What is Christian Love?

Let me begin by saying explicitly that whatever definition I, you or anyone else has about love is absolutely irrelevant because only God’s definition has value. It will be his definition of love which will be the basis for his judging each one of us. Only God will decide whether we have loved him, our neighbor and ourselves and it will be based on his definition of love.

Love in the scriptures is the central and core element of all relationships whether vertical (man to God) or horizontal (women/man to women/man). One expert in the law came to Jesus and wanted to know the greatest commandment; Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” And he went on to say, “The second is: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30, 31). Paul goes on to tell us, love fulfills all the requirements of the law of God (Romans 13:8-10 & Gal 5:14)

Biblical love is not simply a sentiment, platitude, or indefinable emotion. Love is not a warm spot in one's chest. The excelling nature of biblical love is repeatedly taught in the scriptures. Love is the "first and great commandment" upon which all other laws and requirements depend (Matt. 22: 34-40). Love motivates required obedience (Heb. 5: 8, 9; John 14: 23, Gal. 5: 6). The expression "labour of love" is simply labour that love produces (I Thes. 1: 3). Christians are to serve one another by love (Gal. 5: 13). Love works no ill toward one's neighbour and produces confidence (Rom. 13: 10; I Jn. 4: 17, 18). Paul summed up the excellence of love when he wrote thus, "And above all these things put on charity (love, agape, phileo), which is the bond of perfectness" (Col. 3: 14).

In any articles or studies on love, three Greek terms for love are usually referred to, namely: Eros (sexual love), Phileo (verb) or Philos (noun) (Godly love, saved and unsaved mans love) and Agapao (Verb) or Agape (noun) commonly used for God’s love for Jesus, humanity, believers, attitude of believers towards each other, and in general terms.

Eros Love is never mentioned in the Bible. But we start here. Why? Because sexual love is what most people call love. In many cultures, eros is also romantic love, and according to a research done in the United States, is the main reason people get married and over half of both American men and women maintain that not being in love (eros) is grounds for divorce!

The Greeks in Corinth viewed eros as the ultimate religious expression. They thought the highest spiritual experience was the most powerful form of ecstasy. And, what could be more intense than sexual climax? That is why there existed in Corinth the temple to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. At one time, this fertility cult employed about one thousand priestess prostitutes available to provide the ultimate “religious experience.” Paul referred to this problem in 1 Corinthians 6:15-20.

Bible teaching about Christian love is quite contrary to the Greek notion of the highest form of love – or religion. For Christian love, the highest form is agape and Phileo.

Agapao & Agape:

There is a false teaching here by some that agapao/agape is Divine love. How can we then explain John 3:19 where reference is made to men loving (agapao) darkness? The word in both verb and noun form is expressed by God and men (saved and unsaved) 2 Cor 9:7; 1Jn 2:10; Jn 3:19; Mt. 5:26; 6:24; 24:12,14; Lk 6:32;7:42;7:47; Jn 12:43; 2Tim 4:10; 2Pet 2:15; 1Jn 2:15;3:18;Rom 5:8; Eph 5:2;Rev 2:4.

The verb form, agapao appears 150 times in the New Testament (NT). Actually, this NT word in both verb and noun form stands in sharp contrast to eros, and is rarely used outside the NT. The basic meaning of agapao is, “to value, or esteem, because of a perceived intrinsic worth”. It means to highly value, and unconditionally have at heart the genuine welfare and best interests of the object loved. The activities arising from agapao are primarily acts of the will-not emotions. Even if feelings do become present they never dominate the will. In other words, it includes a rational commitment and motivation to maintain a relationship even in the face of problems. It directs kindness, respect and loyalty toward the object loved.

God expresses Christian love toward us (John 3:16; cf. Romans 5:5, 8), and Jesus explained this self-sacrificial love, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12, 13). This love is fully described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. This kind of love can be directed (wrongly) toward the things of this world, which might include cars, clothes, cameras, money, fame, and power (1 John 2:15-17).

The Biblical teaching about Christian love indicates it should form the foundation of believer’s relationships with one another (John 13:35). Agape/agapao love demonstrates our friendship with Jesus (John 15:14), and expresses our Christian love toward God (1 John 5:1-3).

But there is another word used in the New Testament that also defines Christian love and that is, Phileo (Verb) and Philos (Noun). Phileo is also expressed both by God and man (saved and unsaved). The primary meaning of phileo is “to cherish”. It is packed with emotion. It means to like, to be fond of, or to delight in. In some context it is translated “to Kiss”. It is a term for intense endearment. The noun philos means friend or a congenial associate. It is never brotherly love or human love (Mt. 5:43-44; 22:37;Mk 10:21;Lk 7:5, 47; Jn 3:16; Jn 3:35; Jn 13:1;14:23, 31;Rom 8:28;Rom 9:25). It originates from God. In John 5:20 we read that Jesus says, “For the Father loves (phileo) the Son and shows him everything he does… In this passage phileo is an activity of God towards his son Jesus. It is generated from within God himself and is as important as agapao.

