Embracing God's Love: Bringing Others to Jesus
Summary
In our ongoing series about the disciples, we delve into the essence of God's love and how it compels us to view and treat others with the same value, care, and love that God bestows upon us. Today, we reflect on Andrew's example of bringing people to Jesus, drawing inspiration from a story about Joe Gibbs, a Super Bowl-winning coach who humbly shared his faith with prisoners, emphasizing that only Jesus can fill the void in our hearts.
Gibbs' testimony reminds us that worldly achievements cannot satisfy the deep longing within us—a longing that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can fulfill. This truth is not just for the successful or the downtrodden; it is universal. Even those who seem to have everything are missing something crucial if they do not have Jesus.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be like seeds that die to produce many seeds. We must be willing to die to our desires and comforts to fulfill our purpose of showing Jesus to the world. This means being with Jesus always and everywhere, or not at all. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, which draws all people to Him, is the unique and unparalleled love that sets Christianity apart from all other philosophies and religions.
We are encouraged to see people as Jesus did, with a heart that pauses for the individual in need, whether it be the woman who touched His robe for healing or Zacchaeus in the tree. We must ask ourselves who we see in our daily lives and whether we are willing to step out of our comfort zones to bring Jesus to them.
The film "Mr. Holland's Opus" serves as a metaphor for our calling. Just as Mr. Holland's true masterpiece was the lives he touched through teaching, our purpose is to die to our own dreams and serve Jesus by bringing people to Him. We must be willing to risk and act, to move out of our shells like hermit crabs seeking growth, even when it's uncomfortable or awkward.
Finally, we must confront our biases and ask ourselves if we limit who we invite to experience Jesus. Are we like Philip, hesitating to bring Greeks to Jesus, or are we like Andrew, eager to bring everyone, regardless of their background or lifestyle? Our mission is to bring people to Jesus, for there are many who are longing to see Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Joe Gibbs' story teaches us that true fulfillment is not found in earthly achievements but in our relationship with Jesus Christ. This profound truth challenges us to evaluate what we consider success and to prioritize our spiritual journey over worldly pursuits. [02:00]
- The metaphor of the seed dying to produce many seeds illustrates the Christian call to self-sacrifice. Our lives are meant to be given away in service to others, mirroring the selfless love of Jesus. This principle calls us to a life of generosity and purpose, where our greatest achievements are not material but found in the lives we impact for Christ. [14:13]
- Jesus' unconditional love, demonstrated through His death on the cross, is the cornerstone of our faith and what draws people to Him. This love is unmatched by any other belief system and offers us grace that we could never earn. It is this love that we are called to share with the world, a love that promises redemption and transformation. [26:10]
- Seeing people as Jesus did requires us to stop and truly notice those around us. It challenges us to move beyond our preoccupations and to value each person we encounter. This perspective fosters a culture of compassion and empathy within our communities and leads us to act in ways that reflect the heart of God. [20:21]
- Our willingness to step out of our comfort zones, like hermit crabs seeking larger shells, is essential for growth and fulfilling our God-given purpose. This analogy encourages us to embrace risk and change, trusting that God will use our actions to bring about His greater plan for our lives and the lives of others. [18:22]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 12:20-26 (NIV)
> "Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. 'Sir,' they said, 'we would like to see Jesus.' Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, 'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.'"
2. Luke 8:43-48 (NIV)
> "And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 'Who touched me?' Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.' But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.' Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.'"
3. Luke 19:1-10 (NIV)
> "Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, 'He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.' But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.' Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Joe Gibbs emphasize about the source of true fulfillment in his testimony to the prisoners? ([02:00])
2. How did Andrew respond when Philip brought the Greeks to him, and what does this reveal about his character? ([07:35])
3. What metaphor does Jesus use to describe the necessity of self-sacrifice, and what does it mean? (John 12:24)
4. How did Jesus react to the woman who touched His robe and to Zacchaeus in the tree? What does this tell us about His approach to individuals? ([20:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Joe Gibbs' story about finding fulfillment in Jesus rather than in worldly achievements is significant for both successful and struggling individuals? ([02:00])
2. What does the metaphor of the seed dying to produce many seeds teach us about the Christian life and mission? (John 12:24)
3. How does Jesus' interaction with the woman who touched His robe and Zacchaeus challenge our own perceptions of who is worthy of His attention and love? ([20:21])
4. In what ways does the story of Andrew bringing people to Jesus serve as a model for our own evangelistic efforts? ([10:52])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Joe Gibbs' statement about the void in our hearts that only Jesus can fill. How does this challenge your own understanding of success and fulfillment? ([02:00])
2. Jesus used the metaphor of a seed dying to produce many seeds. What are some personal desires or comforts you might need to "die to" in order to serve others and fulfill your purpose in Christ? (John 12:24)
3. Think about the people you encounter daily. Are there individuals you might be overlooking who need to see Jesus? How can you be more intentional in noticing and reaching out to them? ([20:21])
4. Have you ever hesitated to share Jesus with someone because you thought they wouldn't be interested or worthy? How can you overcome this hesitation and be more like Andrew, eager to bring everyone to Jesus? ([07:35])
5. The sermon mentioned the film "Mr. Holland's Opus" as a metaphor for our calling. What are some ways you can invest in the lives of others, even if it means sacrificing your own dreams or comfort? ([27:25])
6. How can you step out of your comfort zone, like a hermit crab seeking a larger shell, to grow in your faith and fulfill your God-given purpose? ([18:22])
7. Reflect on the biases you might have that limit who you invite to experience Jesus. How can you confront and overcome these biases to be more inclusive in your evangelistic efforts? ([09:50])
Devotional
Day 1: Fulfillment Beyond Earthly Success
True fulfillment in life is not found in our achievements or accolades but in the depth of our relationship with Jesus Christ. This profound truth challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of success. Earthly accomplishments can bring temporary satisfaction, but they often leave us feeling empty. The longing for something more can only be satisfied by a personal relationship with Jesus, who fills the void in our hearts with His love and purpose. This realization invites us to shift our focus from the pursuit of worldly success to nurturing our spiritual journey, where the ultimate reward is not material wealth or fame but a life rich in spiritual health and eternal significance. [07:40]
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36 ESV)
Reflection: Consider the areas in your life where you seek fulfillment. How can you shift your focus from these pursuits to deepen your relationship with Jesus today?
