The Lutheran Hour
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"No Brag – Just Fact"
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Text: John 8:51
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Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Those words of resurrection victory are God’s truth, which confronts the critics of Christianity with the reality of a living Savior who has defeated death for Himself and all who believe. May we be counted amongst those believers. Amen.
For 11 years the respected professor had begun his Ethics 101 class the same way. While the bell was still ringing, he walked into his classroom, placed his notes on the podium and looked over the top of his glasses at the standing-room only crowd. One of the college’s prized teachers, the professor was a master lecturer, and there was always a waiting line of applicants desiring to take his classes. Patiently the professor waited for the new students to quiet down. Experience had taught him that there was no point in rushing things; he knew the students would police themselves and become silent without him ever having had to say a word. As he waited, the professor slowly examined his pupils. Deliberately he caught the eye of each eager learner; and as he did, his gaze brought stillness and a heightened sense of anticipation. Finally it became so hushed, that when one of the students sneezed, those around her jumped, and the rest of the class laughed.
Giving the sneezer a small smile, the professor cleared his throat, took a breath and began: “Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to this class, Ethics 101. In the days to come we will discuss many things and many subjects. Before we are done three months hence, you will have come to know, to believe, to appreciate this great truth: Nothing is always true for everybody all the time.” Then, so the depth and import of his words could sink in, the professor paused. He was pleased to note that some of the students, the ones who wanted a good grade in the class, who wanted to satisfy him, were writing down everything he had just said. “They’ll go far,” the professor thought to himself as he prepared to continue with the lecture that he had perfected. He was just ready to speak when he noticed one of the students, a boy in the 13th row, third seat from the right, had his hand up. “That is unusual,” the professor thought, “nobody should have their hand up after one sentence.” The professor acknowledged the young man with a nod and the student timidly spoke: “Excuse me, sir, but did I understand you correctly? Did you say we would learn ‘nothing is always true for everybody all the time?'” Thinking that if the student was hard of hearing, he ought to move up a few rows, the professor said, “Sir, you have heard me rightly; that is indeed what I said.” With the untimely interruption out of the way, the professor forged ahead…almost. The student’s hand was up again. “Yes, what is it?” said the professor a little more sharply than he would have liked. The young man asked, “Professor, I’m confused. If nothing is true all of the time, wouldn’t that mean…your…statement…isn’t true all of the time?” The professor smiled, and condescendingly replied, “Sir, I think the class in Logic is down the hall. This class is Ethics. My statement stands. Nothing is true all of the time for everybody.”
If statistics can be trusted, three out of every four of you agree with my made-up professor when he said there is no such thing as absolute truth. I can understand why you might feel that way. Ours is an age, ours a generation which questions, and having questioned, quickly concludes that most “facts” are nothing more than personal opinions. Is our world getting warmer? You can find facts and fans supporting both points of view. Did Saddam Hussein have weapons of mass destruction? We all once knew he did, but now most believe he didn’t. Changing information means yesterday’s truth has become totally untrustworthy.
For example, generations of grade-school students have been taught to eat from the good old four-level food pyramid. Now that pyramid has been dismantled and a new one put in its place. When every facial tissue claims to be the strongest, softest, and most absorbent; every beer pledges to be the smoothest; and every toothpaste guarantees it will whiten the whitest, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that someone, maybe a lot of someones, aren’t exactly telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Yes, I can understand why you agree with my fictional professor; why you think there is no such thing as absolute truth. I can understand why your skepticism may have spilled over into the area of religion and you have concluded that God, if there is a God, has revealed Himself, or not, in all religions. I can understand why you believe these religions, having their own version of truth, may, ultimately lead a faithful soul to heaven, if there is a heaven. I can comprehend why you think there is no such thing as absolute truth and faith is nothing more than a subjective and ever-shifting personal point of view. I can understand, but I don’t agree. I don’t agree because Jesus is my Savior; and anything which contradicts Him and His truth is falsehood to me.
Please, let me explain. Some time ago I was told of a young girl from the country of Colombia who, at school, received a New Testament. She read her Scripture until her father caught her and told her not to. “The Bible,” he said, “is full of lies and fantasy.” That was the father’s truth – a truth which the girl ignored as she kept reading the Bible. She read until the day came when her father caught her, grabbed the New Testament from her, put it in his pocket, and went off to work in the mines as an engineer. Several hours later sirens told every one of a cave-in. Thirty-one men, including the girl’s father, were trapped. Rescuers worked round-the-clock, but it took five days to reach the men. Rescuers found the girl’s New Testament clutched between her father’s lifeless hands. Inside the cover, he had written: “To my daughter: Keep reading this New Testament, it is true and right, and I will see you one day in heaven.” On the back page there was a prayer and a place where a reader could sign his name as a statement of faith. The girl’s father had put his name on the page – as had the 30 others who died with him. The father, with faith in Jesus as His Savior, left this world a believer. He died believing a new truth. Does that story change your mind about Jesus being the one-and-only Savior? Of course it doesn’t. Right now you’re probably saying to yourself, “I bet every religion has a similar story.” You’re thinking, “The fact the father changed what he believed – that is the result of his desperate situation. It doesn’t prove or disprove a thing. My skepticism is intact; my objections remain unaffected.”