In a marriage relationship, the dominant fire of eros gradually gives ground to the mature agapao/phileo of affection. Agapao/Phileo becomes the cement that bonds and holds families together over the long haul.

Jesus displayed this Christian love toward Lazarus, as observed, “Lord, behold, he whom You love (phileo) is sick” (John 11:3). In addition, John also wrote of this relationship, “Now Jesus loved (agape) Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus” (John 11:5). John also reveals that God displays friendship love (phileo) toward us, and believers toward Jesus (John 16:27).

So, what practical application can we draw from the Bible teaching about Christian love? Let’s look.

Practical Applications

• Christian love is important. It forms the relationship foundation between us, God, and other believers – and all people (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:12).
• All three kinds of love are vital and important in a healthy marriage relationship. Phileo can be thought of as love from the heart, and agape from the head. Agape should be the foundation in a marriage. But, sex is important also. Successful love in a marriage incorporates all three.
• Agape love is the sign of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life (Galatians 5:22).
• Both agape and phileo should characterize the relationships among Christians (Romans 12:9, 10)

By Rev. Shamsher Bahadur Singh

Called to love endlessly!

Reading: 1 Corinthans 12 & 13 chapters

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

We’re living in a time where strife, hate, terror is rampant. Amidst all the chaos, it is Christians, we believers who are called to love; to love unconditionally and endlessly. In the above mentioned chapters, Apostle Paul talks at length about diversity in the Church concerning the gifts of Holy Spirit. There’s one gift among all of them, the lack of which can make all other spiritual gifts incomplete. That’s the gift of love. While Paul encourages everyone to ‘earnestly covet the best gifts’ (1 Cor 13:31), he writes the next chapter and says – ‘I show unto you a more excellent way’. That, friends, is the way of love, which at the end is termed as ‘the greatest of these’.

The gift of love is undoubtedly the greatest but the toughest of all to practice because there are a lot of ‘personal’ factors that hinder us from practicing this gift extensively.
We’re called to love, and we need to live up to it, because, we’re commanded to do so —

• Jesus commanded us “Love one another”, He said “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” John 13:34-35
• “…you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. ” Mark 12:30-31
• We are called to: “Walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” Colossians 1:10

When someone did question Lord Jesus “Who is my neighbor?” He illustrated the answer through the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:27-37). The parable implies that at any point, the person next to us is our neighbor, and we ought to show our love to our neighbor.

A sad witness among many Christian believers today is that love is lost within their personal intimate relationships like spouses, families, children, between other believers, between other members of church; forget our love for non-Christians and those who persecute us. We will also find many believers praying for lot of (spiritual / material) gifts, but only a few praying for the ‘grace to love one another more’.

To love, can only be learned from Lord Jesus Christ and none else. Who, knowing that were sinners, and also that we shall still falter in our walk with Him humbled himself to an extent that He left His glory, laid down His life for us even in a shameful death.

So, if you’re still wondering what you’re spiritual gift is, here it is: ‘TO LOVE’!

Simple as they are, here are some ways how we can exercise our gift of love for others today?

• Give up all your grudges against anyone. Pray for forgiveness from God, and if you can, reach out to the person. Mend your relationships. Begin at home.
• Volunteer to assist a friend in need, don’t ignore them.
• Avoid a situation in relationships which might cause you to sin
• Begin sharing the Word of God with friends
• Invite a friend to participate in prayer with you
• Be committed to being honest
• Reach out to your enemies
• Don’t forget to forgive. FORGIVE ALWAYS!

Finally, we can only love endlessly if we experienced the love of Lord Jesus personally in our lives. Only with the support of the Holy Spirit can we live a life worthy of him. So, we ought to:

• Grow in our personal relationship with Lord Jesus
• Spend more time in prayer.
• Study of God’s Word to strengthen our will to love as He loves us.

The empty tomb

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures: 1 Cor. 15:3-4

The empty tomb is a true picture of us that reminds us once we were sinners and away from God’s Holy presence. It speaks Love of God and According to Scriptures (prophecies) Lord Jesus Christ died for us, paid the penalty of our sins (Isaiah 53:5-12 ) and was buried and rose on third day to deliver us from the power death (Psalm 16:9-10).

St. Paul writes that “First of all” or “First importance” I want to pass on to you. This had been communicated to me. Not doctrines of which I was the author, or which were to be regarded as my own.

Christ did not die merely as a martyr, but that His death was to make atonement for sin. He died as an atoning sacrifice or He died in our behalf. Through Him we have received forgiveness of our sins and assurance of eternal life. And by faith in Him any one would be saved. This is a leading and primary doctrine of Christianity. And like St. Paul we have good opportunity to share our faith with others.

