John 12:12-16, 13:1-17, 31b-35

Deserving to be “given a serve, we were served”.

When I was 25 years old, basically against my desires-I was talked into coaching the senior football team. This team had very little success over the previous years-but now there was great expectation and excitement.

In the first game, we played the arch rivals and lost by more than fifteen goals and boy did I know their disappointment and disillusionment. Because I was the subject of that disappointment and disillusionment.

Misguided or unrealistic expectations.

Being a Christian: never have any more worries, life will be good, and if its not, it means your faith is not strong enough. Even, according to the odd late night evangelist, send in money and you will be rewarded tenfold.

Misguided, unrealistic and even sinister crap.

Becoming a Christian is like becoming a husband or wife and then a mother or father. Absolutely the joy increases, but so does the hurt-because their hurts and sadness’s become yours.

Having faith in Christ-in being a Christian we share with Christ, the injustices and hurts of this world and its people. We may get sick or we may not, we may struggle financially or we may not-so be it, that’s life. Jesus never promised either way, he promised that he would be with us through it all, to serve us and get us over the line.

Jesus enters Jerusalem and is welcomed as the great king. “Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. The King of Israel”.

Absolutely true. Albeit misguided-those welcoming Jesus expected a warrior type of king to release them from the bondage of the Romans. To drive them out of town and when this doesn’t eventuate-we know the story.

But as we know, Jesus had a bigger fish to fry. Yes Jesus would release them, release from the bondage of sin. To bring true freedom, not as the warrior king, but as the servant king.

Jesus didn’t come to run the bad guys out of town, but to bring the bad guys, Jews, Gentiles, Greeks, Romans and Australians-you and me into town-into his kingdom.

Jesus did not come to give people a serve, he came to serve. Let’s fast forward to Maundy Thursday. It is the night in which Jesus was to be betrayed and he has gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room to celebrate the Passover meal for the last time. It was during this meal that he instituted the Lord’s Supper.

He took some of the bread, gave thanks, and broke it; he gave it to his disciples saying “This is my blood”. Then he took the cup and said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many” and added, “Do this in remembrance of me”.

The Word Maundy means command and in verse 34 Jesus tells his disciples “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”.

Jesus giving his body and blood for our forgiveness of sins certainly demonstrated his love for us. But also that night Jesus demonstrated his love in washing his disciples’ feet.

These days, foot washing is not all that prevalent-and when it is it is done in only a symbolic manner. In fact I remember attending a chapel where it was announced that they would conduct foot washing during the up and coming Maundy Thursday worship, and then finished with the instruction that it would be preferred if you would present your  feet were in a reasonable hygienic fashion.

Which as we will see is rather like telling a homeless person we won’t help them until they get their act together, because in Jesus day there was a logical purpose for foot washing.  The common practice was to wash the guests’ feet as they entered the house. Since most people wore sandals, and because there were no foot paths or paved roads, the visitor’s feet would be dirty from travelling. Also, in a hot climate like Israel to have your feet washed was very refreshing.  A jug of water, basin and towel at the door were marks of genuine hospitality.

But it was still considered a menial, if not even a demeaning task, it was the responsibility of the household slave to conduct the said feet washing and make them refreshed and comfortable.

In the Upper Room that night, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, not only to make them comfortable, but to also as a demonstration of his purpose in life. As well what their purpose in life should be.

Earlier in his ministry Jesus told his followers in Matthew chapter 20: “Whoever wants to be first must be your slave-Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”, and later that evening “love one another as I have loved you”.

On that night, just hours before he would suffer for them, for us-Jesus acted out what the purpose of what his life was and still is: to serve, both you and me.

I remember several years ago I went to watch the Port Adelaide Magpies; the most successful semi-professional/professional Aussie Rules football club in Australia play arch-rival Norwood. There was not a big crowd there, but none the less two Port guys sat right next to me. Initially I thought this is good because in Adelaide, if you go for Port every one’s your arch rival except for fellow Port supporters. So I was thinking along the safety in numbers scenario. Then he started. One of the guys was the Pavarotti of football fans. Just before the first bounce he started, and he never abated until the final siren. Port that day lost, but on the way, this guy constantly in a booming voice-for every second of the 80 minutes never shouted  ridicule, only encouragement to the players. He displayed if nothing else, a voice box made of granite, loyalty to his club and courage under fire to continue with the opposition supporters giving it to him as Port went steadily backwards.

Halfway through the third quarter, his quieter mate, maybe sensing that even I would like him to tone down a touch-turned around and said “he’s a barracking machine”.

Jesus is a foot washing machine.

Like that Port guy to his club, when we aren’t performing, when we are losing the battles-Jesus doesn’t take a backward step: he just keeps on keeping on.  That’s why we are here tonight. We just didn’t wake one morning and say-I have decided that I believe this Christ stuff. It may seem like that, but it is really only from Christ presenting himself in our lives again, again and again. In our daily lives, in hearing the Word of God, in Baptism and Holy Communion. The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit bring us to faith, retain us in faith and strengthen our faith.

