Category: Sermon

John 10:22-30, Psalm 23, and Acts 9:36-43

 

The book of Acts deals with the story of Peter’s ministry. God sent the Holy Spirit on his behalf after Jesus Christ was resurrected and stayed with his disciples. Today, Peter is boldly telling the story of Jesus. Joppa, the setting of the Word, is a coastal city called Jaffa in modern Israel. Tel Aviv is a 60 km drive northwest of Jerusalem, which serves as the economic capital. Joppa is the place that Jonah supposedly used in the past to escape from God. Peter came here to preach the gospel. However, there was a female disciple here named Dorcas. This may not be strange to you, but to conservative church members, it is a good example of what is recorded in the Bible about female disciples and female leaders in the church.

She was always doing good and helping the poor. I believe that the apostles recognized her good deeds enough to call her a disciple. Through this service, she gained respect and love from those around her. Also, seeing as she uses the Aramaic name Tabitha and her Greek name, I guess she was probably a Greek Jew. This name means Gazelle, and when people at the time saw a gazelle, it symbolized grace or beauty because it could run fast and had dignity. So, Dorcas, as her name suggests, was a beautiful woman passionate about good deeds and charity. She became sick and died. Then the other disciples, who had heard of Peter’s presence in nearby Lydda, implored him to visit Dorcas of Joppa. When he visits, she is already dead and is lying in the Upper Room. And the widows surround her, weeping mournfully and reporting her good deeds to Peter. Widows were very weak in ancient societies where the economic foundation and social status depended on their husbands. For them, Dorcas was very dedicated to helping. The NIV version translates it as robes and other clothing, but the Greek original records not only outer clothing and undergarments, but also a covering called a himatia. And this was an expensive robe suitable for blocking the hot sun of the Middle East and could be used as collateral when money was needed. Perhaps Dorcas was like a mother to these people. At this point, I see two points of the disciples’ ministry. That is Dorcas’ ministry and Peter’s ministry.

When I first prepared the sermon, my focus was on Peter. However, the more I read, the more I am convinced that her good deeds and relief through Dorcas touched many people. The 1st century was when Christianity was not yet recognized as a completely independent religion from Judaism. So, it is time for the disciples to be threatened by traditional Jewish believers like Saul. At that time, the disciples who followed Jesus did good deeds and charity and cared for the weak in society. On the one hand, it was hazardous. These were things that could be threatened at any time by the powerful, including Jewish leaders. This is because they were disciples who not only did good deeds and charity but also shared the gospel of Christ. Nevertheless, as the disciples gathered in Joppa say in John 27-28, “²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” They heard the Lord’s voice and trusted. They decided to live a life of following Jesus. And they go on to eternal life. This is the path of dedication.

Next is Peter’s ministry. Peter goes up to the upper room, sends those who are crying out, and prays. “Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.”

We’ve heard stories like this before. As you all know, when Lazarus became sick and died, Jesus raised him again. This is what Peter, now a disciple, did the same thing. The hearts of Peter who performed the miracle and the disciples who called him are also very impressive. Washing Dorcas’ body, preparing it for funeral, and at the same time laying it down in the attic are actions that anticipate the works of the Old Testament prophets. Many disciples believed and prepared that God’s special grace would be bestowed on her because of her devotion. Peter’s belief that the resurrected Jesus would bring her back to life, and Peter responded and became an instrument in the Lord’s ministry. We can see the disciples’ earnest faith and expectations. At the same time, we can all confirm God’s merciful response.

Dear everyone, Some of us may do things like Peter in charismatic ministry. On the one hand, like Dorcas, we can share good deeds, charity, and the Word. In this way, we as disciples can do what the Lord did today, 2,000 years later. Lastly, we remember Dorcas, who became the mother of widows with great and deep love, and we support the countless women and mothers in this land. May the grace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

John 21:1-19 Acts 9:1-6, (7-20); Psalm 30;

 

Today’s message is so impressive that I am moved every time I read it. The more I read this, the more mysterious I feel. In particular, the words of John 21 invite us to read them repeatedly.

It is about 200km from Jerusalem to Galilee, the setting of today’s sermon. The distance an adult walks per hour is estimated to be 4-6 km. Assuming we walk 5km per hour, we must walk continuously for at least 40 hours to get there. Of course, we do not know when Jesus appeared in Jerusalem and went to Galilee after the resurrection. The Greek word for afterward is also meta tauta, which refers to the passage of some time. However, the critical point is that 7 of the disciples who would later be called apostles were in Galilee. Of course, some of them may have run away because they were scared. Others may have heard the story of Thomas encountering the resurrected Jesus in Jerusalem. Others may have remembered the words written in Matthew 26:32: “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” So maybe he thought he would wait in Galilee. They may have felt ashamed, afraid, and nervous.