This is a leading and primary doctrine of Christianity. And like St. Paul we have good opportunity to share our faith with others.

Friends, we do not worship a dead God. We worship the Living God. He is the risen Saviour and His name is Lord Jesus Christ. Every time you look at the empty tomb, it would remind us that He is alive forevermore for you and me.

May the Living God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Easter Sunday Service

Easter Sunday Service at St. Mary's which was followed by lunch.
In the images - Worship time, Mrs. Anita David introducing Sunday school children presentation on Easter and Singing...

Church Seminar - Sunday school activities

Children led by Mrs. Mary Chidambaram during the church seminar was not just quite a blessing to the children but even to the elders as well as they delivered a crisp and biblical understanding of church.

Church Seminar - April 11, 2009

Sharing images from our church seminar held on April 11, 2009 which engaged the members and church leadership in a dialogue and draw action plans together.

Jesus' third saying on the cross

Standing close to Jesus' cross were his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there; so he said to his mother, “He is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “She is your mother.” From that time the disciple took her to live in his home.
John 19:26-27

(Preached by Mrs. Irene van Riezen)

Here are Mary and John, looking up at the cross where Jesus was suffering agonizing pain. There are other people there, but these two were maybe the ones that Jesus was closest to on earth.

Consider the extraordinary life Mary has had. Not many girls see an angel and become miraculously pregnant! She had to endure shame and ridicule, and the fear whether her fiancée would abandon her. More incredible things followed. Her husband had dreams in which God gave him messages. People spoke prophecies about her child. Foreigners came to bring expensive gifts to her infant son. The king wanted to kill him. Water turned to wine. Sick were healed. What an expectations she had! What dreams! Her son would be the Messiah, the promised one, that her people were already waiting for for hundreds of years. Certainly this would free the Jews from the cruel Roman oppression, and restore the kingdom of David’s house. How incredible, how wonderful to be part of this!

Consider John. Called the disciple whom Jesus loved, so probably his closest friend. But a hot-headed fisherman, whom Jesus nicknamed, together with his brother, ‘sons of thunder’. Ready to call fire down from heaven when a Samaritan village didn’t want to host them. Ambitious: he asked Jesus to be allowed to be his second in command, while in his kingdom. Jesus closest friend – but he didn’t have a clue about Jesus having to suffer and die. Jesus would be king, of course, and he, John, would share in his power!

All hopes are now dashed. Both people are now at the end of all their hopes, with tears streaming staring up at Jesus, hanging helpless and wounded. Would they still hope maybe, that he would come off it? That there would be a flash and a bang, and there would Jesus be with an army of mighty angels? Every minute they could see Jesus getting weaker, and the change seemed less likely.

Then there is a voice. Weak, croaky, coming from parched lips, struggling for breath. He is in terrible pain.

People among you may know pain. It is very difficult when in terrible pain to think about anything else. The only thing that you can really think of, is that you want the pain to stop. You really don’t want to have a nice conversation with people. Pain doesn’t make you very sociable. But Jesus knew the agony and grief John and Mary were in. He knew that they needed to hear his voice once more, to know that he loved them. He didn’t tell them that all would be well again in three days. He had told them before, and they didn’t believe it, couldn’t understand him. But he comforted them by pointing them towards each other. The two people who maybe knew Jesus best, in their limited way, they needed each other. Mary’s other sons at that time probably didn’t believe in Jesus yet, though we know from Scripture that they did later. If would have been terrible to go back home to people who couldn’t understand her grief.

John could.

We know the rest of the story, and we can rejoice in the glorious events that come after. But it is good to pause at this moment. To think of the enormous price that Jesus paid. We may feel – I certainly do – that God is taking such a long time in returning and establishing his kingdom. How much longer do people have to suffer, how much longer are his believers persecuted, how much longer are girls raped, cities bombed, people dying through earthquakes, shootings, car accidents. How much longer does the world seem ruled by hate and sin?

In Jesus’ suffering we have a proof that God will not forget us. If God would not return, then all Jesus’ suffering would have been in vain. Image God saying to Jesus, ‘sorry son, but I’m giving up on these people, they’re not worth the trouble anymore. I know you’ve suffered quite a bit for them, but that’s too bad.’ No way! It’s unthinkable that a father would say such a thing, and it’s impossible that God would say it. When we are in doubt whether God’s kingdom is really going to come, the new earth and heaven ever going to be there, we can think of Jesus’ suffering.

Therefore on this day, we can rejoice in all that Jesus’ suffering has achieved for us. A relationship with the father. Freedom from sin and death, and the promise of life everlasting, together with him. And Jesus’ suffering is for us the proof that this WILL happen.

Mary and John received abundance of joy three days later. With them we will worship and say,

‘worthy is the lamb, who was slain
To receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
And honor and glory and praise!
(Rev 5:12)

Amen.

