The Secret of Love (04.30.2006)

This week, we begin a new unit -- Dependence on God. In our ongoing study of the person of Jesus, we have looked at Compassion and Honesty. This next unit will show us how dependence on God was essential to Jesus' character -- and how our own dependence on God will enable us to love like He did.

THE POWERLESSNESS OF JESUS
Imagine overhearing a man say, “I can’t do anything by myself. I can only do what I see my dad doing.” What would you think about him? What might he be like as a person? What concerns come to mind?

• He's weak
• He's disabled
• His father is demanding or overbearing
• He's young
• That's how his father raised him

Read John 5:19. Why is it surprising that this is Jesus speaking?

• We think of Jesus as being all-powerful, able to do anything

Three themes in Jesus’ life are evident in this passage:

• Powerlessness theme
• Childlike theme
• Faith theme

This comment describes Jesus’ whole life. Dependence shapes and empowers. honesty and compassion. The opposite is also true. Self-will twists and distorts our honesty and compassion.

JESUS SAYS “NO” TO HIS BROTHERS
Read John 7:1-9 about the Feast of Tabernacles

• Why do Jesus’ brothers want Him to go to Jerusalem? Why do they mention the Feast?
  This was the biggest feast of the Jewish year. Hundreds of thousands of people would be there. They want Jesus to go because it would be a great "marketing" moment for him.
  
• What do they assume Jesus wants? Why are they making this assumption?
  They assume Jesus wants to be a public figure (look at v. 4). They make that assumption because it is what they want for themselves -- they are projecting what most people want onto Jesus.
  
• Why might this be a wrong assumption about Jesus?
  It's the wrong assumption because it is not what Jesus was about -- He did not seek personal glory.
  
• What other motives might Jesus’ brothers have for wanting Him to become famous?
  If their brother is famous, they could ride his coattails and be famous, as well.

Places where Jesus goes (Bethsaida, Nain, Nazareth, Capernaum, etc.) are backwater towns. The biggest cities are not mentioned. He is clearly avoiding the limelight!

• What does Jesus mean when He tells His brothers, “For you any time is right”?
  Since His brothers are living out of God's will, they do not have to wait for the "right time" for anything that they do. They are free to act whenever they wish.

While we hate anything that smacks of control, He wouldn’t live life without it. Jesus does not “do life” unless He’s completely in tune with His Father.

• What are His brothers in bondage to? What’s behind their desire that Jesus go to Jerusalem?
  They are in bondage to their own lusts and desires. Their personal glory is behind their desire for Jesus to go to the big city.
  
• While Jesus appears to be in bondage, how is He in fact free?
  He is free from the opinions of other people.
  
• Surrender to God: “I do nothing on my own.” ------> Freedom
• Freedom from God: “If it feels good, do it.” ------> Bondage to our own lusts

Read John 5:41-42, 44 about the praise of men

• What is at the core of Jesus’ being (5:42,44)?
  Having the love of God inside of Him -- that's at the core of who He is. He knows He has it and He acts accordingly.
  
• What is the connection between having the love of God in your hearts and not accepting praises from people?
  When you have the love of God in your heart, the praises from people are not as appealing or necessary. But if you place priority on accepting praises from others, there is often little room -- or desire -- for God's love in your heart.
  
• What would have happened to Jesus’ ability to love others if He had gone to Jerusalem? Why?
  His ministry would have been ineffective in that moment. His ability to love others would not have been rooted in the love of God in His heart -- it would have been twisted and distorted by a desire to gain the acceptance and approval of the crowds.
  
• How are Jesus’ values different from our world’s views of strength, power, and helplessness?
  The world values individual strength and power, encouraging us to "unleash the power within" us. Helpless people are seen as victims, a sign of weakness.

OUR SELF-WILL
Ernie forgets to take out the trash. His roommate, Bert, says, “You forgot to take out the trash again” (saying the word “again” with emphasis and a little irritation).

• Why does Bert say “again” – especially with emphasis?
• What is absent from Bert's equation?
• Why does it feel good to say “again”?
• Who is Bert depending on to see that his will is done?

Read John 12:49: “For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.” Jesus’ statement is the exact opposite of what Bert seems to believe. Bert is using his words to achieve his will and make himself look good.

TABLE TALK: How could Bert have been honest, yet not self-willed, in this situation?

BEING THE REAL DEAL
Here’s how you can apply this message from God’s Word:

• Think back over the last week. Were there moments when you stopped being dependent on God and relied on yourself instead? Are these moment you’re likely to encounter again? If so, ask God to be your source of strength – and see how differently things turn out.

PRAYING GOD'S WORD
Use the following passages to pray God’s Word back to Him, either on your own or with others:

Dear Heavenly Father, Your foolishness is wiser than my wisdom, and Your weakness is stronger than my strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25) It is You who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. (Psalm 18:32) My flesh and my heart may fail, but You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26) I pray that out of Your glorious riches You will strengthen me with power through Your Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. (Ephesians 3:16-17) May my Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God my Father, who loved me and by Your grace gave me eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage my heart and strengthen me in every good deed and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) In the very real and powerful name of Your Son, Jesus, AMEN!