What was Galilee like for Jesus and his disciples? It is the place where the disciples first met Jesus and where many episodes take place. They experienced many miracles here. They also gained great enlightenment through Jesus’ words. This is where they decided to follow Jesus, even if it meant giving up their jobs. That is the stage for today.

Why did Jesus choose this location? I think there is an answer to Jesus’ question in John verses 15 to 19. Jesus asks Peter. “Do you love me?” As Jesus asks this question three times, I remember Peter’s actions after Jesus said in Matthew 26:32 that he would go to Galilee after the resurrection. Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” ³⁴ “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”(Mt 26:33-34)

As we all know, Peter denied Jesus 3 times. The most trusted disciple committed the greatest betrayal. How deeply was Jesus disappointed with him? And how deeply frustrated was Peter? Jesus came to His disciples. And then he asked Peter a question. “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”(15) Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”(16) The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”(17)

Peter must have felt very sorry upon hearing this question. “Lord, I was wrong. I denied you. I failed your expectations. I’m sorry to disappoint you. But Jesus, I love you. You know that I love you.” Through these three questions and answers, Peter is called again to be a disciple. He now restores his trust and love for the Lord. Just as when Jesus called his disciples three years ago, and they dropped everything and followed him, Peter and the disciples made a decision here and now. As Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”(15)“Take care of my sheep.”(16)“Feed my sheep.”(17) Can you feel the rising tension and determination here, like a drama? Do you love Me? Well, let’s start small. Feed My Lambs Do you love me? Then take care of my sheep. Do you love me? Feed my sheep. Gradually, Jesus raises him with an incredible calling.

Today, Jesus came to Peter, who had no choice but to live with a broken heart. He comforted him and gave him what he most needed. Jesus met Peter, who had no choice but to be criticized and insulted by many people, including his disciples. Jesus gave him a mission in front of other people. He expressed trust in him.

In the past, when I experienced a crisis in the field of ministry, it was when I lacked love within myself. It was challenging to minister when faith in God and love for neighbors were lacking. I believe that Jesus created a way for Peter to return to the Lord. Jesus invites him again to express his firm trust in the Lord. Peter, who had the meaning of a rock, is now re-established to stand on the rock of faith. I am convinced that these amazing and touching words are Jesus’ invitation to all of us.

Next, Jesus comes to visit Saul. He made murderous threats to Jesus’ disciples. After receiving permission from the high priest, he captured Jesus’ disciples. He tormented Jesus’ disciples so terribly that his name became very famous. He went from Jerusalem to Galilee and continued to Damascus in Syria, where he arrested Jesus’ disciples. However, Jesus calls Saul again. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”(4) “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”(6) How did those with Saul respond? Although they had eyes, they did not see the Lord, and although they had ears, they could not properly discern the voice of Jesus.

However, Jesus speaks to Ananias in a vision. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street.” Ananias obeyed Jesus’ words. This is someone who may be a threat to him. But in the Lord he trusted. He eventually met Saul and prayed for him. “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (17) Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. (19)

This is Saul, who was at the scene of The Stoning of Stephen, the first martyrdom after Jesus’ crucifixion. He considered murder as a means for the sake of Judaism. Jesus made the fearless young leader of Judaism fall to the ground. The Lord chose Saul. “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”(15) He is my chosen instrument for the Gentiles. Jesus gave Saul a new opportunity. Jesus also foretells Saul’s suffering to comfort his disciples. ^“ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”(16)

Dear friends, Jesus raises Saul. The Lord, who raised Peter and Saul again and gave them opportunities, raises us in the same way today. God gives us strength and invites us to a life full of the Holy Spirit. Let us live together with faith and love. In hope, let us express the Lord’s love to the world this week like the disciples. Amen.

John 20:19-31, Psalm 150, and Acts 5:27-32

 

What do you fear the most? Until a few years ago, I was most afraid of going to the dentist. But now, when a family member gets sick, sometimes when they need surgery, I feel afraid. Many children feel sad when their parents get older and need more surgeries. Why is that so? This is because we trust and rely on our parents. I am like that too.

The disciples here were in the same position. Jesus, whom they trusted so deeply, died helplessly and without any resistance. They expected that if we just went to Jerusalem, our Jesus would be crowned as the king of the world. However, in a legal trial and public opinion battle in front of the Jews and the Roman governor, he was sentenced to death. He died on a cross, which was considered the most humiliating punishment at the time. If events progress this way, what is the next step? Typically, political leaders seek out and arrest group members who follow the death row inmate. This is the regular order of punishment in cases. So, how anxious were the disciples’ hearts?

