Embracing Lent: Building Community Through Grace and Inclusion
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the significance of Lent as a period of preparation and drawing closer to God, leading up to Easter. This season invites us to reflect on our spiritual journey and make sacrifices that bring us nearer to God. We delved into the importance of food in Scripture, highlighting how meals often serve as a bridge for connection and community. Jesus' interactions with tax collectors and sinners over meals were revolutionary, challenging the socio-religious norms of His time. These meals were not just about food but about breaking barriers and extending grace.
We examined the roles of different characters in the biblical narrative: Jesus, the disciples, the Pharisees, the tax collectors, and the observers. Each character offers a mirror for us to reflect on our own spiritual posture. Jesus, fully God and fully man, exemplified divine love and inclusion. The disciples, though often needing correction, learned to embody Jesus' teachings. The Pharisees, with their rigid adherence to rules, remind us of the dangers of legalism. The tax collectors, aware of their brokenness, sought Jesus' presence and grace. Observers, often skeptical, represent those on the fringes, watching and assessing.
We are called to create space for those who need to encounter Jesus, to invite them to the table, and to break down barriers that prevent genuine community. This involves a shift from isolation to inclusion, from building our own kingdoms to participating in God's kingdom work. As a church, we must balance loving God and loving people, ensuring that our actions reflect the greatest commandment. This balance is crucial for a healthy, vibrant church community.
In practical terms, this means empowering others, being open to new ideas, and making room for diverse expressions of faith. Whether through ministries like Faith Fit or community groups, we are encouraged to listen to the Holy Spirit and act on His promptings. Our mission is to be a church that welcomes all, providing a space where everyone can experience the love and grace of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
1. Lent as a Time of Preparation: Lent is a season for spiritual preparation and drawing closer to God. It invites us to reflect on our relationship with God and make sacrifices that deepen our faith. This period is not just about giving up something but about gaining a closer connection with God. [28:07]
2. The Power of Meals in Scripture: Meals in the Bible often symbolize connection and community. Jesus used meals to break down barriers and extend grace to those marginalized by society. Sharing a meal can soften hearts and build bridges, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ. [32:32]
3. Identifying with Biblical Characters: We can find ourselves in the roles of Jesus, the disciples, the Pharisees, the tax collectors, or the observers. Each role offers insights into our spiritual journey and challenges us to reflect on our attitudes and actions. [41:08]
4. Creating Space for Others: As a church, we are called to make room for those who need to encounter Jesus. This involves breaking down barriers and inviting people to the table, ensuring that our community reflects the inclusive love of Christ. [48:32]
5. Balancing Love for God and People: The greatest commandment is to love God and love people. A healthy church community maintains this balance, ensuring that our actions reflect both aspects of this commandment. This balance is essential for vibrant and effective ministry. [57:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [28:07] - Understanding Lent
- [32:32] - Meals and Community in Scripture
- [35:18] - Cultural Influences on Church Practices
- [38:04] - The Role of Rules and Isolation
- [41:08] - Identifying with Biblical Characters
- [43:33] - The Tax Collector's Perspective
- [45:29] - The Observer's Role
- [48:32] - Creating Space for Others
- [51:14] - Empowering Church Leadership
- [54:22] - Innovative Ministry Initiatives
- [57:35] - Balancing Love for God and People
- [59:49] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 19:1-10 (The story of Zacchaeus)
2. Matthew 9:10-13 (Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners)
3. Mark 12:28-31 (The Greatest Commandment)
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Zacchaeus, what was Jesus' response to Zacchaeus' eagerness to see Him, and how did this interaction challenge societal norms? [32:32]
2. How did Jesus' choice to eat with tax collectors and sinners defy the expectations of the Pharisees, and what does this reveal about His mission? [32:32]
3. What are the key elements of the Greatest Commandment as described in Mark 12:28-31, and how do they relate to the sermon’s emphasis on balancing love for God and people? [54:22]
4. How did the sermon describe the role of meals in Scripture, and what significance do they hold in building community and breaking barriers? [32:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the story of Zacchaeus teach about the nature of repentance and acceptance in the context of Jesus' ministry? How does this story challenge our understanding of who is worthy of grace? [32:32]
2. In what ways does Jesus' interaction with tax collectors and sinners illustrate the concept of divine love and inclusion? How can this be applied to modern church practices? [32:32]
