in amazing ways.

Here is how the Discipleship Challenge will work. During the 6 weeks of Lent, intentional time will be given to each Mark of Discipleship. The Marks of Discipleship are areas of our spiritual lives that if we work on will help us grow closer to God. The Marks of Discipleship are: prayer, bible study, service, generous financial giving, spiritual friendships, and worship. Each week you will focus on a different mark and take time for God in that area.

Week 1 (February 21-27) Prayer: Take time each day, at the same time, for at least 10-20 minutes of personal prayer time. Multiple times a day is preferred.

Week 2 (February 28-March 6) Bible Study: Take time each day for 30-45 minutes of focused time for devotional bible study. You can read any scriptures you wish. The goal of devotional reading is not acquiring knowledge but growing in God’s Word.

Week 3 (March 7-13) Service: Take time and energy do something each day to serve the needs of someone else. Be creative and try to serve someone else you normally would not connect with.

Week 4 (March 14-20) Generous Financial Giving: Each day find some way to give money to someone in need. Whether this giving is to an individual or through an organization doesn’t matter. Give generously and give until you feel it. Consider giving away whatever money you might normally spend on entertainment, dining out, shopping, or any other extraneous spending. (I know this one is tough—they are supposed to be!)

Week 5 (March 21-27) Spiritual Friendships: Take time each day to check in spiritually with a friend. This is not a conversation about how busy you are. This is a conversation about your prayer life, what God is up to, or scripture. Your spiritual friend can be a spouse, small group member, or friend. If you currently do not have someone in your life who is a spiritual friend, consider asking someone.

Week 6 (March 28-April 3) Worship: Take time each day to worship the Lord. This can include but is not limited to organized worship services (this is Holy Week and we have worship Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday). You can worship on your own or with family or friends at your home. Read scripture, pray, listen or play inspiring music and you have worship!

After 40 days of intentional work on your faith, I guarantee you will grow closer to the Lord. I pray you will take the Discipleship Challenge and see how God will work in your life!