Sermon nuggets Fri June 6, 2008
Theme Spiritual Heritage
Verses John 8:48-59 The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?"
"I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"
Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
JESUS' DISTINCTIVES
As the true Son of God, Jesus is distinctive. Only Jesus has been in the presence of God, the Father. Only Jesus has come from Heaven to Earth. Only Jesus was virgin born. Only Jesus knows completely what the Father wants us to know. He is the source of all spiritual truth. Any other truth ultimately comes from Him. Jesus is the only one the Father shares glory. He only can set us from sin and give us forgiveness.
This gave so many Jews problems then and now. If Jesus were mere man then His words would be blasphemy; but if Jesus were God in the flesh then it is fulfilling Scripture and is consistent with the teaching of the Old Testament. Jesus is not to glorify himself, God the Father does.
Only Jesus is sinless. No one can prove him guilty of sin. But He says, "I tell you the truth, if a man keeps my word, he will never see death." Who else can say that truthfully?
If He were only man then His words would mean nothing. But this word is from the Father.
Only Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and only Jesus was the fulfillment of what Abraham was looking toward. Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing the Messiah come. Yet we might ask how Abraham could see our Lord's day, or Jesus' life and ministry on earth? God did give Abraham spiritual perception to see these future events. Warren Wiersbe wrote, "Certainly Abraham saw the birth of the Messiah in the miraculous birth of his own son, Isaac. He certainly saw Calvary when he offered Isaac to God. In the priestly ministry of Melchizedek, Abraham could see the heavenly priesthood of the Lord. In the marriage of Isaac, Abraham could see a picture of the marriage of the Lamb.”
Only Jesus could commune with Abraham, Moses, and the Old Testament prophets for He is not bound by the time we know. He was pre-existent and lived before Abraham and even before the world began.
Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I am" The reason that the Jews wanted to stone him was He actually was using the divine name by which God had revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush. When Moses asked His name he answered, "I am that I Am.” Jesus was claiming the name of God. A true Son carries the name of the Father.
The distinctive of Jesus is that he alone is preeminent, divine,pre-existent, omniscient, eternal, the bearer of truth, the redeemer.
By understanding Jesus more fully results in greater faith and confidence. As followers of Jesus we are to be committed to biblical obedience. In addition to proclaiming Spiritual truth to a lost world, we also means working for justice and righteousness, serving as advocates for the needy and powerless who cannot speak for themselves. It means to love God and love others. It is to be like Jesus.
Pastor Dale
Friday, June 6, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Spitting Image John 8:44-47
Sermon nuggets Thurs June 5
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verse John 8:44-47 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!
Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
A spitting image
There is no mistaking who some people are related to. It is apparent that some children are part of the same family because of their similar characteristics. Surprisingly so some kids even walk and certainly talk like their parents.
While studying child psychology at Michigan State University there were two professors arguing if we are influenced more by genetics, or by environment. They did not agree. But in presenting their case it was apparent to me that both influence behavior. Tons of studies are done on twins and triplets, especially if they are removed from their homes at an early age. The similarities of the children who grew up in different families is remarkable in more ways than just looks. One social worker told how a baby from one woman was taken and put in foster care. Mom had acted out in ways that made her lose her child. In spite of the different household, the child carried out just like her biological mother when she reached teen years.
The other psychologist argued how much our experiences influence our choices and the reason many children within the same household are so different is because of their unique experiences with teachers, parents who change during the years, grandparents, neighbors, economy, and friends. Change their environment and you will change the child.
There is no question that friends influence us. I often am grateful for my three friends growing up in Detroit from our youth group who encourage one another in faith issues. I had them to talk to and hang out with while some of my classmates picked different friends.
Jesus identifies in spiritually we need a heart transplant. We need a new parent. Our genes are sadly affected by Satan causing us to “look like him”. When I read of the tragic violence, prejudice, hatred, immorality I get discouraged. When I see how our society is spinning headlong into the garbage pit, and how TV and movies are not only reflecting misguided values, but delighting in going over the edge the radical message of redemption needs to be heard.
Kirk Cameron, child star from Growing Pains, tells how the evil influence of Hollywood throws temptations that are greater than a typical environment. But His change came when Christ came into his life. He needed a new father and life has never been the same. How is it than many who meet and accept Jesus have such a change in their lives? A new identity.
The fellowship of believers, and the encouragement of Christians is a necessity to keep growing and becoming more like Christ. The heart that is changed begins on the inside. The Spirit of God begins to produce the fruit.
