This week's sermon: "The Common Root of Unbelief in the Brothers of Jesus and the Jewish Crowds"
It's not surprising that the crowds don't believe in Jesus. His words and actions—embodying the grace and truth of God—call into question their life of law-keeping and self-exaltation cloaked in religion.
But the apostle John wants us to be shocked that not even Jesus' own brothers believe in him. They are impressed by his miracles, no doubt. But even though their unbelief doesn't take the combative form of the crowds' unbelief, hidden beneath their excitement about Jesus is the same self-exaltation and root of pride.
Jesus is headed to Jerusalem for a reason altogether different than his brothers envision. HIs path to glory isn't fame-mongering, circus miracle-work, but ultimate self-abasement in dying for sinners on an odious Roman cross. The last thing his brothers wanted—and the thing they most needed.
In the end, the brothers' unbelief and the crowds' unbelief had the same root: pride and the craving for self-exaltation and human praise. But Jesus is living, and will die, to be the object and sustainer of faith that despairs of human praise and gladly glories in the God of grace.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
