This is one of the many "difficult sayings" of Jesus. It seems on surface like a paradox. It is at best impractical, or at worst impossible. Jesus made similar statements in several places in the bible:
John 12;25
Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Matthew 10:39
Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 16:25
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Luke 9:24
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
Mark 8:35
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
This site calls it "Hate it or lose it". It says: "In the final analysis, the difference between those who really believe in Jesus Christ, and those who only make glib concessions to religion, in found in how they respond to the words of Christ, Himself. Those who believe that Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15), and the express image of His person (Heb 1:3), and that there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved (Heb 4:12), will always respond to the words of Jesus as if both heaven and hell were hanging upon them."
In the passage in John 12:1-26, this is Jesus' last Passover week before his death. He just raised Lazarus from the dead. He was in Bethany where he was anointed by Mary with expensive perfume and where he once again affirmed his impending death and burial. The chief priests were trying to kill him and his own disciple Judas Iscariot had decided to betray him. He was received by the people of Jerusalem as a king in the famous "Triumphal Entry". What an emotional roller coster ride!!
Now there were some Greeks (who had converted to Judaism) among those who went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival who wanted to see Jesus, presumably because they had heard so much about him. It was in this context, that Jesus said these words. But he began by using an object lesson - a kernel of wheat must die (buried in soil) before it can spring to life, a life that will produce many seeds. So what is it like for those of us who trust in Jesus to die and what is it like to really live?
Bob Wilkin has one of the best answers I have found:
Love and hate are figures of speech concerning priorities. He suggests that what Jesus is calling for is self denial. We are to deny any pleasures that stand in the path of glorifying and obeying God. Only by losing our lives (denying ourselves) do we truly gain them - lives that God plans for us. He made this strongest admonition to Peter, his closest disciple in Matthew 16:24: "Whoever wants to be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me". This is after Peter, with the best of intention, tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross!
The act of self denial is not easy. The more we appreciate what the life now as God intends it to be, and the future glory, the more likely it is that we find our self-seeking life to be less attractive and therefore denying it would be that much easier.
Friday 31 May 2013
Friday 24 May 2013
聖經研究心得 ： 什麼是真正的自由
這是我第一次嘗試用中文寫博客(blog)。自1971年離開香港，我既沒有機會，也不需要使用我的中國語文。所以這是一個很大的挑戰。我要先用英語開始, 然後在網上翻譯為中文。 翻譯中一定會有不準確的地方， 我會試圖糾正。我希望不僅找回我的根，但也可以同我的家人和朋友們分享從聖經內學到的真理。
今天的經文是约翰福音 8:31-32
31 於是耶穌對信了他的猶太人說：“你們若持守我的道，就真是我的門徒了； 32 你們必定認識真理，真理必定使你們自由。”
耶穌是猶太人。他知道猶太人的法律。在這一章中，他在聖殿內教道民眾。民眾中有真正有興趣聽聽他說的話的猶太人，但也有其他人（如經文士們和法利賽人）他們想找一個理由殺耶穌。
本章的開始就是一涸陷阱（1-11節） - 這些經文士們和法利賽人帶來一個在通姦時被抓住的婦人。他們對耶穌說：「老師，這婦人是正在通姦的時候被抓住的。摩西在律法上吩咐我們用石頭砸死這樣的女人，既然如此，你怎麼說呢？」他們說這話是要試探耶穌，為要找把柄來控告他。耶穌的回答是不與法律相抵觸，但指出的是，"每個人都犯了罪，虧缺了神的榮耀"（羅馬書3:23）"因為罪的工價就是死；但神的恩賜，在我們的主基督耶穌裡，卻是永恆的生命"（羅馬書6:23）。耶穌對他們說：「你們當中誰沒有罪，誰就先用石頭砸她吧！」他們聽了這話，從年長的開始，一個接一個地走開了。周圍的人知道，他們也犯了罪。這個女人生命的禮物是從耶穌的寬恕，從此，她會找到力量離開她罪的生活。
然後耶穌宣稱：
1。他是世界的光（12節）。
2。耶穌是從父來。他的父親是他的見證（第16節）。 「這是我的愛子，我所喜悅的。」（馬太福音3:17）。
3。他是彌賽亞 「除他以外，沒有救恩；因為在天下人間，沒有賜下別的名，我們必須靠著得救。」（使徒行傳4:12）。「事實上，你們如果不信我就是那一位，就將死在自己的罪孽中。」（第23節）
耶穌告訴這些相信他的猶太 - 沒有人能完全遵守法律以得永生。但是，如果有人認為他（他是誰，他從那裡來，他會為我們的罪死 - “你們舉起人子的時候，你們那時就會明白我就是那一位“（28節）
如果我們 “若持守我的道”，我們成為他的門徒（而不是普通信徒）。在他和他的真理，我們會發現真正的自由 - 法律不能夠譴責我們。
所以現在，那些在基督耶穌裡的人，就不被定罪了（羅8:1）
The truth will set you free
It has been more than two weeks since I wrote my last blog. There is no excuse. I was on vacation and had plenty of time to do it. I did commit to posting to my Facebook daily with interesting things I encountered - and there were plenty, both in Hong Kong and in Taiwan where I spent five days on a tour that took us from the south to the north of the island. I had lots of opportunity to see and hear what God was showing me through my journey.