Jesus saw the bad fruit of the Pharisees in spite of their outward religious rituals and identified the source. They were still related to the devil. But changing old habits is a combination of faith, humility, obedience, repentance and desire. The path makes folks say, “You can sure tell who his/her Father is. Looks just like HIM!”
Pastor Dale
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verse John 8:44-47 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!
Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
A spitting image
There is no mistaking who some people are related to. It is apparent that some children are part of the same family because of their similar characteristics. Surprisingly so some kids even walk and certainly talk like their parents.
While studying child psychology at Michigan State University there were two professors arguing if we are influenced more by genetics, or by environment. They did not agree. But in presenting their case it was apparent to me that both influence behavior. Tons of studies are done on twins and triplets, especially if they are removed from their homes at an early age. The similarities of the children who grew up in different families is remarkable in more ways than just looks. One social worker told how a baby from one woman was taken and put in foster care. Mom had acted out in ways that made her lose her child. In spite of the different household, the child carried out just like her biological mother when she reached teen years.
The other psychologist argued how much our experiences influence our choices and the reason many children within the same household are so different is because of their unique experiences with teachers, parents who change during the years, grandparents, neighbors, economy, and friends. Change their environment and you will change the child.
There is no question that friends influence us. I often am grateful for my three friends growing up in Detroit from our youth group who encourage one another in faith issues. I had them to talk to and hang out with while some of my classmates picked different friends.
Jesus identifies in spiritually we need a heart transplant. We need a new parent. Our genes are sadly affected by Satan causing us to “look like him”. When I read of the tragic violence, prejudice, hatred, immorality I get discouraged. When I see how our society is spinning headlong into the garbage pit, and how TV and movies are not only reflecting misguided values, but delighting in going over the edge the radical message of redemption needs to be heard.
Kirk Cameron, child star from Growing Pains, tells how the evil influence of Hollywood throws temptations that are greater than a typical environment. But His change came when Christ came into his life. He needed a new father and life has never been the same. How is it than many who meet and accept Jesus have such a change in their lives? A new identity.
The fellowship of believers, and the encouragement of Christians is a necessity to keep growing and becoming more like Christ. The heart that is changed begins on the inside. The Spirit of God begins to produce the fruit.
Jesus saw the bad fruit of the Pharisees in spite of their outward religious rituals and identified the source. They were still related to the devil. But changing old habits is a combination of faith, humility, obedience, repentance and desire. The path makes folks say, “You can sure tell who his/her Father is. Looks just like HIM!”
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
True Descendents John 8:33-43
Sermon Nuggets Weds June 4, 2008
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verses- John 8:33-47 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
37 I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word.38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father."
39 "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did.
40 As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.41 You are doing the things your own father does."
"We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."
42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.
TRUE DESCENDANTS
Mother Teresa said, "By blood and origin I am all Albanian. My citizenship is Indian. I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the whole world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to Jesus." That illustrates what Jesus is saying about being a true descendant.
The Jews defended themselves by stating they were descendants of Abraham, not slaves. They believed they were sons of God because they were born of the right nationality. So they asked Jesus, "How can you say that we shall be set free?"
Jesus told them they were slaves to sin. A slave has no rights in the household of its master. But a son has full rights in the household. They would have no rights to God's inheritance because they were slaves. Jesus however is the Son of God. He has the power and the right to free them from that slavery. No one but the father and the son have that right. Since He paid the price for our ownership on the cross He could be the one to set us free.
Was it any wonder that Jesus was not well received when he accused them sin? Jesus made a careful distinction between "Abraham's seed" or physical descendants, and "Abraham's children" as spiritual descendants by personal faith (see Gal. 3:6-14). If they really were spiritual descendants of Abraham they would have the same spiritual desire as Abraham did.
I was talking with a lady who reflected on the relationship she had with her father. He told her he loved her. But since her parents divorced when she was young, she had very little contact with her father. She seldom received Birthday or Christmas cards or presents. She never got any letters or phone calls. He would only take her out when she tried to initiate getting together with her dad. His words said one thing to her; his actions showed something else.
Jesus told the people that they wouldn't act the way if they really were children of God. You would want to have God's will first in your life. That is how Abraham was counted as righteous. It was his faith, his heart, his obedience, his love that was the character of a righteous man.
