Desafios da MISSÃO - Pr. Luciano Cozendey - Noite - 19.10.2025

In the midst of a world filled with confusion, spiritual blindness, and competing voices, the true identity of Jesus Christ remains the central question that every heart must answer. As the disciples were sent out with authority and power, the fame of Jesus spread beyond the boundaries of Israel, even reaching the palace of Herod. Herod, troubled by his own conscience and haunted by guilt, represents the world’s restless search for meaning and truth. Despite hearing about Jesus’ miracles and teachings, Herod’s curiosity was merely intellectual—he sought to see Jesus, but not to know Him. This stands in stark contrast to the disciples, who, through revelation and faith, boldly declared Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.

The narrative in Luke highlights the tension between the advancing Kingdom of God and the confusion of earthly powers. While the world debates and speculates about Jesus—comparing Him to prophets or great men—the church is called to clarity, conviction, and spiritual discernment. The true knowledge of Christ is not attained through human reasoning or tradition, but through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Without this spiritual discernment, even the miraculous can become a source of confusion rather than faith.

Motivation also plays a crucial role in our pursuit of Christ. Many, like Herod, make great efforts to see Jesus, yet their hearts remain unchanged because their motivations are not rooted in genuine faith and surrender. True encounter with Christ requires a heart that seeks Him above all else, not merely out of obligation or curiosity, but out of a deep desire to know and be transformed by Him.

The church’s mission, then, is to proclaim with clarity and power the reality of who Jesus is, cutting through the noise and confusion of the age. This requires not only knowledge of the Scriptures but also a living relationship with Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In a world that often settles for religious routine or intellectual assent, the call is to a vibrant, personal encounter with the living God—a relationship that brings light, hope, and transformation.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The world’s confusion about Jesus is not merely a matter of ignorance, but a spiritual blindness that can only be overcome by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Intellectual curiosity or religious tradition, as seen in Herod, cannot substitute for a genuine encounter with Christ. Only when the Spirit opens our eyes do we see Jesus as He truly is: the Christ, the Son of the living God. [55:56]
• 2. The Kingdom of God advances not through human power or political authority, but through the clarity and conviction of disciples who know Christ personally. Earthly rulers may attempt to control or suppress the movement of God, but the Kingdom is unstoppable, spreading through the obedience and faithfulness of God’s people. Our confidence must rest in God’s sovereignty, not in the shifting powers of this world. [62:13]
• 3. Spiritual discernment is essential in a time of confusion. Without it, even the miraculous can be misunderstood or misapplied. Discernment allows us to distinguish between truth and error, to recognize the voice of God amidst the noise, and to avoid the trap of reducing Jesus to merely a good teacher or prophet. This discernment is cultivated through intimacy with Christ and immersion in His Word. [76:56]
• 4. Motivation matters deeply in our pursuit of God. Effort alone, even religious effort, is insufficient if our hearts are not truly seeking Christ. Herod’s striving to see Jesus resulted only in silence, because his motivation was not faith but curiosity and self-interest. True encounter with Christ comes when we seek Him with all our heart, desiring not just to see, but to know and be known by Him. [79:22]
• 5. The mission of the church is to bring clarity about Christ to a confused world. This requires more than eloquent words or impressive programs; it demands a people who have been transformed by the love and power of Jesus. When we know Christ personally, our testimony carries authority, and we become instruments through which the Kingdom of God advances, even in the midst of opposition and uncertainty. [73:41]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [46:34] - Introduction and Context
• [47:06] - The Disciples Sent on Mission
• [47:32] - Herod’s Perplexity and Questions
• [48:30] - The Gospel in Motion
• [49:25] - Herod’s Fear and Conscience
• [50:41] - The Herodian Dynasty and Roman Oppression
• [52:22] - Messianic Expectations and Political Tension
• [53:13] - The World’s Confusion vs. Kingdom Clarity
• [54:28] - The Identity of Jesus Debated
• [55:56] - The Danger of Reducing Jesus
• [57:19] - Two Kingdoms: Confusion and Revelation
• [59:31] - Spiritual Warfare and the Kingdom’s Advance
• [62:13] - The Unstoppable Movement of God
• [64:13] - The Secret of Christian Life: Encounter with Christ
• [69:55] - Challenges for the Church Today
• [73:41] - The Mission: Clarity in a Confusing World
• [76:56] - The Need for Spiritual Discernment
• [79:22] - Motivation in Seeking Jesus
• [85:04] - Missing the Treasure for the Stones
• [90:58] - The Kingdom Advances Despite Confusion
• [96:06] - Responding to the Call
• [101:44] - Personal Testimony of Transformation
• [105:07] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
• [118:06] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
• [124:55] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Luke 9:7-9 (ESV) — > Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.

Colossians 1:13 (ESV) — > He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Matthew 16:15-17 (ESV) — > He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Luke 9:7-9, what were the different opinions people had about Jesus, and how did Herod respond to these reports?
2. In Colossians 1:13, what does Paul say God has done for believers, and how does this relate to the idea of two kingdoms?
3. When Jesus asks, “But who do you say that I am?” in Matthew 16:15-17, how does Peter answer, and what does Jesus say about the source of Peter’s understanding?
4. In the sermon, what was the difference between Herod’s curiosity about Jesus and the disciples’ response to Him? [[58:33]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Herod was so troubled and curious about Jesus, even though he had access to all the information and power? What does this reveal about spiritual blindness? [[57:19]]
2. The sermon says that the true knowledge of Christ comes by revelation of the Holy Spirit, not just by human reasoning or tradition. How does this challenge the way people often approach faith today? [[55:56]]
3. What does it mean that the Kingdom of God advances not through human power or political authority, but through the clarity and conviction of disciples? How might this shape the church’s mission in a confusing world? [[01:02:13]]
4. The sermon contrasts Herod’s motivation to “see” Jesus with the disciples’ desire to “know” Him. Why is motivation so important in our pursuit of Christ? [[01:19:22]]

Application Questions

1. The world around us is full of confusion about who Jesus is. Have you ever found yourself confused or uncertain about Jesus’ identity? What helped bring you clarity? [[54:17]]
2. Herod made an effort to see Jesus, but his motivation was curiosity and self-interest, not faith. Think about your own spiritual habits—are there times when you are seeking Jesus out of routine or curiosity rather than genuine desire to know Him? What needs to change? [[01:19:22]]
3. The sermon says that spiritual discernment is essential in a time of confusion. What are some practical ways you can cultivate spiritual discernment in your daily life? [[01:16:56]]
4. The church’s mission is to bring clarity about Christ to a confused world. Is there someone in your life who is confused or searching for meaning? How can you share the reality of who Jesus is with them this week? [[01:13:41]]
5. The pastor shared that even religious effort and activity can result in “silence” from Jesus if our hearts are not truly seeking Him. Have you ever experienced a season where God felt silent? Looking back, what do you think your motivation was during that time? [[01:23:07]]
6. The sermon emphasized that knowing Christ personally brings transformation. What is one area of your life where you desire to experience more of Christ’s transforming power? What step can you take this week to invite Him into that area? [[01:43:16]]
7. The pastor challenged the church to move beyond religious routine and to seek a vibrant, personal encounter with Jesus. What is one specific way you can pursue a deeper relationship with Christ this month? [[01:43:47]]