Introduction
In the beginning of this sermon, I reflected on the truth that Jesus did not simply begin to exist on the day we celebrate His birth; rather, as expressed in John 1, He pre-existed, being the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus existed in perfect unity and love within the Godhead, a relationship that has persisted throughout eternity. Observing a world steeped in sin and chaos, the Father determined that intervention was needed. Our condition as sinners means we cannot cleanse ourselves or achieve righteousness to restore our relationship with God. Thus, our only hope lies in God sending someone to save us, namely, His Son, Jesus Christ, whose love compelled Him to enter our broken land. He arrived in a time of division and conflict, specifically in first-century Palestine, where the occupying Roman forces threatened the national identity of Israel. Amidst all these competing interests and factions, Jesus did not merely choose a side; rather, He gathered a diverse group of disciples, extending an invitation to follow Him and build a kingdom that transcends all earthly divisions.
Main Points
The World Into Which Jesus Emerged
The world into which Jesus emerged was rife with division, both culturally and nationally. The nation of Israel was struggling against Roman occupation, with various factions proposing different solutions to their plight.
- The zealots sought to overthrow the Romans militarily, while the Pharisees focused on a strictly legalistic approach to holiness.
- In this environment of contrasting expectations, Jesus did not conform to the desires of any one camp.
- Instead, He invited a mixed collection of disciples, including Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector, to leave their backgrounds behind.
This Call Points To A Radical
This call points to a radical redefinition of identity; to become a disciple means to abandon preconceived notions of national and cultural allegiances. One of the most striking aspects of Jesus' ministry was His outreach to people who were traditionally marginalized.
- He embraced those considered outcasts, such as prostitutes and tax collectors, welcoming them into the movement of the Kingdom of God.
- Notably, He interacted with a Roman centurion, a representative of the very occupying force seen as the enemy.
- By catering to such diverse individuals, Jesus demonstrated that His kingdom was not limited by societal divisions but was open to all who would respond to His invitation.
This Emphasizes That In God’s Eyes
This emphasizes that in God’s eyes, no one is beyond reach, including those whom society deems unworthy. As followers of Jesus, we are called to continue this mission of inclusivity, actively seeking out communities and individuals who differ from us. When we let go of our ethnocentric or self-centric views, we begin to recognize God's diverse creation. Many of us tend to focus inwardly, fixating on our needs and concerns. However, our mission involves stepping beyond our comfort zones.
The Narrative Of Peter S Encounter
The narrative of Peter's encounter at Cornelius’s house illustrates this beautifully. Initially, Peter's Jewish identity led him to hesitate, feeling it was unlawful to associate with Gentiles. But God revealed to him that He shows no partiality, thus opening doors for Peter to not only share the gospel but also learn the profound truth about God's love. - Following Jesus means exceeding boundaries. - Our obedience to God can transform our understanding.
Through Serving Others And Engaging In
Through serving others and engaging in mission, we often find our own lives transformed. While we might initially approach service with the intention to bless others, we frequently leave feeling even more enriched. I recall a visit to a challenging area in San Francisco where I met individuals whose stories deeply impacted me, people who had overcome addiction and despair through their faith in Christ. Their transformative experiences revealed profound insights about hope, restoration, and the redemptive power of the Gospel, which we often overlook in our comfortable circumstances. This resonates with the importance of being actively involved in the lives of those who struggle, reminding us that in being lifted by their testimonies, we are not only sharing the faith but also being reshaped by it.
Conclusion
In reflecting on Jesus’ mission and our role as His followers, it is clear that we are invited to participate in a radical redefinition of identity, where societal labels and divisions fall away in the face of God’s love. We learn that the Kingdom of God, established by Christ, is a community characterized by radical inclusion and active service. This mission challenges us to actively pursue relationships with those who are different and remind us that the very acts of service we engage in will serve to bless us in return. As we embrace this call, we participate in a transformative journey, individually and collectively, inviting all into the beauty of the Kingdom.