David Bahn - Reflections

As we celebrate Holy Communion we're not just doing a thing that Jesus told us to do. We're participating in the celebration of all that God was and is doing through his Son, Jesus of Nazareth. We do well to believe Jesus' words. We do better by not trying to figure out how to explain his words, or worse, explain them away. We do best when we "do this in remembrance of" all that Jesus has done, is doing, and will ultimately accomplish for us in the life of the world to come.

In whatever manner the events  of Holy Week unfolded, the fact remains that Jesus and his disciples were focusing on the deep spiritual meaning of the Passover while the Jewish leaders were counting votes. Jesus knew it was going to unfold toward his suffering and death. The Passover would soon be fulfilled for all time. That's not a fleeting political calculation. That's an eternal reality.

This week is a great week to focus on God. We best not worry about a "how to" series of sermons and studies - all these about being happier and more successful. Better we listen to the accounts of Jesus' last days on earth, and be reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness, grace, goodness, and love. Those are some of the most beautiful facets of God's faithfulness.

Jesus quotes from two Psalms in this chapter, Psalm 118 and 110. These two Psalm verses show that Jesus is God and man. Lord and Servant. But he will not be dismissed. He is the chief of the corner, and we who build our lives on him will not be put to shame.

God uses people to advance the cause of his reign and rule in the hearts of people, by grace, through faith. What a privilege it would be to provide even a manger for Jesus to be laid in. What a joy to know that you could give a drink of water to Jesus on a hot day at noon. How thankful you would be if Jesus used your gift of pure nard to tell of his coming death and said that your action would be told for generations to come. What would it be like to have offered your upper room for Jesus' last Supper with his disciples. What an honor to provide even your tomb on loan for Jesus' lifeless body - if only for three days. 

Hosanna! Blessed is the King who has come in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! Are we ready to offer whatever Jesus needs to honor him? 

I cannot fail to draw a conclusion about this parable that relates to the secondary motivation for obedience and faithfulness. That's fear. It's not the primary motivation, but sometimes we need to haul ourselves up short rather than give in to temptation out of fear of God. Sometimes we need to use our talents for fear of being reprimanded if we do not.

Better always, we resist temptation and use our gifts faithfully because we love and trust in God. But this is a good reminder that we are to fear God as well. So we say, "We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things." This is most certainly true!

Our story may not be as dramatic as Zacchaeus' story. But Jesus' grace is as far reaching, and our salvation is just as extraordinary. And his presence in our hearts and lives is just as gracious. 

Just as the people of Jesus' day didn't really know what to expect in the Messiah, we are very likely not fully to know what it will be like when Jesus returns and when we are with him face to face. In the meantime, we do well to cultivate a humble faith.

The tax collector in Jesus’ parable went home justified not because he was impressive, but because he knew he wasn’t. He threw himself on the mercy of God—and that’s exactly where grace meets us.

Humility isn’t something we muster—it’s something that happens when we stand before the cross and realize what Jesus did to gain our salvation. There we find what we could never achieve on our own: the smile of God, the welcome of Jesus, and the joy of going home justified.

The fullness of joy is found in a life of faithful gratitude. I'm thankful to God for his faithfulness, and grateful to him even as I pray, "Lord, increase my faith."

PS: Here's my diagram of the interplay between faith and gratitude. What do you think?

Faith & Gratitude Diagram