Rotten Apple!

For Friday, July 18, 2025:

John 12:6b NLT: “Judas Iscariot was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.”

As the New Covenant was being introduced to Israel, it was Jesus and the 12 leading the way. We accept Jesus, the heaven-sent Son of God, without question. The other 12 require a second look.

They were a diverse lot, ranging from tax collector to fishermen. To say they were religiously uneducated would be an understatement. It was on-the-job training as they ministered alongside Jesus, adopting his theology and philosophy as they taught others.

With a dozen random members on the leadership team, we would be naive to not expect one rotten apple in the barrel. Judas Iscariot was that guy. In his Gospel, John calls Judas a thief. Apparently, he stole from the group for personal gain, and apparently, this was well known within the group. Jesus must have known too, but other matters were higher up on his agenda. And if Jesus was eventually destined to give his life to atone for the sins of the world, someone would need to betray him, and that task had Judas’ name written all over it! I mean, Jesus didn’t just show up one day and say, “Kill me now!” No, fulfilling his Father’s plan turned out to be highly confrontational!

Friends, we need to always look at the big picture. Yes, Judas was a bad guy, but he was the one to fulfill God’s rescue plan for mankind! While you’re cursing Judas, remember to praise God!

No one is worthless; they can always serve as a bad example!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Desire!

For Wednesday, December 18, 2024:

Deuteronomy 5:21 NKJV, God’s words: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

This commandment is related to, “You shall not steal.” Don’t take what belongs to someone else, and don’t long for what belongs to someone else. Desiring what is not yours is a stepping stone to becoming a thief, and in our hearts we all know that’s wrong.

Similarly, coveting your neighbor’s spouse is a stepping stone to adultery. This serves as a reminder for those who didn’t “get it” the first time.

Part of becoming a Christian is adopting God’s value system, God’s definitions of right and wrong. Those who have tried it both ways agree that God’s way is the right way, the only way! Give it a try!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Which Thief are You?

April 14, 2014 Monday Message:

Repentant Thief: “Jesus, Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Jesus: “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:42-43 NLT)

Two thieves were crucified with Jesus. One was angry, belligerent and full of himself. In spite of his predicament (hanging from a cross and facing imminent death,) he decided to call Jesus out: “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it – save yourself, and while you’re at it, save us too!”

But the other thief was contrite, repentant. He knew that Jesus was the Messiah. He knew enough about religion to know that in spite of how this looked, it wasn’t the end for Jesus. He knew Jesus wouldn’t be dying, but instead would go to a far better place. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

We all deserve death, each of us in our own way. Picture yourself alongside Jesus on that fateful Friday. But remember that Jesus came to rescue us, to redeem us.

So the question is, which thief are you? Do you challenge Jesus: “So you claim to be the Messiah? Then prove it!”

Or do you humbly ask for forgiveness? “Please remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

The promise is that when you go from this reality into the next reality, you will be in paradise – with Jesus!

Norton Lawellin

Resurrection Sunday is upon us! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday, at 10:30am, in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. Pastor Michael Pilla looks inside the empty grave.