Bible Baptist Church

Yesterday in my devotions I was struck with a question based on Mark Driscoll's life. The context of the question was based out of Romans 1:18-32, which is one of Paul's grittiest writings in the whole New Testament. Prior to choosing Jesus, Mark admitted he and his girlfriend were sexually active, but after choosing Jesus he put that part of their relationship away. The question he asked was based on his history with his then girlfriend:

"One day, I realized I had an incredibly important decision to make, which would affect my life and legacy. Does God have a right to tell me what to do with my sexuality? Is there any authority external to me? Does anyone have the right to tell me what to do?" - Mark Driscoll

Mark came to the realization that Jesus had chosen him, but Mark had to come to the point where he chose Jesus. I discovered as I pray you will this wasn't just Mark's question. This is our question that we have to look directly into. Who has the right to tell me what to do...

I believe today's message is one of those gritty messages that is going to require to look deep within our own hearts, and answer some questions that will affect our lives and legacies.

I want you to imagine you have been given a task by the President of the United States. A task you accept, but once you begin, you realize it is nothing like you expected. This is what happened to Lewis and Clark as they explored the new purchased Louisiana Territory.

The assumption was the Louisiana Territory would be like all the other territory to the East. That assumption was quickly recognized when the Rocky Mountains offered a terrain they had not expected. They expected a waterway to the Pacific Ocean but had to adjust on the fly to the landscape. They'd have to adapt or the mission would fail.

The disciples are facing the same dilemma. If they do not see Jesus for who He truly is the mission would fail. The disciples knew the Roman Caesars used the same terms Jesus was applying to Himself. Julius Caesar was declared to be god by the Roman Senate, and his adoptive son Augustus took on the term, "son of god." Both illustrated their position with power but not humility. Jesus makes the same claim but instead of using power He chose humility.

Mark 1:1 opens up with a different idea about the Son of God. Go with me to Mark 1:1. What you and I read doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but for the original readers it set the standard of Mark's Gospel. It wasn't the term "Christ" that raised eyebrows for the original audience, but the term, "Son of God." John Mark, the author possibly wrote this gospel in Italy, Rome. Roman citizens reading the phrase, "Son of God" would have been struck with the declaration right away.

interesting facts about the term, "Son of God."

- Caesar proclaimed power by calling himself the son of god, but Jesus showed humility being the Son of God

- Caesars were honored in purple robes, but Jesus was forced to wear purple robe in mockery

- Caesar heard, "Hail Caesar!" While Jesus heard, "Crucify Him!"

- Caesar's reign was considered good news, but Jesus was the good news

Jesus had chosen the twelve disciples, but they hadn't chosen Him for who He truly was. The disciples reached their Rocky Mountain situation and their choice to adapt or not would forever seal their legacies.

It is easy to see how the disciples came to see Jesus Christ as the military leader and not the lamb of God. What does Jesus Christ do? He takes them to one of the most evil and idolatrous places in their culture, Caesarea Philippi. Jesus understood above all the questions a person could answer the most important question that needed to be answered was, "Who do you say I am?"

Jesus is using this experience at Philippi Caesarea as their starting point to see Him as He actually is. Jesus was requiring them to identify with who He truly was. His ministry was coming to a close and the ministry of the disciples was about to begin. These men would be used to share the good news of Jesus Christ through the world.

Jesus chooses to do this new beginning in the last place the disciples would have every considered. It was in the Sanctuary of the Pan in Caesarea Philippi. The Sanctuary of the Pan had a different title called the Gates of Hell. It was considered one of the most evil and demonic places in the world at the time.
Why would Jesus Christ bring His disciples here? He wanted them to know two specific things:

1. Not even the gates of hell could stop them if they do it through Him

Some have taken Jesus' words that "upon this rock" refers to Peter. I debate that and believe Jesus is speaking directly to the revelation the Father gave Peter about Jesus being the Son of the living God. I believe the revelation God gave is the rock Jesus is referencing here.

2. He wanted them to choose Him

Its one thing to say Jesus chose them, but it is another thing to say they chose Jesus. We know that eleven of them truly chose Jesus, and one betrayed him.

Bottom line:
Jesus Already Choose Them; He Wanted Them To Choose Him

Like Lewis and Clark you are living your life, but unexpected things have taken place. Your life symbolically has reached the Rocky Mountains. You have canoes, but canoes are not needed in the Rocky Mountains. It is a different terrain. You have to get rid of what you don't need and find what you do need.

We found ourselves with the disciples as Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?" That answer alone will help guide your life. Because if today you decide not to choose Jesus, you have to consider the ramifications:

1. Not choosing Jesus is still a choice

For Judas it meant death without knowing Jesus. To not choose Jesus is to lose everything.

2. None of us are guaranteed more time so your decision is necessary now

3. Don't hesitate by saying "Someday" when today you can make the choice for Jesus

The only thing that can bring satisfaction and purpose to your life is a relationship with Jesus Christ. The disciples had to discover this as they got rid of their expectations of who they assumed Jesus should be for who Jesus truly was.

Who has the right to tell me what to do with my life?
Jesus Christ does!