In John chapter 20, we witness the resurrected Jesus appearing to His disciples, who were not expecting His return. His first words to them were, "Peace be with you," a message He repeats twice, emphasizing the importance of receiving His peace amidst life's chaos. This peace is not from any human source but from Christ Himself. We are encouraged to receive this peace by simply inviting Jesus into our hearts and lives. As we embrace His peace, we are also called to share it with others, extending a gesture of peace through a handshake or a high five.
Today, we celebrate baptisms, a significant step in the Christian journey. Baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward transformation, symbolizing the death of the old self and the birth of a new life in Christ. It is not a means of salvation but a public declaration of faith and commitment to follow Jesus. We follow the example of Jesus, who was baptized before beginning His ministry, and His command to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
As we embark on a new sermon series, "The Waymaker," we explore the Gospel of John, focusing on the seven signs of Jesus as the Messiah. These signs, along with the seven "I am" statements, reveal His divine nature and mission. Today, we delve into John chapter 2, where Jesus performs His first miracle at a wedding in Cana, turning water into wine. This miracle signifies the transformation Jesus brings into our lives, turning emptiness into fullness and despair into joy.
In moments of spiritual emptiness, we are reminded that Jesus is the source of life and joy. Just as He transformed water into wine, He can fill our lives with His presence and peace. We are encouraged to bring our concerns to Jesus, trusting in His power to transform our circumstances. Jesus invites us to participate in His work, using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. As we follow Him, we discover that He offers the best life, both now and in eternity.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Jesus' first words to His disciples after His resurrection were "Peace be with you," a reminder that His peace transcends all understanding and is available to us today. We are encouraged to receive and share this peace with others. [00:00]
- 2. Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the death of the old self and the birth of a new life in Christ. It is an important step in the Christian journey, following Jesus' example and command to make disciples. [35:28]
- 3. Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, turning water into wine, signifies the transformation He brings into our lives. He takes our emptiness and fills it with His joy and life, offering us the best now and in eternity. [40:58]
- 4. In moments of spiritual emptiness, we are reminded to bring our concerns to Jesus, trusting in His power to transform our circumstances. He invites us to participate in His work, using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. [77:13]
- 5. Jesus offers the best life, both now and in eternity. As we follow Him, we discover that He is the source of true joy and fulfillment, transforming our lives in ways we never imagined. [01:17:13]
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