Scripture: Mark 8:27 - 38; Psalm 19
Title: Time to Put Up or Shut Up
This sermon primary focus is on the Encounter that Jesus had with Satan at Caesarea Philippi
1. Jesus faces the "Gates of Hell" 2. The disciples experience an amazing epiphany and 3. Jesus challenges His Disciples to live a life of radical discipleship.
INTRO:
Grace and peace from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Savior and LORD who came to take away the sin(s) of the world!
This morning if you are an ardent sports fan the next few weeks are going to be like Heaven.
+Major League Baseball's regular season is finally winding down and the playoff are just around the corner
+College Football is already up and running with stadiums filled with thousands of screaming fans cheering their teams on to victory
+The journey towards NFL Super Bowl # 53 in Atlanta is underway
+In Golf - the FedEx Championship is almost finished and the Ryder Cup is right around the corner
+It won't be long before the puck drops for NHL preseason games
+NASCAR's regular season is now in the history books and the annual 10 race playoffs are just getting started
+High School football, cross country, girls soccer and volleyball are on the go everywhere
For most of those sports it is now simply - "PUT UP OR SHUT UP TIME". Everything now counts. It's all for real. Everyone has to bring their "A" game. There is very little wiggle room for error. Lose now and you may find yourself finished for the year. Lose now and the chance to hold up the championship trophy has all but vanished.
It is also that time of year that teams have to go to some rather interesting places with names like Death Valley, the Swamp, the Pit, the Rock, the Monster Mile, the Frozen Tundra and Rocky Top. It's that time of year that you have to face your opposition eye ball to eye ball and decide on the field of battle who is better. It doesn't matter what the coaches have been saying, what all the sports commentators have been spouting off or even what the fans have been bragging about. All that matters is at the end of the game who is holding up the winning ball, the trophy and who goes away with a "W" in their column.
In our passage this morning, Jesus and his disciples find themselves near the city of Caesarea Philippi. At first glance the story doesn't look like much. We read this story, shake our heads and go on without knowing exactly why Jesus is here. We read this story and think - "Well, that's a nice story, a little strange perhaps but nonetheless a nice story.
What we may not realize is that Jesus has come into the area that in those days was seen as the Devil's Home Turf. Jesus had brought His Disciples to a very unusual place to do a very key battle with evil. He had come to begin His long journey towards Jerusalem where the ultimate battle between Him and the Devil will be fought on a hill called Calvary.
This morning, let's look at this story in more detail. For it takes us to 1. A strange place, 2. It shares with us a wonderful epiphany and 3. It challenges us to live out the life of a holiness champion.
I. Jesus takes us all to a Strange Place
Before we get to Peter's Epiphany statement let's get some perspective to what is going on around this passage. From all accounts it appears that Jesus loved to spend time traveling to out of the ordinary places and along the way asking some very attention-grabbing questions to his disciples. Questions that would take them by surprise and questions that caused them to search deep in their hearts, minds and souls for the answers. In our present passage we see that Jesus and His disciples had just traveled 32 miles on foot from Bethsaida to Caesarea Philippi. That 32 mile trip gave Jesus and His disciples plenty of time to converse and discuss a number of things.
The city of Caesarea Philippi was located towards the base of Mt. Hermon. At the time that area was under the rule of Philip the tetrarch (the son of King Herod and his fifth wife Cleopatra of Jerusalem). Mt. Hermon was the highest of ancient Israel's mountains (9, 232 feet) and held a very special place in her history and in mankind's history. The area around Mt. Hermon was said to be the birthplace of the famous Nephilim giants (see Genesis 6). In Number 21:21-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11 we read where Moses and Joshua defeated two kings by the names of Og and Shilon, both who were stated to be descendents of the Nephilim giants. And in 1 Samuel 17 we read where David defeats the mighty Goliath who also was said to be a descendent of the Nephilim giants.
This whole vicinity was a hot bed of both pagan and perverse worship. Archaeologists tell us that over 20 different temples had been carved out on the slopes of Mt. Hermon. As you would walk around the area, go up and down the mountain you would see worship site after worship site dedicated to such gods and goddesses as Baal, Ashoreth, Pan, Nemesis and others.
The books of Enoch, Jubilees and Jasher describe the place as evil incarnate. Many people at the time believed it to be one of the places where fallen angels once assembled and because of their gross sins were imprisoned. In fact, according to local tradition at the time, one of the caves had been given the name "The Gates of Hell". These gates was suppose to be where the Canaanite god Baal would go back and forth from Earth to Hell.
