Embracing Our Mission: Leadership, Love, and Justice

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we celebrated the ordination and installation of new elders and deacons, a significant moment in our church's journey. This act of ordination is not just a formality but a spiritual commitment, where we ask the Holy Spirit to empower these leaders to serve our congregation faithfully. Elders are tasked with overseeing the spiritual health of our community, while deacons focus on nurturing faith, fellowship, and love within and beyond our church walls. This ceremony reminds us of the importance of leadership in guiding us in the way of Jesus Christ.

We then delved into the Gospel of Luke, exploring how each gospel writer presents the story of Jesus from a unique perspective. Luke, a highly educated Greek doctor, offers an orderly account of Jesus' life and ministry, beginning with a powerful moment in Nazareth. Here, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring his mission to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free. This passage serves as a thesis for Jesus' ministry, highlighting his commitment to those marginalized and in need.

Jesus' message in Nazareth challenges us to expand our understanding of God's love and mission. Just as Jesus was anointed to bring good news and healing, we too, through our baptism, are called to participate in this mission. We are invited to broaden our horizons, to care for all people, and to join Jesus in his work of love and justice. This mission is not limited to our immediate community but extends to all corners of the world, reflecting the expansive love of God.

As we reflect on Jesus' mission, we are encouraged to examine our own hearts. Are there ways in which we limit God's love to our own circles? Are we willing to embrace the mission of Jesus, even when it challenges our comfort zones? Let us be open to the Spirit's leading, ready to bring blessing and healing to all people, everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

- Ordination as a Spiritual Commitment: Ordination is a profound spiritual act where we ask the Holy Spirit to empower our leaders. It signifies a commitment to serve and guide the congregation in faithfulness to God's mission. This reminds us of the importance of leadership in nurturing the spiritual health of our community. [22:25]

- Unique Perspectives in the Gospels: Each gospel writer presents the story of Jesus from a unique angle, reflecting their perspective and audience. Luke's account begins with Jesus' mission statement in Nazareth, emphasizing his focus on the marginalized. This invites us to appreciate the diverse ways the gospel speaks to different contexts. [46:01]

- Jesus' Mission to the Marginalized: Jesus' reading from Isaiah in Nazareth outlines his mission to bring good news to the poor, freedom to prisoners, and healing to the oppressed. This mission challenges us to expand our understanding of God's love and to care for those on the margins of society. [52:40]

- Our Baptismal Calling: Just as Jesus was anointed for his mission, our baptism calls us to participate in his work. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission of love, justice, and healing in the world. This is a call to action, inviting us to live out our faith in tangible ways. [01:06:21]

- Expanding Our Horizons: Jesus' message in Nazareth challenges us to broaden our horizons and embrace a global perspective of God's love. We are called to care for all people, not just those within our immediate circles. This requires a willingness to be open to the Spirit's leading and to join Jesus in his mission. [01:17:17]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:25] - Ordination of Elders and Deacons
[44:28] - Storytelling and Gospel Perspectives
[46:01] - Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
[49:01] - Jesus' Mission in Nazareth
[50:21] - The Significance of Nazareth
[52:40] - Jesus' Reading from Isaiah
[56:08] - The Anointing of Jesus
[59:47] - Proclaiming Good News to the Poor
[01:06:21] - Our Baptismal Anointing
[01:14:13] - Jesus' Challenge to Nazareth
[01:17:17] - Expanding Our Horizons
[01:22:30] - Joining Jesus' Mission
[01:23:18] - Invitation to Participate
[01:24:25] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 4:16-21

Observation Questions:
1. What roles are elders and deacons expected to fulfill within the church community according to the sermon? [22:25]
2. How does the Gospel of Luke uniquely present the story of Jesus compared to the other gospels? [46:01]
3. What specific passage from Isaiah does Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth, and what is its significance? [52:40]
4. How did the people of Nazareth initially react to Jesus' message, and what changed their attitude? [01:09:15]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the ordination of elders and deacons be considered a spiritual commitment rather than just a formal ceremony? [22:25]
2. How does Jesus' mission statement in Nazareth challenge traditional views of God's love and mission? [52:40]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our baptism is similar to Jesus' anointing for his mission? [01:06:21]
4. How does the reaction of the people of Nazareth reflect a broader human tendency to resist expanding our understanding of God's love? [01:17:17]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the roles of elders and deacons in your church. How can you support them in their spiritual commitment to lead and serve? [22:25]
2. Jesus' mission focused on the marginalized. How can you personally contribute to this mission in your community? [52:40]
3. Consider your baptismal calling. In what ways can you actively participate in Jesus' mission of love, justice, and healing this week? [01:06:21]
4. Are there areas in your life where you limit God's love to your own circles? How can you broaden your horizons to include those outside your comfort zone? [01:17:17]
5. Jesus faced resistance when he challenged the people of Nazareth. How do you respond when your understanding of God's mission is challenged? [01:09:15]
6. Identify a specific group or individual in your life who might be considered marginalized. What steps can you take to show them God's love and care?
7. Reflect on a time when you resisted a call to step out of your comfort zone for God's mission. What can you learn from that experience, and how might you respond differently in the future?

