Jesus' Way
Jesus' life is characterized by his necessities, opportunities, and influence, and we can learn from his example to seek out opportunities to do good and be open to his influence in our lives.
Joseph Parker emphasizes how Jesus, in His divine wisdom, intentionally passed by a blind man from birth to demonstrate grace's necessities and love's predestinations. Jesus actively sought opportunities to do good, showing us the importance of looking for ways to help others. Through various means, Jesus subtly but persistently reaches out to those who need Him, guiding them towards redemption, purification, and eventual glory in heaven. Every impulse to pray, every moment of clarity and truth, and every noble influence can be traced back to the touch, glance, and blessing of Christ.
Text
"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth" (John 9:1).
Why did he pass that way? Could he not have gone by some other path? The answer is, No. Grace has its necessities; love has its predestinations. Jesus Christ always looked out for opportunities of doing good. He knew which road to take; he said, The blind man is down this road, therefore this is the road along which I am about to travel. This is how he came to find so many opportunities for doing good: how can we? We do not look for them. Jesus Christ made it his business to find out who wanted him. He even stands at the door sometimes, and knocks. In a sense, does he not thrust himself upon men who need him? So graciously and quietly that it has no appearance of obtrusiveness or aggression; still he makes himself felt by events, by appeals, by sudden recollections, by suggestions from friends, by Church service and sacrament,--yea, a thousand ways he sends us hints that he is there, and has with him all the resources which are needed for our redemption, purification, and final coronation in heaven.
When you felt inclined to pray it was Jesus Christ who moved you in that direction. When you said, I think I see more clearly today; truth seems to be enlarging,--it was Christ who was performing a miracle upon you. Trace all happy impulse, all sacred inspiration, all ennobling influence, to the touch, the glance, the benediction of Christ.
Sermon Outline
- Jesus' Necessities
- Jesus' Opportunities
- Jesus' Influence
- He moves us to pray
- He performs miracles in our lives
- He inspires us through various means
Key Quotes
“Grace has its necessities; love has its predestinations.” — Joseph Parker
“He even stands at the door sometimes, and knocks.” — Joseph Parker
“Trace all happy impulse, all sacred inspiration, all ennobling influence, to the touch, the glance, the benediction of Christ.” — Joseph Parker
Application Points
- We should seek out opportunities to do good and be open to the various ways that God sends us hints that he is there and has resources for our redemption.
- We should be open to Jesus' influence in our lives, allowing him to move us to pray, perform miracles in our lives, and inspire us through sacred inspiration and ennobling influence.
- We should recognize that prayer is an important part of our lives and often initiated by Jesus himself, moving us to pray and seek his guidance and help.