A New Commandment

Sermon 6

April 28, 2013

When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  (John 13:31-35)

Love one another.

In Leviticus when God gives his commands to the people through Moses, he says, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

It’s repeated by Paul in his letters to the Romans and Galatians where he says that this command sums up all the others.

It’s repeated by James—thought to be the brother of Jesus but certainly the leader of the Church in Jerusalem. He says that it’s the “Royal” law—Love your neighbor as yourself.

You may remember that in the book of Matthew, a story is recounted where the Sadducees and Pharisees tried to test Jesus with a trick question—“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” To which Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’“ He goes on to say, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Love one another.

Said in the Old Testament and now said again in this new commandment. So is this a new commandment? Hmmm…

How is this a NEW command when the Israelites were told to love one another thousands of years prior. Let’s look at this more closely. In Leviticus...and in John.

Maybe this IS a new command.

Jesus’ love for us and our love for ourselves are not equal. In fact, I don’t know about you all, but sometimes I don’t love myself very much…and certainly don’t always treat myself with love. It seems to me that Jesus is telling us that our love for ourselves and for our neighbor has fallen short so he has modeled for us a new kind of love. His love. Our love falters…but his never does.

You may not have noticed this about the gospel reading, but the first few words were “When he was gone, Jesus said….” When I read that, did you wonder…when WHO was gone? Well, let me tell you who. Judas. You see, this scripture reading comes from the upper room on the night of Jesus’ arrest – a night when Jesus models just exactly what it looks like to love others as He loves us.

On this evening, Jesus got up during the meal, removed his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist,
filled a basin with water, washed each of the disciples’ feet, and dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him. Twelve men…twenty-four filthy, callused, crusty feet. Jesus set an example. Not only are we called to love one another, but we are called to do so with humility…with the attitude of a servant.

Did Jesus know at this point that Judas would betray him? Yes, the bible makes it clear that he did know. In fact, he indicated that the disciples had not ALL been made clean by the washing of their feet. If we were to list Jesus’ enemies, I am fairly confident that Judas would make the list. Judas…the “treasurer” of the disciples who stole from the common purse. Judas…the betrayer. Yet, Jesus did wash his feet. In fact, Jesus loved Judas. He loved all of his disciples.

Imagine yourself in Jesus’ shoes. You are surrounded by your dearest friends and companions…the people that you trust the most in the world. Yet, you know that one of them will trade your life for about 4 months worth of pay.

How would that last dinner together with your friends have gone down? Would you have verbally attacked him and tried to turn the others against him? Would you have physically restrained him so that he couldn’t carry out his plan? Would you have punched him in the face? But you know what Jesus did. He loved him. He allowed him to betray him with a ….kiss. Would you let your enemy kiss you?

He washed his feet, gave him the opportunity to leave without a scene, and allowed him the freedom to act on his own free will. In the other gospels we are told that he warned him, “Woe to the man who betrays me.” Yet, he didn’t prevent him from doing so.

Oh…free will. That is one of the beautiful things about this country. Our freedoms allow us to exercise our free will whereas in many countries, people lack this freedom. Free will/freedom is a blessing and a curse. Some use it responsibly and with respect toward God and others as it was intended. While others use it against God and others.

We can’t change that…that’s freedom! And people have been abusing freedom/free will since time began. “Woe to those who betray our God.”

But did Jesus have the power to keep Judas from betraying him? Well, of course. Does Jesus have the power to stop evil now? Certainly! Yet, just as he modeled at that table back then…he allows people to live out their free will now. And he loves them.

Could you do this? If your enemies were outside these doors, could you refrain from verbally attacking them? Refrain from physically attacking them? Could you serve them? That’s what Jesus calls us to do. That’s what Jesus modeled for us to do. But, again I say, woe to those who betray our God.

Friends, Jesus’ heart was heavy that Judas, his friend, was following the voice of Satan rather than the voice of the Father. We live in the middle of a battlefield, a battlefield that we cannot even see, but one in which spiritual forces are fighting daily for our very souls. John tells us when talking about Judas that “Satan entered into him.” Well, folks, Satan still “enters in” to people now. There are people in this world who have been hijacked by evil.

What should our response be to those people who spew hate? Sorrow. Compassion. Love. Their souls are compromised and they don’t even realize it. “Forgive them, Father, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Earlier you saw a preview for next week’s Lifetree Café’. You may remember a few years back when a man entered a one-room Amish school house and murdered 10 young girls before killing himself. But, you know what, those people of faith…those Christ-followers, didn’t react according to the culture of this world. They responded in love…with forgiveness. One of the fathers said of the killer, “He had a mother and a wife and a soul and now he’s standing before a just God.” You see, the Amish understood that this man had been led astray by evil. They surrounded his family with love…and they knew “woe be to this man who betrayed God.”

