Malcolm Cox

Introduction

My father gave me a birdfeeder for my birthday. It's one of those that you stick on to a window using suction cups. That way the birds come up close and you can eyeball them. I was warned that it might take some time for the birds to get used to the feeder. However, I was not prepared for the fact that it has taken two months before the first bird appeared. Every few days I change the bird food because it was getting damp and mouldy. I don't know how much money I spent on the bird food that I have to keep throwing onto the ground. I was frustrated, and faintly angry towards those ungrateful birds. Eventually, a pigeon found its way onto the feeder. You will see one of the first birds in the photograph on the website and attached to the podcast. It looks faintly ridiculous because it's not really the right sized bird for that feeder. However, I appreciate it's resourcefulness. 

The Text

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV11)

What do we learn about God?

When God decides to love, no one is going to change his mind. The ups and downs of God's relationship with Israel did not affect the quality of his love for them.  His love is everlasting, his kindness is unfailing. He continues to feed us, his presence is always available, and his grace is consistent. 

Applications

God is still reaching out to you. He has not stopped loving you. No matter how you're feeling today, his feelings for you are the same as they were yesterday. In fact, his love for you on your best days and your worst days is exactly the same. 

Conclusion

Don't think that God is like me, impatient, and unloving towards those he is trying to feed! His patience knows no end. May that be an inspiration for you to connect with them again today, and tomorrow, and the next day.

Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 

If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 

Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review. 

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

What do we learn about Esther’s relationship with Mordecai?
Obedient to him
B. Concerned for him
C. Protective of him
D. Generous to him

What do we learn about Mordecai’s relationship with Esther?
B. By challenging her to accept responsibility
C. Obedient - Accepts her instructions
D. Cooperative - Worked with her

What do we learn about men and women working together?
A. Different circumstances, same devotion to God, each doing their part
B. Accept their Vulnerability
C. Summary

Conclusion
What do we learn about their work together?
Gifts — They bring different gifts to the table.
Opportunity — They have different opportunities because of the circumstances, and take responsibility for doing what they can.
Necessary — They are necessary to each other fulfilling God's will, for their life and blessings that come to others through them
Influence — Neither is dominant, both have an influence on one another
Authority — Both ‘command’ the other

What do we learn about God?
He rewards faith — expressed in sacrifice and courage
Esther depends on God, not her beauty in declaring a fast - 4:16
Esther asks Mordecai to gather all of God's people in Susa for three days of fasting and prayer. She refuses to try to achieve this mission based on her beauty and her cleverness and her influence, though they are great. John Ortberg, Overcoming your shadow mission
Declaring a fast indicates a dependency on God 4:16
Mordechai has mentioned that rescue may come from another place, indicates his faith in God 4:14

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

Introduction
What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the fourth beatitude:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”(Matthew 5:6 NIV11)

The fourth beatitude follows naturally from the first three: ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:3–5 NIV11)

1. The Meaning in the context of the Gospel
    - The call is not passive.  Although we can do nothing to ‘increase’ our own righteousness in God’s eyes, we are still responsible for hungering and thirsting after the right things.
    - Perhaps it is exemplified by the attitude of Paul, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Philippians 3:10 NIV11)
    - Act of righteousness means to create or maintain right relationships between people. To “do right by” someone.
    - Righteousness – in this context not that given us by God to be in right relationship with Him, but a pattern of life lived in conformity to His will.
2. The Meaning for a preacher/teacher
    - A preacher or teacher fully invested in righteousness, is one who wishes to promote rightness in relationship for his listeners with God, and one another.
    - In preparation
        - Ask yourself these questions
            - In what way does this text show us how to be in a right relationship with God?
            - In what way does this text show us how to be in right relationship with one another?
            - Pray about your conclusions, asking God to help you live out the front of your study this week.
            - Look for opportunities to do right by God, and do right by other people.
            - Take note of how you experience being ‘filled’ when you live that way.
    - In presentation
        - Pass on what you have learned. Do so humbly, not using yourself as the ultimate example, but as someone who is learning and growing along with everyone else.
        - Aim to cultivate a hunger in your hearers for this righteousness, trusting that their experience can be as people who are fully filled, just like Jesus promised.

Next week we will get into the fifth Beatitude, but for today I'd like to know what you think. How can we preach and teach in a way that is informed by the fourth beatitude? 

What kinds of questions does this bring to your mind regarding preaching and teaching? Why not pray over the beatitudes, asking God to reveal how they can flavour your speaking? If God reveals anything to you, please drop me a line.

Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 

If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 

Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review. 

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

Introduction

I recently returned from a teaching weekend for our sister congregation in Tallinn, Estonia. The theme was spiritual growth as seen through the lens of 1 Thessalonians. One of the sub-themes was growing together in community.

The Text

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 NIV11)

What do we learn about spiritual growth?

Everything in this text is about community. Although it is appropriate to value those who lead, the responsibility for congregational well-being is shared by every member. In struggling to articulate this in Tallinn, it occurred to me that Christianity is more like rugby than tennis. In our fellowship we are not lobbing ideas across a net at each other. Rather, we are working in close cooperation with one another to achieve a goal. 

Applications

If you have ever played rugby, which I have, you know that the team gets nowhere unless everyone is committed to the same aim. If our congregations are determined that to help each other to grow in Christ-likeness, then individually and collectively we will make progress. It will do us good to make sure that we're talking about God with one another. God, as father, son, and Spirit. What are we learning? What is he teaching us? How have we noticed him at work in our lives? These are excellent conversation starters.

Conclusion

Jesus talked a lot about his father. The apostle Paul is almost annoying at how often he references the godhead in his letters. How about us? Are we shy of talking about God? Let's practice more of this close cooperation and play rugby rather than tennis.

Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 

If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 

Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review. 

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

We hope you enjoy this exciting and thorough treatment of the relationship between Deborah and the Barak. Stefan Wolmarans gives us a fascinating insight into Israel's history, and the relevance for our own times -- as revealed in Judges chapters 4 and 5.

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

Introduction
What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the third beatitude:

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 NIV11)

The third beatitude follows naturally from the first two: ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3–4 NIV11)

1. The Meaning in the context of the Gospel
    - Greek: ‘praus’ means, ‘gentle, humble, considerate, courteous’
    - The blessing is paradoxical.  The proud, boastful and pushy seem to inherit the earth in our experience. 
    - Jesus = ultimate example (same Greek word in these passages….)
        - ““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29 NIV11)
        - ““Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”” (Matthew 21:5 NIV11)
    - Jesus was led as a lamb to the slaughter – not dragged.
    -  Numbers 12 – Moses meekest man – seen in refusal to defend himself and in choosing to reject the comforts of Egypt – a humble self-emptying made at his own choice, like Jesus (Heb 11:24f, Phil 2).
        - “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” (Hebrews 11:24 NIV11)
    - Paul is gracious to people and churches who have hurt him.
    - The meek see themselves as unimportant, even if they are important (like Moses). Jesus did correct people - like when they accused him of being in league with Beelzebub - but he did so to correct their thinking, not to protect himself or make him feel better about himself. Not about threatening his identity. Meek people are secure re identity. Not concerned about reputation in the eyes of others. Not defending ourselves. When meek people explain themselves it is not to shore up reputation, view of self, make self feel better, less bad, less insecure because of attack, but to do with helping people understand things that will be helpful for them.
    - “Meekness is a controlled desire to see the other’s interests advance ahead of one’s own.”  Carson, 23  Gal 6:1
    - Meek person relates well to people because sees self under God along with all others.
    - "God will give them the high place they would not seize for themselves." France, R. T. Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary. TNTC

2. The Meaning for a preacher/teacher
    - Wants to bless, not to be blessed
    - In preparation
        - Listen to God
            - “Meekness allows God to move us by 'swaying our judgment’” - Dallas Willard, “Hearing God”
        - Listen to other people
            - “Meek leaders listen carefully and thoughtfully process the ideas and input of others.” Redefining Leadership, Joseph M. Stowell
        - Will not obscure Jesus: Will not ask, “What do I want to say?”, but, “What does this say about Jesus?”
        - Meek speakers are unafraid of reaction, therefore, we ask what it is that God wants us to say, regardless of whether we want to say it nor not.
    - In presentation
        - Encourage, comfort and urge - in balance
        - Inspiring, not demanding
        - Strong in conviction, not overloading
        - Not expecting people to do things they cannot do
        - Not expecting people to do things you will not do
        - “Poverty of spirit has to do with a person’s assessment of himself, especially with respect to God, while meekness has more to do with his relationship with God and with men.” Carson, 22 
        - Will come across as ‘human’ - not superior, not a superhero Christian

Next week we will get into the fourth Beatitude, but for today I'd like to know what you think. How can we preach and teach in a way that is informed by the third beatitude? 