Today's scripture is based on John 8. The most famous verse is probably verses 31-32:
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Jesus is a Jew. He knows about the Jewish laws. In this chapter he was teaching in the temple courts. There were Jews who were genuinely interested to hear what he had to say but there were others (like the teachers of the law and the Pharisees) who looking for a reason to kill him.
The chapter began with a trap (verses 1-11) - they brought a woman caught in the act of adultery. According to the law of Moses, she should be stoned to death! Now what would Jesus say to that? Was Jesus' teaching different from the traditions? Jesus' reply was not to contradict the law but to point out that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). The woman caught in adultery was not stoned as those around her left knowing that they too had sinned and deserved death. The gift of life for this woman was the forgiveness from Jesus and from then on she would find strength to leave her life of sin.
Jesus then proclaimed that:
1. He was the light of the world (verse 12).
2. Jesus is from the Father. His Father is his witness (verse 16). "This is my beloved son in whom I am well-pleased" (Matthew 3:17).
3. He is the Messiah and salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12). If you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins. (verse 23)
What Jesus was telling these believing Jews was that the laws were written to convict them of their sins. No one can fully obey the laws and be saved. However, if anyone believes in Him (who he is, where he is from and what he would be doing for our sins - "when you have lifted the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me" (verse 28)
If we "hold on" to this teaching we become his disciples (as opposed to the ordinary believers). In holding on to Him and His truth, we will find freedom - freedom from the condemnation of the laws.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Today's scripture is based on John 8. The most famous verse is probably verses 31-32:
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Jesus is a Jew. He knows about the Jewish laws. In this chapter he was teaching in the temple courts. There were Jews who were genuinely interested to hear what he had to say but there were others (like the teachers of the law and the Pharisees) who looking for a reason to kill him.
The chapter began with a trap (verses 1-11) - they brought a woman caught in the act of adultery. According to the law of Moses, she should be stoned to death! Now what would Jesus say to that? Was Jesus' teaching different from the traditions? Jesus' reply was not to contradict the law but to point out that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). The woman caught in adultery was not stoned as those around her left knowing that they too had sinned and deserved death. The gift of life for this woman was the forgiveness from Jesus and from then on she would find strength to leave her life of sin.
Jesus then proclaimed that:
1. He was the light of the world (verse 12).
2. Jesus is from the Father. His Father is his witness (verse 16). "This is my beloved son in whom I am well-pleased" (Matthew 3:17).
3. He is the Messiah and salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12). If you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins. (verse 23)
What Jesus was telling these believing Jews was that the laws were written to convict them of their sins. No one can fully obey the laws and be saved. However, if anyone believes in Him (who he is, where he is from and what he would be doing for our sins - "when you have lifted the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me" (verse 28)
If we "hold on" to this teaching we become his disciples (as opposed to the ordinary believers). In holding on to Him and His truth, we will find freedom - freedom from the condemnation of the laws.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Thursday 9 May 2013
How to respond to the tragedy in the Boston Marathon
I have always found the stories in the beginning of Luke 13 intriguing. The 13th chapter seems to be the continuation of a long lecture to thousands of people who were following Jesus beginning in the 12th chapter. The two chapters are made up of many different lessons which generally serve to encourage Jesus' disciples or to warn those who were just coming for the ride.
Jesus was asked by someone in the crowd for his comments on likely a recent news event concerning "the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices" (verse 1). Apparently these Galileans were pilgrims whom Pilate slaughtered while they were making animal sacrifices - thus their blood was mixed with the animal blood (see Carrington's reference to Josephus' document). Jesus understood the point of his question which is "did they suffer because of their sins?". He then asked him back to comment on likely another recent tragedy event concerning "the eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them" (verse 4). These were innocent people who died in an accident. They too didn't die because of their sins. (There is a lovely write up in Wikipedia about the Tower of Siloam). Jesus used both of these stories to warn those who were present that "Unless you repent, you too will all perish" (verse 5). He then further explained that true repentance should result in bearing fruit. He illustrated this with the parable of the fig tree (verse 6). In this parable, the owner (i.e. God) of the fig tree that didn't produce any fruit after 3 years told his servant to cut it down. But the servant pleaded with the owner to wait another year. He would dig around it and fertilize it to give it another chance. I think this servant is Jesus himself. He is ever so patient with us. He nurtures us to give us an opportunity to repent and bear fruit.
We are sad about many of the world's events these days. Many innocent people are killed. The most recent famous event happened during the Boston Marathon (Boston Marathon bombings April 15, 2013). When such event happens it will generate questions, many of which are spiritual in nature. If I remember what Jesus has taught me today, as much as I too would be upset and share the sadness with all, I could use the opportunity to point others to Jesus.