Day 2: The Seed's Sacrifice for Many
The metaphor of a seed dying to produce many seeds illustrates the Christian call to self-sacrifice. Our lives are meant to be given away in service to others, reflecting the selfless love of Jesus. This principle calls us to a life of generosity and purpose, where our greatest achievements are not material but found in the lives we impact for Christ. As seeds must die to bring forth life, we too must let go of our selfish desires and comforts to fulfill our God-given mission. This act of dying to self allows us to bear fruit that nourishes and enriches the lives of those around us, perpetuating a legacy of love and service. [14:13]
"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24 ESV)
Reflection: What personal desires or comforts might you need to sacrifice to better serve others and reflect Jesus' love in your community?
Day 3: Unmatched Love Draws All
Jesus' unconditional love, demonstrated through His death on the cross, is the cornerstone of our faith and the force that draws people to Him. This love is unmatched by any other belief system and offers us grace that we could never earn. It is this love that we are called to share with the world, a love that promises redemption and transformation. As we embrace and share this love, we become conduits of God's grace, inviting others into the life-changing relationship with Jesus that we ourselves enjoy. This divine love is the ultimate testament to the truth and power of the Christian faith. [26:10]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate Jesus' unconditional love to someone who may feel unworthy or overlooked in your life today?
Day 4: Seeing Through Jesus' Eyes
Seeing people as Jesus did requires us to stop and truly notice those around us. It challenges us to move beyond our preoccupations and to value each person we encounter. This perspective fosters a culture of compassion and empathy within our communities and leads us to act in ways that reflect the heart of God. By pausing for the individual in need, we follow Jesus' example of recognizing the worth and dignity of every person, whether they are reaching out for healing or simply seeking acknowledgment. This intentional way of seeing and engaging with others can transform lives and ripple through society, creating waves of positive change. [20:21]
"Then Jesus stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?'" (Luke 18:40-41 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your daily life might be in need of attention or compassion that you can provide? How can you make an effort to see them as Jesus does?
Day 5: Growth Beyond Comfort Zones
Our willingness to step out of our comfort zones, like hermit crabs seeking larger shells, is essential for growth and fulfilling our God-given purpose. This analogy encourages us to embrace risk and change, trusting that God will use our actions to bring about His greater plan for our lives and the lives of others. Growth often comes with discomfort, but it is through these experiences that we learn to rely on God's strength and guidance. As we move out of our shells, we open ourselves up to new opportunities to serve and bring people to Jesus, participating in the transformative work of the Kingdom. [18:22]
"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11 ESV)
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to move out of your comfort zone in order to grow spiritually and bring others closer to Jesus?
Quotes
- "The vacuum in each of Our Lives can only be filled through a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ otherwise I'm telling you we'll spend the rest of our lives in a meaningless existence." [02:00] ( | | )
- "Like seeds reproducing and growing, real life, real joy, real peace, real hope will come to those people that you're going out on a limb for." [16:35] ( | | )
- "Jesus is inviting you and me to live a new life... to get out of the refuge of safety and to grow and risk action and mission in the world." [18:22] ( | | )
- "Jesus would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you. That is what draws all people to Jesus." [26:45] ( | | )
- "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a Single Seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." [14:13] ( | | )
- "Our purpose is to die to what we think is most important and instead serve Him by bringing people to Jesus." [30:02] ( | | )
- "Every story of a life change needs an Andrew to bring them to Jesus. Sometimes it's just an easy job... that's what Andrew does and that's what we need to do." [12:00] ( | | )
- "Jesus's upward Journey started when those Roman soldiers hoisted him Skyward at Calvary... you have to go with him the first 10 feet of the journey as well." [24:29] ( | | )
- "Jesus had to be the seed that dies so that much fruit could be harvested... we all as seeds need to be planted in the ground and to die or else we'll just remain seeds that don't do anything." [14:13] ( | | )
- "Jesus's mission now would be completed so that the good news of the Cross could be shared with all the people of the world." [13:00] ( | | )
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