That is why Christianity gets such a hard time. It’s illogical. No different from when the Jews were expecting a war type king or messiah to rescue them from being impoverished by the Romans-only to receive a man of peace, totally the opposite to how general society would deal with the issue.

(and) we ask ourselves what’s changed.

Jesus serves us and we are too serve others. Both these are counter cultural, not just too general society, but to us.

Jesus serves us. Yes we know that. We know he died on the cross for our sins and we know he’s with us everyday day. But then, do good works-but no amount of good works, even the Mother Theresa      type of give your life to poverty and service in the India slums won’t save you one iota: “only faith in Jesus can save you” may start to get us a little edgy. But the piece of résistance, we who know our sin and our own darkest places are not only forgiven in Christ-but he loves us how we are: when you get your head around that one let me know.

But it’s all true. How do we know-because Jesus has told us. Of course in our minds it is illogical-as is faith in Christ to a non-Christian. But having been brought to faith, to believe Christ died for our sins-you can’t have it both ways: Jesus Christ, the only person that walked on this earth sinless, perfect-the person who raised people from the dead, cured blindness, leprosy and so forth-LOVES YOU AS YOU ARE NOW.

(and) what does Jesus ask for all this. Accept it. Accept it and pass it on-because see that CEO making 8 million dollars per year, see that office worker, see that outlaw motorcycle gang member, see that mother and father that use their welfare payments to buy drugs instead of food, and see that prostitute who is funding her family with the only asset she has-I love them too, not later but now, this minute-I know them and I know their hurt.

Deep down, they know there is a better way-but from sin, being beaten battered and scared by Satan and his evil temptations they are imprisoned.

But you are my workers in the field. With you, I will sow the seed, work the ground and reap the crop.

Yes, in humility we are to accept forgiveness in Christ alone, and yes, in humility we are to serve his people-for him, for Christ and not for ourselves.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, they saw him as the coming king, cheering and honouring him-only to fall away in his hour of need when he was beaten, bruised, ridiculed and slain.

When our neighbour enters our life in their hour of need, beaten, bruised, ridiculed and lost-in that person we see the loved child of God. We see Jesus serving them, washing their feet in the hope that he can cheer and greet them in his eternal home.

Imagine, that person who comes into our lives in whatever disguise: rich or poor: who is in need in this world-hungry, starving, wandering, looking for “something”, alone and scared. Imagine on our last day seeing that person smiling with no hurt or tears and glowing in the light of Christ.

I cannot think of a better day, except for the day that, that person was given hope, peace and came to know the true love of Christ while here amongst the storm.

Our Father in Heaven, your will be done- on earth as in heaven, for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Jesus our king

Text: Matthew 21:8, 9
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
   ”Hosanna to the Son of David!”
   ”Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
   ”Hosanna in the highest!”

As you look through history books you soon realise that when it came to kings and queens that some are remembered for the way they abused their power and used the people of their kingdoms.

One notorious ruler in England was King John who was born on Christmas Eve 1167, the youngest son of Henry II. When his brother, King Richard, was killed in France and Richard’s son was murdered, John became king. (Many believe that he was responsible for his nephew’s death).

John faced one disaster after another.
His army was defeated in France and had to retreat.
To rebuild his army he imposed incredibly high taxes.
The country broke into civil war when his nobles rebelled.
John even managed to get the church offside and was excommunicated by the pope and no baptism or marriage performed in England would be legitimate until the pope said so. And without church approved baptisms or marriages the people were afraid that they would all end up in hell. They blamed John.
John’s life was at risk when the pope declared that if anyone overthrew King John they would be legally entitled to do so.
After John was again defeated in France his barons were fed up. John was forced to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215. This guaranteed the people of England rights that the king could not go back on.
When John tried to ignore the Magna Carta the barons rebelled against him again and soon after John died.

Today we hear about another king. This king is nothing like bad King John. He was quite the opposite. There was nothing arrogant or evil about this king. He demonstrated nothing but humility and kindness. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, a work animal used to carrying loads for farmers and traders. The disciples and those who lined the roads hailed him as the king – ‘the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’

Even before Jesus was born the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that her son would be a king, a descendant of King David.
When the wisemen were looking for the Christ-child they asked King Herod, ‘Where is the baby born to be king of the Jews?’ When they found the child-king they knelt down and worshipped him, presenting him with royal gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh.

King of the Jews! That title followed him into the trials before the Sanhedrin, King and Herod Pontius Pilate. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish Council, had found Jesus guilty of blasphemy on the basis that he claimed to be the Messiah. But they knew that the Roman Governor wouldn’t be interested in any of their religious reasons for getting rid of Jesus, so they brought a charge against Jesus they knew would interest Pilate. They accused Jesus of treason. He claimed to be a king and was a traitor to the Roman Empire.

Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus looked nothing like a king. In chains, beaten – having been slapped in the face, and with spit in his hair and beard.

Jesus’ answer is unexpected. He soon sets Pilate right about who he is and affirms clearly that he is a king. But not a king as Pilate might expect. John’s Gospel reports Jesus saying, “My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. No, my kingdom does not belong here!”

