Uplook - April 12, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today is the day before Palm Sunday when Christians around the world will celebrate Jesus’ Triumphal entry into Jerusalem as prophesied by the prophet Zechariah. It was certainly a high point in Jesus’ ministry considering the events which would follow during the following week. Each of the four Gospels share this story but I find it fascinating to consider what each of the Gospel writers chose to share just BEFORE this story. I will summarize for you.
Matthew shares the story of the healing of two blind men as Jesus departs with a multitude from the city of Jericho in the Jordan Valley beginning His final ascent to Jerusalem. At that moment the men cried out for mercy acknowledging Jesus as the Son of David. Though rebuked by the crowd they persisted and Jesus stopped, called them and asked for their request. Matthew 20:34 states that “…Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes…” They were healed immediately and followed Him. Consider what those eyes would see during the following week.
Mark shares a similar story of the healing of one blind beggar named Bartimaeus, once again as Jesus was leaving Jericho. He began to loudly cry out to Jesus, Son of David …suggesting His kingly lineage, asking for mercy. Again, rebuked by the crowd he cried even more in seeming desperation. Those nearby tried to comfort him assuring him that Jesus had called him. His response was to cast away his outer garment and approach Jesus who asked his request. Acknowledging Him as LORD, Bartimaeus asks for his sight and Jesus responds with “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” Mark shares that immediately they man’s sight was restored and he followed Jesus “in the way”. I suspect “the way” proved to be quite different that he might have expected following a miraculous healing.
While Luke also shares a story of the miraculous healing of a blind beggar in chapter 18, he follows that in chapter 19 with the story of Zacchaeus, the chief publican(tax collector) and his encounter with Jesus. He desired to see Jesus but was hindered by physical limitations so made a plan to view him, perhaps clandestinely from a sycamore tree along the route. Jesus stopped and called him inviting Himself to Zacchaeus’ home for a meal. This encounter proved transformational for Zacchaeus and served as a declaration of Jesus’ desire to seek and save the lost. He declared salvation had come to this house affording him full inclusion in God’s plan of redemption (even though he had been collecting taxes for the occupying Roman government). Luke goes on to share one of Jesus’ parables concerning faithful stewardship of the kingdom opportunities offered (first to the Jews …and now to us). It is sad that most of the Jewish nation to whom the Divine covenant had been given, rejected Jesus who was the fulfillment of that very covenant. Yet, today many continue to reject Jesus who still offers salvation to all.
Finally, John choses to highlight a story of a family supper in Bethany with Lazarus whom he raised from the dead. One sister, Martha served the meal while the other, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. John notes that it was Judas Iscariot who complained at what he saw as a waste of funds which could have been used for feeding the poor. John notes Jesus’ words…”Let her alone” …because the anointing was in anticipation of Jesus’ impending death and burial.
Consider how each of these inspired writers shared perspectives with which we can enter Holy Week. Matthew – Even when approaching His own death, Jesus offered compassion and healing. Mark – For those who acknowledge Jesus as LORD and approach Him in faith transformation is available. Luke – Jesus knows right where we are and while we may think we are seeking Him, in fact He has long been seeking us, reaching out to the worst of us to bring redemption and transformation. John – Jesus wants to be in intimate table fellowship with us as His friends. Whether we are just sitting with Him at the meal, serving Him and others at the meal, or pouring out our most valuable possessions upon Him…all have purpose and value in His kingdom. God bless each of you this week as we all consider Jesus’ final steps on the road to Calvary.
Housekeeping Notes:
Choir Practice – In anticipation of Easter music there will be choir practice tomorrow at 3:20pm.
No Wednesday Bible Study this week.
Good Friday Tenebrae Service - To observe Good Friday we will hold a Tenebrae Service at 7:30pm on Friday evening in the sanctuary. This service is a time of solemn contemplation of what Jesus did in giving His life on Calvary.
Easter Services – Regular Sunday School at 9:45 will be followed by our Easter Morning service. Our musicians have prepared some extra musical numbers for the service as we celebrate the empty tomb. We will have Easter evening service at 5 pm also.