We also know that King Philip wanted to get in on all this worship action. He and his family supervised the construction of a worship site dedicated to honoring Caesar as Savior and King of the Universe in this area. Even though King Philip II was suppose to be a worshipper of the Good God of Creation, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, history tells us that King Philip II was in fact pluralistic. He put his faith in many gods/goddesses. As long as he stayed in favor with Rome he didn't care what people believed or worshipped. In that regard, he was a true descendent of his father King Herod.
Biblical scholars tell us that Caesarea Philippi would have been an early equivalent to our modern day Las Vegas. Only as an ancient "Sin City" it was much worse in its identity, nature and practice. It prided itself in being a magnet and safe haven for temple prostitution. It promoted the idea of people coming and spending their days intoxicated and participating in all kinds of evils including sexual immorality, bestiality, sorcery, magic, drugs and such things. Jewish rabbis forbade anyone who considered themselves to be a good Jew to travel near the city much less enter into the city.
So, what is a good Jew like Jesus doing in a place like this? What is the Son of God doing bringing His disciples into such an area?
We need to understand that Jesus went there to draw a line in the sand so to speak. Jesus went to the home turf of evil to make a definitive statement. Jesus went to the place where people worshipped the Devil, fallen angels, pagan gods and participated in the most vile human practices to reveal an epiphany and promote a challenge.
Let's look at that epiphany now.
II. "You are the Messiah"
With all of this theology, history and scenery in the back ground Jesus stops His disciples and asks them a very pertinent question - WHO AM I? WHO DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH, WALKING BESIDE AND LISTENING TO THESE PAST MONTHS? WHO DO YOU THINK IS STANDING RIGHT HERE BEFORE YOU?
Of course Jesus starts by asking them to share what others have thought about Him. Who do all those crowds that have been following us think I am? What have the people been saying as I heal, feed and preach? What is the word on the street? What have they been saying behind my back?
+Jesus - some people think you are John the Baptist somehow come back to life. They don't know how that all would happen since you were both born around the same time (six months apart) but some people believe that in some way you both are the same person or at least have the same spirit of God on your lives.
+Jesus - some people believe that you are Elijah come back to earth. That the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY has somehow brought Elijah's spirit and put that spirit in you or that since Elijah didn't physically die that somehow you are Elijah in flesh walking among us.
+Jesus - some people believe that you are one of the prophets. They believe that you may be Jeremiah, Isaiah or Ezekiel. You may even be Amos, Obadiah or Malachi. No one knows for sure but they think maybe you are one of the old Prophets brought back to life.
In all their answers there is one common theme - that of Jesus being a forerunner but not the star attraction. Each of their answers center around Jesus being only a harbinger. That is to say - a person who comes and merely speaks for God or announces that another person is coming.
That is what the majority of the people Jesus had been teaching and preaching to were thinking. They knew that Jesus was different but they don't know exactly how different. They knew that he spoke with an authority that went beyond that of the scribes and Pharisees but they didn't quite know what to make of Him. They knew that He could heal and do great signs of God but they weren't sure how He was able to do all the things He had done. The best they can come up with was that Jesus must either be someone reincarnated or at least re-spirited or else he was someone like one of the prophets of old. Most they were confused.
It is at this point that Jesus gets very personal. He centers His next questions directly to His disciples. Well, who do you think I am? Matthew - who do you think that I am? Thomas - who do you think I am? John - who do you think I am?
None of the Gospel writers tell us any of their answers. In fact, none of them share that they said anything. Perhaps, they just looked at the ground or looked away as an attempt to say nothing. Perhaps they were just as confused as the rest of those who had listened and watched Jesus.
None of them said anything that is except for Peter. Peter, that loveable fisherman who was brash, foible and quirky spoke up. If no one else was going to state the obvious then Simon Peter would. If no one else was going to finally say what they all had been thinking and hoping he would.
Standing there in this unholy place Peter speaks up. Standing there under the shadow of all those pagan temples, all that history of fallen angels, Nephilim, gods and goddesses, Peter spoke up and said something that changed his life forever.
Peter spoke the absolute truth. More truth that I believe he even could have imagined. Here in this place that mankind believed housed the very gates of Hell. Here in this place where many believed hundreds of fallen angels once lived and were now imprisoned. Here in this place where the Good God of Creation's name was blasphemed and cursed, Peter stood up and proudly proclaimed - Jesus - YOU ARE THE MESSIAH!
Wow!
