Embracing Jesus' Sacrifice: A Call to Transformation

 

Summary

Today, I explored the profound significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the invitation to partake in the spiritual nourishment He offers. I began by emphasizing the holiness of God and our inherent sinfulness, which separates us from Him. This gap, created by our imperfections, is bridged by Jesus' ultimate sacrifice—His body broken and His blood shed for us, which we commemorate through the Lord's Supper.

I shared a personal anecdote about a family dinner to illustrate how we often reject what is beneficial for us due to our preferences, drawing a parallel to how we sometimes respond to what Jesus offers us. This led to a deeper discussion on the importance of accepting Jesus' sacrifice, not merely as a historical fact but as a transformative reality that should be actively applied to our lives.

I highlighted the story of Kaylin and Carson, a couple in our community who recently baptized and are now committing to raise their daughter in faith. This example served to show the transformative power of the gospel, not just in individual lives but also in how it shapes family and community.

Further, I delved into the scriptural account of the Last Supper, emphasizing Jesus' intentional preparation and invitation to His disciples, including Judas, who would betray Him. This act of inclusion despite impending betrayal was presented as a testament to Jesus' unconditional love and forgiveness, underscoring that He invites us all to His table, regardless of our past.

In closing, I invited the congregation to partake in the Lord's Supper, urging everyone to reflect on any sin that might hinder their relationship with Christ. This was a call to approach the table with a heart of repentance and gratitude for the grace that Jesus offers freely to all who believe.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Holiness and Sin: Our separation from God stems from our inherent sinfulness contrasted with His perfect holiness. Jesus' sacrifice is not just a historical event but a personal invitation to bridge this gap through faith and repentance. This understanding should lead us to a profound gratitude and a deeper commitment to live according to His ways. [01:09:53]

2. The Impact of Personal Transformation: The story of Kaylin and Carson exemplifies the transformative power of the gospel. When we truly embrace Jesus' teachings and apply them to our lives, it not only changes us but also influences those around us, including our families and communities. This ripple effect is a powerful testament to the living truth of Jesus' teachings. [14:16]

3. Jesus' Invitation to All: The Last Supper illustrates that Jesus extends His invitation to everyone, even those who might betray Him. This teaches us about the depth of Jesus' forgiveness and the breadth of His grace. We are all welcome at His table, which compels us to extend the same grace to others. [01:10:34]

4. The Importance of Communion: Taking communion is a physical act of spiritual significance. It is not merely a ritual but a declaration of faith and a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice. As we partake, we should examine our hearts and lives, repenting of sin that separates us from God, ensuring that we honor His sacrifice with a pure heart. [01:18:45]

5. Living Based on Promises, Not Explanations: In our walk with Christ, we are called to live by faith in His promises rather than waiting for explanations that satisfy our understanding. This faith-based approach leads to a deeper trust and reliance on God, recognizing that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. [01:15:09]

Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:09:53] - Understanding Holiness and Sin
- [14:16] - The Impact of Personal Transformation
- [01:10:34] - Jesus' Invitation to All
- [01:18:45] - The Importance of Communion
- [01:15:09] - Living Based on Promises, Not Explanations

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 26:17-30 - The Last Supper
2. Ephesians 2:4-5 - Made Alive in Christ
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 - Instructions on the Lord's Supper

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific preparations did Jesus instruct His disciples to make for the Passover meal? (Matthew 26:17-19)
2. How did Jesus respond when His disciples expressed concern about who would betray Him? (Matthew 26:21-25)
3. What actions did Jesus take with the bread and the cup during the Last Supper? (Matthew 26:26-28)
4. How does Ephesians 2:4-5 describe the state of believers before and after receiving Christ's grace?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of Jesus including Judas, who would betray Him, in the Last Supper? How does this reflect on Jesus' approach to forgiveness and grace? [57:38]
2. How does the story of Kaylin and Carson illustrate the transformative power of the gospel in personal and family life? [14:16]
3. In what ways does the act of taking communion serve as a declaration of faith and a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice? [01:18:45]
4. How does the concept of living based on promises rather than explanations challenge our daily walk with Christ? [01:15:09]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the holiness of God and your own sinfulness. How does understanding this contrast deepen your gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice? [01:09:53]
2. Think about a time when you rejected something beneficial because it didn't align with your preferences. How can this experience help you better accept what Jesus offers, even when it's challenging? [43:57]
3. How can you actively apply the transformative power of the gospel in your family and community, similar to Kaylin and Carson's commitment? [14:16]
4. Jesus extended His invitation to Judas despite knowing he would betray Him. How can you extend grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged you? [57:38]
5. Before partaking in communion, we are called to examine our hearts and repent of any sin. What specific sins or barriers do you need to address to approach the Lord's table with a pure heart? [01:19:17]
6. How can you cultivate a faith-based approach in your life, trusting in God's promises even when you don't have all the explanations? [01:15:09]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust that what God has placed before you is for your good, even if it's difficult to accept. How will you take steps to embrace this with faith? [45:18]

This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s key themes and apply them to their lives in meaningful ways.