It is difficult to estimate how insecure a person is on the wanted list and running away, regardless of whether someone is guilty. I have met people like this before. If a person has to run away from the police, he or she has no idea how mentally depleted it is. As you know, Korea is divided into North and South. However, when I was in seminary, the police tried to arrest a seminary alumnus for violating the security law just by talking about the need for unification of South and North Korea. So, he spent several months running away to a student center and dormitory at a university larger than the seminary. One time, I called him, and he felt isolated. I asked him what he would like to eat. He asked me to buy him some Korean fried chicken and seasoned chicken. I visited him with them, and he was very anxious that someone might be around to catch him. It was a situation where I could suspect that the police might be tapping my phone or have him captured. When I finally met him, he had lost over 30 kg. If his body was like this, what was his mind like?

However, the situation of the disciples today is even more dramatic. Until yesterday, they had seen the amazing things Jesus had done. Maybe they were mistaken, like the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. ‘Everyone cheers for me. Everyone is worshiping me on a high level. Wow! I guess I have something amazing. I am in a similar social position to the point where I sit at the same table as Jesus. Or at least I will be closer to Jesus and have a more powerful position than those people there.’ So, they may have thought. However, Jesus gave death and despair to these disciples. To their horror, they were so threatened by other traditional Jews that they closed the door to the gathering place and were only focused on hiding.

The risen Jesus came to these disciples. He changed sadness and fear into joy. He transformed a place of despair into a gathering of hope. He showed them his nail-pierced hands and side and announced the news of the resurrection. Jesus became a joy to his disciples by being himself. It is resurrection. And we know this resurrection is not just a story that happened 2,000 years ago because we experience resurrection today.

Jesus is still resurrected and is with us in our lives today. If he had not been resurrected, it would be difficult for us, who don’t learn the great teachers and philosophies of 500 or 1,000 years ago every week, to be interested in what happened 2,000 years ago. We accept the Lord’s story as the truth. Why is that so? Because he was the Messiah. Because it was meant for us. Like Thomas, sometimes we may sincerely doubt all of this. However, we believe in Jesus. We receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “Stop doubting and believe.” We trust the words of Jesus. We decided to believe, gathered together like disciples, and like them, we carry the gospel and pass it on from place to place. These are all the life witnesses.

We believe in Christ, and He shows up in our lives. That is why we gather today as a church community and accept the Bible as the Word of God. The Holy Spirit made all of this possible, made us all meet, and continues to help us have bold faith.

Let’s see the changes in the disciples’ lives. In verse 19 of John’s Gospel, the disciples were afraid of the world’s threats and the Jewish leaders. They were hiding and cowering and unable to share the gospel. That’s what they did when they couldn’t meet the resurrected Lord. However, they changed after meeting the resurrected Jesus, as seen in Acts verses 27 to 29. “²⁷ The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. ²⁸ “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” ²⁹ Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”

The teachings of Jesus Christ were different from previous Judaism, and the disciples were in a situation where their lives were threatened because of this. But they were able to boldly testify the gospel. Why is that so? Because the disciples experienced Jesus Christ living again. We will be like this too. We know of a world of resurrection that goes beyond disease and death. Here is the testimony of the disciples. “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” What a moving testimony! Do you feel that trust, greater than fear, has taken root in the disciples’ hearts? I hope that the confessions of these disciples become ours.

The Lord appeared in our lives. That is enough. Let us live together as bold witnesses like disciples. The Holy Spirit will guide us. Amen.

Luke 24:1-12, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, and 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

 

Over the past seven weeks, we have meditated on the words of Jesus every Sunday. We also studied the Bible and looked at the ministries of Jesus. In particular, during the past week, several PLURA denominations held a noon prayer service by inviting Red Deer citizens to each church as a joint service. Through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, we meditated more deeply on Jesus. Looking back, this season of Lent is like a marathon. When running a half marathon, the last 3 to 4 kilometers are said to be the most difficult. As we spent the previous Holy Week, I believe that although our daily lives are busy, it will be a week where we think more closely about Jesus.

One of the most precious good deeds in Judaism was offering one’s grave to a deceased person who could not repay the favor received. Since before the Byzantine era in the 4th century, countless Christians have visited the tomb of Jesus, called the Holy Sepulchre church, and contemplated the Lord’s suffering, death, and resurrection. The Lord appeared to the disciples, who scattered around the world to spread the gospel, risking their lives just like the Lord.

Jesus acted like the letter of Apostle Paul today. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. ⁶ After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷ Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, ⁸ and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”

Christ died for us. He served us because He loves us. Because he trusted God, he complied with the Creator’s plan. And today, we are all only seeing the empty tomb in Jerusalem. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others announced the resurrection of Jesus. Some did not believe this news of resurrection. Even the apostles couldn’t believe this news. But we do know. Jesus Christ is risen. “The Lord is our strength and defense; he has become our salvation.” God, our answer and salvation, has given us this good news.

