Jesus Uncancellable

Cancel culture

• the practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

It is good when it benefits all. It is not good when it harms the truth. You get cancelled when you are beholden to someone or something when you care about what people say.

There were several times people attempted to cancel Jesus. Yet, none of them truly succeeded. Because Jesus is just uncancellable.

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:3 NKJV

 

Some ways they tried to cancel Jesus.

(Because there was no social media back then.)

Ethnicity and Background

¹Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him.  ²And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!” ³"Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. Mark 6:1-3 NKJV

 

They acknowledged that Jesus is doing something great and mighty, yet because of His ethnicity, they rejected Him. Yet, Jesus did not stop doing what He does. 

⁴But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”  ⁵Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.  ⁶And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. Mark 6:4-6 NKJV

 

Arguments and Hard Questions

They tried cancelling Jesus by throwing Him arguments and Hard Questions (at least from their point of view).

Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. Mark 12:13 NKJV

 In context, Mark 12:13-34, He answered them all with wisdom.

Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him. Mark 12:34 NKJV

What does this mean?

They will try to silence you, but hold onto Jesus. He is with you.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 NKJV

 

Suffering and Death

Jesus defeated the ultimate form of cancelling - death.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25 NIV

“He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” Luke 24:6-7 NKJV

¹²Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:12-14 NIV

 

The first time the apostles preached after the Holy Spirit came, this happened.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41 NIV

There were healing of the sick, casting out demons, signs wonders and miracles.

The first century Christians had one central message: Jesus resurrected from the dead.

This is where we are now:

His Word and His Disciples

¹But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ²People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV

Even after the New Testament, they have tried to stop Jesus Christ.

He was never cancelled!

Our goal, as we live for Jesus is to disciple the present and the future generation.

¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

 

Stay connected...

• with the Word
• with the Holy Spirit
• with fellow believers!

 Keep moving forward.

Share, witness, testify.

Win souls for Jesus.

Take every opportunity to be equipped.

 

Our mission only stops when Jesus returns.

 

It will always be a privilege serving God.

Yes, we are replaceable, but the God who chose us is uncancellable.

Let us keep moving forward!

Plea of a Son and Friend

Third of the Seven Last Words of Jesus

²⁶When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” ²⁷and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27 NIV

Why call her "woman"?

Up on the cross, He is already addressing her as human, and Himself, God. Calling her "mother" would be more piercing, painful for her.

Even then, it must have been painful still, as a fulfillment of what was prophesied to Mary:

³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:34-35 NIV (emphasis added)

In that timeline's culture, widows are taken cared of by the oldest son when her husband dies. When Jesus's ministry started, there were no mention of Joseph. It is assumed that he is already dead. Otherwise he would have been in the picture. Jesus, being Mary's oldest son takes care of Mary.

Why leave her to His youngest disciple?

Because of their connection to Jesus, they were not even present in the scene.

But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56 NIV

What about His brothers?

For even his own brothers did not believe in him. John 7:5 NIV

They were not even believers at that time and would have thought He deserves what was happening to Him.

Perhaps, Jesus saw that Mary and John were two of those who were courageous enough to witness His final hours. Plus, it's always best to leave your loved ones to the courageous ones, to those who will face whatever circumstance to make sure that whatever or whoever is under their care will remain safe and watched over. John, being present at Jesus' crucifixion must have been comforting Mary and all those who were with her. And Jesus saw that.

Most importantly, Jesus knows what will happen in the future. He knew John would be the best choice to leave His mother to.

Lessons we Can Learn From Jesus' 3rd of the Last Seven Last Words.

Lasting care for family.

Jesus entrusted Mary to John and John to Mary. When Jesus is not with them physically anymore, they would understand each other's love for Him and their relationship with God. Every time Mary would talk about Jesus to John, he would understand. Even the mysteries of being close to Jesus is a common thing to both of them. No extra explanation needed. They just know.

Be there for your family every time you get a chance. Do not just give a one-time care. When my grandmother (mother's side) had a stroke, my Aunt who was in London did not waste time. She immediately instructed her siblings to hire a physical therapist to help my grandmother recover, as advised by her doctors. She pulled through. She paid for the entire thing from beginning to end. She could not be there physically, so she did what she can do best for her while being away.

Whenever you can, help those family members in need.

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 NIV

As a man, Jesus will not be able to take care of Mary physically anymore. Entrusting her to John would make more sense, since he is the youngest disciple. He has longer time to care for her.

As we have read, Jesus did not just show a lasting care for family, He also communicated an encouraging trust for a friend.

Encouraging trust for friends.

For those who knew and walked with Jesus, it would have been a privilege to be entrusted with someone dear to Him by Him. He showed John He trusts he will take care of Mary.

When my wife and I got an insurance and were choosing who to leave our children should the Lord decide we join Him, it was a long-thought decision. It was like a whole season of Survivor series where all our trusted friends and relatives are competing, and we decide who to win. It was not easy but we came up with a decision. The point is that when it comes to people dear to you, you want the best for them. With John, it was a huge favor with a long-lasting commitment to take care of a widow.

