Embodying Christ: Boldness, Inclusivity, and Community

 

Summary

In our gathering today at Urban Village Church, we delved into the essence of our faith and the embodiment of Christ's ministry. We are a community committed to creating Jesus-loving, inclusive spaces that ignite the city with boldness, inclusivity, and relevance. Our boldness is rooted in the Gospel, and we are unafraid to stand up for justice and change. We welcome everyone, regardless of where they are on their faith journey, affirming that each person is beloved by God and by us. We strive to make the mysteries of faith relevant and transformative, recognizing the Bible as a source of magic, challenge, and hope.

We discussed the importance of volunteering and connecting with our church community, highlighting upcoming events such as our Lenten small group and the Bring Chicago Home Teach-In, which addresses the crisis of housing and homelessness in our city. We also engaged in the ancient tradition of passing the peace of Christ among us, a practice that fosters community and connection.

Our scripture reading from Mark 1:29-39 illustrated Jesus' healing ministry, his need for solitary prayer, and his commitment to preaching beyond his local community. This passage reveals Jesus as a healer who is deeply connected to God and who understands the necessity of withdrawing from the crowds to recharge and pray. Jesus' actions teach us about the importance of accepting our limitations, finding our own deserted places for renewal, and serving others without seeking personal glory.

We explored different portrayals of Jesus in the Gospels and the implications of these portrayals for our understanding of evangelism. We were reminded that evangelism is simply communicating the message of Jesus Christ. The sermon series "Letting Go and Adding On" during Lent invites us to sacrifice our need for grandeur and instead focus on prayer, drawing closer to God, and building community.

As we prepared for communion, we reflected on Jesus' example of community and his invitation to remember him through the symbols of bread and wine. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to bless the elements and for us to become the body of Christ to the world.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' ministry was not about seeking popularity or becoming a celebrity; it was about serving others and staying grounded in a deep relationship with God. This teaches us to focus on genuine service rather than the allure of recognition. [49:33]

- The act of Jesus healing Simon's mother-in-law, a woman, as his first miracle, underscores his commitment to uplifting those marginalized by society. This action speaks volumes about Jesus' priorities and the inclusivity of his ministry.

- The Gospels present different images of Jesus, from a low-key messiah to a bold truth-teller. These portrayals challenge us to consider how we communicate and embody the message of Christ in our own lives and communities.

- Evangelism is about more than just words; it is about actions that communicate the love and message of Jesus Christ. Our actions, whether in service or in protest, are a form of evangelism that can speak louder than any sermon.

- Lent is a time for us to let go of our preconceptions and add practices that draw us closer to God and each other. By focusing on prayer and community, we can better embody the love and teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Mark 1:29-39

#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Jesus take when he encountered Simon's mother-in-law who was sick with a fever? (Mark 1:29-31)
2. How did the people respond to Jesus' healing ministry in Capernaum? (Mark 1:32-34)
3. What did Jesus do early in the morning after healing many people? (Mark 1:35)
4. How did Jesus respond when his disciples told him that everyone was searching for him? (Mark 1:36-39)

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus' healing of Simon's mother-in-law, a woman, as his first miracle, signify about his ministry's priorities? (Mark 1:29-31) [35:02]
2. Why is it significant that Jesus sought solitary prayer early in the morning, and what does this reveal about his relationship with God? (Mark 1:35) [38:08]
3. How does Jesus' decision to move on to other towns to preach and heal reflect his understanding of his mission? (Mark 1:38-39) [39:34]
4. In what ways does the portrayal of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark challenge our understanding of evangelism and service? [31:05]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought recognition for your service. How can you shift your focus to genuine service without seeking personal glory? [39:59]
2. Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law, who was marginalized in society. How can you actively uplift and support marginalized individuals in your community? [35:56]
3. Jesus found time for solitary prayer despite his busy ministry. What steps can you take to ensure you have regular, uninterrupted time for prayer and renewal? [38:08]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of creating inclusive spaces. How can you contribute to making your church or community more inclusive and welcoming to everyone? [14:47]
5. During Lent, we are invited to let go of our need for grandeur and focus on prayer and community. What specific practices can you add to your daily routine to draw closer to God and build community? [44:49]
6. Evangelism is about actions that communicate the love and message of Jesus Christ. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate the love of Christ through your actions this week? [28:30]
7. Reflect on the different portrayals of Jesus in the Gospels. How does your understanding of Jesus influence the way you communicate and embody his message in your life? [31:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Genuine Service Over Recognition
Genuine service is at the heart of Jesus' ministry, which was never about seeking popularity or becoming a celebrity. Instead, it was about serving others and staying grounded in a deep relationship with God. This approach to ministry teaches us to focus on the impact of our actions rather than the applause we might receive. In a world that often equates success with visibility and acclaim, this message is countercultural. It invites us to consider the motivations behind our service and to prioritize the needs of others above our desire for recognition. By doing so, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who exemplified humility and selflessness in his interactions with those around him. [49:33]

"But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:7)

Reflection: How can you serve someone today without any expectation of thanks or recognition?