Devotional

Day 1: Bridging the Gap Between Holiness and Sin
Understanding our separation from God due to sin is crucial, yet it is Jesus' sacrifice that offers a bridge to reconcile this divide. The holiness of God is perfect and unblemished, contrasting sharply with human sinfulness. This inherent gap necessitates a mediator, and Jesus Christ fulfills this role through His death on the cross. His sacrifice is not merely a historical event but a personal invitation to each of us to come into a restored relationship with God through faith and repentance. This understanding should not only lead to a deep sense of gratitude but also compel us to live lives that reflect His holiness and love. [07:40]

Romans 5:10-11 (ESV): "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Reflection: How does understanding your sinfulness and God’s holiness change your daily approach to faith and repentance?

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Day 2: Transformation Through the Gospel
The story of Kaylin and Carson illustrates the transformative power of the gospel, not only in individual lives but also within families and communities. When we truly embrace the teachings of Jesus and apply them to our lives, it initiates a ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves. This transformation is a testament to the living truth of Jesus' teachings, which continue to change lives today. As believers, we are called to be examples of this change, influencing those around us by living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. [14:16]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: In what ways can you more actively demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in your family and community?

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Day 3: Unconditional Invitation of Jesus
The Last Supper is a profound example of Jesus’ inclusive love, as He extended an invitation to all His disciples, including Judas, who would betray Him. This act underscores the depth of Jesus' forgiveness and the breadth of His grace, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. As recipients of this grace, we are encouraged to extend the same unconditional invitation to others, reflecting Jesus' love in our interactions and relationships. [01:10:34]

Luke 22:27 (ESV): "For who is greater, the one who reclines at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves."

Reflection: Who in your life might feel unwelcome or unworthy, and how can you extend Jesus’ invitation of grace to them today?

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Day 4: The Significance of Communion
Taking communion is a profound act of faith, serving as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and our ongoing relationship with Him. It is not merely a ritual but a declaration of belief and a moment to reflect on the grace provided through Jesus' death. As we partake in communion, it is essential to examine our hearts, repent of our sins, and approach God with a spirit of gratitude and humility. This practice is a vital part of our spiritual life, ensuring that we honor His sacrifice with a pure heart. [01:18:45]

1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (ESV): "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."

Reflection: What sins do you need to repent of before partaking in communion, and how can you prepare your heart to truly honor Jesus’ sacrifice?

---

Day 5: Living by Faith, Not by Sight
Our Christian journey involves trusting in God's promises, even when explanations are not forthcoming. This faith-based approach fosters a deeper reliance on God, acknowledging that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. By living based on His promises, we cultivate a life of faith that is robust and resilient, capable of withstanding life's uncertainties and challenges. This commitment to trust in God's promises over our understanding is fundamental to a mature faith. [01:15:09]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Reflection: What is one promise of God you need to trust more deeply, and how can you demonstrate that trust in your actions today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We're all sinners. We all walk in sin and it's sin that separates us from God because he's perfectly holy. He's not kind of holy. He's not kind of good. He's entirely perfect. And when we're the slightest bit imperfect, we are fully and wholly imperfect. By wholly, I mean completely imperfect. So Jesus has taken the brunt of our imperfection, the whole of our sin, and he has died on the cross for it." [01:13:03]( | | )

2. "Listen to me. If you're in the sound of my voice today, if you're watching online, if you're in the room, listen to this. If you're waiting for an explanation to understand why God has done what he's done and how it's good for you, you might not really ever understand. Sometimes you just got to believe what Jesus is saying to you and just trusting that what he served you is what's best for you. You just got to trust him." [01:14:34]( | | )

3. "We do not live life based on explanations. We live life based on promises. If you're waiting on an explanation for everything to just make complete sense to you, would you stop? I'm not saying don't seek explanations, but don't seek explanations to the point of demanding an understanding for you to surrender your life to Jesus. Would you just give your life to Jesus today." [01:15:09]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "It is by what Jesus did, his body broken and his blood shed for you and for me. That is the goodness of Jesus. Is anybody else excited about that today? They're sitting at the table. I just want you to picture this. They're sitting at the table and he says, this is my body. It's broken for you. Will you take it, eat it?" [01:09:53]( | | )

2. "Jesus carried out the responsibility of both parties. Now it is yours and it is my responsibility to take it and eat it. To take it and apply it to our lives. It's our responsibility by eating to believe that Jesus has done what we could not do so that we could become what we could not become." [01:11:48]( | | )

3. "Jesus still invites us to the table and he'll recline with us even when he knows we're guilty. All of us in this room, we've already read the story going into today, and all of us really, really quickly hope we identify with the other 11 disciples and not Judas. But we can't miss what Jesus says here, and it's that we're all guilty." [57:38]( | | )

4. "I want to invite you to take the Lord's Supper with us. With your heads bowed and your eyes closed, before we do this, I'm going to ask you to do something. If there's any sin in your life, anything that you knowingly are engaging in or have been a part of, and you, the Lord has convicted you of that, you know that it's wrong. Would you repent of that sin?" [01:18:45]( | | )

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Transcript
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