Embracing Self-Giving Love Through the Cross
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the baptism of children, a profound reminder of God's covenant promises. This sacred act underscores the dual nature of God's love—both particular and expansive, individual and universal. As we affirm our faith and commit to raising these children in the knowledge and love of God, we are reminded of the Apostle Paul's words: "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all." This unity in faith is a testament to God's unwavering love and faithfulness.
We then transitioned to our ongoing sermon series on essential words of Christian faith, focusing today on the cross. The story of Jesus' crucifixion is not just a historical event but a compelling narrative that has gripped the human imagination for over 2,000 years. Jesus' willingness to sacrifice His life is the ultimate expression of self-giving love. This act of love is not a formula or ideology but a story that continues to resonate deeply within us.
Jesus' teaching in John 12 about the grain of wheat that must die to bear much fruit illustrates the paradox of life through death. Those who seek to preserve their lives will lose them, but those who give their lives for Jesus' sake will find true, eternal life. This principle of self-sacrifice is central to Christian faith and is vividly demonstrated in Jesus' crucifixion.
The cross is a multifaceted symbol. Some view it as a necessary sacrifice to satisfy God's justice, while others see it as a confrontation between good and evil. However, the most profound interpretation is that the cross reveals God's love entering the depths of human suffering and death. This love is transformative, offering hope and life even in the midst of despair.
Jesus' death on the cross identifies Him with the powerless and oppressed, showing that God's love reaches into the darkest corners of human existence. This sacrificial love calls us to live selflessly, to care deeply, and to give generously. It teaches us not to be afraid, for God's love is more powerful than death itself.
In conclusion, Jesus' crucifixion is a call to live a life of self-giving love, free from fear and full of divine purpose. As we go forth, let us embody this love in our daily lives, showing the world that we are His disciples through our love for one another.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Love is Both Particular and Universal: The baptism ceremony reminds us that God's love is both specific to each individual and expansive to all humanity. This dual nature of divine love calls us to recognize and celebrate God's faithfulness in our personal lives and in the broader community of faith. [23:02]
2. The Cross as a Story of Self-Sacrifice: Jesus' crucifixion is not merely a historical event but a compelling narrative of self-sacrifice that continues to resonate deeply. This story teaches us that true life is found in giving ourselves for others, mirroring Jesus' ultimate act of love. [36:20]
3. Life Through Death: Jesus' teaching about the grain of wheat illustrates the paradox that life comes through death. Those who seek to preserve their lives will lose them, but those who give their lives for Jesus' sake will find true, eternal life. This principle is central to Christian faith and calls us to live selflessly. [37:09]
4. The Cross Reveals God's Transformative Love: The cross is a profound symbol of God's love entering the depths of human suffering and death. This love is transformative, offering hope and life even in the midst of despair. It calls us to embrace this love and let it guide our actions and relationships. [40:34]
5. Living a Life of Self-Giving Love: Jesus' death on the cross identifies Him with the powerless and oppressed, showing that God's love reaches into the darkest corners of human existence. This sacrificial love calls us to live selflessly, to care deeply, and to give generously, embodying the love of Christ in our daily lives. [43:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:33] - Covenant Promises and Baptism
[23:02] - God's Love: Particular and Universal
[33:03] - Sermon Series Introduction
[34:31] - The Grain of Wheat Parable
[36:20] - The Story of Self-Sacrifice
[37:09] - Life Through Death
[38:12] - The Cross and Human History
[40:34] - Interpretations of the Cross
[43:37] - Jesus' Identification with the Powerless
[45:19] - Living with Life in the Midst of Death
[46:45] - A Story of Sacrificial Love
[48:19] - The Call to Self-Giving Love
[01:05:05] - A New Commandment: Love One Another
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 12:24-26 (NRSV)
> "Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor."
2. Ephesians 4:5-6 (NRSV)
> "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit"? ([34:31])
2. How does the Apostle Paul describe the unity of faith in Ephesians 4:5-6?
3. According to the sermon, what are some interpretations of the cross? ([40:34])
4. How does Jesus' crucifixion identify Him with the powerless and oppressed? ([43:37])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of Jesus' teaching about the grain of wheat in John 12:24-26? How does this relate to the concept of self-sacrifice? ([37:09])
2. How does the dual nature of God's love—both particular and universal—impact our understanding of baptism and faith? ([23:02])
3. In what ways does the cross reveal God's transformative love, and how does this love offer hope and life even in the midst of despair? ([40:34])
4. How does Jesus' death on the cross call us to live selflessly and care deeply for others? ([43:37])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's particular and universal love in your life. How did it shape your faith and actions? ([23:02])
2. Jesus' teaching about the grain of wheat calls us to self-sacrifice. What is one area of your life where you can practice self-giving love this week? ([37:09])
3. The sermon mentioned that the cross is a symbol of God's love entering human suffering. How can you embrace and share this transformative love in your community? ([40:34])
4. Jesus' identification with the powerless and oppressed challenges us to care for those in need. What specific actions can you take to support and uplift the marginalized in your community? ([43:37])
5. The sermon emphasized living a life of self-giving love. Identify one person in your life who needs your care and generosity. How can you show Christ's love to them this week? ([43:37])
6. Reflect on the idea that God's love is more powerful than death. How does this belief influence your approach to fear and challenges in your life? ([45:19])
7. Jesus' crucifixion is a call to live with divine purpose. What steps can you take to align your daily actions with this purpose and show the world that you are His disciple through your love for others? ([48:19])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Love: Particular and Universal
God's love is both specific to each individual and expansive to all humanity. This dual nature of divine love calls us to recognize and celebrate God's faithfulness in our personal lives and in the broader community of faith. The baptism ceremony is a profound reminder of God's covenant promises, underscoring the dual nature of His love—both particular and universal. As we affirm our faith and commit to raising children in the knowledge and love of God, we are reminded of the Apostle Paul's words: "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all." This unity in faith is a testament to God's unwavering love and faithfulness. [23:02]
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you celebrate and recognize God's specific love for you today, while also acknowledging His expansive love for all humanity?
