13 December – Luke 13

13

Luke 13

Jonny Brennan

Jonny Brennan is the head of schools work and youth ministry at Wirral YFC, he loves coffee (a bit too much) and playing football.  He is married to Bex and they are expecting their first baby in February 2015!
Why is Jesus being born important to Christians?”
That was a question I received whilst doing some Christmas lessons in a local secondary school last week.
It was from a year 7 girl who did not go to church, was unsure if she believed in God, and I was standing at the front excited to tell her why Jesus was so important to me.  Where would I start!
Reading today’s chapter, roughly half of it is taken up with Jesus talking in Parables.  Parables are simply stories that were told in language and situations people could understand, whilst explaining the spiritual importance.
The parable of the barren fig tree, the parable of the mustard seed, these were all stories Jesus was telling that people could understand and connect with.
Reflecting on this got me thinking of my own life, how do I present the life changing message of the Gospel with people that maybe haven’t ever heard it before, can I give my testimony without any Christian ‘jargon’?
I was able to explain to the year 7 girl through some of my personal stories why Jesus is so important to Christians.  My first challenge is for us to think about our own life, just like I have done in preparation for writing this.
Can I tell someone exactly why I believe in God?
Can I do it without any ‘jargon’?
The second point I picked straight out from this story is that God is much more concerned about us than he is about rules and regulations!
Read verse 10-17, an incredible story which shows us the true character of Jesus, and shows us where we get it wrong so often.
The religious leaders were concerned with doing things the proper way, sticking to the rule book, because that supposedly got us favour with God.  But Jesus, like he so does often flips it 180, and heals the woman on the Sabbath.  We can see from verse 14 the leaders were not happy with this, but Jesus calls them ‘hypocrites’ and tells them exactly why he did what he did.
I can see so many parallels between then and now, and am passionate about seeing the church rise up and reach out and love people in action, whilst naming the name of Jesus in a way people can understand!

 

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