Greg Spry Ordination

Matthew 28:16-20

Introduction

As we read the closing verses of Matthew's Gospel, we meet the post-Resurrection Disciples who have come to the appointed place to meet the resurrected Jesus on the mountain-top. For three years, these disciples have been in ministry training with Jesus - not unlike the EFSM training that you have been a part of in this congregation.

What can we learn from these early disciples preparing to continue the work of Jesus that will also be applicable to us today as we prepare to ordain Greg?

The story ends with the disciples back in Galilee, where the story began and where their careers as disciples began. In the 4th chapter we find Jesus leaving his home in Nazareth. He withdraws to Galilee, to the city of Capernaum, and there along the sea of Galilee he begins to call disciples. He calls four fisherman (Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John). Note that Jesus called those we might refer to as "ordinary" persons, those who were open and eager for a new challenge in their lives. And for three years, these "ordinary" fisherman joined first by a tax collector and then others of unknown occupations, are directed by Jesus.

Jesus becomes what we might call today their spiritual director. He guides them in understanding who they are as children of God. He directs them to a God who loves them. He teaches them that they are blessed and in the Sermon on the Mount gives them instruction in living as God's people.

Jesus directs their ministry training program. They observe his healing ministry, his compassion for people, his authority over the forces of nature and the forces of evil ... and then in the 10th chapter, Jesus sends them out to proclaim the good news and to minister in the manner they have observed.

Jesus directs the disciples to a ministry of service. When they argued among themselves and requested favored positions in the kingdom, Jesus reminded them that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life for the ransom of many.

These disciples allowed their lives to be directed by Jesus. And when the resurrected Jesus appeared to the women at the tomb and, through them, instructed the disciples to go to Galilee; them came ... here to the mountain ... to be further directed by Jesus.

If you and I are to be disciples of Jesus, and if Greg is to be a faithful minister in the church, we, too, must be directed by Jesus. We will never make it on our own strength and wisdom. Like the early disciples, we must allow Jesus to direct our lives and our ministry.

And so we find the disciples on the mountaintop in Galilee to which Jesus had directed them. Matthew tells us that "When they saw him, they worshiped him...."

As disciples of Jesus, we too gather to worship him. One of the major responsibilities of ordained pastors today is to lead us in our worshiping of Jesus. Worship helps us remember who we are and whose we are. Worship helps us keep life in proper perspective. Worship allows us to give glory to the God of Creation who redeems and sustains us throughout all of life.

"When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted." Richard Edwards suggests that this phrase is more accurately translated, "but they were uncertain." (1) That uncertainty in the disciples is consistent with the uncertainty that has been present throughout their three-year journey with Jesus. Even now when confronted by the risen Lord, they are uncertain. Their faith is strong but not absolute.

In other words, these disciples are as human as we are! Who among us have not doubted? Who among us have not been "uncertain" about our abilities when asked to participate in the ministry of Jesus Christ and his church? And yet, even with our doubts or uncertainties, come ... let us gather as worshipers of our God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

But note what Jesus says to them: "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me." With these words, Jesus reaffirms to the disciples, and to us, one of the major themes of the Gospel: Jesus has been given all authority by God, both in heaven and on earth. How else are the disciples to account for the healings they have witnessed, the miracles they have seen, and ultimately the resurrection of Jesus from the grave?

But here on the mountain-top, the words of Jesus are more than a reminder of his authority; they are a reminder of our authority. In the 10th chapter, when Jesus sends out the twelve, he gave them authority. And later, in the 16th chapter, when Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, Jesus blesses him and declares that "on this rock I will build my church." And again, Jesus gives them authority, indeed the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Here on the mountain-top, before they go out to transform the world, Jesus again is reminding them (and us) that they/we have been given authority.

Greg, ordination carries with it a certain authority. But it is God's authority, given to you by Jesus and his church. It is authority that is meant to be used for the Glory of God and not for self-enhancement.

The disciples were directed by Jesus, they worshiped him, they were given authority, and then they were sent. What were they sent to do? They were sent to continue the work of Jesus.

They were sent ...

... to make disciples of all nations

... to baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

... to teach them to obey Jesus' teachings

"Go therefore..." says Jesus, as he sends the disciples out with authority to transform the world. They went, from Galilee to Jerusalem to Antioch to Corinth to Greece and to Rome. And as they went, they continued the work of Jesus: they made disciples, they baptized, and they taught what they had learned from Jesus. And these new disciples, likewise, continued the work of Jesus, going out to Africa to Europe to North and South America. And as they went, they made disciples, they baptized, and they taught what they had learned from earlier disciples who had learned from Jesus.

Today, we are among that great progression of disciples who continue the work of Jesus wherever we are sent, wherever we go, making disciples, baptizing, and teaching.

Greg, you are today being ordained in the great historic tradition of those who have been called and trained to provide leadership to the Church of Jesus Christ. In line with this tradition, you are sent to God's people to continue the work of Jesus.

Finally, now we come to my favorite phrase in the entire Gospel. As the disciples are sent out, Jesus leaves them (and us) with these words: "...remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

They were not alone. And either are we. Jesus is with us - today, as we gather for worship, and tomorrow, as we Go therefore out into the world where we live and work and play and go to school. Remember, Jesus is with us as we go to continue the work of Jesus. We are not alone.

Greg, as you seek to serve the church as an ordained minister, you are not alone. Jesus is with you. This "Body of Christ" known as the Union Church of the Brethren is with you, as they have been over the past several years. You will also find support and encouragement from other ordained brothers and sisters who have and are walking the journey you walk. May you continue your ministry with the strength and assurance that, like the early disciples, you are not alone.

Summary

In these closing verses of Matthew's Gospel, we have discovered some eternal truths about the disciples of Jesus:

1) First of all, they were directed by Jesus.

2) Secondly, they worshiped him, even with their doubts and uncertainties.

3) Third, they were given authority by Jesus himself.

4) Fourth, they were sent to make disciples, to baptize, and to teach.

5) And finally, we are reminded that they were not alone.

 

Greg, we gather this afternoon as friends and family to celebrate your ordination. You are surrounded by persons who love you, who have supported and encouraged you on this journey of faith, and who believe in you and your gifts for ministry.

We believe that your life has indeed been directed by Jesus. We have joined with you in worship and we acknowledge and respect the authority given you by Jesus and the church. Those who have experienced your leadership within this congregation bear witness to the truth that you were sent here to make disciples, to baptize, and to teach the Good News of Jesus Christ. And finally, Greg, we acknowledge with you that in all we do for the Glory of God and Our Neighbor's Good, we are not alone.

 

Ordination sermon by Herman Kauffman, District Pastor
Union Church of the Brethren
September 10, 2000

1. Richard A. Edwards, Matthew's Story of Jesus, p.93.