Notice their response "We are not illegitimate children. The only Father we have is God Himself. Perhaps they were aware of the rumors that surrounded Jesus' birth, that Jesus was not biologically Joseph's son. Of course, He was born of God and of Mary, but that is not how some of the community looked at it. There was the rumor that Mary was unfaithful to Joseph and the baby was out of wedlock. In their defensiveness, they verbally attacked.
Jesus responded that if they had God has their father they would love Jesus. He was God's revelation to the world. God the Father, sent Jesus, Jesus is under the authority of His Father. The very fact they are opposed to Jesus is the key to realizing they are not open to listening to the Father.
In fact, their father is really the Devil. Their actions were the actions that Satan has toward Jesus. Satan wants to kill Jesus, Satan wants to keep people from Jesus; Satan wants to tell lies about Jesus; Satan wants to steal disciples from Jesus; Satan wants to do anything in his power to keep people from believing in Jesus even if it is lots of religious activity. That is exactly what the Jews were doing. Satan is their father not God, for their efforts are directed in killing, destroying his testimony, telling lies about him, and keeping people from being his disciples.
When they accused Jesus of being demon possessed He asked them to point out where he is guilty of any lying. Where is He guilty of any sin? A true disciple of Jesus does not remain in his sin. A true disciple of Jesus desires to correct it and confess it and get it behind them. A follower of Jesus is not covering up their short comings, but desirous of repentance and growth.
What is your reaction when confronted with sin, or sinful attitudes? I suspect the response is one of three ways. First, is to pass it off as being human and continue in your ways unconcerned.
Secondly, I suspect is to become defensive. Deny any accusation with anger and then attack the others. The best defense is offense. That is what the Jews were doing with Jesus revelation of the truth.
A third response is to repent of the sin and desire with a sincere heart to confess it, seek forgiveness and change.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verses- John 8:33-47 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
37 I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word.38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father."
39 "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did.
40 As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.41 You are doing the things your own father does."
"We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."
42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.
TRUE DESCENDANTS
Mother Teresa said, "By blood and origin I am all Albanian. My citizenship is Indian. I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the whole world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to Jesus." That illustrates what Jesus is saying about being a true descendant.
The Jews defended themselves by stating they were descendants of Abraham, not slaves. They believed they were sons of God because they were born of the right nationality. So they asked Jesus, "How can you say that we shall be set free?"
Jesus told them they were slaves to sin. A slave has no rights in the household of its master. But a son has full rights in the household. They would have no rights to God's inheritance because they were slaves. Jesus however is the Son of God. He has the power and the right to free them from that slavery. No one but the father and the son have that right. Since He paid the price for our ownership on the cross He could be the one to set us free.
Was it any wonder that Jesus was not well received when he accused them sin? Jesus made a careful distinction between "Abraham's seed" or physical descendants, and "Abraham's children" as spiritual descendants by personal faith (see Gal. 3:6-14). If they really were spiritual descendants of Abraham they would have the same spiritual desire as Abraham did.
I was talking with a lady who reflected on the relationship she had with her father. He told her he loved her. But since her parents divorced when she was young, she had very little contact with her father. She seldom received Birthday or Christmas cards or presents. She never got any letters or phone calls. He would only take her out when she tried to initiate getting together with her dad. His words said one thing to her; his actions showed something else.
Jesus told the people that they wouldn't act the way if they really were children of God. You would want to have God's will first in your life. That is how Abraham was counted as righteous. It was his faith, his heart, his obedience, his love that was the character of a righteous man.
Notice their response "We are not illegitimate children. The only Father we have is God Himself. Perhaps they were aware of the rumors that surrounded Jesus' birth, that Jesus was not biologically Joseph's son. Of course, He was born of God and of Mary, but that is not how some of the community looked at it. There was the rumor that Mary was unfaithful to Joseph and the baby was out of wedlock. In their defensiveness, they verbally attacked.
Jesus responded that if they had God has their father they would love Jesus. He was God's revelation to the world. God the Father, sent Jesus, Jesus is under the authority of His Father. The very fact they are opposed to Jesus is the key to realizing they are not open to listening to the Father.
In fact, their father is really the Devil. Their actions were the actions that Satan has toward Jesus. Satan wants to kill Jesus, Satan wants to keep people from Jesus; Satan wants to tell lies about Jesus; Satan wants to steal disciples from Jesus; Satan wants to do anything in his power to keep people from believing in Jesus even if it is lots of religious activity. That is exactly what the Jews were doing. Satan is their father not God, for their efforts are directed in killing, destroying his testimony, telling lies about him, and keeping people from being his disciples.