He gave new hope to many people who were afraid of death, so we can live among the many dead. Dear everyone, let us remember the new life we received as a gift through Jesus. Let us remember the disciples who announced this good news. Let us live by following the example of those who participated in the Lord’s ministry. The Lord will make us cornerstones in God’s ministry. Amen.

Luke 19:28-40, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; and Philippians 2:5-11

 

Jesus is heading to Jerusalem with his disciples on Passover. During this journey, he visits Bethphage and Bethany to the east of Jerusalem. Bethphage is a small town less than 4 km away—the distance from our church to Red Deer Polytechnic. Jesus and his disciples came less than an hour away on foot. Now, all that Jesus has to do is enter the eastern gate of the Jerusalem temple, the Golden Gate.

When we think of Bethphage and Bethany, we might think of a family. This is the family story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. They lived here, and the story of how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead spread to Jerusalem. A new Messiah came to the Israelites. He came during Passover, a festival commemorating their ancestors’ escape from persecution in Egypt. Many miracles and amazing teachings related to Jesus would have been shared with many people. That’s who came to Bethany. Many pilgrims were together.

From the people’s perspective, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem must have been a big issue. To the high priests and Jewish leaders, Jesus was a significant threat to them. He shook the basic structure of Judaism. Sometimes, they planned to murder Jesus because he criticized them and the law. To protect their status and wealth, Jesus had to disappear from this world. Also, from the perspective of political leaders, including Pontius Pilate, the presence of Jesus in large crowds was not welcomed. They only needed the Pax Romana, not the peace of Jesus. They only recognized peace based on great power.

But strangely, Jesus asks his disciples for a colt today. Jesus resisted, nonviolently, the governors and Roman emperors who oppressed Israel with violent force. He could have entered Jerusalem riding a handsome horse, but he does not act like that. Riding an untrained donkey without a proper saddle may be uncomfortable. It also takes a long time. However, Jesus rides this donkey for about 4 km and heads to Jerusalem. It may have been to complete Zecariah 9:9. “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” However, we can see Jesus’ purpose more clearly through these appearances. Jesus came not as a king of force who came through war but as a king of justice and peace who provides salvation.

The mystery continues here as well. In verse 33, we see that just one person did not own the colt. Several people own a donkey. We can see here that they were not rich. In contrast to Mary, who poured expensive perfume, poor people also participated in Jesus’ work. Perhaps the donkey is a great asset to them. But they also joyfully agree. And many people, including the disciples, shout out. This is verse 38.  “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

The Pharisees were not pleased with the disciples’ behavior, so they wanted to stop them through Jesus. But Jesus firmly told them to leave it as is. “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Through these words, I can see the responses of those who participate in Jesus’ ministry and journey. Some gave with their money, others with their time, and some followed Jesus, praising him and spreading his word. They laid their clothes on the ground and praised Jesus as the Messiah. They did the same thing to Jesus as they did to the king of the world. At that moment, they exalted Jesus with great sincerity. They worshiped Him. And Jesus says: “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Their excitement was through the roof. Among those who followed Jesus at the time were Israeli independence activists, and a variety of people, including patients, Jews, and Samaritans, followed him. Each person followed Jesus with different expectations. They expected that there would be significant changes in the world since he came to Jerusalem. Despite Jesus’ repeated suffering and cross predictions, they only saw Jesus’ glory, power, and authority. Of course, those who have experienced the Messiah cannot be silent. It is difficult for us to express this excitement and emotion with anything.

We have no choice but to pass on our experiences with the Messiah to our friends and neighbors. So today, Jesus also invites us to this ministry. He invites us to join in my ministry like these disciples. If we keep quiet, the stones will cry out. So, I want to advise you boldly. This Holy Week is going to be busy. I encourage you to spend every day meditating on the goodness, kindness, and love of Jesus. And I hope you have the opportunity to shout about the life, love, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to your family and neighbors.

So, like the advice of the Apostle Paul, “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his advantage; ⁷ rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! ⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,”

At the same time, I want this to be a week where you humbly meditate on the Lord’s ways and learn about His humility even in your busy daily life. Jesus did a lot of things in these short three years. Despite this, he continued to meditate on God’s will and plan. Like Jesus, we also want to think together about God’s will for us. So, like those who prepared the way for Jesus, we, too, want to participate in the Lord’s way and God’s plan here in Red Deer today. We are blessed that the Creator’s goodness and mercy will continue through the coming week. Amen.