Embracing Healing and Authenticity in Discipleship

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I focused on the profound moments Jesus shared with His disciples in the upper room, emphasizing the emotional and spiritual significance of this time. I began by reflecting on the calling of the disciples, highlighting Jesus' intentional selection of those who would be closest to Him, forming His inner circle. These individuals were not only called to follow Jesus but to be with Him, to learn from Him, and to eventually be sent out to preach and cast out demons.

I then delved into the relationship Jesus had with Judas, the one who would betray Him. This relationship is layered with complexity and emotional depth, and it resonates with the pain of betrayal that many of us have experienced in our own lives. I shared my personal journey of emotional healing, emphasizing the power of God's Word to bring restoration and the importance of addressing wounds rather than simply trying to move past them.

The sermon continued with an exploration of how we can grow in our discipleship, even when we have been wounded by others. I stressed that these wounds, while significant, do not have to prevent us from growing deeper in our faith. Instead, they can be opportunities for God to work in our lives, helping our roots grow deeper in Him.

I also shared my own experience of feeling stuck due to unresolved bitterness and how seeking help through biblical teaching and Christian counseling was instrumental in my healing process. I encouraged the congregation to seek similar support if they find themselves struggling with emotional or spiritual health.

As I moved through the sermon, I highlighted the importance of authenticity in our relationship with God. We do not need to fake our emotions or pretend everything is fine. Instead, God values our honesty and invites us to come to Him with our true feelings.

Finally, I discussed the events leading up to Jesus' betrayal, including the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples' feet. I emphasized Jesus' knowledge of Judas' impending betrayal and His choice to wash Judas' feet anyway, demonstrating the full extent of His love and servanthood.

Key Takeaways:

- The calling of the disciples serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves being with Jesus, learning from Him, and being sent out to continue His work. This process is not just about gaining knowledge but about transformation through intimate relationship with Christ. [01:59]

- Betrayal and emotional wounds can be profound, but they also offer a chance for spiritual growth. When we allow God to work through our pain, we can find healing and a deeper faith. This healing often requires confronting our wounds head-on with the help of Scripture and wise counsel. [05:47]

- Authenticity is crucial in our walk with God. Jesus Himself experienced deep emotional turmoil, and He invites us to approach Him with our genuine feelings. Pretense has no place in our relationship with God; He desires truth and openness from us. [47:30]

- Jesus' example of washing the feet of His disciples, including Judas, teaches us about true servanthood. It challenges us to love and serve others, even those who may betray us, reflecting Jesus' sacrificial love. [26:49]

- Understanding that God's plan for our lives is unthwarted by our pain or the actions of others can bring immense comfort. Even when life seems out of control, we can trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to use even the worst situations for our good and His glory. [43:09]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 3:13-19 - Jesus calls His disciples.
2. John 13:1-17 - Jesus washes the disciples' feet.
3. Luke 22:1-6 - Judas agrees to betray Jesus.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Jesus calling His disciples in Mark 3:13-19? How did He choose them, and what were they called to do?
2. In John 13:1-17, what actions did Jesus take during the Last Supper, and what was the significance of washing the disciples' feet?
3. According to Luke 22:1-6, what motivated Judas to betray Jesus, and how did the religious leaders react to his offer?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the calling of the disciples in Mark 3:13-19 illustrate the process of discipleship and transformation through an intimate relationship with Jesus? [01:24]
2. What does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet, including Judas', teach us about servanthood and unconditional love? [26:49]
3. How can the emotional and spiritual wounds we experience, as discussed in the sermon, become opportunities for deeper faith and growth in our relationship with God? [07:02]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to follow Jesus more closely. How did that experience transform your relationship with Him? [01:24]
2. Have you ever experienced betrayal or deep emotional pain? How did you address it, and what role did your faith play in your healing process? [05:47]
3. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, including Judas, knowing he would betray Him. How can you show love and servanthood to someone who has hurt you? [26:49]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of authenticity in our relationship with God. How can you practice being more honest and open with God about your true feelings? [47:30]
5. Have you ever felt stuck due to unresolved bitterness or emotional wounds? What steps can you take to seek healing through biblical teaching and Christian counseling? [09:03]
6. How does understanding that God's plan for your life is unthwarted by pain or the actions of others bring you comfort? Can you think of a situation where this perspective helped you? [43:09]
7. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's sovereignty despite the pain or challenges you are facing. How can you actively surrender this area to Him this week? [43:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Intimacy in Discipleship Transforms Lives
Discipleship is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a transformative journey that requires a close and personal relationship with Jesus. It begins with the call to be with Him, to learn directly from Him, and to be equipped to carry on His work. This process is about allowing the teachings and the life of Jesus to permeate one's entire being, leading to a profound change from the inside out. It is in the moments of close communion with Christ that one's character is shaped, faith is deepened, and the disciple is prepared to face the world with the message of the Gospel. This intimate relationship is the core of true discipleship, where knowledge becomes wisdom, and belief turns into action. [01:59]

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." - Acts 2:42 ESV

Reflection: Consider your current approach to discipleship. How can you cultivate a closer relationship with Jesus this week, and what practical steps will you take to deepen this intimacy?

Day 2: Healing Through Confronting Wounds
Betrayal and emotional wounds are an inevitable part of life, yet they hold the potential for significant spiritual growth. The pain experienced from such wounds can be profound, but it is through this pain that one can find healing and a stronger faith. This healing process often requires facing the wounds head-on, not merely trying to move past them. Scripture and wise counsel are vital tools in this journey, providing comfort, guidance, and the means to work through the hurt. By allowing God to work through these difficult experiences, one can emerge with a deeper understanding of His grace and a more resilient spirit. [05:47]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 ESV

Reflection: Is there a wound or betrayal in your life that you have been avoiding? How can you begin to confront this pain with God's help, and who can you reach out to for wise counsel?

Day 3: Authenticity with God Honors Him
Authenticity in one's relationship with God is not just preferred; it is essential. God does not desire pretense or feigned emotions from His children. Instead, He invites everyone to come to Him with their true feelings, no matter how raw or uncomfortable they may be. Jesus Himself experienced deep emotional turmoil and understands the human condition intimately. By approaching God with honesty and openness, one honors Him and allows for a genuine relationship to flourish. This authenticity paves the way for a deeper connection with the Creator and a more meaningful spiritual life. [47:30]

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:15 ESV

Reflection: What emotions or struggles have you been hiding from God? How can you practice being more authentic in your prayer life, starting today?

Day 4: Servanthood in the Face of Betrayal
Jesus' act of washing the feet of His disciples, including Judas, exemplifies the highest form of servanthood and love. This act challenges believers to serve others selflessly, even those who may betray or hurt them. It is a call to reflect Jesus' sacrificial love in everyday interactions, to humble oneself, and to put the needs of others first. True servanthood does not discriminate or seek retribution but instead offers grace and kindness in the face of wrongdoing. By following Jesus' example, one can demonstrate the transformative power of love in a world that often promotes the opposite. [26:49]

"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." - Luke 6:27 ESV

Reflection: Who in your life is difficult to serve or love? How can you show them Christ-like servanthood this week, despite how they may have treated you?

Day 5: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Our Pain
Understanding that God's plan remains unthwarted by personal pain or the actions of others brings immense comfort and peace. Life's chaotic and painful moments can often feel overwhelming and out of control. However, the belief in God's sovereignty assures that He is at work, using even the most challenging circumstances for the good of those who love Him and for His ultimate glory. This trust in God's overarching plan provides a foundation of hope and stability, allowing one to navigate life's storms with confidence and the knowledge that they are never alone. [43:09]

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 ESV

Reflection: Reflect on a recent hardship or painful experience. How can you shift your perspective to see it as part of God's sovereign plan, and what is one way you can act in trust today?

Quotes

1) "I want you to know that if you feel stuck spiritually today maybe because of some bitterness that you are holding on to or some unforgiveness or something that has happened in your life that was real it is a big deal right it did happen to you it's not minimizing it it's recognizing it but here is the thing I just want you to understand is that God can set you free just as he has set me free." [11:46] ( | | )

2) "It was a pain, it is a hurt, it was a betrayal, but there are choices in responses, and you can allow God to take that and begin to pour the stuff that stinks over your life, and these are the very things that begin to make our roots grow deeper. That's an option." [37:50] ( | | )

3) "Jesus is taking them back to the mission that he gave them to go and to be like him among all of these, and so here's your application: even in our pain, God's plan for you cannot be thwarted. God's purpose for you cannot—it's still the same, it can't be cancelled because sometimes we think, 'God, it just doesn't seem like you're in control.'" [43:09] ( | | )

4) "God doesn't expect you to fake it; he's not telling you to put on a fake smile, he's not telling you to put on the plastic look. Do you know what God really values, and I see this here? Authenticity in you, for you to come to him how you're really feeling about this and to begin to do business about this." [47:30] ( | | )

5) "Do you realize that Jesus already knew about Judas and he washed his filthy feet? And he's going to say these words in John 13, he's going to say, 'I have washed you, I've washed your feet, and I'm about to go to the cross in essence, and I'm going to wash your filthy souls.' But not all of you." [26:49] ( | | )

6) "I know the hurt that you are still wrestling with today. I know what they did to you. I understand for some of you it could be, 'I know that you've gotten on this path where you're headed down this path that is not leading you to something.' I know, and I'm trying to draw you back to me with my grace." [29:29] ( | | )

7) "You may be like, 'I believe that God can grow my faith, okay Bart, I'm with you on this, but man, that thing jacked my life up, it messed my plans up.' Look at what he says next, 'My plans have been ruined, my faith is intact, but my plans have been ruined.' Jesus is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me." [43:09] ( | | )

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