Can you imagine this morning what those words sounded like in that place? Can you imagine those words as they echoed off the walls of all those temples that had been carved out nearby? Can you imagine for a second (believing it to be true?) what those words must have sounded like to all those fallen angels that had been imprisoned? Can you imagine what it sounded like in this place that was considered to be the most evil place on the face of the earth?
Here they were right at what many believed to be the gates of Hell. Here they were right in the face of Satan and his fallen angels. Here they were right in the face of the best gods and goddesses mankind could invite and Peter was proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah - the Son of God - the Anointed One. Here was Peter proclaiming Jesus as God in Flesh coming down to rescue, redeem and restore mankind. Here was Peter proclaiming the absolute truth of Heaven.
I believe that all around Heaven there was a mighty shout of acclamation and praise! Spiritual pandemonium exploded. Finally, these humans or at least one of these humans got it. Finally, here in the pit of Hell on earth itself one of them received the spiritual insight to recognize that they were with God in Flesh Himself. Finally, after all these years what had been so plain for the likes of Adam and Eve was now plain to this fisherman named Simon Peter. Here in the flesh in front of them all to see was God's Only Son - Jesus of Nazareth.
Peter said it. I am not exactly sure how he saw it first or if he was just the first to shout it out but no truer words have ever been spoken. Jesus - you are the Messiah. Jesus - you are the Son of God. Jesus - you are above all these temples, these pagan gods/goddesses and fallen angels. Jesus - you are the Only One.
Mark doesn't share with us the praise that Jesus shared with Peter. Matthew takes the time to share it. Matthew reveals to us that Peter did not get this through his own flesh and blood. Epiphanies like this only come as we are open to the power, presence and leading of the Holy Spirit. Epiphanies like this only come as we surrender ourselves fully to the Holy Spirit.
Epiphanies show us the truth and the way. They open our eyes but we must continually follow with our hearts, minds and souls. Epiphanies/Revelations have to be followed up with action. And it is with that in mind that Jesus shares His greatest challenge with His Disciples.
III. Jesus' Challenge
Jesus went on to share with His disciples that as the Messiah he would suffer, be rejected and ultimately murdered. Then on the third day after his death He would rise again from the dead.
For Peter that was more than he could handle. He couldn't conceive of such a thing happening to Jesus. Simon Peter could see Jesus as Messiah - as the Anointed One. But his spiritual man was blind to any idea of suffering, rejection and death. In Peter's heart there was no way that Jesus should suffer such a fate. For if Jesus suffered that way it might also mean that they may have to suffer that way.
Jesus quickly corrects Peter. Peter had begun to hear the whispers of Satan. We must understand that Satan did not run away because Peter proclaimed Jesus' true identity. After all, He knew Jesus well. He knew Jesus as the Son of God. Satan had bowed his knee in worship and praise to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He had even proclaimed Jesus as Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
But now, he was whispering in Simon Peter's ear in an attempt to get Jesus to stop this mission of rescuing and redeeming mankind. Satan did not want Jesus to take away the sin(s) of mankind. He was perfectly happy knowing that he could enslave men, women, boys and girls. He was perfectly happy in paving the way for their everlasting condemnation.
Jesus had come to Satan's "so called turf" to let him know that the final battle was about to get underway. Jesus would leave this place with his face set on Jerusalem, on Calvary, on the tomb and on Resurrection. Jesus would leave this place and begin the walk that would lead to Good Friday, Resurrection Morning and Pentecostal Blessings. Jesus would leave this place and begin the walk towards the final battle to rescue, redeem and restore mankind back into being genuine human beings reflecting God's holy image.
But Satan would not be quiet. He went to Peter and since Peter was the one who saw who Jesus was it would be Peter he would use to stop Jesus. You can almost hear the Devil whispering to Jesus:
Jesus - Yes, you are the Messiah but you don't have to leave here and go to Jerusalem to die. Jesus - Yes, I will acknowledge you as the Son of God but you don't have to give up your life for these humans. They have given me the power over their lives and over this planet. They have even dedicated this patch of earth to be my dwelling place. See that cave - they think that is the gate to my Hell. See all those temples - in one way or the other they have been built to honor me. See that place over there where they believe my fallen comrades are - they worshipped them as well.
Jesus - You do not have to do this. These humans do not deserve any rescue, redemption or sanctification. You do not have to suffer, to be rejected and certainly you do not have to die. Remember, Jesus they rebelled in Your Garden. Remember, Jesus they turned their back on You, Your Father and Your Holy Spirit.
Jesus - remember the Temptations in the Wilderness. Here you are on part of my kingdom. I can still give you authority. You can stay here on earth. You can enjoy the life of being both divine and human. You can be in power and never experience death. You don't have to die for them. They are not worth it.
