8/23/20

Sermon Notes:

Dear EPC Family, 

The readings for this Sunday are as follows: 

·         Exodus 1:8-2:10 and Psalm 124  •

·         Isaiah 51:1-6 and Psalm 138  •

·         Romans 12:1-8  • Matthew 16:13-20

The sermon will focus on the passage from Matthew 16:17-20. On Sunday, I’ll talk about who the disciples say Jesus is and who Jesus says Peter is, and who, in turn, we are.

What I won’t talk much about is the last line “Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.” So I thought I’d use the space to talk about it a bit.

It’s strange, isn’t it? To be silent about Jesus is not exactly evangelistic.

We know, of course, that the disciples do eventually become the agents by which a belief in Christ is spread, and through whom Christianity is eventually formed.

It could be that the disciples are told not to talk about Jesus’ identity until they have more time to understand more about him and his mission, and that he will die on the cross. Perhaps Jesus knows that the powers who might obstruct him should not yet be awakened to his presence? Perhaps Jesus knows something about himself, the he needs more time before so many people know his true identity?

We don’t know. 

What we do know is that sometimes we too are called upon to live as silent witnesses to Christ’s nature as Savior. As Christ’s witnesses we must sometimes live in a Christlike manner without declarations about Christ, allowing God to reveal through us Christ’s love and meaning. 

In Christ, the victory of heaven over hell is accomplished. This work is already complete and we are held fast in this truth by God’s love, even as we make our way through this life.

How can we live this day in a manner that reflects our heartfelt and silent declaration, " Christ Jesus, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”?

See you Sunday!

Yours in Christ, 

Jane