Sermon Snippet – Jesus, the Beloved
INTRODUCTION – As we prepare for Easter at the end of this month, we will be following Jesus in His ministry that culminated in His crucifixion and Resurrection. In three passages in the Gospels, Jesus is called “Beloved” (Matthew 3:16-17; 12:14-21; 17:1-8). (In the full message, available on Facebook and on YouTube, I spend some time on the details of these passages). In both His relationship as “Son” and in His role as “Servant,” Jesus is the “Beloved” of God the Father. Let us draw three principles from this use of “Beloved.” I also hope to reach a conclusion (although, perhaps, not as much as you hope that I find one – and find it the first time around).
1. THIS LOVE IS ETERNAL
When we think of eternity, we generally think of the future only. This love within the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – has always existed and always will. This endearing and enduring love assures us that divine love is not merely a theory, an abstraction, an idea. It is most blessedly real and inherent to the character of God: He does not need to work Himself up emotionally in order to love, for “God is love” (I John 4:8, 16). Furthermore, the multiple relationships of love within the Trinity confirm that this love is not narrow and exclusive: we are loved, too, and we can choose to enter into the eternal fullness of this love (more on this point later).
2. THIS LOVE IS CONSISTENT
Because each of us has a sin nature, our love fluctuates, at least in the manner in which we express it. However, the love of God is blessedly consistent. Jesus was “Beloved” at His baptism, at His withdrawal from the legalistic leaders, and at His transfiguration. God is immutable (unchanging); thus, His love must also be immutable. Unchanging love is at the core of the nature of God.
3. THIS LOVE IS REVEALED
People around Jesus, God the Son, saw and heard these divine expressions of love. The parable of Luke 20:9-18 is direct and points us to the Cross. A reasonable response to these revelations of love is to rush into our Lord’s love and requite His love.
CONCLUSION – In Romans 1:7, believers are called “beloved of God”; “beloved” is the same Greek word used of Jesus. Of course it is, For God’s love is ever the same. Ephesians 1:6 clarifies that this saving love “made us accepted in the Beloved.” Because of Jesus’ death on the Cross in our places and for our sins, we are the “beloved of God” just as Jesus is “the Beloved” – if we receive His full, free, and forever forgiveness by entering into this eternal relationship of revealed love. The love of our Lord is not layered; rather, it is lavished upon us. May each one of us be certain today that this “Beloved” is our “Beloved” – my “Beloved,” your “Beloved.” We need Jesus as Savior in order to enter into this everlasting, loving relationship. Love never forces itself upon another, and the greatest love of all will not fall far short of the divine standards of love by compelling us to love in return. No, we must choose to love Jesus. Let us all be certain today that we are “accepted in the Beloved.”