Chapter 8 - Living for Jesus
Often missed by theologians, Jesus tells us that all authority has been given to Him (see Matthew 9:6; 11:27; 28:18, see also Daniel 7:13-14; John 3:35; 5:27; 13:3; 17:2; Acts 2:36; Romans 14:9; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:10, 20–22; Philippians 2:9, 10; Colossians 2:10; Hebrews 1:2; 2:8; 1 Peter 3:22). What does that mean? In its simplest definition, it means that everything and everyone is under His command and authority. Perhaps a better question would be, “What does that mean for us?” Just like any boss, it means that whatever He says you are to do, you do! In the gospel accounts there are several commands He has given believers, but there is one that stands out above the others and that is the Great Commission, which follows one of the statements that all authority has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18), to make disciples, baptize those disciples, and teach them. Teach them what? “To observe all that I have commanded you” (Verse 20). Which means believers need to know what He taught and be doing them themselves.
Jesus taught with both words and actions. To begin, we need to recognize that our Lord and Savior came into this world as a humble servant, and as His servants we also need to be humble and serve others. Just as being humble is contrary to how people of this world think, we also see that Jesus’ teachings were also contrary to the world. Making His followers seem peculiar to most. Being different, or separate for the purposes of God, is the definition of being holy (see Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:13-25).
Jesus taught using a variety of methods including parables, acts of compassion and healings, debates with various Jewish leaders, supernatural demonstrations, answering inquires from others, etc. We learn from Him about His Father, about the Holy Spirit, about Him, and the existence of the kingdom of God (Matthew uses the phrase, “kingdom of heaven” instead), which consists of all believers, also known as the church and the body of Christ. We also learn of its earthly mission to evangelize and about its future. But Jesus didn’t stop there, He also gave us direct commands to fulfill while on earth, which include, but not limited to: loving God; to serve others; to forgive; reconcile relationships; honor our parents; to cast our burdens on Him; to obey Him; to have no fear; to pray; treat others like you would want to be treated; not to worry; not to judge hypocritically; to seek God first; love our enemies; keep your word; do not lust; love others; to witness to others; be watching; to be ready for His return; to remember what He did for us; care for others; not to fall into temptation; teach others; give to anyone who asks; to baptize new believers; and list goes on (see Matthew 4:17, 19; 5:11-12, 16, 23-25, 28-30, 37, 39, 41-42, 44-46, 48; 6:1-18, 19-21, 31-33; 7:1-3, 6, 7-8, 12, 13-14, 15-16; 9:37-38; 10:16, 28; 11:15, 28-30; 12:31-32; 15:4; 16:6; 18:10; 15-17, 21-22; 19:4-6; 20:26-28; 21:12-13, 21-22; 22:19-21; 22:37-38, 39-40; 24:42-44; 26:26-28, 41; 28:19, 20; Mark 3:28, 35; 13:33; Luke 6:27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32-35, 36, 37, 38; 9:23-25; 12:15; 14:12-14; 24:49; John 3:5-7; 21:15-16; 14:15).
This may be an odd observation, but there are a few things from our perspective that seem to be missing: He said nothing about the Sabbath, it remains to be only relevant to the Mosaic Covenant. The observation of the Sabbath and the other festivals are no longer required. Since God’s Law has been fulfilled by Jesus (see Matthew 5:17-20) the need to have altars, candles, etc. are not necessary for worship services. In fact the only reference Jesus made to praise at all was that true worshipers will worship (Greek ‘proskunéō’,[1] to adore, show respect, prostrate before, to kiss, to worship) the Father in spirit and truth (see John 4:23-24). No further instructions given. So why do so many Christians and denominations demand specific protocols, rituals, traditions or procedures regarding worship? The apostle Paul identifies Christian worship as being obedience two Jesus 24 hours a day, seven days a week (see Romans 12:1-2).
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[1] Strong’s Greek 4352.