Camp Meeting – Online registration is now open for the Portland Camp Meeting. See the Portland Headquarters website or information and QR code posted in the Narthex of the church for more information.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Today is the day before Palm Sunday when Christians around the world will celebrate Jesus’ Triumphal entry into Jerusalem as prophesied by the prophet Zechariah. It was certainly a high point in Jesus’ ministry considering the events which would follow during the following week. Each of the four Gospels share this story but I find it fascinating to consider what each of the Gospel writers chose to share just BEFORE this story. I will summarize for you.
Matthew shares the story of the healing of two blind men as Jesus departs with a multitude from the city of Jericho in the Jordan Valley beginning His final ascent to Jerusalem. At that moment the men cried out for mercy acknowledging Jesus as the Son of David. Though rebuked by the crowd they persisted and Jesus stopped, called them and asked for their request. Matthew 20:34 states that “…Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes…” They were healed immediately and followed Him. Consider what those eyes would see during the following week.
Mark shares a similar story of the healing of one blind beggar named Bartimaeus, once again as Jesus was leaving Jericho. He began to loudly cry out to Jesus, Son of David …suggesting His kingly lineage, asking for mercy. Again, rebuked by the crowd he cried even more in seeming desperation. Those nearby tried to comfort him assuring him that Jesus had called him. His response was to cast away his outer garment and approach Jesus who asked his request. Acknowledging Him as LORD, Bartimaeus asks for his sight and Jesus responds with “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” Mark shares that immediately they man’s sight was restored and he followed Jesus “in the way”. I suspect “the way” proved to be quite different that he might have expected following a miraculous healing.
While Luke also shares a story of the miraculous healing of a blind beggar in chapter 18, he follows that in chapter 19 with the story of Zacchaeus, the chief publican(tax collector) and his encounter with Jesus. He desired to see Jesus but was hindered by physical limitations so made a plan to view him, perhaps clandestinely from a sycamore tree along the route. Jesus stopped and called him inviting Himself to Zacchaeus’ home for a meal. This encounter proved transformational for Zacchaeus and served as a declaration of Jesus’ desire to seek and save the lost. He declared salvation had come to this house affording him full inclusion in God’s plan of redemption (even though he had been collecting taxes for the occupying Roman government). Luke goes on to share one of Jesus’ parables concerning faithful stewardship of the kingdom opportunities offered (first to the Jews …and now to us). It is sad that most of the Jewish nation to whom the Divine covenant had been given, rejected Jesus who was the fulfillment of that very covenant. Yet, today many continue to reject Jesus who still offers salvation to all.
Finally, John choses to highlight a story of a family supper in Bethany with Lazarus whom he raised from the dead. One sister, Martha served the meal while the other, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. John notes that it was Judas Iscariot who complained at what he saw as a waste of funds which could have been used for feeding the poor. John notes Jesus’ words…”Let her alone” …because the anointing was in anticipation of Jesus’ impending death and burial.
Consider how each of these inspired writers shared perspectives with which we can enter Holy Week. Matthew – Even when approaching His own death, Jesus offered compassion and healing. Mark – For those who acknowledge Jesus as LORD and approach Him in faith transformation is available. Luke – Jesus knows right where we are and while we may think we are seeking Him, in fact He has long been seeking us, reaching out to the worst of us to bring redemption and transformation. John – Jesus wants to be in intimate table fellowship with us as His friends. Whether we are just sitting with Him at the meal, serving Him and others at the meal, or pouring out our most valuable possessions upon Him…all have purpose and value in His kingdom. God bless each of you this week as we all consider Jesus’ final steps on the road to Calvary.
Housekeeping Notes:
Choir Practice – In anticipation of Easter music there will be choir practice tomorrow at 3:20pm.
No Wednesday Bible Study this week.
Good Friday Tenebrae Service - To observe Good Friday we will hold a Tenebrae Service at 7:30pm on Friday evening in the sanctuary. This service is a time of solemn contemplation of what Jesus did in giving His life on Calvary.
Easter Services – Regular Sunday School at 9:45 will be followed by our Easter Morning service. Our musicians have prepared some extra musical numbers for the service as we celebrate the empty tomb. We will have Easter evening service at 5 pm also.
Camp Meeting – Online registration is now open for the Portland Camp Meeting. See the Portland Headquarters website or information and QR code posted in the Narthex of the church for more information.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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