But how can we do this? It must take superhuman strength! Well the Amish affected by this tragedy would be the first to admit that the love they have exhibited was not their own, but the love of Christ.

If we read a little deeper into the book of John (Chapter 15) Jesus is continues this speech, the longest speech that is recorded in the bible of Jesus speaking to his disciples. And he uses a parable…an illustration that we could understand thousands of years later as we continue to study his words.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Who is God in this parable? Why, He’s the gardener! Jesus goes on to say, “As the father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9)

But how do we “remain” in his love?? In the next verse he tell us,“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love…” (John 15:10) But what command is Jesus talking about? “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) Repeated in John 15 just as the command was given in John 13.

We must stay connected to that vine. It’s our life source…our love source! But how do we do that? How do we stay connected to that vine…to Jesus Christ.

Through spiritual disciplines. Prayer, fasting, meditation, study, and worship. Things we are told to do throughout the bible. Timeless disciplines that God has given us to help us stay connected to him.


Is this kind of love risky? Yes. And it was for Jesus also. Just as Jesus’ love ended in a sacrifice for all, our love also entails risk. Will we be criticized? Avoided? Mocked? Most certainly. Will we be killed? I pray against such horrible persecution. But, you know what, in countries where there is the threat of death, they don’t pray for the persecution to end. In fact, they feel that this persecution forces them to make a REAL decision about their faith. Only a true believer would face death rather than deny Christ.

C.S. Lewis, one of my favorite theologians and the writer of the Narnia series, said this: “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”

If you know that faith in God and a risen Christ means you could suffer and die, you aren’t going to make this decision lightly. You are either going to be all in—HOT, or all out—COLD. The book of Revelations, God says through Paul’s vision, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

I worry that the church in America is becoming the church of the lukewarm. I’ll praise God when it’s convenient and revel in my sin when it is not. I’ll follow Christ when his teachings agree with my convictions and I’ll disregard him when they don’t. But Jesus was certainly not cold. His life, his LOVE, was fully given for God’s will. Fully given. The very next verse in John 15 says this…“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) He laid down his life! For you, for me, and for them.

We have been called to love one another—not simply as we love ourselves, but according to Christ’s new commandment. We are called to love one another as Christ has loved us.

• With humility as a servant. 
• Even when we perceive others as enemies. 
• And to the extent that we are willing to lay down our lives for one another. 

Lord, we thank you for your love. We thank you for the gift of free will. Father, we confess that we sometimes find it difficult to love others and even ourselves. We confess that sometimes we abuse our free will and use it to hurt others. Lord, give us your love to pass on to our brothers and sisters. Give us empathy for others and an awareness of the spiritual war that is going on around us. Give us the courage to confess and ask for forgiveness when we abuse our free will and hurt those around us. Surround us with your love. Amen.

Being God's People in 2013

Sermon 4
December 30, 2012

Why are you here?

I often tell the story of how First United Methodist Church in Salina became our church home. We moved here in June of 2006. It was a priority to find a church. Although we were members of the UMC in the small western town that we came from, we were not raised in the UMC. We decided to go to some different churches and felt that when we found the right one, it would feel like “home”. So we did just that.

We left some of them feeling that they were cold and distant. We left others feeling like we had just attended a rock concert that lacked any spiritual connection for us. And some, we were just trying to get out of there as soon as possible while holding in our uncomfortable giggles.

Then we came here.

Do you remember the summer of 2006? We walked in from the circle drive, down the steps, and took a left into the worship area. That’s right…blue paint, folding chairs, and a bad sound system.

But that isn’t what we saw. We were warmly welcomed by a loving congregation. We connected with the music. The message was powerful and meaningful. I have cried through many services in this church…including some of those at the very beginning. When we left, we knew we wanted to come back.

And we did.

I don’t know how long we attended before we realized that the sanctuary was actually above us. And I remember catching my first glimpse of it that December…and being in awe of the beauty of it. I was amazed at the faithfulness and generosity of the people who would give so much to renovate this beautiful space.

I realized that this was not a church of people who were inward focused. They (YOU) were interested in furthering God’s Kingdom in the world. This building is a beautiful yet functional tool of the church—God’s people.

Our children began making connections through the Children and Youth ministry programs. We know that FUMC is to be credited for helping us transition our children from small town western Kansas to the big city. (And YES…this was a BIG city to us!) This was especially true for Tana who was beginning those awkward middle school years. What a rough time for us to uproot her whole world.

But ministry wasn’t just happening within these walls. The more we got involved, the more we saw how First United Methodist Church was (and IS) reaching out to the community of Salina and the world. And that was (and is) important to us.

In fact, I believe that it is important to all Christians. After all, Jesus came as God reaching out to this world. 