True friends are people who take a friend asking for a huge favor as a complement.

In the case of John, it's like after all they have been through with Jesus, this should be a quick decision. His reaction was immediate. He took Mary with him to take care of her.

and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:27 NIV

Being in that time, John understands what it meant, and he did not turn Jesus down.

As Jesus was about to complete His mission, he exemplified finishing well for God.

Finishing well for God.

For Jesus to complete His mission, He had to leave His family and friends. He did not let these relationships get in the way. He did not use His family as an excuse not to do what He needed to do. Instead, He gave it as an opportunity for His disciple (John) to put into action what He taught him.

⁴¹If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴²Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:41-42 NIV

Although he was not forced, and he had a choice to refuse, he willingly took the challenge, just as a student who have learned from his Teacher would.

Jesus is our model.

• In serving God, we choose Him over anything and anyone.
• In serving God, we don't just start right. We finish well.

¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

Note that Jesus did not just leave His earthly mother when He was completing His mission. He made sure someone will take care of her. He showed us that we can be good and faithful servants of Christ while also caring for our family.

Sometimes finishing well means doing things in such a way that the Lord is blessed with our service for Him, so as our family.

Look at how the first century Christians do things to take care of widows:

¹In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ²So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. ³Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:1-4 NIV

The gospel is preached, but they did not neglect taking care of widows. We can be good servants of Christ while taking care of our responsibilities.

Conclusion:

Genuine disciples of Jesus Christ are students of the Word who learn and apply the art of balance in ministry, relationships, and life.

As the Bible declares,

¹⁷All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

Hanging Conversation (2nd of the Seven Last Words of Jesus)

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 NKJV

 

Our lives are a constant hanging conversation with God. He offers us the way back to Him, we respond. Until right before our lives are taken from us, that conversation with Jesus remains hanging.

The noise in the background.

³⁵And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, ³⁷ and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” Luke 23:35-37 NKJV

Background noise are statements that are not worth responding to. Jesus knew that exactly. He heard what they said.  He knew what they were going to say.  He knew what they were thinking at that moment. Yet, He did not give them a response.

Why? He already gave them to God, when He said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing."

As followers of Jesus, we must learn to let go of worthless arguments. People who already made up their minds of who you are, what you believe and the decision not to listen to what you have to say even if it makes sense don’t deserve your attention.

The wasted moment.

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” Luke 23:39 NKJV

One of the criminals tried to have a word with Jesus, but totally wasted it. He went to Jesus with the same mindset as the noise in the background. He was like, "Yeah, these people down the ground are right. If this is God, He could save Himself and maybe us, too."

The problem was He was talking about TRYING TO USE GOD for His own agenda.

He was guilty of what he was accused of, while Jesus was not. Yet, he had the strength to ask God to set him free from the consequences of his sin, without acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

He said, "IF You are God..."

He did not call Him God but He said, “IF You are God...”

Response from Jesus? Not a Word.

 

The humility that's worth Jesus' precious Word.

⁴⁰ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?” ⁴¹ “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Luke 23:40-42 NKJV

Here we have another criminal who is a part of the "hanging conversation" going on with Jesus. This one is different. He acknowledged that Jesus is God, that he is a sinner, and that he deserves to be punished for what he has done.

He did not just believe that Jesus is God. He came to Him as a man praying to his God.

He acknowledged that Jesus is his hope for life after death.

So he got Jesus's attention.

He got a verbal response from Jesus.

 

The hope for the unwanted.

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 NKJV 

Humility attracts God's attention.

There is an assurance that those who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior has a place in eternity with Him.

To the crowd and to the first thief, Jesus did not give a response. Why? He has a habit of responding to and honoring the faith of those who has FAITH IN HIM!

Look at this passage.

³⁹When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” ⁴⁰And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. ⁴¹Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴²Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.” Mark 5: 39-42 NKJV

 

So what is the conclusion of the hanging conversation? Jesus saves. There is no better time to receive Him as Lord and Savior than now!

For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” II Corinthians 6:2 NKJV

To some, like the first thief on the cross who spoke to Jesus, the conclusion of our hanging conversation with Jesus is selfish, self-directed. "Do this for me" kind of statement.

For others, like the second thief on the cross who spoke with Jesus, it is God-directed. "I know You are the Messiah, take me with You."

Jesus sealed the deal with, "Today, you will be with me in Paradise." It was love-oriented.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 NKJV

 

The truth is, God already knows our hanging answer no matter how long we delay saying and living it. From human point of view, we are delaying it, but for Him, it was never hanging. He always knew who will and who will not receive Him as Lord and Savior.

To the one reading this, I pray that you decide today to never leave your conversation with Jesus hanging. He stands at the doors of our hearts today, asking, "Would you receive this free gift of salvation?"