Exaggeration in a Good Way!
The gospels record thirty-seven miracles of Jesus, and John 20:30-31 tells us that “Jesus did many other miracles in the presence of his followers that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Then, by believing, you may have life through his name.” A brand new life.
In John 25:21 we are told there were many other “things” (not only miracles) Jesus did and if the Bible contained all of those things (not just miracles), the world couldn’t hold the books that could be written. That is known as hyperbole, a common figure of speech used in literature and the Bible defined as “when more is said than is meant, or exaggeration.”
When your teenager proclaims “Everybody is going to be at the party” does that mean the world’s population of 6.6 billion people? No, she or he is exaggerating to make a point. Similarly, the Bible uses hyperbole many times, i.e. the Samaritan woman spoke of Jesus saying “he told me all that I ever did”. Did he? No, she was exaggerating to make her point. We might say, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!” Obviously we can’t eat a horse or be strong as an ox, or be so full we could burst! Using hyperbole denotes extreme emotions, like happiness, frustration, or even fright!
(Want to know more, read Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (1968) by E.W. Bullinger.)
Studying to show ourselves approved (2nd Timothy 2:15), doesn’t mean just reading Scripture, or hearing Scripture preached on Sunday morning. It means diving deeper into it ourselves and studying God’s word where we learn who he is. That’s why we have so many small groups and bible studies every week on our campus, for learning and growing in faith, plus Life Groups that meet off campus. Not just for studying Scripture, but to be part of a community.
Everything God has put in Scripture is not enough to answer every possible question we may ever have. Yet it contains everything we must know to be restored with God and have a close relationship with Him. Isn’t that what we all want? It requires commitment, but the reward is beyond measure. . . .Then, by believing, you may have life through his name.
To hear from God, we study Scripture, pray we know and understand it, and listen for God’s whisper revealing his plan through it and comforting our fears. I know most of you know that, but sometimes we all need a little reminder. Me too. The great thing about Scripture is that you can read a verse multiple times and still find something new the millionth time you read it. (hyperbole 🙂) That is exciting, wouldn’t you agree?
Deb Hill
EFCC Exec. Assistant
“We’re Following the Leader”
A lovely bronze sculpture stands in Waterfront Park, in Ludington, Michigan. Five children and a dog are depicted playing a beloved game of “following the leader”. One child is in the lead with the others close behind, watching, mimicking her movements, climbing rocks, balancing just so, following the path, the adventure chosen by the leader.
When Jesus called his disciples, his simple statement to them was, “Follow Me.” The call was no silly game, it was a Rabbi’s challenging invite—to live as he lived, the adventure of a lifetime. For Peter, Andrew, James and John, “Follow Me” demanded leaving their fishing nets, hugging family good-bye, facing an unknown future. For Tax collector Matthew, “Follow me” meant leaving behind safety and the security of a steady income to join the company of fellow Jews who saw you as a traitor.
In Matthew 10, Jesus instructs his disciples, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
In Luke 18, Jesus encounters a rich young ruler, an extremely moral man and says “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Luke 18)
Jesus tells his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) “and anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)
What does Jesus mean when he says, “Follow me.”?
“Follow me” demands faith. There’s a zillion questions that “follow me” refuses to acknowledge nor answer. The details, the specifics are ignored. The disciples chose faith over fear when they obeyed the Rabbi’s call to “Follow me”.
Secondly, “Follow me” expects submissive obedience, which that rich young ruler wanted no part of. Obedience without arguments, excuses or delays.
Lastly, “Follow me” requires eyes on the teacher. If we’re going to follow Jesus, we must pay attention to the leader—like the bronzed children in the sculpture in the park. We watch the way he lived, the way he loved. We study his teachings and commands. We duplicate his actions and his attitudes.
To my knowledge, not one time in the gospels does Jesus ever ask anyone to accept him. He invited everyone to follow him. Because Christ-likeness was the goal….is the goal for the Jesus follower.
The instruction from God never changes. He calls to you today, “Follow Me.”
Donielle Winter
EFCC Member
Rejecting Comparison
The Lord commanded Peter not to compare his lot in life with John’s. I’m amazed at how Jesus put it so black and white. Jesus claims immense sovereignty and infers that he can go right ahead and bless John with several thousand more years of life, (hyperbole) and it shouldn’t make any difference to Peter. Peter should follow Jesus.
After studying this portion of scripture, my mind gravitated to a moment in high school when I asked the Lord “Why me?” in a moment of self-pity. The circumstances were different, but I was complaining about my situation being very different from everyone else. (Not everyone has cerebral palsy) Jesus took his time answering me, but his answer was the same. My walk with the Lord is my walk with him; he can do whatever he wants with my life. I am simply following him.
In isolation, this whole issue is reframed. If it is just the Lord and me/us, when he commands us to do something, no one else is around to compare. You’d have no clue if a task is hard or not. Jesus involves everyone in his plans, so we tend to make comparisons. Yet Jesus’ blunt command is clear, “you follow me!” Notice the exclamation mark. In other words, stay in your lane, and mind your own business.
Jesus called Peter and John to unique roles among the apostles and pointed out that he willed it to be exactly so. He insinuates that his plan for both men has zero bearing on each other's roles.
If you are focused on what Jesus has for someone else, you aren’t focused on what He has for you. Therefore, occupy yourself with following Jesus only, which is what he wants you to do for your good and his glory!
Jonathan Duncan
EFCC Member
Losing Control for God’s Glory
Today is the first time I’ve imagined my death glorifying God. Not that I’m thinking about how I might die, just wondering if I’ll be able to glorify God through it. I started wondering this after reading Jesus’ words to Peter in John 21:18-19.
Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Church tradition says that Peter was crucified to death like Jesus, but did not feel worthy enough to be crucified in the same manner so he asked to be nailed upside down.
Jesus’ words to Peter were not about crucifixion, they were about losing control. In youth, do what you want, wear what you want, go where you like. In old age, someone else will take over. I’ve always read, “stretch out your hands” like the motion of getting handcuffs, but it could have been just needing someone else to get clothes on. What if the person will “carry you where you do not want to go” wasn’t just because he would be a prisoner but because he would be unable to get around? The words could be read both ways, but either way, Peter was to glorify God not just in life, but in death.
I’ve seen God be glorified in many people’s deaths. It happens as the people still alive tell the stories of how the person who passed had blessed them, served them, and pointed them to Jesus.
Twenty-five years ago, I was a youth pastor in Littleton, CO when I attended the memorial of one of the boys killed in the Columbine shooting. His name was John Tomlin. According to the testimony of his friends, family, and some of his writing that was read at the memorial, he was a believer and he cared about the lost." His pastor presented the gospel clearly at the service and then took the mic again during the reception and invited students to respond. Thirty students accepted Jesus at the reception. It made me imagine John in heaven saying, “Wow God, thank you for using my life and my death to bring so many classmates into your kingdom!”
Believers are not in control of how they die, but they can “follow” Jesus until that time so that their lives and deaths bring him glory.
Pastor John Riley
Repentance and Restoration
His failure and Jesus’ subsequent crucifixion must have sent Peter into an emotional tail-spin. We don’t know how else Satan sifted Peter in the days that followed. With each post-resurrection appearance of Christ to the apostles, Satan probably hit Peter with another blast of guilt, self-loathing, and despair. Yet Jesus did not condemn Peter. He knew the Holy Spirit was doing a work in Peter’s heart. The third time that Jesus showed himself to Peter was at the Sea of Galilee. (John 21:14). As soon as Peter saw him on the shore he dove from his boat and swam with all his might to Jesus. His heart was repentant and finally ready to hear Jesus.
Three times Jesus asked him “Simon, do you love Me?” Each time Peter responded, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love You.” In English, this passage seems very repetitive, but if we look at the original Koine Greek text there’s more than meets the eye. The first two times, Jesus asks Peter “Do you agape (love) Me?” Jesus uses the Greek term indicating deepest, heartfelt love, “agape”. Both times Peter answers with “Yes, I phileo (love) You.” His answer uses a Greek word that normally means “brotherly” love. However, the third time Jesus changes the question to “Do you phileo (love) Me?” In this subtle change it seems the Lord Jesus is coming down to meet Peter at his present level. It was the only level of “love” Peter was ready to confess at that point in his emotional journey. Even the third time, Peter answers “Yes, I phileo You,” but Jesus is OK with that. He doesn’t insist Peter come up to “agape” love. He accepts Peter as he is.
I find that immensely encouraging. I’m sure the Lord often hopes we will have a stronger love for him and deeper obedience to his will. But this example shows that Jesus is willing to meet us on our plane. He is patient and full of grace. He waits for the Spirit to work in our hearts and lift us to the next level.
How might Jesus be inviting you to a higher level in your walk with Him? What is the Holy Spirit speaking to your soul about that? Is there some way you need to be renewed by the Lord? Start by telling Jesus how much you love him.
Pastor Dave Korinek
Back From Failure
Series: Back to Life
Text: John 21:15-25
Speaker: Pastors Ryan Paulson & Esteban Tapia
April 28, 2024: On Sunday, Pastors Ryan Paulson and Esteban Tapia completed Back to Life, our last season of messages (part 6) in our year-long Gospel of John series. The final message in this series is entitled "Back From Failure." We hope you enjoyed this study of the Scriptures.
Chain-linked Humility
My childhood bike was fantastic! It had the beefiest training wheels ever; I used to tell kids they were concrete wheels. The velcro that held my feet to the pedals was the fuzziest I’ve ever seen. I rode my majestic chrome fendered beast at every recess through grade school. Once, I was riding on our street and noticed one of my neighbors had two new dogs behind their fence. I rode my bike up the little incline to parallel the fence, and the dogs were eager to drool their love all over me. I let go of my handlebars and turned to grab the chain-linked fence with both hands so the dogs could jump to lick my fingers. To my surprise, my bike started to roll down the incline, away from the fence. The velcro held better than ever as the bike slowly pulled me sideways over the asphalt, hanging on to the chain links outstretched. “I can still get out of this!” I thought. Just then, another neighbor pulled up in her car; I was so embarrassed. She was one of those awesome ladies who’s not surprised by anything but cares about everyone. She casually rolls down the window and says, “Oh hey, Jonathan… How ya doing?” Unphased by my predicament.
“Oh, hey, Mrs. Loopkey! Fine, fine, I’m doing just fine!” I struggled to say.
“Do you need any help?” She said with an audible smile.
“Oh no. I’m fine!” I blurted, my fingers hurting from supporting my weight. Mrs. Loopkey ignored my flawless bluff and helped me out of that bind with no small effort.
I wanted her not to see me so I could have gotten myself out of that bind. I was oblivious to my need, blinded by my confidence. She saw my need, and I was afraid she’d always see me as needy. Pretty arrogant, huh? I was super independent. I wanted to fight my limits, and I didn’t want help. God bless those who help anyway.
The passage of scripture we’ve been studying this week points out what happens if we humbly accept the Lord’s provisions. Notice Peter did not squawk about breakfast like he did with the previous foot-washing in the upper room. If the Lord gives you food when you can get your own, just accept it with gratitude. I have too many stories about learning humility. We’ll keep learning humility and how to receive what we need from the Lord together.
Jonathan Duncan
EFCC Member
Fish Galore
Although I enjoy fishing, many times I’ve come home empty-handed. Several years ago my wife and I took our daughter’s family to a picturesque resort on the shore of Clear Lake in Northern California, well known for its annual large-mouth bass fishing tournament. We hired a local fishing guide to take my son-in-law, my grandson and me out on his boat for a half-day outing. He knew the best spots on the lake and which bait to use. We followed his advice and boy did it pay off! The three of us reeled in close to thirty fish weighing three to five pounds each (we kept two for dinner and let the rest go free.) Our guide was an expert and his knowledge of the lake made the difference between a bountiful catch and a wasted day.
The resurrected Jesus provided a living parable similar to this when he caught up with his disciples at the Sea of Galilee early one morning. Jesus had previously instructed them to go to Galilee and await his arrival. While waiting, the professional fishermen among them decided to take their boats out and fish through the night. They were following their earthly wisdom and techniques. John 21:5-6 ESV says that arriving at the shoreline early in the morning, Jesus called out to them “Children, do you have any fish?” When they responded, “No”, Jesus told them “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” When they followed his command the quantity of fish they caught was so great, they were unable to haul the net back into the boat.
As adopted children of the King, we may get a notion of something we feel called to do for God’s Kingdom. However, it’s not uncommon that even when using “our best efforts” we see little or no fruit. It’s easy to forget that if we want to reap a spiritual harvest we need to follow the wisdom and timing of the Spirit of God. His ways are not our ways! Old habits and earthly perspectives need to be replaced by trusting in the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Spirit of Jesus to lead our effort, even if we can’t understand the when, the why, or the how, it will yield a spiritual harvest. The apostles in the boat needed a reminder that they were just tools in the Master’s hands. May you likewise offer yourself as a tool for his use, whenever and however God may choose to use you. His ways may surprise you and the spiritual rewards will be great indeed!
Pastor Dave Korinek
Care Team
Unwavering Faith
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
Peter was fishing that day, he was good at it, and put his whole heart into anything he did, so, of course, he wasn’t wearing his heavy cloak (coat.) When the “disciple whom Jesus loved” said “It is the Lord,” in full trust and devotion, Peter grabbed his cloak and jumped in. After all, he had done it once before and started to walk on the water, maybe this time it would work out better. Or not. He trusted Jesus to do the impossible, just as we can do the same in our lives. Peter went fishing that night on the Sea of Galilee with nothing to show for his effort. Jesus gave him special instructions and again the haul is beyond belief, really miraculous. Fast forward, Peter wasn’t perfect, even after three years with Jesus, in person! He still made arrogant comments, insisted he would never stumble, denied Jesus and his pride suffered greatly. But his faith never wavered.
I love Peter, he is the one person besides Jesus I can’t wait to meet. He is the one I most identify with. He is always questioning, (not doubting) because he wanted to understand the back story and the logistics involved. Me too. Yet, he was trusting, passionate, and not afraid to jump out of the boat to see his Lord even when he didn’t know all the answers. I’m still learning. How about you?
Jesus spent three years being the perfect example to Peter, smoothing his rough edges, and impulsive, sometimes reckless behavior into a God-honoring, humble man, focused leader, and preacher. He was equipping Peter, by not protecting him from the enemy sometimes, so that going through the hard stuff, he would become a leader of compassion who understood human weakness–and he understood it well. (Read 1 Peter 5:8-10)
The price of preaching would be Peter’s death on the cross upside down after watching his wife crucified. That kind of courage could only come from a seasoned man of God. Peter’s life could be summed up in the final words of his second epistle: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). That is exactly what Simon Peter did, and that is why he became Rock—the great leader of the early church." (Adapted from Twelve Ordinary Men)
Can you relate to Peter’s life? Do you feel like your spiritual growth has been five steps forward, ten steps back sometimes and wondered why God allowed certain things to happen in your life? I have, but through the hardest times, I’ve learned when I surrender complete control I begin to see how he is working all things for good, I have his peace and a renewed spirit. We can all have Peter’s compassion for people and be ready to jump out of the boat for Jesus when we are focused on Him, willing to humble ourselves, and have unwavering faith like Peter.
Deb Hill
Exec. Assistant to Ryan Paulson
Simple, Yes
The disciples followed Peter to the Sea of Galilee to go fishing. After all, out on the water was a good place to think and process all that had happened that seemed to steal their security and future. Their boat felt safe. Here they were competent and their diligence could pay off in tangible rewards to boost their confidence and give them hope. Until the opposite happened and they didn’t catch a single fish. Zip. Zilch. Nothing. Nada. Failure seemed to follow them.
Peter felt this failure with a particular heaviness that weighed him down in deep regret. Jesus had promised him a new vocation (fishing for men and building the church), but that was before he denied Him. He felt lost as he sat on a boat with an empty net, weak and unable to provide for himself.
Can you relate to Peter? I can. Hearing the Lord, I quickly obeyed only to have my heart and imagination get ahead of His voice to find that my expectations weren’t what God had in store. If only my heart had remembered the wisdom in Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
If Peter could only remember where the journey began. The first steps began with a simple, “Yes.” From there, Peter’s steps of passionate obedience, with all of his flaws, led him to a new way of living infused with purpose. He had let his heart and imagination get ahead and found himself searching for a future trying to provide. But here, on a boat once again, he would encounter the voice of Jesus calling him back to the simple task of obediently following one “yes” at a time.
A voice came from shore with instructions to cast on the other side of the boat. “Sure, why not? But what difference could a few feet make?” All the difference in the world as the catch became the catch of a lifetime! Not because of the net's proximity in the water, but because of its proximity to the one who commands the seas. Peter hadn’t recognized the voice or the silhouette on the shore, but this?! This abundance was familiar! It was the tangible evidence of goodness following after him all the days of his life (Psalm 23.6). Even the days that held failure and weakness…maybe especially those.
The question I’ll leave with you today is this: What simple “yes” can you trust the Lord with today? Even if you lack the passionate “Yes!” and all you can muster is, “Sure, why not?” He just might show up and shower you with His goodness as you follow Him. One “yes” at a time.
Jessica Klootwyk
Group & Women’s Discipleship Director