What kinds of questions does this bring to your mind regarding preaching and teaching? Why not pray over the beatitudes, asking God to reveal how they can flavour your speaking? If God reveals anything to you, please drop me a line.

Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 

If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 

Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review. 

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

Introduction
God has been focusing my mind and heart on the theme of generosity and gratitude. Today, let me bring you the fruits of the reflection on the funeral of my father-in-law on Monday, combined with teaching about Adam and Eve on Sunday.

My father-in-law had many good characteristics, but what stood out to me was his generosity. It seems this was something everyone who knew him noticed. The funeral chapel was packed, including a very large number of ex-work colleagues. At one time he oversaw 500 people in his role at work. Many of those I spoke to said he was the best boss they ever worked for. He was generous with his advice, time and always had a listening ear, even when it was not convenient for him. That generosity drew them to his funeral to express the gratitude.

The day before the funeral, I spoke on the relationship between Adam and Eve. How it went from blissful to broken and the implications for male and female relationships ever since. However, although that was the intended focus, it became clear that God was the real focus.

The Text
“Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.” (Genesis 1:29–30 NIV11)

What do we learn about God?
Have a read through of chapters one and two as well as chapter three, and ask yourself what you learn about God. I would suggest at least all the things below. Perhaps you can find more.

- Creative
- Generous
- Kind
- Protective
- Patient
- Provider
- Sensitive
- Powerful
- Visionary
- Just

Amongst all these things it is his generosity that stands out to me. He provides all of creation for Adam and Eve to enjoy. He replaces them in the best possible conditions – a situation of beauty and abundance. He gives them guidance as to how to avoid any major problems between themselves and him, and even when they reject him, he is gentle in his questioning, generous in providing them with clothing, and protects them from the full consequences of their actions. Not only that, but he gives hope for restoration in the future.

Applications
Gratitude in prayer is engendered by reflection on God’s generosity. How do we express our gratitude? Primarily in praise: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4 NIV11)  I am not sure exactly how this works. Is it that praise stimulates gratitude or gratitude stimulates praise? Perhaps both. Perhaps it does not matter. Praise God for who he is, and you will find yourself grateful. Reflect on God's generosity, and you will find yourself praising him.

Conclusion
One final thought. Gratitude is always possible, no matter the circumstances. : “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NIV11) Our thankfulness is a product of reflecting on God’s trustworthiness. Even though Adam and Eve experienced the consequences of their sin, there was still hope. Eve’s offspring would crush Satan's head (Genesis 3:15).
 
Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 

If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 

Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review. 

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

Our world fractured on many lines: wealth, class, race and ethnicity, religion, age, education

1. It Was Very Good! Gen 1:31
A. Good Creation
Humankind made good - not a mistake
We have a role

B. Role
Responsible - jointly
Fruitful
Rule together
No hierarchy

C. Generosity of God
Creation 
Fruitfulness/stewardship
Purpose

After the ‘big picture’ view of Gen 1, now let’s zoom in on the detail

2. It Was Not Good, Gen 2:18
For Adam to be without a companion

A. Helper
‘Eve’ - ‘life’, 3:20
ezer - other references including to God
For the work - good work God has in mind for us

“…’ezer is a generic term that refers to someone who contributes to completing a task or accomplishing a goal. The objective here is for the ‘ezer to partner in tending the Eden garden. Genesis does not comment one way or another on whether woman is a minor partner (contributing less than Adam), a major partner (contributing more), or an equal partner. Gupta, Nijay K.. Tell Her Story (p. 24). IVP.

He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. (Deut 33:29) 
You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your helper. (Hos 13:9) 
But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer. (Ps 70:5) 
I lift my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps 121:1)

B. Need one another
Not about marriage per se, although most often expressed in that way
Created for community - their fruitfulness will see to that
Their partnership will enable them to serve the creation loaned to them by God
God’s vision: men and women working together harmoniously to bless each other, their children, creation, the world
Plan was to be together enjoying intimacy with God

"Eve wasn't created from Adam's head to dominate him, nor from his feet to be trampled on, but from his side to stand beside him as an equal, from under his arm to be protected, and from close to his heart to be loved."

C. Generosity of God
Human companionship
Beautiful place to live
Purpose/work
Companionship with God

3. It Was Bad, Gen 3
Consequences of rebellion/sin

A. Blame shifting
Could argue man more responsible because she was deceived, but he rebelled. He received direct command, 2:16-17

B. Broken trust and dream
With each other, the creation and God
Previously worked together for creation’s benefit - now fear 3:10
‘desire for husband’ - can mean dominate 3:16
‘rule over you’ - descriptive or prescriptive? 3:16
Evidence of sin connected with hierarchy? 