Second saying of Jesus Christ from the Cross

‘I truly say to you this day you will be with me in paradise’ Luke 23:43

There are three fundamental facts of the Christian gospel that are reinforced by the words of Jesus.

Fundamental Facts

1. The words of Jesus reveal the fact that not all are going to heaven.
2. Although our sins are like the sand of the sea, Jesus bore then all on His back. It was never God’s intention to send people to hell. In fact God did not create hell.
3. The final indisputable fact is that it is the sinners love for God and not God’s love for the sinner that determines where one will spend eternity.

Luke’ sequences of events on Calvary suggest that Jesus was on the cross sandwiched between two condemned criminals.

1. Harsh, unkind words, criminal mindset, scheming ways to profit out of others misfortune and forming gangs for quick returns was the way of life for the two criminals; a total contrast to Jesus.

One thief hurled insults, ‘You’re some kind of Messiah, save yourself and us from this mess’ This was his last change to escape; informed by the sneers of rulers vs:35: he tried his luck which was fast running out. He formed a quick association with Jesus in their acutely painful condition, hanging virtually naked on the cross, death breathing on their faces and desperately needing freedom. He was intentionally trying to provoke the Messiah’s fundamental characteristic of saving. He was probably thinking that if I get away now, I’ll plan better next time so that I won’t get caught.

The second thief although equally desperate, was mindful of his inescapable circumstances. Death was inevitably and minutes away. He too quickly formed an association with his co-crucified; at least history would record their deaths on the same day. Of whatever he understood of the Messiah, he appealed to His fundamental characteristic of saving. The second thief had acknowledged his guilt, confessed his sin and admitted he was receiving a just punishment. He had recognized and believed in the divinity of Christ and called Him Lord. And finally he asked to be remembered when Christ entered His Kingdom.

This thief evidently knew and believed what some Christians today reject, ignore or have forgotten; that Christ will return, raise the dead and establish His Kingdom on this earth.

Listening to his request Jesus in his extremely painful condition said to him, ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.

2. Was Jesus mistaken when He said today or this day? Why did He not say, ‘I’ll see you when I come in my kingdom’? In the Holy Scriptures the word today or day appears several times and most often it suggests immediacy or a sense of urgency.

These verses are somewhat of a mystery to all Christians, for how could the thief be with Christ in Paradise, or in His kingdom on the very day that Jesus was put in the tomb and remained there for three days. Also when Jesus arose He walked the earth for 40 days before He ascended into heaven. On the day of His resurrection He even said to Mary Magdalene that He had not yet ascended to His Father, John 20:17

In his dying moments the second thief could only request an assurance from Christ. For him a Yes from Jesus was sufficient but the equally anguished, tortured Messiah breathless as he hung on the cross assured him that, today you will be with me in paradise. On Calvary the destiny of the second thief was sealed. A theological treatise on the omnipotence of Christ was worthless at the time as moments later the assurance of today and paradise were going to be fulfilled.


3. Paradise is a Persian word representing a garden of pleasure and referred in the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) several time. However in scripture it occurs three times in Luke 23:43, II Corinthians 12:3 and Revelation 2:7. In the last book of the Holy Bible called Revelation paradise symbolizes the second coming of Christ after which God and man are restored to the perfect fellowship that existed before sin entered the world.

Love for God is a command: The two thieves were not only sinners; they were convicted criminals, condemned by the law to death and destruction. Notice that Jesus did not treat them as criminals. He invited the second thief who expressed his love and unworthiness before Him. Jesus did not offer Paradise to the criminal who did not show any love, respect or even pity for Him who had no committed and crime.

God does not request or plead for the love of the human beings, instead He commands it. His command is unconditional. It is far greater than the command of a military officer to his subordinate. Disobedience to this command results in separation from God’s presence.

Love for God defines destiny: He offered Paradise or His kingdom to the second thief who accepted and acknowledged his bitter predicament. The convicted thief appealed on the basis of His divine natures and responded to His commandment of love of God. The thief did not ask for His kingdom. He just wanted to be remembered.

The first to speak, miserable, convicted criminal was not condemned to hell at Calvary. He miserable thief stuck with his miserable self to the bitter end on his way to a future of perpetual misery. Although this is the truth in this instance, the loving God will not send people to hell if they do not want to go there. He will not them a place in Paradise if they do not want to go there either. One thief opted to join His Creator. The other preferred the infinite incinerator.

Prince David

Palm Sunday - April '09

God can forgive any one, any time and any where!

Three Crosses were on the hill of Calvary. Hebrew name of the place was Golgotha (John 19:17). In Latin, the word is ‘Calvary’. Both words mean ‘Skull (the bone inside a man’s head)’. This was either because of the shape of the mountain or because crucifixions took place there.

