"The Offering of Self"
April 9, 2006

The Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 50: 4 - 9
The New Testament Lesson: Mark 14: 22 - 25

To truly emulate Jesus, we must offer ourselves to others in God’s service

Introduction: We are looking at the characteristics that mark a life that effectively draws people toward Christ.

     So far, we have noticed that people outside the church recognize authenticity, compassion, courage and joy. 

All of these are very attractive and cause people to want to find out what is making our lives different.

     All of them are a result of the Spirit’s influence in our lives.  Best is last!

I.  A willing sacrifice is extremely difficult to ignore.
   A.  Last week, 911 calls made from WTC on 9-11 were released.
        1. Over and over, we heard words of assurance from the operators
        2. Don’t panic!   Help is on the way!  We’re sending people over!
        3. And the rescuers did come.
            a. Police officers, Fire fighters, Paramedics came from all over
            b. As people scrambled down the fire escape, they were going up!
        4. They rescued many people who otherwise would have died.
        5. but 100s sacrificed their lives in the process of saving others.
        6. Of all the images of 9-11, that willing sacrifice has stayed with me.
        7. It has inspired songs, support, unity and praise
   B. That has happened often: When people sacrifice, others notice!
        1. When we talk of impact, much can be ignored or explained.
            a. You’re only happy because things are going well.
            b. You are committed to Jesus because you’re afraid of death.
            c. You only do good to make yourself feel good.
        2. But, when we give up something of ourselves, it’s tough to ignore!
        3. People are likely to say ‘Huh?  What’s that about?’
        4. Bill Hybels put it form formally: “Sacrifices move people.  They melt people.  They stop people in their tracks and make them ask ‘Why?’
        5. In fact, the less a person is acquainted with Spirit things, the more likely they are to by mystified and intrigued by sacrifice.
        6. The very people most in need of Jesus will be drawn by sacrifice
        7. “Sacrifice, motivated by genuine love and concern, is extremely difficult to discount.”  Hybels

II.  When we sacrifice for others, we are imitating Jesus
   A. Do you have any doubt that Jesus used this method to reach out?
        1. The very act of celebrating communion is recognizing this truth.
        2. Lest we miss Jesus’ intention as a willing sacrifice, hear his words.
            a. This is my body, which is broken for you!
            b. This is my blood which is shed for you!
        3. Jesus was completely aware of what was about to happen to him.
            a. He had been warning the disciples since they headed to Jerusalem
            b. He had explained it in stories.
            c. He had already modeled it and predicted it.
        4. Now, on the eve of the crucifixion, he told them, “It’s for you!”
        5. But do not think that his sacrifice was just in his death.
            a. The sacrifice of himself started with his birth.
            b. He gave up his privileged position with the Father in Heaven.
            c. He accepted not only a human body, but a very common life.
            d. And he spent night and day healing, teaching and forgiving.
        6. Jesus whole life was sacrifice; we are called to follow in His steps.
   B. There are many ways that we can give ourselves to others.
        1. Few of us will be asked to actually die in the Service of Jesus.
            a. It was quite common early in Christianity’s history.
            b. But coliseums and lions are not part of our current history.
            c. Still, there are sacrifices that we all can make.
        2. Time: it is a precious commodity these days.
            a. Used to be, “Can I have a few moments” now “this will only take a second!”
            b. We recognize that every person is under a time crunch.
            c. When you take time with a person, they see the gift it is.
            d. Time that you give to another person is a life sacrifice in miniature.
        3. Money: Again, this is a gift of self.
            a. We spend portions of our life to earn money. There are lots of fun things that we can do with that: vacation,  restaurants, boats, trips, sporting events, clothes, name it.
            b. Depending on earning power, each dollar is a fraction of your life.
            c. When we consciously use our money to make impact we sacrifice.
            d. especially true when we give directly to someone in need as extension of God’s love!
        4. Life example: This may be the most important thing we do.
            a. When we live our lives as a conscious witness for others to see!
            b. Living the different kind of life that Jesus promises to us.
            c. But that takes some hard work and much time!
            d. We must mold our lives so that hours are taken in God’s presence
            e. We must study and pray, constantly inviting the Spirit to change us
            f. often, it takes years of concerted effort to convince people.
        5. I was converted to Christianity at the age of 12.
            a. I was really easy: Heard the message and said “I’m in!”
            b. I came home, ecstatic in my new found faith.
            c. I burst in and said “Mom!  Dad! I found Jesus!”
            d. Dad said, “Oh great!  Richy got religion!” He was unimpressed.
            e. Waited for me to get over the phase I was in…waited and waited.
            f. while he was waiting, my sister and mother both converted.
            g. I’m still working on my Dad and brother.  It takes time to prove it.