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The ‘A-ha’ of Understanding
Jesus in Relation to Salvation and Sin
Scriptures
Numbers 21:4–9; Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22; Ephesians 2:1–10; John 3:14–21
Theme
God saves.
Sermon Summary
Jesus confronts us without remorse because He is the key to our understanding the nature of
salvation and sin, a fact which threatens and/or enlightens our understanding of human nature.
Introduction
In my efforts to provide resources to our worship presiding
ministries, I searched the technology stores for an old-style
hand-held scanner. I had no luck for some time because that
style of scanner is no longer manufactured. Eventually, a sales
person helped me have an a-ha moment by indicating that I
could take a digital photo of the pages.
A-ha moments are those times where you struggle with a
problem until, “a-ha!”, the solution presents itself. Usually those
moments are accompanied with a self-imposed smack to the forehead; other times, particularly
when another person helps us come to a new understanding, those moments can feel like a brick
to the head.
How often we need such moments? How many times does our limited understanding fail to
solve the problems that we struggle with?
Due to our limitations, humans struggle with sin. We do something wrong; we feel guilt. We
try to rationalise by asking: Why is what we I wrong? Who dictates such things? Why should
I feel guilt if I am the sole arbiter of my morality? If only that were the way human nature
worked!
In reality, we know the difference between right and wrong because the Spirit of God let’s us
know the difference. Yet, it will take an ‘a-ha’ moment for us to accept that God exists because
His existence challenges our limited understanding of the world around us and, indeed, our
very nature.
The Story of Jesus and Nicodemus
1. Nicodemus was a Pharisee
a) numerous enough to hold political influence, if not direct political power or position
i) used moral pressure to influence those with power
b) “concerned above all else with purity, especially the kosher requirements”
i) emphasised personal purity as a reaction to the ‘pollution’ of social and political
institutions
ii) a symbolically resistance to pagan rule and oppression that fostered readiness for
revolutionary opportunities
c) most like Jesus theologically
i) generally portrayed in the NT as enemies of the gospel, but not always
2. He came to Jesus in stealth
a) admits conundrum posed by Jesus’ signs: they indicate authority
b) wants to understand Jesus’ teaching
We are like Nicodemus, of this story, when we recognise truth in Jesus, but remain hesitant
because of the implications for our worldview and lifestyle.
The Nature of Salvation
1. Jesus, without remorse, confronts Nicodemus on his understanding of salvation
14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
16“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes
in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the
world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in
him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because
he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light
has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds
were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for
fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the
light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God”
(John 3:14-21).
2. Jesus makes a symbolic link between Himself and the stories of God’s action on behalf of
Israel (:14-15)
The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can
look at it and live” (Numbers 21:8).
a) whether providing water, manna, quail, or healing, God's power is unlimited
3. Jesus’ ministry could legitimately have been directed towards judgment and condemnation
on humanity (:17)
a) the venomous snakes of Numbers 21 were sent into the camp of the Israelites as a
punishment of God in response to their grumbling against the “miserable food” that
God had miraculously provided them in the desert (i.e. don’t bite the hand that feeds
you)
i) looking at the raised image of a bronze serpent brought healing
b) it is incredible what people will do to protect themselves from judgment and/or death
i) the ancient pagan city of Ninevah repents when Jonah declares God’s judgment
against them
ii) in the final episode of the television series, M*A*S*H, Hawkeye suffers emotional
distress when a mother kills her infant to save a busload of people from soldiers
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ
even when we were dead in [sin] –it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
4. The ‘lifting up’ of Jesus is a declaration of God’s willingness to ‘do whatever it takes’ to
rescue all of humanity
a) Jesus is sacrificed by His Father
b) anyone who ‘looks up’ to the sacrifice raised on the cross is saved
c) Jesus’ miracles are proof of God’s positive intentions; His resurrection is the ultimate
proof of God’s preference for giving life to humanity
We have no excuse for living in the darkness of sin. This is a serious matter. The proof of
God’s existence and intentions are accessible and credible. Why would we choose not to accept
His offer of salvation?
The Nature of Sin
1. Belief in the life, death, resurrection of Jesus is essential to our worldview (:18)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; cf. Job 28:28, Proverbs
1:7, 9:10, Isaiah 33:6)
a) wisdom is attained with reflection upon one’s knowledge and experience
b) How can we know anything about the world or ourselves if we don’t recognise or accept
God’s existence?
i) the existence of God is the pre-eminent fact
c) the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, being the
proof of His existence and the declaration of His intentions for humanity
2. To reject Jesus is condemn ourselves to ignorance and sin (John 3:19)
a) How can we not fall into sin if we are ignorant? (:20)
i) disappointingly, our ‘ignorance’ is more often a state of willingly acceptance
b) if ignorant, all of our best efforts to live a ‘good life’ will be tainted with pride and
selfishness, etc
For an era of human history that prides itself on the human capacity for our own rational
comprehension of this world that we live in, how stupid can we be to reject such obvious
evidence to the contrary, especially when that rejection has such serious consequences to
ourselves and to our world?
Conclusion
Despite our natural disposition to goodness and holiness, ignorance and sin so corrupts us that
we “will not come into the light for fear that [our] deeds will be exposed” (:20). What a tragic
way to live!
On the other hand, “whoever lives by the truth comes into the light” (:21). Nicodemus,
although a Pharisee and a member of the ruling Sanhedrin, was drawn to Jesus because he
perceived truth and light in Him. Nicodemus’ story continues in the Bible: he speaks against
the unfair condemnations of Jesus by his fellow Pharisees (7:50-52); and, he contributes spices
to Jesus’ burial by Joseph of Arimathea (19:38-42). Although tentative at first, Nicodemus
rejects his friends and political connections to worship Jesus.
Jesus is the proof of God’s existence and the key to understanding the true nature of salvation
and sin. Will we willingly live in ignorance or will we seek truth by coming into the light of
God’s presence and love for us?
Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes
and showers righteousness on you (Hosea 10:12).
[Jesus said], “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in
darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, you have been lifted up, on the cross, in your resurrection, at the ascension;
you have been lifted up and there is little doubt that all who see you with eyes
unclouded by confusion and deception will embrace you. We ask this morning for the
small miracle of the increase of the spread of salvation to every corner of the earth. In
places near and far where the enemy is entrenched and wreaking havoc, use us to lift
high your banner in ways that will allow all to see clearly. May we raise you up in the
haze of hatred. May we raise you up in the labyrinth of lies. May we raise you up in the
arenas of anger and arrogance. May we raise you up in the fog of fear and the miasma
of materialism. Make us messengers, one and all, and ambassadors for the good news
of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For we ask it in his name. Amen.
As we read the Bible to discover God and His expectations for us, may we let the Bible speak
for itself, rather than allow our preconceived expectations determine our discoveries. If we read
into the Bible to justify ourselves, we miss the beauty of God and the joy of a Christ-centred
lifestyle.
sermon delivered by Ian Forest-Jones
at Hurstville Church of Christ
on Sunday, 26 March 2006
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