Crucifixion was a cursed, cruel, shameful, disgraceful death under Roman Empire. Only slaves and criminals used to face crucifixion. Crucifixion was a severe form of punishment which meant a very slow and painful death by suffocation.

Three men were crucified on that day. These three represented whole world. The reasons of their crucifixion were sins. Two were dying in their sins (Lk. 23:41) and One on the middle was dying for our sins (Cor. 5:21; 1 Jn. 3:5). He was Lord Jesus Christ who died for your and my sins. Two criminals were on either side of Lord Jesus Christ. The words, ‘People counted Him among sinners’ (Is. 53:12) came true on that cross that day. He was not only treated as a transgressor, but he was numbered with them, even the worst of them.

As Lord Jesus Christ said, “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:34). There were two kinds of response. One blasphemed and laughed at Lord Jesus Christ but another thief responded “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Lk. 23:42). This was the prayer of a dying sinner. He confessed that he is a sinner. At last moment of his life he repented before Lord Jesus Christ. And Lord Jesus Christ saved him with the word of assurance.

Lord Jesus Christ said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk. 23:43)

Friends, Praise God! He will be called no more thief. His Sins were forgiven by Lord Jesus Christ and he was saved. But finally we find there was only one thief died in his sins on that day.

When ever and where ever you ask for forgiveness He will forgive you. Our God can forgive any one, any time and any where.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Our Response to the Cross

Message preached by Bro. Ronald Vinay Kumar on Wednesday of Passion Week

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.(Mark 15:37, 38)

At the moment Jesus died on the cross, something happened simultaneously at the temple of Jerusalem. Mark wants us to understand that the two events are connected in come way. The temple curtain was 30 feet high and as thick as the span of a man’s hand. It is made from a single piece of material. Suddenly we hear a thunderous ripping sound and the curtain falls in two pieces.

This curtain was actually a terrifying barrier to the ‘Holy of Holies’, the heart of the temple where God was said to live. The whole system was designed to show that it was not an easy thing to come into the presence of God.

The barriers are now down, and there is nothing to prevent us from enjoying a relationship with Him, because Jesus was willing to be sacrificed. Now we can be accepted by God because the punishment we deserve has fallen on Jesus, once and for all.

In this description of the crucifixion focuses not only on Jesus, but also on the reactions of those who witness the event. It is as if Mark is saying, “This is how others responded to what happened at the cross. How will you respond?”

There are a number of different reactions, which are as follows:

Reaction 1: The Busy Soldiers

We first see them mocking Jesus – in particular His claim to be King of the Jews. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him.
(Mark 15:22-24)

There’s a glimmer of compassion here because they know what Jesus is about to suffer. They offer Him wine mixed with myrrh, a bitter drug to help dull the agony, but Jesus did not take it. They then crucify Him. And what is their response to this agonizing spectacle?

Dividing up His clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. (Mark 15:24)

For the soldiers, the greatest legacy of the cross will be the garments left by the dead man. They’re absorbed in simply doing their job. And as they do so, they notice nothing special about Him. As they are ‘just doing their job’, they are missing the significance of the most important death in history. They are blind to it. No doubt they are doing their job well, but in doing their duty they miss the true legacy of the cross. And there are millions of people today who are like these soldiers. They are occupied with work with doing their duty, with paying their taxes, running their businesses. The daily activities of their intense lives keep them from seeing the significance of the cross.

Reaction 2: The self-satisfied religious

The religious leaders are already convinced that they know the way to God, so Jesus Christ is irrelevant to them. And according to them, the cross proves it.

…the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save Himself!’ (Mark 15:31)

They’re convinced that they have their own means of gaining access to God. These types of people who have created their won man-made religion, or who follow their own morality are the most vicious opponents of the cross. Despite their ‘spiritual’ appearance, they do not want to be accepted by God in the way God planned. They are blind to the seriousness of sin, and therefore blind to the true significance of Jesus’ death.

Reaction 3: Pilate, the coward

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of the area and responsible for the just in the region. Pilate was convinced that Jesus is innocent. He tries again and again to free Jesus from the clutches of the religious authorities. But eventually because of the pressure of the religious authorities, he hands Jesus over to be crucified. Mark 15:15 says that to satisfy the crowd, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, even though he new that Jesus is innocent.

Pilate was a crow-pleaser. Like many people, he was unwilling to stand out from the crowd, and he was subject to considerable pressure from those around him. Even though he knows Jesus is innocent, he gives in to the desires of others. When it was really matter, when the world was against him, he won’t stand up for Jesus. Pilate was a coward who abandoned an innocent man, someone who was a great deal more than that.

Reaction 4: The bystanders who came for the show

Mark 15:35, 36 speak about the reaction of an individual in the crowd. The man wishes to see if Elijah will come and rescue Jesus. (In Jewish legend, Elijah was celebrated as one who helped those in need.) The man has a sort of superstitious fascination as he contemplates the cross. He offers Jesus a sponge filled with wine vinegar, presumably to help postpone an inevitable death, but nothing in the scene moves him to awe, reverence, or even pity. He is totally detached from what is happening on the cross.