When they accused Jesus of being demon possessed He asked them to point out where he is guilty of any lying. Where is He guilty of any sin? A true disciple of Jesus does not remain in his sin. A true disciple of Jesus desires to correct it and confess it and get it behind them. A follower of Jesus is not covering up their short comings, but desirous of repentance and growth.
What is your reaction when confronted with sin, or sinful attitudes? I suspect the response is one of three ways. First, is to pass it off as being human and continue in your ways unconcerned.
Secondly, I suspect is to become defensive. Deny any accusation with anger and then attack the others. The best defense is offense. That is what the Jews were doing with Jesus revelation of the truth.
A third response is to repent of the sin and desire with a sincere heart to confess it, seek forgiveness and change.
Pastor Dale
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
A True Disciple John 8:30,31
Sermon nuggets Tues June 3, 2008
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verses: John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
TRUE DISCIPLESHIP
It seems there are believers and non believers standing around our Lord. Jesus tells them what a true disciple is. It is very common for people to want to identify themselves as Christians. Jesus may surprise us with His definition. There is a world of difference between being a convert and being a disciple, between believing in Him and surrendering your life and will to Him. It seems that all too often we make many converts but few disciples.
A Christian disciple first is one who believes in Jesus. Faith is the key to being a disciple. Has one believed and accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord? Has one believed that Jesus is telling the truth in all that He says? Believe that He is the only way to the Father. Believe that it is only by the cross and our repenting of our sins and trusting Jesus that we can be saved.
There is a problem we have in our nation. Over 85% of people surveyed in opinion polls claim they believe in a personal God, but in many cases they do not even expose themselves to His teaching. Recognize the difference in verse 30 which I think helps us see the distinction between putting their faith in him, and believe Him.
Another important characteristic of a true disciple, is one who holds to his teaching. If you do not hold on to the teachings of Jesus you are not a true disciple. I am amazed how many people pick and choose what they like of Jesus' words and still convince themselves they are followers of Christ. Many people will call themselves Christians because they like the teachings of the love and forgiveness of God, but reject his teachings on the judgment and punishments of God. Or people who think they are true believers because sometime in childhood they walked an aisle and said a prayer, "Jesus I accept you as my personal savior." and have since lived lives completely against anything Christ taught, or lived for.
I've talked to many people who will not take seriously the claims of Jesus Christ on their lives because they were taught when you were baptized as an infant that took care of your salvation. Yet there is no belief on the child's part, nor is there any holding to the teachings of the Master, as an infant. Likewise many came forward at a church service, or camp meeting but Christ makes no difference in their adult life. There must come a time in ones life when he hears, repents, believes, and seeks to be a follower of the teachings and the person of Jesus. Jesus asked His disciples in Luke "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I say"
When you believe in Jesus and hold to his teaching then you really are His disciple. You then will know the truth. That is part of the revelation of God to us. You will know the truth, and that will set you free. Free from what? Jesus tells us in the following verses, it sets us from the bind that sin has upon us.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verses: John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
TRUE DISCIPLESHIP
It seems there are believers and non believers standing around our Lord. Jesus tells them what a true disciple is. It is very common for people to want to identify themselves as Christians. Jesus may surprise us with His definition. There is a world of difference between being a convert and being a disciple, between believing in Him and surrendering your life and will to Him. It seems that all too often we make many converts but few disciples.
A Christian disciple first is one who believes in Jesus. Faith is the key to being a disciple. Has one believed and accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord? Has one believed that Jesus is telling the truth in all that He says? Believe that He is the only way to the Father. Believe that it is only by the cross and our repenting of our sins and trusting Jesus that we can be saved.
There is a problem we have in our nation. Over 85% of people surveyed in opinion polls claim they believe in a personal God, but in many cases they do not even expose themselves to His teaching. Recognize the difference in verse 30 which I think helps us see the distinction between putting their faith in him, and believe Him.
Another important characteristic of a true disciple, is one who holds to his teaching. If you do not hold on to the teachings of Jesus you are not a true disciple. I am amazed how many people pick and choose what they like of Jesus' words and still convince themselves they are followers of Christ. Many people will call themselves Christians because they like the teachings of the love and forgiveness of God, but reject his teachings on the judgment and punishments of God. Or people who think they are true believers because sometime in childhood they walked an aisle and said a prayer, "Jesus I accept you as my personal savior." and have since lived lives completely against anything Christ taught, or lived for.
