Two, Four, Six, Eight
Who do you appreciate?
Regardless of what school you attended, it is likely that you remember the cheerleaders chanting “Two, Four, Six, Eight; who do we appreciate?” followed by the name of your school or mascot. I found it amusing that every school seemed to use this cheer. Apparently who you appreciate had little to do with some absolute standard for appreciation and a whole lot to do with which school you attended. When it comes to appreciating how we interact with others, there’s no example we should appreciate more than that of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I believe there are some helpful observations that arise from the master’s example. In the spirit of that high-school cheer, let’s see what we can glean from the Lord’s interactions with people in John chapters two, four, six, and eight:
John 2 - The Wedding at Cana
Minor Problem - in the grand scheme of things, running out of wine at a wedding certainly seems to be a relatively minor problem. Yet it was something of great concern to the Lord’s mother and she did not hesitate to set this problem before him. The Lord was mindful of this “minor problem” and willing to help. We should likewise feel at ease to set our minor problems before the Lord. As it relates to how we deal with others, we should be reluctant to dismiss the problems of others because we think of them as minor. We may be able to help irrespective of the perceived magnitude of the problem. In fact, a minor problem may be easier to fix. Perhaps on the back side of being helpful, the one we help might have more perspective on the magnitude of problems, but whether that occurs or not, they will no doubt remember that you took the time to care and to help as you were able.
Servants Saw a Miracle - while everyone benefitted from the wine the Lord created, it was only those involved in following the Lord’s commands who saw a miracle that day. We too may see miracles performed in the elimination of problems as we come alongside others in the kingdom and endeavor to help. Those who are not so involved often miss out on this blessing.
John 4 - The WomAn at the Well
Social Conventions were not an Impediment - the Lord engaged in conversation the Samaritan women without regard for their low station among the Jewish people or concern for how others might perceive this action.
Honest Dealing with the Matter of Sin - the Lord did not shy away from pointing out the sinful lifestyle of this woman nor the spiritual ignorance of her current religious practice. He dealt with it honestly and clearly without unnecessary judgmentalism. The phrase, “It is what it is” comes to mind. This approach, however, does not mean that Jesus endorsed her unstable practices as is so often suggested in modern Christendom.
Good News Message - the Lord’s spiritual lesson was one of good news for people who had a spiritual thirst. We should be mindful that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are apt to move toward a cup of water if we set it before them. False religions place men in bondage but the gospel of grace sets them at liberty to serve the Lord who saved them out of love and thanksgiving.
John 6 - The Unvarnished Preaching of Grace
Salvation by Sovereign Grace - the Lord unashamedly declared that our salvation is not through law keeping (as the Jews of his day insisted) but through the sovereign grace of God alone. That was an evidently offensive notion, but he did not shy away from it when his disciples called it into question.
Disciples Can Reject the Truth - those who have been proselytized in false religious ideas may find them difficult to lay down. The gospel of the grace of Christ may seem “too good to be true” to someone who has been taught that their eternal salvation rests upon their personal performance in righteousness. In that sense it can be a “hard saying” because it completely overturns the works-based religion that someone may be settled in. As a result, conversion to a proper understanding of grace may take time. It may require some mediation, searching of the scriptures, and prayer to change one’s mind.
John 8 - The Woman Taken in Adultery
Jesus Received Sinners - there’s no doubt the women of John 8 was guilty. The narrative establishes her guilt. But the Lord did not view her status as a notorious, public sinner as an impediment to saving grace. The Lord saves sinners. That includes what we might call “really bad sinners.” Truth be told, if he didn’t then NO ONE would be saved, including you.
Jesus Did Not Endorse the Practice of Sin - this is where many decide to part company with the Christian faith. Super Bowl ads notwithstanding, while the Lord does have mercy upon sinners, he does not endorse them in the practice of sin. Many are fond of the Jesus that says, “Neither do I condemn thee” but want nothing to do with the Jesus that adds, “go, and sin no more.” The Lord called people to become disciples and that involves forsaking sin and following after the precepts of Christ which minister life, peace, and grace to their souls.
There are many other observations that can be gleaned from how the Lord interacted with sinners but these were a few that came to mind in a recent sermon on the topic. I hope these observations from John 2, 4, 6, and 8 help us to appreciate the Lord’s example and encourage us to follow it as we are given opportunity in the days to come.
- Elder Daniel Samons