Jesus was asked by someone in the crowd for his comments on likely a recent news event concerning "the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices" (verse 1). Apparently these Galileans were pilgrims whom Pilate slaughtered while they were making animal sacrifices - thus their blood was mixed with the animal blood (see Carrington's reference to Josephus' document). Jesus understood the point of his question which is "did they suffer because of their sins?". He then asked him back to comment on likely another recent tragedy event concerning "the eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them" (verse 4). These were innocent people who died in an accident. They too didn't die because of their sins. (There is a lovely write up in Wikipedia about the Tower of Siloam). Jesus used both of these stories to warn those who were present that "Unless you repent, you too will all perish" (verse 5). He then further explained that true repentance should result in bearing fruit. He illustrated this with the parable of the fig tree (verse 6). In this parable, the owner (i.e. God) of the fig tree that didn't produce any fruit after 3 years told his servant to cut it down. But the servant pleaded with the owner to wait another year. He would dig around it and fertilize it to give it another chance. I think this servant is Jesus himself. He is ever so patient with us. He nurtures us to give us an opportunity to repent and bear fruit.
We are sad about many of the world's events these days. Many innocent people are killed. The most recent famous event happened during the Boston Marathon (Boston Marathon bombings April 15, 2013). When such event happens it will generate questions, many of which are spiritual in nature. If I remember what Jesus has taught me today, as much as I too would be upset and share the sadness with all, I could use the opportunity to point others to Jesus.
2 Peter 3:9
New International Version (NIV)
9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Sunday 5 May 2013
Paying taxes
I delayed writing this blog until after filing my income tax. I want to use the opportunity to read through the scripture passages on this subject again and to explore it further.
The subject of paying taxes to Caesar can be found in three of the Gospels:
Matthews 22:15-22
Mark 12:13-17
Luke 20:20-26
All three passages are remarkably similar:
Recently in a sermon by Bruxy Cavey "Jesus the Teacher" he said something quite new and remarkable. He shifted my focus on this Jesus' teaching: "give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" from Caesar to God! This teaching has more to say than paying taxes. It teaches me to give my entire life to God. I belong to God. For "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:20). Now that's a new perspective!
Do I still feel annoyed by how much tax I paid? Yes. Do I try every possible means to reduce my tax? Maybe a little less. I have been so richly blessed with what I have been given. I feel less compelled to keep more of it for myself. Sometimes I can be quite distracted by all the things I have to do in order to reduce my tax that I have less of myself for God. I think Jesus has and will continue to have something to say about that!
The subject of paying taxes to Caesar can be found in three of the Gospels:
Matthews 22:15-22
Mark 12:13-17
Luke 20:20-26
All three passages are remarkably similar:
- The Pharisees, who were teachers of the law including the chief priests, along with the Herodians (possibly a political party), were looking for ways to catch Jesus saying something they can use to accuse him of.
- They began their question by complimenting Jesus' integrity and his teaching that is in accordance to God's law.
- The question was "Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?".
- Jesus' answer includes an object lesson: he asked them to show him a denarius. "Whose image and inscription are on it?"
- His answer on the subject of paying taxes: "give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's".
- The questioners left astonished at Jesus' answer. They were unsuccessful in finding anything to accuse him of. (Note in Luke 23:2 these same people lied and accused Jesus of teaching his disciples not to pay tax to Caesar!)
Wikipedia has a very good write up on the "Render unto Caesar" theme, including the historical context and some of the modern interpretations.
Up until a few weeks ago, my understanding of this Gospel narrative has been along these lines:
- Paying tax honestly is my duty as a Christian. God wants me to act righteously in this area, as in "Do not steal. Do not lie. Do you deceive one another" (Leviticus 19:11).
- Paying tax is my duty as a citizen of this country. It's a way for me to pay for my share to support the government infrastructure and to (indirectly) help those who are in need of public support. My wife calls it a donation to the government! I think this relates to Paul's teaching in Roman 13:1-7 where he expounded on the theme of submitting to governing authorities: "this is why you also pay taxes" (verse 6).
- I don't think this "Paying taxes to Caesar" theme speaks to the matter of generous and cheerful giving by trusting God on his rich provision, as in 2 Corinthians 9:7.
- I also don't think it is related to the "Paying the Temple Tax" theme in Matthews 17:24-27. BibleGateway.com has a very nice commentary on this.
Recently in a sermon by Bruxy Cavey "Jesus the Teacher" he said something quite new and remarkable. He shifted my focus on this Jesus' teaching: "give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" from Caesar to God! This teaching has more to say than paying taxes. It teaches me to give my entire life to God. I belong to God. For "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:20). Now that's a new perspective!
Do I still feel annoyed by how much tax I paid? Yes. Do I try every possible means to reduce my tax? Maybe a little less. I have been so richly blessed with what I have been given. I feel less compelled to keep more of it for myself. Sometimes I can be quite distracted by all the things I have to do in order to reduce my tax that I have less of myself for God. I think Jesus has and will continue to have something to say about that!
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