If I have accurately described your perspective, your perception on things spiritual, then you should know the Holy Spirit wishes to set you straight about the Savior. He wants you to know that not all so-called “saviors” can save. Jesus Himself wants you to know that He alone is the only mediator, the only bridge builder between you and His Father in heaven. He says so in the 8th chapter of John.
Let’s begin eavesdropping on the conversation between Christ and His critics. The discussion begins when Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Notice Jesus didn’t say, “I am a light;” He didn’t say, “I know where the light can be found;” nor did He say, “I am one of many equally helpful lights.” He said, “I am the Light – the Light that Illumined the world in the days of Abraham – the Light that shines in the world today.” Those words were a shock to His listeners. Not only was Jesus claiming to be the only Light, He was also claiming to be the eternal Son of God. Those words, “I am,” are the same words God gave to Moses when the prophet was called to be God’s representative in freeing the Children of Israel from slavery. When Moses asked God, “What are my credentials? Who am I to say has sent me?” God replied, “Moses, tell them I AM has sent you.” That day, in front of His doubters and deniers, Jesus claimed to be God, the great I AM of history.
Now, as I said, Jesus’ audience was composed of logical people. They weren’t about to buy what Jesus said about Himself, any more than you would. They challenged His statements with the words which, if they were loosely translated, would read: That’s all fine and well, Jesus, but Your words are never going to hold up in a court of law. Our legal system – it demands others be brought in to corroborate what You’ve said. Now, I can tell you that Jesus’ Father, your heavenly Father, had done just that. When Jesus was baptized, the Father’s voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Later in Jesus’ ministry, on a mountaintop, the voice would repeat those words, adding, “Listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5). It was that heavenly voice the doubters were not willing to believe (see John 8:43). That’s why they challenged Jesus; they challenged His words, His ministry, His claim to be the Truth.
During the course of their conversation, Jesus claimed He was the conveyer of God’s truth (John 8:26); that He was perfect (verse 29); that if anyone believed Him, they were believing Divine truth and that truth would free them from the condemnation of the law. It was difficult for Jesus’ critics to hear His claims. It got worse. It got worse when Jesus told His critics He was sinless. Now, the Savior didn’t use that word, but it is what He meant when He asked: “Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?” (John 8:46).
Now, if you or I asked a question like, “Who can convict me of sin?” the line of people responding would be prodigious. We would have friends who would come forward reluctantly; we would have people we had offended shoving to the front of the line. Even our own mothers, our spouses and children could provide overwhelming evidence to our sinful predisposition. But that’s not what happened when Jesus asked the question. Not a single person offered any criticism; nobody opened up a catalogue of His transgressions. Can you think of any other person in history about whom that can be said? I can’t. Maybe that’s why Jesus’ enemies, frustrated and infuriated that they couldn’t come up with evidence of wrongdoing, called Him a “Samaritan” and accused Him of being “demon possessed” (see John 8:48). If you were to translate those accusations into contemporary language, it would very roughly mean, “Jesus, You are a liar, a lunatic, or You’re in league with the devil.” Now you should know, there is another option which wasn’t mentioned among those listed: Jesus might have been telling the truth when He said He was the sinless Son of God – the Son of God who had come to save us from sin, death, and devil. Jesus might actually have been the bringer of heavenly truth and the only way to heaven. Of course that possibility didn’t occur to Jesus’ detractors back then any more than it occurs to Christ’s critics today.
In every age logical people want logical proof. They want verification that Jesus’ words are undeniably, unquestionably, irrefutably, incontrovertibly true. Then, having made that request, they sit back and smile a secure, smug little smile. They know that no such proof can be found. If that’s what you believe, permit me to say you are wrong. That’s right, you are wrong. There is one thing that is true for all people all of the time; and that truth is this: you will die. That’s the truth to which there are no exceptions. You may attain the ripe old age of 100, but you’re not going to hit 200. Death will someday pay a visit to each of us. It is undeniable, unquestionable, irrefutable, and an incontrovertible truth.