Such an idea doesn’t make sense to Pilate. With puzzlement written all over his face, he asked a second time and Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me” (John 18:36-38).So you see, Jesus admits to being a king but a king with a kingdom and a kingship quite different to anything that we have seen in history. Jesus wasn’t interested in power or politics, pomp and pageantry. His kingdom was not an earthly kingdom but one that existed in the hearts of people.

Pilate was puzzled.  The people outside were quite clear about what they wanted done with Jesus. They called for the death of this meek and gentle king and the release of the brutal and murderous Barabbas.

Something is wrong here. Jesus hasn’t been brutal and oppressive. The crowd had hailed him as king when he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and now they were asking for this king’s blood. Here is king who is on the side of the people, the friend of the poor, the sick, the guilty, the sad but the people turn against him. A murderer goes free, while a king like no other king, loving and kind, is heading for execution.

Pilate mockingly placed a sign at the top of the cross, “This is the King of the Jews.” This was truer than he imagined. This bleeding broken man on the cross really is a king. The criminal crucified beside him recognises Jesus as a king and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. And Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”When we were baptised, through the simple water and the Word of God we were made members of God’s kingdom. Jesus became our king. Not a ruthless and pompous king like bad King John, but a king who was so generous that he gave his life for us.
A king whose throne was the cross,
whose crown was made of thorns,
who was dressed in a royal robe as a king and mocked by Herod and his soldiers,
whose blood was called for by the crowds when they said, “Take him away! Crucify him! We have no king but Caesar. …!
Jesus is our king who loved us so much that “he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8).

What does it mean to have Jesus as our Lord and King?

• With Jesus as our king we enjoy a royal pardon for all our sin. This pardon means that there is nothing that stains our lives. We have been made clean with the righteousness of Jesus. When God looks at us he doesn’t see sin and weakness; he only sees the purity and newness that have received through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross of Calvary. When Jesus declared from the cross “Father, forgive them” he was also saying that to us.
• With Jesus as our king, he says to us as he did the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise”. He promises that we too will share in his eternal kingdom where there will be no more pain, or crying or dying.
• With Jesus as our king – our ever present and living king – he promises all those who belong to his kingdom that he will always be there for us in times of joy, in times of sadness, and in times of suffering. When we are discouraged and weak, ‘the King of kings and Lord of lords’ (1 Tim 6:15, 16) assures that there is nothing that can stand between God and us; nothing that can stop him loving and forgiving us; nothing that can harm us. Even when we face death we can confidently say, “I have a king and a friend who will never give upon me and when the time comes for my departure, I am confident of his love for me.”
• With Jesus as our king he lovingly rules and directs our lives as citizens of his kingdom. He has bought us with his blood, made us his chosen people and urges us to lives of repentance, faith and love. In the Small Catechism Luther says after describing how Jesus rescued us from sin and death through the events of Good Friday and Easter, “Jesus did this so that I can belong to him, and he can rule over me as my king. I can live under him and serve him, innocent and happy forever” (1996 Openbook).
• With Jesus as our king we are joined together in his family, his kingdom, his church. He has placed us in a baptismal relationship with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
  We have been called to care for one another and to show compassion and understanding wherever it is required.
  We have been called to work together sharing the Good News about Jesus with those who need to know of his love for them.
  Through us, he calls them out of the darkness of sin into his marvellous light.
• With Jesus as our king we have an advocate before the throne of God. He hears our prayers and answers them. He sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty and has the authority and the power to answer all of our petitions.
• One day the king will return. He will come on the Last Day and will reward those who have trusted his love and been faithful to their calling as disciples. He will say, “Well done good and faithful servant. … Come and share your master’s happiness” (Matt 25:23). As we enter this Holy Week it’s a good thing to ask ourselves where we stand in our relationship with our Lord.
  Does he rule our lives?
  Is he truly the Lord of our lives, Lord in the sense that he directs our actions, our words, and our thoughts?
  Does the Lord of lords rule every corner of our lives; not just a small part but every part – our family life, our work life, our church life, our leisure life.
  Because Jesus is our Lord and King no doubt there are some things that we need to change, some things we would stop doing, and there are other things that we could take up, all because Jesus rules our lives completely.This is serious stuff that we don’t take seriously enough. We are good at giving all kinds of excuses. But Jesus is our Lord and King now. As Saviour he has committed himself to us, and as Lord he wants us to be committed to him.But if we are honest, often we are like the people of Jerusalem – sometimes we are all excited about Jesus being our saviour and king but there are other times when our faith has grown cold (at best lukewarm) and we find ourselves distant from Jesus. Instead of Jesus ruling our words and actions we find ourselves so self-focussed that sin rules our lives as our words and actions hurt others. When this happens this is a time for repentance – turning back to Jesus, his love and forgiveness, and his rule in our lives. It is a time for renewed faith and trust in him as the one who loves us, died on the cross for us, and calls us to be his people in the world around us.

  We have a king who has done so much for us. Today let’s welcome Jesus with shouts of “Hosanna!” He is our Saviour from sin.
  Let us also shout “Hosanna!” and welcome him as the Lord and King of our lives.
  Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!Amen