John 11:45-57 Confess Your Own Sin

John 11:45-57 NIV
Many of the people who had witnessed Lazarus' resurrection believed in Jesus. However, some did not and they plotted against. They went to the Pharisees to confess what they presumed to be Jesus' sins. They wanted to get rid of him.

Last week, I held our annual confirmation marathon. That is, we studied the catechism every morning, for five days in a row. I cannot count how many times I admonished the students to confess only their own sins, not their brother or sister's; not their neighbors. The eighth commandment forbids sharing with others our slanted perspective of our neighbor's sins. One exception might be is if you want me to mediate between the two of you to bring about a reconciliation. When we confess someone else's sins, it does neither of you (or me) any good. They cannot be absolved and you are convicted of gossiping (eighth commandment). When someone is in danger it is a good thing, even necessary, to alert someone in authority who can help that person. But, confessing their sins to make yourself look good and/or to get rid of them is definitely not the direction one should be headed.

May God be with you and your neighbor.
God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 5 - Sermon on the Mount; Two-edged Sword

Chapter five of Matthew begins the "Sermon on the Mount," the most awesome sermon ever, at least in my humble opinion! I usually deliver this sermon in its entirety at least once a year. Although, many see it as pure gospel, I hear it as a prime example of the two-edged sword. Depending where you are in your journey, you might hear it as good news or you might hear it as law.

I know that there are a few out there who would dispute that the "Sermon on the Mount" is both law and gospel so let me give you an example of how I have come to this conclusion.

The first time I proclaimed these words in their entirety for a sermon. I was up on a mountain, working at a youth correctional facility. I did not edit. I did not do or say anything else. I did not try to elaborate on it's meaning. I simply stood up and gave the "Sermon on the Mount" and then I sat down. I was reported the next day, by a young man, for telling him that he and his mother were going to hell. I did no such thing! The word of God - which is a two-edged sword both convicts and it heals, according to what God feels is the need of the people.

Where are you, today? Does this sermon of Jesus' bring you conviction or hope?

God's Peace - Pr. J