1. Seeing Jesus -"RECOGNISED" Luke 5:8 & Luke 9:20

Luke 5:8 & Luke 9:20

Introduction:

Over the recent months most of my own prayer life and reading of the scriptures has centred around “Cultivating a passion for Jesus” I’m currently giving some thought to a preaching series called Just that. “Cultivating a passion for Jesus” this message this morning is the first reflection which is called “SEEING”

I don’t know about you but I’m a restless person and for some time, I should say some years, I’ve had a growing concern about the Church that bears the name of Jesus. You might say I’m splitting hairs but often it’s difficult to see Jesus in amongst much of what is called the church and it’s various programs, strategies, worship and indeed in the lives of those who profess to follow him.

Because of this restlessness and my own need to rediscover a passion for Jesus, I have intentionally committed myself to focus on Just that “Cultivating a passion for Jesus”. In chapter 12 of Hebrews the writer says “Fixing you eyes on Jesus” Getting back to this should be the main purpose of the church. Max Lucado sums this up in a helpful sentence.

“Christianity, in its purest form, is nothing more than seeing Jesus. Christian service, in its purest form, is nothing more than imitating him whom we see. To see his glory, and to imitate him, that is the sum of Christianity”

Max Lucado. Christian author and Senior Leader, Oakhills Church, San Antonio Texas.

In this message we will concentrate on the first of which I hope are many reflections and messages on cultivating a passion for Jesus. Simply “SEEING” The New Testament shows for us the lives of many who saw Jesus and recognized in him the power, glory and presence of God. I’d like us to look at three of those stories in this session . Lets turn in our bibles to Luke 5:8

1. Peter the Apostle saw and recognised Jesus - Luke 5:8 and Luke 9:20.

Seeing Jesus - A primary ministry the Holy Spirit.

• Luke 5:8 - “saw” “having seen” The greek – to see properly, (to understand)
• Luke 9:20 "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "God's Messiah."– and Matthew 16:17 “this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven”
• John 16:14 Jesus speaking of the Spirit. “He will glorify me”

2. John the Baptist saw and recognised Jesus - John 1:29

Seeing Jesus – An intentional experience.

• · “Behold”- see, observe, view, watch, survey, gaze at, gaze upon, stare at, scan, witness, regard, contemplate, inspect.

3. John the Apostle saw and recognized Jesus  - 1 John 1: 3 and Rev 1:17

Seeing Jesus – A passionate and unforgettable encounter

• “That which we have seen” - “When I saw him I fell down”

Conclusion: How important is Jesus to you? We can have all the other things in place. We can speak of the kingdom and not have the king. We can have a good time when we meet as a church and not focus our lives on Jesus. We can get caught up in duty and miss out on relationship. Seeing and recognizing Jesus for us and for our generation is important. Let’s be people who simply cultivate a passion for Jesus and believe him to raise up a new generation of people who have a living relationship with him.Conclusion: How important is Jesus to you? We can have all the other things in place. We can speak of the kingdom and not have the king. We can have a good time when we meet as a church and not focus our lives on Jesus. We can get caught up in duty and miss out on relationship. Seeing and recognizing Jesus for us and for our generation is important. Let’s be people who simply cultivate a passion for Jesus and believe him to raise up a new generation of people who have a living relationship with him.