"Which Jesus Do You Prefer?"

Introduction
The Hebrew writer said, "but we see Jesus...." What a magnificent summary of a life that provides forgiveness. The same writer wrote "consider Him" (fix your thoughts on him) and fix your eyes on him.

In John 12:20, Greeks came to some of the disciples and said, "We want to see Jesus." Other passages and events in history could be cited, but the fact remains that everyone needs to see Jesus more clearly. Our tendency is to see only that part of Jesus which appeals to our needs or backgrounds or preferences.

Paul said in 1 Cor. 1 that the Greeks seek wisdom, and the Jews seek a sign. Jesus knew during his ministry that there were wisdom seekers and sign seekers. Those who seek wisdom are most interested in debate and dialogue on theological and philosophical issues of the day. Such are seldom genuinely committed to the truth they purport to seek. Those who seek signs profess to believe more strongly if only they can see, walking by sight and not by faith.

Expansion

John 12:20 occurs in the context of the passion week, and now we approach that time (we don't know exactly, but our spring season is the time of the Passover and undoubtedly the time of Jesus' death). Jesus in our text demands a verdict, now that it is passion week. The time for indecision is over, the time for choosing is at hand. Those who would be disciples must lose their life and hate their life in this world in order to save it. Unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Whoever serves me must follow me wherever I may go (verses 25-26). When the story of Jesus is clearly in view, the time for talking and maybes and casual followers is over.

Today questions about Jesus are still being asked today; the major religions of the world give various answers.

  • 1. Islam - Muslims revere Jesus as the son of Mary.
  • 2. Hinduism - Jesus came in order to get in touch with his god-consciousness.
  • 3. Buddhism - The life stories of Jesus and the Buddha are strikingly similar.
  • 4. Judaism - There is a growing concern among Jewish students and scholars to understand Jesus.

    Over the next two weeks, our study will not be about world religions, but about four men who saw Jesus firsthand, and present to us together a integrated view of Jesus. You may prefer one over the other, but all are a part of God's plan for us to see Jesus. _________________________________________

    MARK
    Wonderful little book before us tonight, compact view of Jesus, simple, concise, probably Gentile or Roman audience intended.
    1:1, the gospel. Good news, this is it.
    1:14-15, kingdom things, repent and believe, honor God through him

    I. Who is Jesus? Servant Lord who Touches Lives.
    See this question, and answer, in the first four chapters especially. Lord over illness, disease, evil spirits, nature, our world, paralysis....

    II. Who can be a follower of this Jesus?
    Only surrendered people who can really see will make the sacrifice of service and servanthood. When Jesus gets ready to talk about his death in Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:32, he begins with and ends with a blind man story? Accident?

    Will you give like the boy gave his lunch? Will you give like the widow? Will you give like Jesus?

    The idea that Jesus came serving is not a popular idea today. We are not into service.


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    Last updated March 20, 2005.