Do We Know The Real Jesus?

Sermon by Pastor David Perry, at the Novato SDA Church, April 10, 2004.

Sermon notes transcribed by Garnet R. Chaney

There are many people today who are not impressed by the resurrection story. They may be indifferent because they don't really understand who has been crucified.

We emphasize in our world, that Jesus was crucified in a cruel way. It was a cruel death. But a lot of people died on crosses, and were crucified. But only one of them was Jesus Christ, Son of God, Creator of the Universe.

Very few of them who were at the Cross knew who he was. But one person knew. Mary knew.

Think back to Bethlehem. Think about the humble surroundings. Barn, dirt floors, sheet, donkeys, only a manger to lay the child in. How could this Child be the promised one?

The Angel had enlightened Mary. This child was Jesus, come to save the people from their sins.

This Child was very obedient. He was respectful and loving to his family. He worked with his father as a carpenter.

When the time came for Jesus to take up his own work, Mary's heart felt the first signs of apprehension. When Jesus presented himself for baptism, no one knew what this event would lead to a few months later. They only saw the start of a promising career for the Rabbi Jesus.

When there was a wedding celebration, Mary was glad that Jesus made time to come to the celebration. She shared her concerns about the host's family's dwindling supplies. Jesus showed a love for his mother and a respect for women, something that carried over into all other aspects of his life. When a fallen woman was brought to him, He spoke to her only with sympathy and kindness. With the woman the well, Jesus responded to the unique longings of a woman's heart.

Mary was not surprised when people brought the sick to Him, and He healed their hearts as well as their broken bodies.

Jesus never cheapened his miracle power by performing parlor trips for spectators. But when a miracle was needed, he performed many. He fed his disciples, walked on water, and cast out demons.

Mary did not witness all these, but she heard about the stories, and marveled at her Son's growing reputation. Her admiration for her Son only grew when He spent time with the little ones, and shared knowledge of the Almighty in a way that all could understand.

She didn't find it hard to believe the story of His washing the disciple's feet. Others said "Why would the Messiah stoop to such things?"  But Mary understood.

Jesus was arrested in the dark of night. Mary ran to hear what she could of his plight. How could they accuse him of insurrection, she knew who Jesus was. How could they handle him in such a rough way, when he had been so gently with everyone? Mary knew who Jesus was, he was divine nobility, how could they parade him around in such shame. Mary knew who Jesus was, he was the life giver, how could he die, how could they drive nails into his hands, and seal him into a tomb to be left alone.

Mary knew who Jesus was, but for a moment she wondered, "Could I have been wrong." Mary knew who Jesus was, but there was more to learn.

What a pitiful scene of the disciples going home after the crucifiction. "What could all this mean?" This was not a happy Sabbath.

In the darkness of the early morning hours, a delegation was sent to the cheerless task of taking care of the body of their beloved Master.

We know who came forth on that momentous day! The wonderful counsellor, the almighty God, the prince of peace. Who is this king of Glory? Lift up your heads! That the King of Glory might come in.

Now it was all coming together. Now it all made sense. He was her Savior. He is our Savior today.

Why do so many seem unimpressed by the resurrection story? Maybe it is because they only see rabbits and brightly colored eggs. Why were they impressed? Maybe it is only because they only knew him.

Jesus didn't just rise from the growth to convince us he had the power to do so.

He rose from the grave to save us from our sins. To show us there is power in the message for those who look to a living savior.

Proclaim to the world that he is alive, that Jesus is arisen.

He offers us power to overcome, power to proclaim to the world. This should be our mission and our goal.

Pastor David Perry speaks at the Novato Seventh-day Adventist Church. Services begin at 10am.

For more about Seventh-day Adventists, please see:

• What Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe?
• More about the Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists.