Timothy J. Clarke - The Story of Jesus: Believing

Well, let’s go to the Word—let’s turn to John chapter 20. Minister Vivian Anderson led us in the reading and hearing of it. John 20: I will read verses 30 and 31, and then John 21:25. John 20, verses 30 and 31: «And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.» And then John 21:25: «And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.» And the whole church said, «Amen.» Go ahead and be seated in the presence of the Lord.

Beloved, both of our texts today introduce us to a Jesus that many of us are not familiar with, and I believe that in both of these passages, John 20 and John 21, we are introduced to a Jesus that is busy. Now, the reason why I say that is because I think it is important that we debunk some of the mythology surrounding Jesus. I talked about this last week, and I saw parenthetically where I was going in the message. I mentioned how I am mighty afraid that the Jesus presented to our world is not the Jesus of Scripture. There are many people, some well-meaning and many well-intentioned, who have not just a false view of Jesus but also an unrealistic, unhealthy, and, here’s the worst part, unbiblical view of Him.

I think one of my jobs is to travel around the country, stand in this pulpit, and reintroduce the authentic Jesus to those who hear me preach. I stress that John does this in John 20 and John 21; he introduces us to a busy Jesus. Contrary to what many may think, feel, surmise, or suppose, Jesus was not some laid-back, contemplative recluse living on a mountain in a monastic lifestyle. No, Jesus was actively involved and engaged in life and ministry.

I’m going to say something else, so hang in there with me: Jesus was actively and busily engaged in life and ministry. The reason this is significant is that if it’s true, then Jesus identifies with us when we are busily engaged in our lives and ministries. Sometimes we find ourselves working very hard, especially around the Christmas season. Some of you have been working hard since before Thanksgiving. Valerian and I were talking about his late dad, our Bishop O’Dell McCullum. The other day, I did a bit of shopping after Mother Molly Marshall’s funeral. As I shopped, I thought, «I need Bishop McCullum.» He used to call me and say, «Alright, let’s go shopping!» He would have us out shopping in October or November, and by the time Christmas came, he had all his shopping done. I realized I could use his help right now because if something doesn’t change, you all will find me on Christmas Eve picking over leftovers during this chaotic season.

Everybody is busy and engaged in life and ministry. Everyone in this room, everyone online—you are busy with life. Here’s the good news: you serve a Savior who identifies with you in the busyness of life and ministry. Get out of your mind this laid-back Jesus sitting on a mountaintop, halo over His head, with a rainbow in the background, simply musing in a monastic fashion. John says Jesus was busily engaged just like us. Why? Because we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmity. He knows what we go through because He has gone through it. John introduces us to a busy Jesus, but I need to pause right here because even though—this is so good—even though Jesus is busy, He is not hurried or harried.

I’ll try this one more time: even though He is busy—let the whole church say «busy"—even though Jesus is busy, you never see Jesus in a hurry, harried, or hurried because of the busyness of His life. What a word that is for us! Mike, that’s a word for you. That’s a word for me. That’s for everybody here because I don’t know how you all do it. You know, 'tis the season to be jolly! Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! And then you’re blowing your horn and freaking out behind the wheel. Don’t laugh, daughter! I don’t know how you all are managing it. I mean, it’s the most joyous time of the year, but many are grouchy and grumpy!

Come on now, our Lord, who was busy, wasn’t harried and hurried. Instead, He was poised, pointed, and purposeful, allowing Him to be productive. I want to ask you today: what characterizes your life right now? We’re all busy; I’ll give you that. But are you harried, hurried, and grumpy, or are you poised and pointed so that you can be productive? Jesus was busy, and we should strive to be as well.