Now, if someone said he could defeat death, and He could, you would have to admit that that person was special, wouldn’t you? Of course. Even the skeptic, if he is really honest, is compelled to confess that death’s defeat would mean a whole new reality, a new level of truth. Of course, the skeptic would quickly add, “It’s impossible for anyone to destroy or defeat the Grim Reaper.” In that he would be partially right. It would be impossible for any regular person, people like you and me, to defeat death. We’re not strong enough, wise enough, able enough to tackle a task like that. To conquer the grave, it would take someone special, someone like the Son of God. And the Son of God is exactly who Jesus claimed to be when He said, “If anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.” The day Jesus spoke with His critics in the temple court, He gave a new truth, a Divine truth: Faith in Him would defeat death.
Indeed, Christians throughout the world will tell you that Jesus’ entire life was lived to defeat death. To defeat death, Jesus was born into this world, Son of Man and Son of God. To defeat death, Jesus lived His entire life saying “no” to the temptations which the world has always loved to wave in front of our noses. To defeat death, Jesus fulfilled all the laws of God which humanity has so completely and thoroughly broken. To defeat death, Jesus was willing to carry the sins which condemned us; suffer the punishment which we deserved; and die the death which was our just end. To His critics in every generation, Jesus gives God’s truth: “If anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.”
And that’s where Christ’s critics can hardly contain themselves. They delightedly shout out: “Jesus lied. Faith in Him doesn’t defeat death. I’ve been to countless funerals of Christians and I know Christians die.” To such glee, Christianity replies, “You don’t understand – when Jesus was talking about defeating death, He was speaking of eternal damnation and death.” And the logical people counter: “If Jesus meant that He would deliver us from a death which can’t be seen, then He has offered no proof at all. You can’t expect me to believe something which I can’t see. You have to produce evidence.” I agree, and I will.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry there were many people who hated Him, who wanted to kill Him. Do you know what single event, more than any other, put the Savior on the cross? No? Let me tell you. The event that made Jesus’ enemies go nutso was when the Savior raised Lazarus from the dead. Yes, Jesus had raised other people; but the raising of Lazarus was special. While the other resurrections had taken place in remote locations and happened shortly after the individual died; Lazarus died near Jerusalem, and he was dead for days before Jesus arrived. Everybody knew Lazarus’ resurrection was no reviving of someone who was in a coma; his resurrection could not be easily denied or explained away. Indeed, going to see the dead guy Jesus had raised made Lazarus a tourist attraction (see John 12:9). Scripture says, “The chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well (as Jesus) because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing…” (John 12:10-11).
Back then, logical people believed in Jesus because Jesus had kept His word. In Lazarus, He had defeated death. Christians today believe that Jesus will do the same for them, for those they love who die in the faith. That is why, when someone in the family of faith leaves this world, those around him or her don’t mourn as if the end had come; when the casket closes, they don’t assume a life has ended. Christians know there will be a reunion in heaven, and because of Jesus, a resurrection of bodies which will be divested of sin’s ravages. This we believe because Jesus has shown us He was speaking the truth when He said: “If anyone keeps My word, he will not see death.”
Do you still doubt? Then let me point you to Jesus’ own empty tomb. A crucified Christ, a dead Christ, a living Christ has given proof to anyone who takes the time to logically look. The empty tomb says Jesus’ sacrifice has been accepted and death is defeated. Read the ancient and undeniable accounts; take a look into Christ’s empty sepulcher. Jesus lives; He breathes; He eats; He talks; He invites His doubting disciples to: “Touch Me and see.” Jesus lives and because He lives, all who believe He is their Savior and Lord know they will also live. Understand, this is not a wish, a hope, a longing, or an opinion; it is God’s truth which is true for every person in every age.
Some of you have read the book: The DaVinci Code. If so, you may remember the author’s words: “Jesus was viewed by his followers as a mortal prophet… a great and powerful man, but a man nonetheless. A mortal.” That is what the world believes. Islam acknowledges Jesus as a great prophet; Buddhism looks upon Him as being enlightened; humanitarians see in Him an example; and philosophers look upon Him as a profound seeker of truth. Scripture’s truth describes Him better when it says He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The Bible’s truth is real: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus is God’s truth for all people in all times. Do you need to know more about this truth? Call us at The Lutheran Hour. Amen.
LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for June 3, 2007
TOPIC: Is Holy Communion really necessary?ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Ken Klaus responds to questions from listeners. I’m Mark Eischer. Today’s question comes to us from a concerned member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League.
KLAUS: And I think we better explain who the Lutheran Laymen’s League is, Mark.