Day 2: The Cross as a Story of Self-Sacrifice
Jesus' crucifixion is not merely a historical event but a compelling narrative of self-sacrifice that continues to resonate deeply. This story teaches us that true life is found in giving ourselves for others, mirroring Jesus' ultimate act of love. The story of Jesus' crucifixion has gripped the human imagination for over 2,000 years. Jesus' willingness to sacrifice His life is the ultimate expression of self-giving love. This act of love is not a formula or ideology but a story that continues to resonate deeply within us. [36:20]
John 15:13 (ESV): "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice self-sacrifice in your daily life to mirror Jesus' ultimate act of love?
Day 3: Life Through Death
Jesus' teaching about the grain of wheat illustrates the paradox that life comes through death. Those who seek to preserve their lives will lose them, but those who give their lives for Jesus' sake will find true, eternal life. This principle is central to Christian faith and calls us to live selflessly. Jesus' teaching in John 12 about the grain of wheat that must die to bear much fruit illustrates this paradox. This principle of self-sacrifice is vividly demonstrated in Jesus' crucifixion. [37:09]
John 12:24-25 (ESV): "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: The Cross Reveals God's Transformative Love
The cross is a profound symbol of God's love entering the depths of human suffering and death. This love is transformative, offering hope and life even in the midst of despair. It calls us to embrace this love and let it guide our actions and relationships. Some view the cross as a necessary sacrifice to satisfy God's justice, while others see it as a confrontation between good and evil. However, the most profound interpretation is that the cross reveals God's love entering the depths of human suffering and death. [40:34]
Romans 5:8 (ESV): "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: How can you let the transformative love of the cross guide your actions and relationships today?
Day 5: Living a Life of Self-Giving Love
Jesus' death on the cross identifies Him with the powerless and oppressed, showing that God's love reaches into the darkest corners of human existence. This sacrificial love calls us to live selflessly, to care deeply, and to give generously, embodying the love of Christ in our daily lives. Jesus' crucifixion is a call to live a life of self-giving love, free from fear and full of divine purpose. As we go forth, let us embody this love in our daily lives, showing the world that we are His disciples through our love for one another. [43:37]
1 John 3:16-18 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is in need. How can you show them self-giving love today in a practical way?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Today I think we have a marvelous opportunity to recognize something about the nature and character of God and the nature and character of faith when it comes to baptism. And it is this, that God's love is particular and it is expansive. It is individual but it is also universal. And so today we claim that God claims and knows your children by name. That God loves your children and that God cares for your children and God will be faithful to your children. And that God loves all people." [23:02] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you allow the noise of children to be heard in church, the noise of the church will be heard in children. And that's just a really good reminder and we are delighted to be able to have you." [24:02] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you want to live, really live life, you have to learn how to give your life away. You have to learn how to die to self. And then Jesus makes this haunting statement. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." [37:09] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He died to show us how to live, to save us from our sins, to show God's love and forgiveness and reconciling power that covers, pays for, redeems everything we have done to separate ourselves from God and from, one another. But more than that, he died to save our souls from narrowness, from the confines of our own selfishness." [48:19] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. All thanks be to God. Amen." [01:05:05] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "So all the great stories in the world, the ones that grip us most deeply, saving Private Ryan, Jean Valjean, and Les Mis, Gandalf, and Lord of the Rings, center on someone who is willing to sacrifice his or her own life for the life of someone else. I was struck. I was struck by this again during the recent ESPY Awards, which featured Pat Tillman, whom you likely know, gave up his very successful NFL career, enrolled in the military, and died for a cause he believed in. So something deep within us knows that the story of self-sacrifice is at the very center of human history." [35:18] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Episcopal priest Fleming Rutledge, who preached here not so long ago, suggests that the story of Jesus, Jesus' death on a Roman cross, is precisely that. It's a story. It's not a formula, not an ideology, not a symbol, but a 2,000-year-old story whose grip on the human imagination is compelling, even to this day." [36:20] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He died because in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's memorable phrase, he was a man for others. So he died for his people who were poor. They were oppressed by the Roman government. They were persecuted. They were trampled. He identified with them, and therefore with all the nobodies of the world who are not in control of their destinies, the homeless, the weak, the powerless." [43:37] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He died, I believe, to show us how to live well in a world like that and to call us out of our selfishness and self-absorption, to show us how to live by loving passionately, by caring deeply, by giving our love and our resources to others and to causes that matter." [45:19] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And because of that God's love, there is always life right in the middle of death. And that is an important word, a very important word, that God's sacrificial love, brings life right into the midst of death." [45:19] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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