Day 2: Uplifting the Marginalized
Jesus' commitment to uplifting those marginalized by society is evident in his healing of Simon's mother-in-law, a woman, as his first recorded miracle. This action speaks volumes about Jesus' priorities and the inclusivity of his ministry. It challenges us to look beyond societal norms and to extend our hands in service to those who are often overlooked or undervalued. By doing so, we not only honor the inherent worth of every individual but also reflect the kingdom of God, which is built on principles of justice and equality. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of healing and advocates for the marginalized, embodying the love and compassion that Jesus showed during his time on earth.

"For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from those who condemn his soul to death." (Psalm 109:31)

Reflection: Who in your community is often overlooked, and how can you actively seek to uplift them this week?

Day 3: Diverse Portrayals of Jesus
The Gospels present different images of Jesus, from a low-key messiah to a bold truth-teller. These portrayals challenge us to consider how we communicate and embody the message of Christ in our own lives and communities. Understanding the multifaceted nature of Jesus helps us to embrace the complexity of our faith and to express it in ways that resonate with the diverse experiences of those around us. It also encourages us to be adaptable in our methods of evangelism, recognizing that the way we live out the Gospel can be as impactful as the words we speak. In doing so, we honor the richness of Jesus' character and the transformative power of his message.

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15)

Reflection: In what ways can you model the diverse characteristics of Jesus in your interactions today?

Day 4: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Evangelism is about more than just words; it is about actions that communicate the love and message of Jesus Christ. Our actions, whether in service or in protest, are a form of evangelism that can speak louder than any sermon. By living out the teachings of Jesus, we become a living testimony to the power of the Gospel. This requires us to be intentional in our actions, seeking to embody the principles of love, justice, and mercy that Jesus taught. When our deeds align with our words, we offer a compelling witness to the world and invite others to experience the transformative love of Christ.

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18)

Reflection: What is one action you can take this week to demonstrate the love of Christ to someone in a tangible way?

Day 5: Embracing Lenten Sacrifice and Community
Lent is a time for us to let go of our preconceptions and add practices that draw us closer to God and each other. By focusing on prayer and community, we can better embody the love and teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. This season invites us to sacrifice our need for grandeur and to embrace simplicity and humility. As we engage in prayer and fellowship, we deepen our connection with God and strengthen the bonds within our faith community. This intentional practice of letting go and adding on helps us to grow spiritually and to live out the Gospel in more authentic and meaningful ways.

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23)

Reflection: What is one thing you can let go of this Lenten season to create space for a new spiritual practice that draws you closer to God and others?

Quotes

"We are bold, we are inclusive, and we are relevant. This means different things to different people. We like to be boldly rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ." [16:51] (Download | )

"Jesus' ministry was not about seeking popularity or becoming a celebrity; it was about serving others and staying grounded in a deep relationship with God." [39:42] (Download | )

"We need to accept our limitations. Maybe we can't heal them all. Maybe we can't reach everyone, but we can reach many in a sense that even Jesus couldn't heal everybody." [41:17] (Download | )

"Evangelism just means communicating the message of Jesus Christ. Just simple as that. So was the ad that he gets us, was this an evangelism tool? I think so." [29:03] (Download | )

"The Jesus I know is a loud Jesus that speaks truth to power in situations, two different versions, which one's right. It could be a Jesus that seemingly looks like a wizard in some ways, a Jesus that performs magic. But it's something else." [44:19] (Download | )

"Jesus always has a preference for the marginalized, no matter where he goes. And that can't change. And this New Testament then challenges how we communicate it or how we evangelize it to others." [45:27] (Download | )

"The first person that he heals is a woman, and he touches her, imparting onto her healing. It's simple. It's direct, probably not as elaborate as his other miracles of healing. But here he embodies action." [36:25] (Download | )

"Jesus. And for me, this is an inclusive Jesus. The one that goes out to society and reaches out to the ones that are forgotten, the ones that are on the margins." [38:16] (Download | )

"Give me Jesus, a Jesus that was about community, that gathered with his friends around the table and gives them this beautiful symbol that for some faiths is actual body and actual literal blood." [47:17] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?