C. Generosity of God
Grace
No eternal evil: Hitler etc.
Clothing (better than Adam’s, 3:7/21)
Not killed/destroyed - protected

Conclusion, Gen 3:15 - There is hope….
What do we learn about God?
Creative 
Generous
Kind
Protective
Patient
Provider
Sensitive
Powerful
Visionary
Just

What is our aim?
Pre-fall relationship?
Accept post-fall situation of struggle for dominance?

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:20 NIV11)

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

Tuesday Teaching Tip 307 | The Beatitudes and Effective Communication: Lessons for Preachers and Teachers | “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” | Malcolm Cox

Introduction
What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the second beatitude:

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV11)

The second beatitude follows naturally from the first one: ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 NIV11)1. The Meaning in the context of the Gospel

The Pharisees were mourning over the Roman domination, and perhaps over the sins of Israel, but not their own sin.

Spiritually healthy people of the Old Testament days wept when God was dishonoured.

“Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.” (Psalm 119:136 NIV11)

God noticed and applauded those whose hearts were grieved like his.

- ““Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.”” (Ezekiel 9:4 NIV11)Paul had the same heart.

“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18 NIV11)

“So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31 NIV11)

As John Stott said in his book ‘Christian Counterculture’, 

“Jesus wept over the sins of others, over their bitter consequences in judgement and death, and over the impenitent city which would not receive him. We, too, should weep over the evil in the world, as did the godly men of biblical times.”Many of the people lifted up for mention in the Gospels were those who mourned over their sin. The sample of the ‘sinful woman’ stands out as she cries tears over the feet of Jesus as the Pharisee looks on tutting at her impious behaviour (Luke 7:36-50). The mourner goes home at peace with themselves and their God.

2. The Meaning for a preacher/teacher

'Any notion of prayer that excludes praise ignores the glory of God and the possibilities for happiness in the world; a notion of prayer that excludes lament disregards the unredeemed state of the world, the judgement of God, and his despair about the world. A triumph of praise over lament obscures God's capacity to suffer and his acts of judgement. A triumph of lament over praise turns lament into embittered blasphemy.' Eva Harasta; Brian Brock. Evoking Lament: A Theological Discussion. Kindle Edition.

Next week we will get into the third Beatitude, but for today I'd like to know what you think. How can we preach and teach in a way that is informed by the second beatitude?

What kinds of questions does this bring to your mind regarding preaching and teaching? Why not pray over the beatitudes, asking God to reveal how they can flavour your speaking? If God reveals anything to you, please drop me a line.

Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [email protected].

If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

Why not sign up for AIM: https://www.aimukandireland.com. Send me an email expressing interest if you cannot find what you need on the site. 

Introduction

This is the second of two classes reflecting on the significance of the witnesses to the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This week's class will focus on the witnesses to the resurrection. 

Who was at the tomb?

The Text

“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realise that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.”
(John 20:11–18 NIV11)

What did Mary experience?
The gentleness of Jesus

See, ‘He knows my name’: https://youtu.be/ore7feFfD40

(I expand on this point in my latest quiet time coaching episode which you can find here: https://www.malcolmcox.org/quiet-time-coaching-episode-409-resurrection-reflection-the-gentleness-of-jesus-malcolm-cox/).

What does this tell us about faith? And love for Christ?

Just as at the cross and thee burial we are seeing discipleship in action as displayed by the marginalised in society. Mary is determined to be close to Jesus, even if it he is dead. Now that’s commitment! She wants to hold him, even if it didn't make sense. She is willing and eager to obey Jesus by taking the message to the Apostles, even though it would not make sense to them. She is brave even though afraid. She had the courage to witness to Jesus even when it did not make sense. She knew her testimony would most likely be dismissed. What was she thinking as she made her way to find the apostles? Compelled by truth, excitement, and love she went to find them even though she did not know exactly what, how or why the events of the resurrection had happened. She laid herself open to ridicule.

What does this mean for us today?

Conclusion

Perhaps the overall point here is not to lose sight of Jesus when talking about the resurrection. Mary Magdalene was eager to take the message back to Peter and John. But what made her so excited was not some theological point, but that the one who loved her and the one she loved was alive. She had seen him, heard from him, and at least tried to touch him.

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/ ).

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm