LOSING THE CHECKLIST
- Key Verse
As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11)
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Central Truth
We are not saved because of our performance, but because of who Jesus is.
Reflections
Each November, recent law school graduates waste an afternoon clicking on the Texas Bar website, hoping that their agonizing summer of study paid off in their name appearing on the bar exam pass list. I remember how hard my heart pounded as I scanned the list for my name. That tension made the moment a few weeks later even more exciting as I stood before a judge and was sworn into the bar. After three years of school, lots of study, and a public statement, I was finally a lawyer!
At first, I was a little intimidated by this passage. John is so angry and, well, nasty to the religious leaders who come to hear him. I wanted to skip over the “brood of vipers” and focus on Jesus' baptism. I realized, however, that the first part of the story is as important as the second. I was uncomfortable with the first part because, in many ways, John was also talking to me.
So often, I try to earn God’s approval and love in the same way I became a lawyer. I work really hard, learn all the right theology answers, and check off every box. The Pharisees who came to hear John were the same: they could answer any question about the Torah, lived a blameless life, and, according to verse 7, were even getting baptized.
But all that effort is not enough to make me God’s beloved child. Thankfully, because of God's grace, I don’t need to perform perfectly for that to happen. God, who sent His only Son to die in my place, is not only powerful enough to raise up children out of stones, but has done something more amazing: He has taken out my heart of stone (Ezekiel 11:19) and given me His Holy Spirit and eternal life by belief in His Son. He now looks at me with the same eyes of love with which He looked at Jesus and says, as He views me through His Son's work on the cross, “This is my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased.”
Discussion Questions
1. What are some boxes you feel you need to check to please God?2. Do you struggle with accepting the idea that God has freely given grace to you? If so, why?
3. Does your successful performance and people's perception of you sometimes become more important to you than your relationship with Jesus?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is the difference between “I’m sorry” and true repentance?
2. Do your actions back up your words?
3. Who is speaking in verse 17 and what is He saying?
Sue Bohlin
January 7, 2010 07:40 AM
So proud of you, Elizabeth, for taking the faith leap into obedience in God's calling to InterVarsity! I appreciate how God has equipped you with a lawyer's filter to see life in ways that bless the rest of us. . . I *LOVE* the Father's statement in verse 17, how He gives Jesus the "3 A's" that every child needs from his or her daddy: attention (He showed up), affection ("My beloved Son"), and affirmation ("in whom I am well pleased"). For years, Ray and I have introduced our sons to people with these exact words, and not once have they rolled their eyes or said, "C'mon, Mom, that's so hokey!"
Bart Johnston
January 7, 2010 09:11 AM
Elizabeth Thanks for the reminder that performing for others is an endless bucket of "self-centered" wishes. Acceptance of His love for me in all situations gives me peace. Have a great day!
Kay Wyma
January 7, 2010 09:17 AM
Hi Elizabeth. Loved your entry. Such a great reminder of Christ's sufficiency and our need to rest obediently in Him alone. ... Hope you're doing well!
Suzanne Coupe
January 7, 2010 09:50 AM
Elizabeth - I was inspired by your message. I'm considering a career change to nonprofit/ministry and would love to talk to you about your experience. If you have time for a chat about this, would you please e-mail me? Thanks!
Eavn Radler
January 7, 2010 10:47 AM
Elizabeth - Wonderful thoughts. Your leap into ministry with InterVarsity is an excellent example of how God has a meaningful plan for everyone on earth. Sometimes it is tough to remember that we are here to do his work and spread his good word. It is too easy to get caught up in the world we live in. I think it is really neat to see how God equipted you with unique skills through law school and then your legal career to make such a huge impact with InterVarsity. I constantly try to remember what skills God has given me and what he wants me to do with them!
Van Beckwith
January 7, 2010 12:57 PM
Elizabeth, Thanking God today for you and the way you are loving and serving the lawyers-to-be at SMU and serving with us at Watermark Justice. Encouraged by you, Van
Van Beckwith
January 7, 2010 12:57 PM
Elizabeth, Thanking God today for you and the way you are loving and serving the lawyers-to-be at SMU and serving with us at Watermark Justice. Encouraged by you, Van