Some people think it’s fine to be a bystander. They think that they don’t need to do anything in the light of Jesus’ death, that even spectators automatically receive the benefit. But truth is that I only benefit from the death of Jesus if I put my trust in it.

Reaction 5: The Roman centurion

He is a hard-bitten Roman soldier, a veteran in charge of a hundred men. He has doubtless fought many grueling campaigns and seen many men die, but has never seen a man die like this. And as he watches Jesus on the cross, he realizes something:

…when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and saw how He died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’ (Mark 15:39)

Despite being one of those responsible for carrying out the execution, the centurion acknowledges Jesus to be the Son of God.

The Gospel of Mark is telling us that no one can remain neutral when they consider the cross. We are either too busy like the soldiers, too self-satisfied like the religious, too cowardly like Pilate, or too detached like the bystander. Or even in every odd recognize Jesus as the Son of God like the Roman Centurion. It depends upon us, not any thing else.

The mission, submission and commission of Jesus Christ

Message preached on Tuesday of the Passion week by Bro. Luaha Renthlei

Passage Reading
Luke 22:39-46

The Lord Jesus Christ was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief throughout his earthly ministry, though he had accepted the role of Sin Bearer at his Baptism , and though it is his long obedience to the Father which has brought him to this moment, still it is here that the sufferings, the Passion of Jesus Christ, begin in earnest By that light we may see three things –

I. THE MISSION OF JESUS CHRIST

In order to understand this passage, we must ask a question whose answer might at first seem obvious, but which turns out to be anything but. Why is the Lord so upset over his impending death that he sweats, as it were, drops of blood? Well, you say, he knows that he is going to be betrayed and rejected and killed. Indeed he does. But many of his followers have since faced their own deaths with courage and even joy—with an equanimity that Jesus himself seems to lack here. How can this be?

The Apostle Paul said, “And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen there, except that in every city the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course” (Acts 20:22-25). A little later when his friends tried to dissuade him from going, he said, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). And he wrote to the Philippians, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). There is nothing about the passing of any cups! And it is not just the Apostle. Ignatius of Antioch, on his way to martyrdom in Rome at the turn of the Second Century, writes, “May nothing seen or unseen begrudge me making my way to Jesus Christ. Come fire, cross, battling with wild beasts, wrenching of bones, mangling of limbs, crushing of my whole body, cruel tortures of the Devil—only let me get to Jesus Christ!” A few years later, Polycarp, the disciple of John, on being offered the chance to live if he would only curse Christ, replied, “Eighty-six years have I served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my king who saved me?” These were not just empty words, for those men proceeded to die as bravely as they had written or spoken. Years later, as Hugh Latimer was being led out to be burned at the stake for his testimony for the Gospel of Christ, he turned to his fellow prisoner and victim Nicholas Ridley and said, “Be of good cheer, master Ridley, and play the man, and we shall this day by God’s grace light such a candle in England as shall never be put out!” It would almost be worth a burning at the stake to be remembered for words like that. (I said “almost”—don’t get any ideas.)

Now, let me ask you: Is it possible that the One who was the very source of the life, strength, and courage that allowed so many of his followers to face death with courage and even joy—is it possible that he should face it himself with less confidence and peace and serenity than they? Is it possible that the stream should rise higher than its source? Is it possible that Jesus’ disciples should outshine their own Master in bravery? That the Lion of Judah should be less bold in the face of death than we mice? No, no, a thousand times no, it is not possible! So what are we to make of all this sweat like blood and this request that the Cup might pass away?

There is only one thing that we can make of it. The only answer is that the Cup did not represent the pains and the agony of physical death, even that cruelest of prolonged tortures, death on a cross. What made even the Lord of Glory so upset was the fact that in less than one day he faced the prospect of being identified with, of bearing, the sin of the human race—your sin and mine. That was a burden so great and oppressive—especially to this holy One—that even Omnipotence could well shrink from bearing it. And shrink he did.

What is coming to a head here is a whole stream of Scriptural teaching that overflowed into drops of sweat like blood on the brow of our Lord. Isaiah had said it well, looking forward to the Cross: “All of us like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way. But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him” (IS. 53:6). And looking back on it, Paul described Christ as having been “displayed publicly as a propitiation in his blood” (Rom. 3:25). The word “propitiation” simply means precisely what Isaiah had said: the iniquity of us all, and with it the full display of the Father’s wrath and displeasure against sin, fell on the shoulders of Christ. He goes on to explain the basis of our reconciliation with God: “He made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor. 5:21). And he concludes that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’” (Gal. 3:13). Christ was about to die a propitiatory death as our substitute. He who knew no sin was about to be so closely identified with our sins in the Father’s eye that Paul said he would be sin. That was his mission, the very reason for which he had come. And only in Gethsemane do we begin to see what it meant to him.