3. How does the sermon suggest that the Pharisees' adherence to rules can lead to isolation rather than community? What are the dangers of such legalism in today's church? [38:04]
4. How does the Greatest Commandment to love God and love people serve as a foundation for a vibrant church community, according to the sermon? [54:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey during Lent. What specific sacrifice or practice can you adopt this season to draw closer to God? [28:07]
2. Consider a time when sharing a meal helped you connect with someone. How can you use meals as a tool for building community and extending grace in your own life? [32:32]
3. Identify a group or individual in your community who might feel marginalized. What steps can you take to invite them to the table and create a space for genuine connection? [48:32]
4. How can you balance loving God and loving people in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure that both aspects of the Greatest Commandment are reflected in your actions? [54:22]
5. Think about a time when you might have acted like a Pharisee, focusing more on rules than relationships. How can you shift your perspective to be more inclusive and grace-filled? [38:04]
6. What role do you see yourself playing in the biblical narrative discussed in the sermon (e.g., disciple, Pharisee, tax collector, observer)? How can this insight guide your spiritual growth? [41:08]
7. How can you empower others in your church or community to express their faith in diverse ways? What new ideas or ministries could you support or initiate? [51:14]
Devotional
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Quotes
In Scripture, food is really important, hey? Have you noticed this yet? Food is really important. Think about communion. The Lord instituted communion at the end of the Passover feast. They finished a magnificent meal. And then he's like, well, there's some bread here and some wine left over. Let's make a ritual out of this, shall we? [00:31:36] (24 seconds)
Think about Jesus after he rose from the dead and before he ascended. What did he do? He made breakfast on the beach for his disciples. I did a sermon once when we church planted where I actually cooked while I was talking. And it was fantastic. I don't know if it was any good or not, but it was a lot of fun. [00:32:26] (23 seconds)
There's this theme in scripture where food brings people together. Have you noticed that if someone doesn't like you, if you could just get them to have a meal with you, you can soften them a little bit. Coffee's good. Wings are better. So if I think you don't like me, I'm going to invite you for wings apparently. [00:32:57] (28 seconds)
The Pharisees came to Jesus and it was one of those, who do you think you are? You pretend to be one of us or a religious elite, but you're hanging out with sinners, eating with them. Who you eat with and what you eat had massive socio-religious implication. There was lines that were drawn in the sand. [00:33:11] (29 seconds)
For them, it was the difference between the colors black and white. A diesel or an electric car. Coke or Pepsi. We're going to end on the Coke and Pepsi one so that we don't get political this morning. Put a hand up if you prefer Pepsi products to Coke products. Oh really, just that few. [00:33:36] (32 seconds)
Let's get some ushers on this. I'm kidding, we're friends. But for the Pharisees, the whole concept of food, who you eat with, for them, it was the difference between who's in and who's out. Who's receiving ministry and who's not. Who's welcome at the Lord's table and who can stay the heck out. [00:34:33] (31 seconds)
There was a point in time where we made a shift and holiness turned into isolation theology. It wasn't about how close can I get to God, it was about how far away can I keep the sinners. And we implemented this culture war. We reverted back to the land of the Romans, where everyone is against us. [00:36:09] (31 seconds)
When Jesus brought the new covenant into play, it was tough because people were used to the old way. Dominate, push people away, the rules imposed by the Pharisees. Now, keep in mind, though, as we look back on church history, we look into the New and Old Testament, keep in mind that rules that were in place at one time were necessary. [00:38:04] (35 seconds)
Cultures shift, cultures change. Rules can safeguard, but in this case, they would isolate. Those who needed to be chased down and invited to dinner. Often times, we fight like the Pharisees do to isolate people without even realizing we're doing it. Every church has players in this story. [00:38:41] (33 seconds)
The disciples needed to be rebuked, challenged. They had to learn and change constantly. Take correction and have deep conversations about the worldview and what was happening around them. They had to learn to do what Jesus did. And exemplify that to the world around them. [00:41:08] (28 seconds)
They had to learn to live out, love God, and love people just like we do now. As Jesus said, the greatest commandment of all is this. Love God and love people. They had to learn that in real time just like we do. So maybe you identify with the disciples. [00:41:31] (24 seconds)
Truly discipled believers act like Jesus and fight to create space for the people that need lunch. I was taught once that you can't disciple an empty chair. It is unfortunate in many churches how we get to a point where we're comfortable where things are at and we no longer fight for the ones who need lunch. [00:46:54] (32 seconds)
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