Shawn Thornton's Blog

The command of Jesus in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” lands with particular weight when considering the political and philosophical extremes among the twelve disciples. Their diverse backgrounds vividly illustrate the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings and the call to unity and love above all else. This scenario is akin to a beautifully orchestrated symphony from a group of instruments that, at first glance, seem discordant and out of sync. Let’s explore the diversity among the disciples and how, under normal circumstances, their differences might have led to discord rather than harmony.

Simon the Zealot and Matthew the Tax Collector represent the disciples’ most striking political and ideological extremes.

Simon the Zealot was likely associated with the Zealots, a Jewish political movement that fiercely opposed Roman occupation and sought to overthrow it. Zealots were known for their passionate patriotism and were willing to use violence to achieve their goals. They despised anyone who compromised with the Romans or seemed to betray the Jewish cause.Matthew, the tax collector, on the other hand, would have been viewed as a collaborator with the Roman oppressors. Tax collectors were often Jews who worked for the Roman authorities, collecting taxes from their fellow Jews. They were widely hated and considered traitors and sinners, not just for their association with Rome but also because they frequently extorted more than the required taxes for their personal gain.

The inclusion of Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector within Jesus’ inner circle is a powerful testament to the radical nature of Jesus’ message and mission. In a world where one’s political and social affiliations define one’s identity and relationships, Jesus called individuals from the opposite ends of the political spectrum to follow Him together and love one another deeply. This was a revolutionary command, challenging them to transcend their deep-seated prejudices and hatred for the sake of a higher kingdom—the kingdom of God. This radical call to love and unity should inspire us with the Gospel’s transformative power.

The journey of these disciples, from potentially despising each other to becoming brothers in Christ, was challenging. It was a testament to the Gospel’s transformative power, which required them to let go of their former identities and prejudices and embrace a new identity in Christ. Their struggle and eventual transformation illustrate the essence of Jesus’ teachings on love and unity, inviting us to empathize with their journey and reflect on our own.

In essence, the love Jesus commanded among His disciples is not merely a human effort but a divine gift transcending human differences. It’s reminiscent of Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The disciples’ experience challenges us to look beyond our differences, whether political, ideological, or otherwise, and to see each other through Christ’s love.

As you reflect on this, remember that the church today is also called to this kind of radical love and unity. In a world that is increasingly polarized, the call to love as Jesus loved is not just a suggestion but a vital command for the witness of the church. Let us, therefore, be encouraged to seek unity and love within our communities, not by ignoring our differences but by embracing them within the greater reality of our identity in Christ. In doing so, we truly become a light to the world, a testament to the transforming power of the Gospel that can bring together the most unlikely of allies in His name.

Source

In the deeply moving narrative of John 13, we are offered a window into the soul of Jesus Christ—His profound humility, His boundless love, and His exemplary leadership. This chapter does more than just tell a story; it sets forth a way of life that calls us to follow, challenging us to embody the essence of Christ in our daily walk. Let’s delve into the heart of Jesus’ actions and words to discover how we can live, love, and lead in His footsteps.

1. The Humility of Service

In a moment that captures the essence of humility, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, an act reserved for the lowest servant in societal norms of the time (John 13:4-5). What amplifies this act of humility is Jesus washing the feet of Judas, fully aware that Judas was about to betray Him. This action underscores the depth of Jesus’ humility—serving not only those loyal to Him but also the one who would betray Him. Jesus’ readiness to serve Judas, in the shadow of betrayal, exemplifies a humility that is profound and counter-cultural.

Reflection: Embracing Jesus’ humility means seeking to serve others with a heart that does not discriminate, even when facing betrayal or hurt. How can we extend this kind of humble service in our lives, especially towards those who may not seem to deserve it?

2. The Love Beyond Betrayal

Jesus’ love, as displayed in John 13, is not an ordinary love. It’s a love that knows no bounds, washing the feet of a friend turned traitor. This act of love towards Judas is a testament to Jesus’ command to love one another as He has loved us—unconditionally and sacrificially. Jesus loved Judas to the end, knowing fully well the heartache his actions would bring. It’s a love that forgives, endures, and seeks to redeem, even in the face of ultimate betrayal.

Reflection: How can we practice this radical love in our own lives? It might mean reaching out in kindness to those who have wronged us or offering forgiveness to those who have hurt us deeply, embodying the love of Jesus that transcends understanding.

3. Leading with a Servant’s Heart

When Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15), He was inviting us into a life of servant leadership. Jesus did not lead from a throne but from His knees, washing the feet of His disciples. This model of leadership is not about power or prestige but about serving others with humility and love, putting their needs above our own.