The Cup then was the emotional and spiritual agony of being associated with our sin. Think of the worst sin ever committed. What do you think it was? Hitler and the holocaust? The even greater genocides committed by Stalin or Mao or Pol Pot? The degradation of pornography? The betrayal of Christ by Judas? The betrayal of the entire human race by Adam and Eve? Never mind. Do not think of that. Think of the worst guilt and shame you have ever felt personally! Then multiply that by infinity and try to imagine its impact on a heart totally pure, untainted, uncalloused, unjaded, undulled by sin. You begin to get just an inkling of what our Lord subjected himself to for us!

Worst of all, he would have to face the displeasure of his heavenly Father, the One whose will was his meat and drink, the One with whom he had been in perfect unbroken loving communion for all of eternity. But now it would be very different. The hatred of sin which drove the moneychangers from the temple—the hatred of sin which rained fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrha—the hatred of sin which slew the firstborn of Egypt—unleashing all the righteous judgment against sin held back for all the millennia of human history, concentrated now in all its infinite force: that is what would nail Jesus Christ to the Cross! No wonder, in spite of his love for us, in spite even of his devotion to the Father’s will, he prayed, “Father, if it be thy will, let this Cup pass from me!”

Brothers and sisters, Sin is a terrible thing! When you are less than honest in your financial dealings—when you repeat that bit of idle gossip—when you allow those angry and bitter words to escape from your lips—when you allow your mind to dwell on impure thoughts, much less act them out—when you put anything ahead of God in your life—you are guilty of sin. And it took nothing less than the agony of Jesus Christ on the Cross, foreshadowed by his agony in Gethsemane, to atone for it. Do you want to know what sin is? Ultimately, look at Jesus Christ on the Cross. Do you want to know what sin is? First, look at Jesus Christ in the Garden. And then you may begin to understand why the Cross is such Good News. For he did bear it there—all of it—so that we would not have to bear it any more, if only we will give our hearts to him!

II. THE SUBMISSION OF JESUS CHRIST

Are you beginning to understand what this moment meant to our Lord Jesus Christ? There is yet more to be revealed. The burden of sin was so great, so painful, so oppressive, that even Omnipotence shrunk from bearing it. But the love of our Lord was so great that he committed himself to bearing it anyway. It is not until we begin to understand what the Cross meant to our Lord that we can begin to understand the depths of his love expressed when he said, “Yet not my will, but thine, be done” (vs. 42).

So we could translate our Lord’s words more fully thus: “If it is in accordance with your plan [to atone for the sins of the race], let this cup pass; nevertheless, it is not what I prefer, but what you do, that I embrace as needing to happen.” If there is any other way to atone for the sins of our people, please, let’s find it! But if not, I am fully committed to doing this thing, not matter how costly. Or, as Paul would put it later, “God commendeth his love to us in this, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

We must understand what the crucifixion meant to our Lord so that we can understand the way his submission to the Father’s will manifests his love both for us and for the Father. What could cause the Son of God to take on his pure unsullied shoulders this burden from which even Omnipotence shrank? Only the love of God. “God commendeth his love to us in this, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Yes, knowing full the cost, he embraced it for us. What wondrous love is this? To bear the fearful curse for my soul! We cannot see very far into these depths, but the least glimpse must be enough to change our lives forever.

Some of us holding back on our Christian commitment because we are afraid of what we might have to give up. I can only say this. Take a long, hard look at the Lord Jesus Christ kneeling here in the Garden of Gethsemane. And if you still don’t want to follow him, then don’t. But for me, I have to look also from him to the disciples, sleeping as Jesus was making his peace with the Father’s will—and doing it for them! And what I see then is our Lord longing for someone to step out from the crowd, to say, “This man cannot stand alone!” That would not be the disciples, yet; later it would. They did not yet understand—but now some of us do. Can we not watch with him one hour? Not that we could be of any help in bearing that burden—none whatsoever.

But we could cast ourselves at his feet!

I don’t know about you, but I cannot look at this scene which is before us today and find myself in any other place than on my face at his feet. Only there can I too be submitted to the will of the Father as I should be.

III. A COMMISSION FROM JESUS CHRIST

We then are to watch with him, and pray. Specifically, we are to pray that we do not enter into temptation. The prayer is not that we will not experience trials. To “enter into” temptation is an idiom that means to yield to it—to say, in whatever trials may come to us, something different from what Jesus said in his: “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.” To understand what the disciples should have been praying, we must attend to what Jesus was praying. The lesson for us is that, in whatever our trials may be, we should face them as Jesus faced his. And the only way we can do that is by facing them with him. When that kind of temptation comes, then prayer itself, communion with God, is the only way through. And when we find ourselves needing to pray that way, we can now have the added encouragement of knowing that our Lord has been there—indeed, in an infinitely worse place—before us. When we need the strength to say, “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done,” the One sitting at the right hand of the Throne as our Mediator is this very one we are watching in the Garden this morning. If you do not turn to him in your time of trouble for the strength to pray as he prayed, then you are letting those drops of blood-like sweat fall to the ground in vain.

