Post for March 2, 2025
The Message Today – “The Jesus Way” 3/2/2025
This week our main scripture lesson is Luke 9: 28-36, where Jesus is transfigured before his disciples. The verse where the voice is speaking to the disciples, “34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” To me, this is a start to “The Jesus Way.” This week, someone pointed me to a song on YouTube by Phil Wickham, “The Jesus Way.” This is an incredible song that completely describe who Jesus is and what Jesus is all about. I thought this week I would make some comments about this beautiful song.
Wickham, starts out with what I would interpret Jesus’ lesson in Luke’s lesson on the Sermon on the Plain regrading Jesus’ statement about loving our enemies, “If you curse me I will bless you, If you hurt me, I will forgive you, If you hate me I will love you.” Then he sings “I choose the Jesus way.” This is such a wonderful answer to how we should respond. Choose the Jesus way in our life. Wickham is telling us this is the only way, the Jesus Way. His next stanza tells us even more, “If you’re helpless, I will defend you. If you’re burdened, I will share the weight. If you’re hopeless then let me show you. Ther’s hope in the Jesus way. Wickham brings to light our human emotion.
This Stanza "The Jesus Way" beautifully captures the heart of Christ’s ministry—defending the helpless, sharing burdens, and offering hope. Here are some scriptural insights and themes we could use to bring hope to others.
1. "If you're helpless, I will defend you."
Key Scripture: Psalm 82:3-4"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
Jesus, the Defender of the Weak – Throughout His ministry, Jesus always stood up for the outcasts: the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), the blind beggar (Mark 10:46-52), and the tax collectors and sinners (Luke 19:1-10).
A Call to Action – Just as Jesus defends the helpless, we as His followers are called to be a voice for the voiceless, whether it's through advocating for justice, offering kindness, or supporting those in need.
2. "If you're burdened, I will share the weight." Key Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Jesus Bears Our Burdens – Whether it’s physical exhaustion, emotional stress, or spiritual struggles, Jesus invites us to lay our burdens at His feet. He doesn’t promise an easy life, but He does promise to walk with us and strengthen us.
The Power of Community – Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." We are not meant to walk through our struggles alone; Jesus provides support through His people.
3. "If you're hopeless, then let me show you. There's hope in the Jesus way."
Key Scripture: Romans 15:13"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Hope Through Christ – The world often leaves people feeling hopeless, whether due to personal failures, suffering, or uncertainty. But hope in Jesus is not based on circumstances; it’s based on His unchanging promises.
Resurrection Hope – Even in death and despair, Jesus brings life. John 11:25-26 reminds us, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." No situation is beyond Christ’s redemption.
Living the Jesus Way – Following Jesus means walking in hope, even when life is difficult. He transforms our struggles into testimonies and gives us a purpose beyond what we see in the present moment.
Bringing It Together – A Message of Hope
Jesus defends, carries burdens, and restores hope.
No one is beyond His reach.
Even in our darkest moments, "The Jesus Way" leads to light, love, and redemption.
We can trust Jesus with our burdens and embrace the hope that Christ brings to us through his message.
The Refrain is spectacular by Wickham: “I follow Jesus, He wore my sin. I gladly wear his name. He is my treasure. He is the answer, Oh I choose the Jesus way.” What a wonderful piece of advice Wickham brings to our table, especially since this week, we install a new elder and a deacon to our board of Consistory. The best advice our new leaders can have is to “continue to choose to follow Jesus.” Wear his name gladly. He is your treasure and the answer. He is the only way.
You are entering a new call, and that call is service to your congregation and your community. Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Elders and deacons are called to serve, not to be served. Jesus led by example—humbling Himself, washing feet (John 13:12-17), and sacrificing for others. I Encourage you to lead with humility, always prioritizing the needs of the congregation in the decisions that you make.
You are called to wear his name gladly. Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Choosing the Jesus way is a lifelong commitment. Leadership is not just a title, it’s a calling. You are encouraged to daily choose Jesus, not just in church matters but in every part of life. Being an elder or deacon isn’t just about administration; it’s about caring for the flock (1 Peter 5:2-4). Stay Connected to the Body – build relationships with church members, listen to their concerns, and be approachable.
As church leaders, our lives should reflect the character of Jesus both inside and outside the church and every action and decision made in Consistory should be grounded in prayer, scripture, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to stand firm in Christ, even during the times when decisions are difficult.
Keep Jesus as your treasure. Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” As leaders, it is easy to get caught up in the mundane, but Christ must remain the focus. A strong leader is first a strong disciple. May you prioritize prayer, scripture, and personal devotion.
And I encourage you to follow the example of God. Your wisdom and discernment should come from God rather than personal logic or external pressures. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
To our wonderful congregation and its leaders: "Your role as a Christian, whether it be in worship or leadership, is not just a duty—it’s a sacred trust. You are called to serve in the name of Jesus, to wear His name proudly, to treasure Him above all else, and to lead in His way. The best leaders are those who follow Jesus first. He is the answer. Choose Him daily, and He will guide your steps."
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