Devotional

Day 1: Ordination as a Spiritual Commitment
Ordination is a profound spiritual act where leaders are set apart to serve and guide the congregation in faithfulness to God's mission. This act is not merely a formality but a deep commitment, asking the Holy Spirit to empower these individuals to lead with wisdom and grace. Elders are entrusted with the spiritual oversight of the community, ensuring that the congregation remains rooted in faith and aligned with God's purposes. Deacons, on the other hand, are called to nurture faith, fellowship, and love, both within the church and in the wider community. This ceremony serves as a reminder of the vital role of leadership in maintaining the spiritual health of the church. [22:25]

1 Timothy 4:14-15 (ESV): "Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress."

Reflection: Consider the leaders in your church. How can you support and pray for them as they fulfill their spiritual commitments?


Day 2: Unique Perspectives in the Gospels
Each gospel writer presents the story of Jesus from a unique angle, reflecting their perspective and audience. Luke, a highly educated Greek doctor, offers an orderly account of Jesus' life and ministry, beginning with a powerful moment in Nazareth. Here, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring his mission to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free. This passage serves as a thesis for Jesus' ministry, highlighting his commitment to those marginalized and in need. This invites us to appreciate the diverse ways the gospel speaks to different contexts and challenges us to see the multifaceted nature of Jesus' mission. [46:01]

Colossians 4:14 (ESV): "Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas."

Reflection: How does understanding the unique perspective of each gospel writer enrich your view of Jesus' life and mission?


Day 3: Jesus' Mission to the Marginalized
Jesus' reading from Isaiah in Nazareth outlines his mission to bring good news to the poor, freedom to prisoners, and healing to the oppressed. This mission challenges us to expand our understanding of God's love and to care for those on the margins of society. Jesus' message in Nazareth was radical, as it called for a reorientation of priorities towards those who are often overlooked or forgotten. This mission is not just a historical account but a living call for us to engage with the world in a way that reflects God's heart for justice and compassion. [52:40]

Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."

Reflection: Who are the marginalized in your community, and how can you actively participate in Jesus' mission to bring them hope and healing?


Day 4: Our Baptismal Calling
Just as Jesus was anointed for his mission, our baptism calls us to participate in his work. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission of love, justice, and healing in the world. This is a call to action, inviting us to live out our faith in tangible ways. Our baptism is not just a personal milestone but a commissioning to join in the work of the Kingdom, bringing light and hope to a world in need. It is a reminder that we are not passive recipients of grace but active participants in God's redemptive plan. [01:06:21]

Galatians 3:27-28 (ESV): "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Reflect on your baptismal vows. How are you living out your calling to participate in Jesus' mission today?


Day 5: Expanding Our Horizons
Jesus' message in Nazareth challenges us to broaden our horizons and embrace a global perspective of God's love. We are called to care for all people, not just those within our immediate circles. This requires a willingness to be open to the Spirit's leading and to join Jesus in his mission. The love of God is expansive, reaching beyond borders and barriers, inviting us to see the world through the lens of divine compassion and justice. As followers of Christ, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the world in a way that reflects the boundless love of God. [01:17:17]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: What steps can you take to expand your understanding of God's love and mission beyond your immediate community?

Quotes



"Relying on the Holy Spirit, do you humbly submit to God's call in your life, committing yourself to God's mission and fulfilling your ministry in obedience to Jesus Christ under the authority of scripture and guided by our confessions?" [00:22:42] (18 seconds)


"Heavenly Father, we are truly humbled by your gracious provision to provide and call elders and deacons to serve this congregation. Lord, each of these elders and deacons wants to serve you and your church. We humbly ask that each one will be a channel of blessing to this flock and in the process of leading and serving, may they know your graciousness to equip them for their call." [00:25:58] (25 seconds)


"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news. Good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind. To set the oppressed free and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." [00:53:06] (21 seconds)


"Jesus specifically talks about the prophets Elijah and Elisha. The prophet Elijah helped a Phoenician woman from Sidon, this hated area. And Elijah helps a general of the hated Syrian army. This is God moving through prophets to help enemies. And Jesus said specifically at the moment in which those miracles were done, there were hometown people in need. And yet God made a choice to help the people far away." [01:18:42] (33 seconds)


"He's declaring to them, they do not have an exclusive claim on God or his love or his healing. God loves your enemies. And he justifies his condemnation. And he says, I'm going to keep on continuing ministry to the people out there. I'm going to keep on blessing Capernaum. I'm even going to go and bless Gentiles. I'm going to go bless people who are from the army who's attacking you. My love is big and grand in reflection of the love of God." [01:19:35] (41 seconds)


"Wouldn't it be such a grand adventure if instead of resisting, instead of pushing that voice away, to join it? And we would simply say, you know what? We have also been anointed. And we will bring blessing to this earth. Not just our peace, but all peace's. To all people everywhere." [01:23:22] (26 seconds)


"We deeply yearn that in this coming year, in 2025, our church will more and more live into this grand mission of Jesus. And that all people will know the love of Christ. Lord, we thank you for your word. We thank you for this grand, amazing things that you've done." [01:24:51] (18 seconds)


"Lord, we yearn to see your power move. We pray forever in this room that needs a kind word from you, that needs encouragement. That needs healing. We just pray, pray, pray. Lord, as we gather tonight, we pray that you empower your healing service, that your spirit would be poured out on us. Challenge us, change us, use us." [01:25:53] (21 seconds)


"May you know the God that we just read about may you know this Jesus Christ in your life if you are feeling oppressed may you be set free if you are blind in some way may he give you sight if you are poor may you be provided for may you hear the good news may the love of God and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit be on you now and forever." [01:29:02] (32 seconds)


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Transcript
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