Lead by example - Servitude

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:15

When we read maundy Thursday account written by St. John in ch.13, here we find that Jesus, a day before the Passover feast had last supper with His Twelve disciples in the upper room and he further writes that Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot was also in the upper room and he had decided already to betray Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ not only knew that Judas would betray Him, but also that the other disciples will leave Him alone and they will run away. Jesus knew that it was time for Him to leave this world. He had to return to the Father. Jesus knew that He had come to the earth for a definite purpose.

So, during the meal, Jesus left the table, wrapped a towel round His body, poured water into a basin and then He began to wash the disciple’s feet. He also dried them with the cloth around his waist. Usually, a slave does such a task. It was custom for slaves to wash the feet of their master’s guests. The slaves would do this as soon as the guests entered the house. But Jesus did it during the meal.

Lord Jesus Christ wanted to show His disciples how to behave, not only with each other, but also with everybody. (Mtt.22:24 because dispute arose among them that who is the greatest among them and also Judas was there). He did not just tell them what to do. He was serving them as He knelt down to wash their feet. He was their Lord and Teacher. But He did what a slave would do on their behalf. And He was the Son of Almighty Lord God and Creator of the universe. But He served His disciples, even after knowing His disciples' betrayal that was to happen. He made Himself humble.

He did a task that slaves did. He set an example by washing the feet of Judas, who betrayed, and sold His Master for thirty pieces of silver. He wanted the disciples to do the same. He meant any kind of act that show love and honour to other people, even to the enemies.

That is what Jesus wants us to do. He has called us and wants us to serve all; it doesn’t mean our loved one or favorite one, but to all. We should be humble. We should not be too proud to serve other people. Jesus - God’s Son did the job of a slave on behalf of His disciples. We should always be willing to serve each other in any way.

Remember, He even washed the feet of the people who sold him and turned their back on Him.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Jesus' Sufferings...

Sometimes, when I reflect, it seems like an easy statement when we say “Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins or He paid the penalty of our sins.” But the gospel accounts of how Jesus paid the penalty for our sins speaks in detail about the great suffering he had went through. Lord Jesus Christ suffered physically, mentally and spiritually for us. Perhaps, the sufferings of Lord Jesus was beyond the verbal expression of Gospel writers.

Physical suffering: - Lord Jesus Christ faced six long trials. He was on His feet for nine hours during which He was taken place to place, whipped, slapped, spat upon, humiliated and beaten by soldiers & own people, physically broken by carrying the heavy cross among other physical assault. His body was dangling on two hands and legs that were nailed to the cross he carried up the mountain which severed his bones and joints causing unbearable pain. Ps.22:6,7; Is. 53:2-5 describes the dreadful condition of His physical sufferings. Lord Jesus Christ hung on the cross for six hours. Crucifixion was a severe form of punishment which meant a very slow and painful death by suffocation.
Friends, Jesus had gone through sever physical suffering which is beyond our description. He knows our physical suffering, sickness & pain very well because in the flesh He experienced far more than us. So, let’s call Him for His healing touch.

Emotional suffering: - He was crucified outside the city to make an example to everyone who passed by that road. He was numbered among criminals. His cross was raised few inches above earth so He should not touch earth and to show that even He not belongs to heaven and He was left hanging in mid-air naked on the cross. This was emotional shame & humiliation for a Jew, more worse for a Jewish Rabbi. There were people mocking and calling him names Lk.23:35-38.

Friends, In spite of His emotional & physical suffering He was thoughtful to take care of His mother. He teaches us that how to overcome emotional suffering, tensions & depression while he was still suffering. We learn that comparing to the pain & suffering of others, we’ll find that our own pain & suffering are nothing He taught by an example that we need to Pray & help others, even those who are hurting us.

Spiritual suffering: - His spiritual sufferings were worse than His physical & emotional. He had not only taken our sins but became sin for us. He bore the sins of all the people, generations once for all. When the nature grieved and darkness covered the whole earth for three hours. It was Lord God’s judgment that He turned His face away from Lord Jesus Christ because He was carrying our sin, shame and disgrace. With agony He cried out loud “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” First time Father and Son were separated.

Friends, He had adequately provided for God’s judgment by paying with His life for us and rose up from the dead, so we will be never separated from God. He has reconciled us with God. All we need to do is ‘Accept him as our personal Lord and Savior, and follow his path in obedience. Praise God! He is Emmanuel - always with us. I encourage you to share this good news with as many of your friends as you can. God bless you.

Rev. Varinder Kumar