Jesus stops. He turns to all his disciples including most of all to Simon Peter and declares that only Satan could give such evil thoughts. Only Satan could be so full of arrogance, deceit, selfishness and pride.
Jesus rebukes Satan. He casts Satan away from Peter and his disciples and then speaks forth the challenge of True Discipleship. Jesus speaks out what it means to be a True Follower of the Messiah. Jesus challenges them to step up and be a part of Team Jesus.
What does that mean?
+It means we have to surrender our hearts, minds and souls to follow the LORD and the LORD only. There can be only one Lord of our lives. There can only be one King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There can be only One Master in our lives.
+It means that we must deny our own flesh - our own carnal desires. It means we count everything as loss when it comes to the flesh and to cravings of our flesh. It means that we are to die out daily so that Christ may live in us through the power and presence of His Holy Spirit.
+It means that we must take up our own cross. It means that we die out to sin and selfishness. It means that we allow the Holy Spirit to give us a new heart, mind and soul from above. It means that we realize that we have not been born again so that others may serve us but so that we may serve the LORD our God and that we may serve one another.
+It means to live a new life in Christ here and now that is radically different than the ones that others are living here on earth.
The Church of Jesus Christ is a Haven for Champions. It is a place where a collection of people gather who want to influence the world around them, the families that they share space with and the friends that they enjoy relationships. It is a place where a collection of people gather who want to make the world a better place. It is a place where a collection of people gather who want to treat those who live in the world differently than they have ever been treated before.
All you have to do is to read the Great Commission and this becomes very plain. All you have to do is to think about where Christ calls us "Salt" and "Light" to realize this is the way we are to be in the world. We are to be Champions. We are to our Spirit filled Influence to be Spiritual Trendsetters.
Years ago I believed that a person should pretty much keep their faith quiet, their spiritual formation quiet and their spiritual habits quiet. I still do believe that we are to be gentle in our evangelistic approach and we are to be gentle in our sharing our testimonies.
But I also now believe that people need to see us radically being different. We need to practice our faith visibly. People need to see us praying for our meals in public. They need to see us praying for one another in public.
Recently, a friend of mine was in a Wal-mart store taking to a lady who was sharing some of her burdens and concerns. At the end of her sharing he asked her if he could just say a word of prayer for her. She agreed and he said a simple prayer. It took no longer than a minute or two. When he was finished to his surprise and to her delight there were a number of people who had stopped to join in their prayer. It was not only a great witness for the LORD, it was an encouragement to this lady who knew that people were praying for her.
The other day I walked into a Chick-fil-A and while I was ordering a sandwich I noticed a table had been set up in the dining area and a man and woman were sitting behind it. In front of them was a large placard that stated - We take Prayer Requests. People were invited to go over and write down a prayer request and the couple would then either pray silently for them in the store or they would take them to their church and the church would spend time praying for these people.
What an amazing way to both share Christ and serve others. Now, I know that was an unusual situation but what a great opportunity to be a witness for Jesus. I think what was more amazing was that it was not designed to get people to come to a certain church or fellowship but just to pray for people that needed prayer. They were not seeking donations or to have their picture put on Facebook or Instagram.
When we read the Bible we need to let it be done both in private but also we need to do read the Bible in public as well. We need to allow our children, our grandchildren and others see us reading the Bible.
We need to let others know that we go to Church and invite them to go with us. We need to do all we can to let people know that we are on Team Jesus. We need to be active in our worship - singing, praying and praising the LORD while we are in Church. We need to let others know that we are here for no other reason than to worship and connect with God and with one another.
It is around this time of year that you begin to see people wearing all kinds of sports gear. People wear all kinds of T-shirts, Polo Shirts, hats and all kinds of stuff to let others know that they believe in this team or that team. They don't have to say a word. You know whose team they support by what they are wearing.
Isn't it about time we start doing the same for our Savior and LORD? Not to be arrogant about it but it wouldn't hurt us to wear something that uplifted the name of Jesus. It wouldn't hurt us to let people know that we are on Team Jesus.
This morning, Jesus takes us to a very strange place.
Simon Peter receives an amazing epiphany.
And Jesus challenges us to follow Him as a radical disciple.
So, this morning - what is our answer - Is Jesus the Messiah?
Do we follow Him passionately? Are we willing to pick up our cross and follow Jesus?
Please turn to Responsive Reading # 484 - A Covenant Prayer (Sing to the LORD)
Closing Hymn - I Surrender All/Open Altar/Prayer/Benediction