Reflection: What opportunities do we have to lead by serving? Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, how can we embody servant leadership, guiding and supporting others with humility and grace?

4. A New Commandment of Love

In giving a new commandment to “love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34), Jesus is calling us to a love that is active, sacrificial, and inclusive. This love is the very hallmark of His followers and is meant to draw others to Him. It’s a love that not only serves but seeks to unify, heal, and uplift.

Reflection: How can we live out this commandment in practical ways? It begins in the small, everyday moments—offering a word of encouragement, lending a helping hand, or simply being present for someone in need.

The story of Jesus in John 13 is a powerful call to live a life marked by humility, love, and service. As we reflect on His actions and words, we are reminded that to follow Jesus means to serve as He served, love as He loved, and lead with the heart of a servant. This path is not easy, but it is rich with meaning, purpose, and satisfaction from God. As we endeavor to live, love, and lead like Jesus, may we do so with hearts open to His transforming grace, walking in His footsteps and inviting others to join us on this journey.

This will be the place to access blog posts and other resources to help you live and love like Jesus!

Welcome to WordPress! This is your first post. Edit or delete it to take the first step in your blogging journey.

Session #1 – Introduction to the Old Testament & Genesis







Notes PDF







Old Testament Overview with Pastor Shawn – First Session (YouTube)













The Bible Project Video Overview of the Old Testament

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace

Where there is hatred, let me sow love

Where there is injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, faith

Where there is despair, hope

Where there is darkness, light

Where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console

To be understood as to understand

To be loved as to love

For it is in giving that we receive

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned

It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

 

All But Normal: Life on the Victory Road, a Memoir Reviewed by Denise DePuy
SHAWN THORNTON TYNDALE HOUSE, 2016 305 PP, $15.00
ISBN: 9781496411723

All But Normal by Shawn
Thornton is an incredible book. He
tells of his life growing up with a
mother who had a traumatic brain
injury. What truly stands out is his response to his mother. He credits her with showing him how to live and respond to others like Jesus would. She had her problems and violent mood swings but she showed incredible compassion to those who most people would overlook. She was an inspiring example of treating everybody the same and pointing them toward Jesus. Both of her sons grew up to be pastors, and Shawn’s church has a far reaching ministry to people with special needs.

Growing up, Shawn Thornton’s life was anything but normal—but then, so was his mother. After waking from a coma following a car crash, Beverly Thornton’s once sweet and gentle disposition had been replaced by violent mood swings, profanity-laced tirades, and uncontrollable fits of rage. Inside the Thornton house, floors and countertops were piled high with dirty laundry and garbage because Bev was unable to move well enough to clean. Dinners were a Russian roulette of half-cooked meat, spoiled milk, and foods well past their expiration dates. A moment of frustration might prompt her to hurl a knife at Shawn, his brother Troy, or their dad, or to vehemently cuss them out, only to shower them with love and affection moments later as though nothing had happened. And God help the family cat!

On several occasions, Bev even tried to jump out of the car on the highway while Shawn and his brother struggled to keep her inside. Yet this same woman was also a devoted Bible reader, Sunday school teacher, and friend to the elderly, poor, and marginalized wherever she went. How the same woman could be a saint one minute and a nightmare the next was a constant source of frustration for the family. Then one day, after decades of embarrassing outbursts, a surprise discovery finally helped the Thornton family come to grips with Bev’s mysterious condition and brought Shawn to a startling realization that changed the course of his life forever.

A heartwarming coming-of-age story, All But Normal is a powerful reminder that sometimes the broken people in our lives are the ones who need fixing the least.

Source: The Lamplighter Newletter – Pacific Northwest Association of Church Libraries – February 2017

We are looking forward to being a part of the Salem Radio Network holy land tour from November 1-10, 2017. Salem Radio has invited me to be the Bible teacher on the tour.

Pray about joining Lesli and me. We can walk together where Jesus walked!

While I will update this page on my blog in the days and weeks ahead, the link below will connect you to the tour overview and information page for those who are part of the Calvary family, All Things New Radio Listeners, and other friends.

CLICK HERE to go to the tour overview page. Make your deposit and save yourself a place on this trip today.

 

 

 

Choosing an Inflection Point:

-Get baptized

-Join a small group

-Join a ministry team

-Read your Bible each day

-Pray daily

-Attend worship services weekly

-Take a discipleship class

-Go on a short-term missions trip

-Start giving to the offering weekly

-Share the Gospel with someone

-Begin to use the Take5 devotional

-Become a member of Calvary

-Join Pastor’s Prayer Partners

-Serve someone you meet in need

-Find an accountability partner

-Post verses on your social media

-Visit the Holy Land