ANNOUNCER: Well, the League is a group of people who share the Savior in many different ways. They’ve supported the broadcast of The Lutheran Hour for more than 75 years.
KLAUS: That almost sounds like an advertisement. Good job. And what is the topic, Mark?
ANNOUNCER: Well, our friend recently spoke with a young man from his church who said he didn’t really feel the need to receive Holy Communion. He thought that hearing the Word of God was enough, and it’s perfectly all right if churches never even offered the Lord’s Supper.
KLAUS: Fascinating. And I assume there’s a reason?
ANNOUNCER: Well, according to this young man’s belief, the Lord’s Supper is a nice gesture, he said, but it’s really not necessary to his faith.
KLAUS: Well, let’s see what we can do with this, Mark. And did the young man say what Bible he was reading?
ANNOUNCER: I don’t believe so. Is that important?
KLAUS: Well, I’m just curious. You see, in the versions I read, it has Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday, the night He was betrayed. At that meal, He said, “Take, eat, this is My body,” and then He said, “This is My blood, drink ye all of it.” That’s from the King James Version. I realize that’s an old translation. And if you look at a New International Version, or another new translation, it says, “Take and eat, this is My body… Drink from it, all of you.” I looked at the Greek and I ‘m not going to give you all of those words.
ANNOUNCER: Sure, right.
KLAUS: Now, you should, from what I’ve said so far, understand something here. Let me try and explain. If you heard anything – and I encourage our listeners to look up that event on Maundy Thursday in any translation they want and see if this gift from God appears to be an elective or an option.
In the Sacrament, Jesus is giving us a gift – a wonderful, gracious gift that creates faith and forgives sins. That’s what Jesus said, the Lord’s Supper was instituted “for the forgiveness of sins.”
Mark, did you ever work hard to give somebody a gift and then, from that person’s reaction, you could see they thought that gift was garbage?
ANNOUNCER: Well, I have and I’ve also been ungrateful myself.
KLAUS: Me, too. Now, let me ask: Did Jesus work hard so that our sins might be forgiven?
ANNOUNCER: Through obedient His life, His suffering, His death – yes, you could say He worked hard to remove our sins.
KLAUS: And He gave us this gift – the Sacrament of His body and blood – to forgive us?
ANNOUNCER: Yes, He did.
KLAUS: And this young man is saying, “No thank you. Don’t need it. Don’t want it”?
ANNOUNCER: But, if I could speak for him, I think he would say he’s already received that forgiveness because he reads the Bible, he’s listened to his pastor’s sermons…
KLAUS: And so he does.
ANNOUNCER: So why bother with Communion?
KLAUS: I understand. What we’re talking about is someone who is asking, “What is the least I need to have and do, to receive, to make it into heaven?”
ANNOUNCER: Better amplify that point a little bit.
KLAUS: Certainly. He’s not especially worried about what his Savior wants here. Jesus said, “Do this” and, coming from someone who gave His life for us, that request should be enough. But Jesus wasn’t asking us to “do this” for Himself. He wanted to give us a gift, a beautiful gift which says He is with us… which assures us that we are forgiven… which brings His people together for a special feast… which provides an extra measure of assurance when the oppressive times of life get us down. Jesus is giving a gift, and this fellow is saying: Jesus, give me the bottom line here. Let’s keep it to a minimum. Baptism – probably not necessary; worship – who knows; Communion – not necessary; fellowship – not necessary. Give me the bare bones, so I can get saved and get out of here.
ANNOUNCER: Might that be a little bit strong?
KLAUS: Not half strong enough. Look, Pam and I have been married for over 35 years. What kind of relationship would we have if she said to me on the day we got married, “Look, here’s the story. I said, ‘I love you’ at the wedding. You’ve heard it once, I hope that’s good enough because that’s all you’re going to get.'”What kind of marriage would we have if she said, “Tell me, exactly what’s the minimum I have to do to collect your life insurance?” What kind of relationship is it that takes wonderful gifts offered in love and says, “No, thank you; I’ve already got one?”
ANNOUNCER: It doesn’t sound like much of a relationship at all.
KLAUS: Well, Mark, you know, the relationship may survive… but it’s sure never going to be what it should have been.
ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Klaus. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Music selections for this program:
“A Mighty Fortress” arranged by John Leavitt. Concordia Publishing House/SESAC
“Come, Oh, Come, O Quickening Spirit” arr. Henry Gerike. Used by permission
“Draw Us to You” by Michael Burkhardt. From Hymn Improvisations, vol. 1 by Michael Burkhardt (© 1993 MorningStar Music Publishers)
“Oh, That I Had a Thousand Voices” arr. Chris Loemker. Concordia Publishing House/SESAC