Paul’s letter to the people of Colossae gives us specific instructions on how we, God’s people, should BE God’s people. He tells us to “clothe” ourselves in:
• Compassion
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience

I like that Paul chose the word “clothe”.

By saying that we “clothe” ourselves in these things he seems to be acknowledging that this is not our natural state. We must choose to put on these things…even though they may be uncomfortable or not fit properly. Maybe they are a bit scratchy to our skin. And yet, we should wrap ourselves in them and learn to be comfortable in them.

Did any of you get a new coat or new shoes for Christmas? They don’t feel quite right when we wear them that first or second time, do they? Yet, as we continue to wear them, they begin to feel right. They become a part of us—normal, familiar, “broken in”.

Well, these “clothes” that Paul talks about are the same way.

Compassion. What does it mean to “clothe” oneself in compassion? It means that we wrestle to overcome our own biases and try to put ourselves in the shoes of others. This isn’t always easy. Sometimes we are unable to relate to the situations of others. In fact, when this is the case, it’s very easy to become judgmental. We are not called to judge the world.

Nothing teaches us more about compassion than being put in a situation where we ourselves need compassion. Now…I don’t believe that God makes bad things happen to us to teach us compassion. But, I do believe that God uses the bad things that happen to us, or that we bring upon ourselves, to teach us compassion. We have all survived experiences that have made us more compassionate to others who may one day go through the same thing.

In what ways has God helped you learn compassion? To whom might He need you to show compassion to in the future?

Kindness. What does it mean to “clothe” oneself in kindness? Being kind isn’t about what you do as much as it is about how and why you do it.

Let’s say that you and I meet for coffee and I surprise you by paying the tab and leaving a tip. Am I being kind? Well, the act itself seems like a kind thing to do. But is it kind if I’m needing a favor from you so I’m doing it with the hope of getting something better in return? Is it kind if I do it because I want to impress you (or others) so I pay the bill and then resent that you let me do such a thing?

Kindness doesn’t expect paybacks or recognition. In fact, Paul uses the word “kind” in his letter to the people of Corinth to describe love. Do you remember that he says that “Love is patient. Love is kind.” I’d like to share of story of kindness with you.

A few weeks ago, a young clerk at Target shared this story as a post on facebook.

“Cried today at work... An elderly man who openly stated that he didn't have much, couldn't read or write, came through my lane today. I've had a cold so making conversation with people today wasn't my top priority. This man was so kind and generous and he put a smile on my face. He was buying necessities and toys for children. He asked me to double bag his purchases because he was walking. When it came time to ring him up, I assisted him with writing a check. However, his check didn't go through and he had no other way to pay. It broke my heart that this kind man wasn't able to pay for his things. I sadly watched him go as the next customers came up. They were obviously annoyed with the wait so I went through quickly. Then I see a young lady about my age catch up with the elderly man and offered to pay for his things. I started tearing up. He kept saying thank you so much, thank you and she replied, 'Merry Christmas.' I was trying so hard to not visibly cry but it all came out when the girl turned to look at me and was crying too.”

Nothing was expected in return. This simple act was done quietly with silent tears by a young girl who was clothed with the compassion and kindness of Christ.

Humility. Now here’s a tough one. What does it mean to “clothe” oneself in humility? Have any of you read “The Purpose-Driven Life” by Rick Warren? It’s been out now for several years and I’ve given it to many people since its publication. It begins with four words that define humility in my mind….”It’s not about you.” It’s not about you! It’s not about me! Man, that’s a tough concept to swallow. Even as I prepared for this message today, I fought the urge to worry about how I would come across, how I would look before you this morning, how my words might affect you…and I reminded myself that it is NOT about me!

In the book of John, Jesus tells a parable about the vine and the branches. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” We would do well to remember this when we are patting ourselves on the back.

Humility requires that we understand that our accomplishments are not ours. Our good fortune? Not ours. Even our acts of kindness…they would accomplish nothing apart from Christ. “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

Gentleness. How do we clothe ourselves with gentleness? Aren’t kindness and gentleness the same thing? Well, no. We can offer to dust mother’s china. That’s a kind thing to do. But there is a difference between gently and roughly dusting the China! When we do something with gentleness, we do it with care, with caution, with tenderness. In fact, sometimes the most kind thing to do is a painful thing—and that’s when our gentleness is the most important.

When I was in first grade I had to start taking allergy shots. Each Thursday (and I hated Thursdays for years and years!) I had to go to the clinic and get a shot in each arm until I was a junior in high school. My skin got tough over those year and the nurses often could not be very gentle.

Do you remember taking your new baby for his or her first immunizations? We get our children immunized because we love them…we are being kind by protecting them. And we expect those who are giving these injections to be as gentle as possible.

Sometimes we must give someone hurtful news. It’s the kind thing to do. So we need to do so with gentleness…a soft touch. We need to take as much of the sting out of it as we can. Be gentle with one another.