I've talked to many people who will not take seriously the claims of Jesus Christ on their lives because they were taught when you were baptized as an infant that took care of your salvation. Yet there is no belief on the child's part, nor is there any holding to the teachings of the Master, as an infant. Likewise many came forward at a church service, or camp meeting but Christ makes no difference in their adult life. There must come a time in ones life when he hears, repents, believes, and seeks to be a follower of the teachings and the person of Jesus. Jesus asked His disciples in Luke "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I say"
When you believe in Jesus and hold to his teaching then you really are His disciple. You then will know the truth. That is part of the revelation of God to us. You will know the truth, and that will set you free. Free from what? Jesus tells us in the following verses, it sets us from the bind that sin has upon us.
Pastor Dale
Monday, June 2, 2008
Pedigree degree John 8:31-33
Sermon nuggets Monday June 2
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verses John 8:31-33 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
PEDIGREE DEGREE
When I brought one of our pets into the vetinarians several years ago, I was always impressed by how the vet treated animals. He made you think you had the finest animal in the world. If course, I realized that isn't true, but it made for good feelings and I'm sure excellent business. A lady had a cat to be seen before me and I observed the discussion of the owner with the Vet's assistant. The owner asked the breed of the cat. The assistant looked and said, "you have a common alley cat."
When the Vet came out the woman asked him the same question. With a big smile he announced to her pleasure, Why this is a great all American cat, your lucky to have a fine animal like this."They were pleased.
When Judi and I were given a dog by her brother we discovered this Chow-chow had a pedigree degree. Her brother had bred the mom with another registered Chow. We could take those papers and have her registered with the American Kennel Association. So we did. Why? BAsically because Judi wanted pups that were valuable to sell and to give to family. If she has the papers why not use them? Now that she cannot have puppies what's the difference?
Jesus readily points out the difference between the things that people think are important from the things that God thinks are important. A human pedigree degree doesn't mean anything to Jesus. There is a certain amount of pride that people derive when they find out some great-great-great ancestor was royalty. But what happens when they discover such a relative was a horse thief? Our family relatives have no effect on our standing before God.
Many people seek to impress others by family heritage, family money, traditions, and former accomplishments. Jesus invites us to join with Him. All those other credentails really don't matter. He is after truth, not traditions. He is after a relationship with HIm and all the status we think we get from our relatives, church membership, positions that we or family have held do not compare to what He offers freely.
Jesus discussed things like ancestry, discipleship, and further revelations of who He is as he continued his conversation with the Jewish religious leaders. I think we can benefit from His discussion.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verses John 8:31-33 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
PEDIGREE DEGREE
When I brought one of our pets into the vetinarians several years ago, I was always impressed by how the vet treated animals. He made you think you had the finest animal in the world. If course, I realized that isn't true, but it made for good feelings and I'm sure excellent business. A lady had a cat to be seen before me and I observed the discussion of the owner with the Vet's assistant. The owner asked the breed of the cat. The assistant looked and said, "you have a common alley cat."
When the Vet came out the woman asked him the same question. With a big smile he announced to her pleasure, Why this is a great all American cat, your lucky to have a fine animal like this."They were pleased.
When Judi and I were given a dog by her brother we discovered this Chow-chow had a pedigree degree. Her brother had bred the mom with another registered Chow. We could take those papers and have her registered with the American Kennel Association. So we did. Why? BAsically because Judi wanted pups that were valuable to sell and to give to family. If she has the papers why not use them? Now that she cannot have puppies what's the difference?
Jesus readily points out the difference between the things that people think are important from the things that God thinks are important. A human pedigree degree doesn't mean anything to Jesus. There is a certain amount of pride that people derive when they find out some great-great-great ancestor was royalty. But what happens when they discover such a relative was a horse thief? Our family relatives have no effect on our standing before God.
Many people seek to impress others by family heritage, family money, traditions, and former accomplishments. Jesus invites us to join with Him. All those other credentails really don't matter. He is after truth, not traditions. He is after a relationship with HIm and all the status we think we get from our relatives, church membership, positions that we or family have held do not compare to what He offers freely.
Jesus discussed things like ancestry, discipleship, and further revelations of who He is as he continued his conversation with the Jewish religious leaders. I think we can benefit from His discussion.
Pastor Dale
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