Westside Church of Christ

Jesus came looking. He had a mission which would cost Him His life, and He was determined to fulfill it. He stepped into hostile territory to seek and save the lost. He summoned the wayward, offensive, rebellious and sinful world to come to Him. He sought the portion of society that the “righteous” avoided. He delivered salvation from a wretched life and eternal damnation for all who wanted it.

It is amazing who rejected Him. It was His own people, and they did not recognize Him. He did not fit their preconceived idea of what a Messiah should be as they anticipated someone very different. He did not call them to arms and military might. His indestructible kingdom is not of this world and should not be measured by its standards (John 18:36). Any notions that come out of human heads instead of the word of God will be wrong.

They may have known their scriptures (Which we know as the Old Testament), but they did not know God. It is an eye-opener. If it could happen to them, what about us? We are twenty-one centuries or so removed from His appearance. They not only had His word; they watched Him. They were eye-witnesses to His miracles and listened in person to His messages, but failed to recognize Him for He truly was. Could we?

Failure even invaded His closest circle. He hand-picked a dozen disciples to be with Him. What did He see in them? The truth is that He saw everything about them. He was not surprised at their failure to believe or when Judas betrayed Him (John 6:64). Jesus told them all that they would wilt under pressure and run away at His critical moment. They vowed that they wouldn’t, Peter most of all (Matthew 26:31-35). Jesus was right. None stuck with Him (Matthew 26:56) No, He is not caught off guard by our weaknesses and stumbles. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Through it all, He never rejected them. They were His guys with the most significant mission in all of history. Their assignment was worldwide (Act 1:8). Their voices are echoing to this day. Our hearts have been touched by their work and words. It started long ago and far away, but saves souls in our country to this day. It has never changed. Jesus came to seek and save the lost through people who have failed in many ways.

The Jews did not measure up to His expectations. They did not recognize the Lord when they looked Him in the eye. He chose a dozen to spend time with Him. They did and were not perfect. We aren’t either. Sometimes we follow the disciples in running away at critical moments. No, it isn’t what He wants, but He understands. He didn’t throw them away. He won’t throw us away either.

Call to Praise: James 2:14-17

His word on it: James 2:26

Sermon: “Can Our Faith Save Us?”