Patience. How do we clothe ourselves with patience? Well, look at the list. It these things are in place, patience is a natural outcropping of them. It requires compassion, kindness, humility, and gentleness. I think that is why so many of us struggle with it! It is a combination of the others! In fact, patience (you may remember) is a fruit of the spirit. One way that we can gauge whether or not we are growing in grace, is to look at our patience level. Practice patience. Pray for patience.

Besides this clothing…Paul also tells us to “bear” with each other. The verb “bear” means to hold up or support. “Bearing” something is not pleasant. So when Paul instructs us to “bear” with each other, we are being called to enter into one another’s suffering and be a support. Ugh! Paul! The other things were sweet and light. They didn’t require sacrifice.

And then he really drops the bomb when he tells us to forgive one another…pointing out that we ourselves have received forgiveness from the Lord. Forgiveness.

Have you went to see “Les Miserables” yet? It’s the only professional Broadway-type musical I’ve ever seen live. I saw it with my oldest daughter a few years back. So it’s the only things she wanted for Christmas—to go see the movie at the theater that day. So on Tueday, Christmas Day, Tana and I went to the show. What a beautiful story of grace…of forgiveness. It’s a glorious thing to watch. It’s even more glorious to RECEIVE. But to give it. Well, that’s tough. Because, you see, in order to give it…someone has to “wrong” you. And when someone “wrongs” you, you are usually disappointed. You are usually hurt. You are often angry.

Is there someone who has wronged you? Someone who has disappointed and hurt you? Are you feeling anger toward someone because of a wrong they have committed? Well then, you have been given an opportunity to show grace…to offer forgiveness.

"But they don’t deserve it!", you might say.  Hmph…neither did I…neither did you.

He tells us to “put on” love which will bind it all together…perfectly. But Paul doesn’t stop there. He goes on with more specific instructions:
• Let the “peace of Christ rule your hearts”
• Be thankful.
• Learn about Christ. Teach about Christ. Correct one another. Sing to God! All with grateful hearts.
• Do everything in Jesus’ name while giving thanks.

We each must examine ourselves. Are we doing these things? • Compassion • Kindness • Humility • Gentleness • Patience • Bearing with each other • Forgiving one another • Being at peace. • Being thankful. • Learning. • Teaching. • Singing. • Being grateful.

But we can’t stop there. We, as Americans, are fiercely independent people. It’s a western mindset that we have. But we are all member of one body…the body of Christ…the church. What are we doing as a church to carry out Paul’s instructions? What are we doing to be God’s people?

Well, we are doing things. In fact, I started this sermon by sharing with you some of the things that First United Methodist Church was doing that helped us see Christ working through this body.

1. Inviting people in our doors.

2. Missions—food bank, Lisa in Honduras, Operation Christmas Child, Salvation Army… And in 2013, it is important that we continue to expand the opportunities that we have as a congregation to be God’s people.

3. Lifetree Café. Have you come to Lifetree Café yet? Lifetree Café is an opportunity to reach out to those in our community who (for whatever reason) don’t come to church. It’s a way to participate in conversations that allow people to express their questions and doubts while helping them get to know the God who loves them. There is a card in your bulletin. If you are interested in this ministry, mark the appropriate box so we can follow up. If you are unsure, come Wednesday night and check it out. You won’t be disappointed. 

Those who have been active in this ministry from the beginning, see great potential for it. Come join us and help us discover what God has in store for this ministry.

4. Service. One of the things I have realized throughout this year is that ministry always starts with a need. With Lifetree Café, the “need” is the large number of people out there who don’t have a relationship with Christ. But there are lots of other needs in Salina.

Beginning on January 12, we as a congregation will have the opportunity monthly to do something about these needs. With nothing expected or wanted in return. This is a way for us to corporately carry out our responsibility as the Body of Christ. It’s called “First in Service”. Although it’s the 2nd Saturday in January, every other month this year it will be held on the third Saturday.

On this day from 9:00 to 11:00 we will come together to meet some needs. Each month it will change. One need each month may be a church need, but the other will come from the community. When you come to the church, you will have options. Will you use your SHAPE to put together flyers for the Parade of Lights or will you use your SHAPE to knit a pad for the kittens at the local animal shelter. Will you bake cookies that will be delivered to the Morrison house or will you craft a bowl for a fundraiser for the food pantry?

Each month it will change. Each month you will get to try something new when you can fit it into your schedule. There is no financial requirement…just your time and the use of your gifts and talents are needed. 

So…do you know your SHAPE? Do you know how God has gifted you for service in HIS kingdom? If you don’t, another “Finding Your SHAPE” class is coming up quickly! But sometimes, the best way to discover your passions is to just give some different things a try.

Everyone is welcome. Come. Let’s be God’s people together in 2013.