Introduction
In our journey of following Jesus, it is essential to grasp the overarching narrative of God's story as revealed in the Scriptures. This understanding forms the foundation for our discipleship, allowing us to comprehend not only the life of Christ but also our own lives in relation to God’s grand design. We often know various Bible passages, yet many struggle to succinctly articulate the whole story of God from beginning to end. Today, we will delve into Luke 24, where Jesus himself interprets the Scriptures, revealing a unified storyline that is critical to our identity as believers and disciples.
Main Points
In Luke 24 We Encounter Two
In Luke 24, we encounter two followers of Jesus on the road to Emmaus, engaging in discussion about the recent events surrounding His crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection. As Jesus approaches them, they are unable to recognize Him.
- This moment illustrates how often we may walk through life struggling to see the reality of Christ in our daily experiences.
- Jesus asks them about their conversation, prompting a dialogue that leads to a profound revelation.
- He admonishes them for their slowness to believe and, from the Law of Moses and the Prophets, begins to explain how all of Scripture points to Him.
- This underscores a vital truth: if we are to follow Jesus, we must first understand the story He is part of.
I Emphasize Today That Knowing God’s
I emphasize today that knowing God’s story is essential not just for personal growth, but also for effectively participating in His mission. Many today approach the Scriptures as merely a collection of moral teachings or personal letters written for individual guidance.
- However, we must see the Bible as a cohesive narrative that reveals God's purpose throughout history.
- The story begins in Genesis and unfolds through creation, the fall, redemption, and ultimately, consummation.
- Each part of the narrative impacts our understanding of both who we are and what our mission is in this world.
- Just as Adam and Eve were created in God's image, we too are called to embody that divine image in our lives as we reflect His glory.
Every One Of Us Is Living
Every one of us is living a personal story that is either integrated into God’s story or is divergent from it. As we examine our lives, we often find that our narratives can become self-centered, focused more on our desires than on God’s greater purpose. For example, if I find myself striving for control over every aspect of my life, it reveals a deeper misconception about my identity as an image-bearer of God. Instead of surrendering to His lordship, I may attempt to seize sovereignty, leading to dysfunction and spiritual fatigue. We must confront these false narratives by aligning them with the overarching story of God’s redemption through Christ. Discipleship is about more than intellectual assent to Christ’s teachings; it’s about realigning our lives to obey Him.
Jesus Calls Us To Follow Him
Jesus calls us to follow Him, not merely as a savior to fulfill our desires but as our master whose commands shape our actions. In Matthew 28, we are tasked with making disciples, fostering a community that worships, is transformed by, and obeys Jesus in every area of life. It calls for an active commitment to learn not only how to think like Jesus but to act like Him as well. Thus, a disciple cannot claim to follow Jesus while ignoring His teachings on love, obedience, and the kingdom of God. A key issue in modern Christianity is the belief that one can be a Christian without being a true disciple. This disconnect leads to a hollow faith, where the depth of transformation is minimal.
To Genuinely Follow Jesus Means We
To genuinely follow Jesus means we must confront our assumptions and biases, acknowledging that our stories often orbit around ourselves rather than God’s story. We need frequent introspection and the practice of bringing our stories into alignment with the teachings of Christ. This is not a one-time effort but a continual journey toward obedience and faithfulness to the King. In this journey, community plays an essential role. We are called to share our lives and stories with one another, allowing our combined experiences to reflect God’s narrative more fully. This engagement fosters accountability and encouragement, enabling us to navigate our individual challenges while remaining anchored in the truth of who God is.
As We Gather In Groups We
As we gather in groups, we should openly discuss how God's story intersects with our lives, challenging one another to seek deeper understanding and faithful responses to God’s call.
Conclusion
In sum, following Jesus necessitates a profound understanding of God's story, a story that is inclusive of our personal narratives. We must not simply accumulate knowledge about the Bible but actively participate in the grand story God is weaving through history. By recognizing our place within His narrative, we become authentic followers of Jesus, embodying His teachings in our daily lives and reflecting His glory to the world. As we embark on this journey together, let us commit to understanding, living, and sharing the story of God's redemptive work in Christ, ensuring our lives echo the call to discipleship.