Embracing the Kairos: Our Journey with Jesus
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound and transformative nature of Jesus' ministry, focusing on the concept of the Kingdom of God and its implications for our lives. We began by acknowledging that life is challenging and that none of us have all the answers. We are a community journeying together, supporting one another as we seek to live a life with Jesus. This journey is not about having everything figured out but about taking the next step, whatever that may be for each of us.
Reflecting on a personal story about visiting my daughter's church, I shared the joy and pride of seeing her find a spiritual home. This led us into a discussion about the unexpected and miraculous nature of Jesus' actions, as recorded in the Gospels. Jesus' ministry was filled with moments that left people astonished, not just because of the miracles themselves but because of what they signified—the arrival of God's Kingdom.
We delved into the distinction between Kronos and Kairos time, emphasizing that Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom was a Kairos moment, a unique opportunity that demanded a response. The Kingdom of God is not merely a new philosophy or spiritual experience; it is the dynamic and dangerous news that God is actively moving and inviting us to participate in His redemptive work.
Through the story of Jesus healing a deaf and mute man, we saw how Jesus' actions were not intended to be mere spectacles but were deeply connected to the fulfillment of prophetic promises, pointing to the restoration and healing that the Kingdom brings. This healing is both physical and spiritual, inviting us to consider what areas of our lives need restoration.
We identified three groups within the narrative: those who are brought to Jesus, the bystanders observing from a distance, and the bringers who actively participate in introducing others to Jesus. Each of us can find ourselves in one of these roles, and we are encouraged to reflect on our position and take the next step in our faith journey.
As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the ultimate work of Jesus on the cross, restoring our relationship with the Father. Through communion, we remember and celebrate this act of love and redemption. We are invited to respond to Jesus' call, whether by taking a step of faith, engaging with our questions, or introducing others to the hope we have found in Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Community and Support: Life is challenging, and we don't have all the answers. We need each other to navigate the complexities of life and faith, supporting one another as we seek to live with Jesus. This journey is about taking the next step, whatever that may be for each of us. [01:02:41]
- The Kingdom of God: Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom was a Kairos moment, a unique opportunity that demands a response. The Kingdom is not just a new philosophy or spiritual experience; it is the dynamic and dangerous news that God is actively moving and inviting us to participate in His redemptive work. [34:56]
- Healing and Restoration: Jesus' miracles were not mere spectacles but were deeply connected to the fulfillment of prophetic promises, pointing to the restoration and healing that the Kingdom brings. This healing is both physical and spiritual, inviting us to consider what areas of our lives need restoration. [44:20]
- Roles in the Narrative: We can find ourselves as those who are brought to Jesus, the bystanders observing from a distance, or the bringers who actively participate in introducing others to Jesus. Each role invites us to reflect on our position and take the next step in our faith journey. [54:21]
- Communion and Remembrance: As we approach Easter, we remember Jesus' ultimate work on the cross, restoring our relationship with the Father. Through communion, we celebrate this act of love and redemption, responding to Jesus' call to follow Him and share His hope with others. [59:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Community
- [03:00] - Personal Story: Visiting My Daughter's Church
- [07:45] - The Astonishing Nature of Jesus' Ministry
- [12:00] - Understanding Kronos and Kairos Time
- [15:30] - The Kingdom of God: A Kairos Moment
- [20:00] - Jesus' Miracles and Their Significance
- [25:00] - The Healing of the Deaf and Mute Man
- [30:00] - Roles in the Narrative: Brought, Bystanders, and Bringers
- [35:00] - The Call to Respond and Take the Next Step
- [40:00] - Communion: Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
- [45:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
- [50:00] - Invitation to Prayer and Next Steps
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Mark 7:31-37
2. Isaiah 35:5-6
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 7:31-37, what specific actions did Jesus take to heal the deaf and mute man, and why might these actions have been significant? [44:20]
2. How does the reaction of the crowd in Mark 7:37 reflect their understanding of Jesus' actions and the arrival of the Kingdom of God? [44:20]
3. What is the significance of the term "Kairos" as used in the sermon, and how does it relate to Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom of God? [34:56]
4. According to Isaiah 35:5-6, what signs were expected to accompany the arrival of God's Kingdom, and how do these signs manifest in the story of Jesus healing the deaf and mute man?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "Kairos" time challenge the way individuals perceive opportunities in their spiritual journey? [34:56]
2. In what ways does the healing of the deaf and mute man in Mark 7:31-37 serve as a fulfillment of the prophetic promises mentioned in Isaiah 35:5-6? [44:20]
3. The sermon identifies three roles: the brought, the bystanders, and the bringers. How might each role reflect different stages or attitudes in a person's faith journey? [54:21]
4. How does the sermon suggest that Jesus' miracles were not just spectacles but pointed to a deeper spiritual reality? [44:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current role in your faith journey: are you someone who is brought, a bystander, or a bringer? What steps can you take to move forward in your journey? [54:21]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and support. How can you actively contribute to your community to help others navigate their faith journey? [01:02:41]
3. Consider a "Kairos" moment in your life. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you be more attentive to such moments in the future? [34:56]
4. Identify an area in your life that needs healing or restoration. What practical steps can you take to invite Jesus into that process? [44:20]
5. As Easter approaches, how can you use this time to reflect on Jesus' ultimate work on the cross and its significance in your life? [59:58]
6. Think of someone in your life who might be seeking spiritual answers. How can you introduce them to the hope you have found in Jesus, without overwhelming them with explanations? [57:38]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of communion into your personal spiritual life as a way to remember and celebrate Jesus' sacrifice and restoration work? [59:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Journeying Together in Faith
Life is a journey filled with challenges, and none of us have all the answers. As a community, we are called to support one another in our walk with Jesus, recognizing that each person's journey is unique. This journey is not about having everything figured out but about taking the next step, whatever that may be for each of us. In this shared journey, we find strength and encouragement, knowing that we are not alone. We are reminded that our faith is not a solitary endeavor but a communal experience where we uplift and guide each other. [01:02:41]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today for support or to offer support in their faith journey?
Day 2: Embracing the Kairos Moment
The Kingdom of God is not just a new philosophy or spiritual experience; it is the dynamic and dangerous news that God is actively moving and inviting us to participate in His redemptive work. Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom was a Kairos moment, a unique opportunity that demands a response. This moment calls us to be attentive and responsive to God's invitation to join in His work, recognizing that these moments are not to be missed. We are encouraged to be vigilant and open to the ways God is moving in our lives and the world around us. [34:56]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: What Kairos moment might God be presenting to you today, and how can you respond to His invitation?
Day 3: The Healing Power of the Kingdom
Jesus' miracles were not mere spectacles but were deeply connected to the fulfillment of prophetic promises, pointing to the restoration and healing that the Kingdom brings. This healing is both physical and spiritual, inviting us to consider what areas of our lives need restoration. As we reflect on Jesus' actions, we are called to seek His healing in our own lives and to trust in His power to restore us. The Kingdom of God is about wholeness and renewal, and we are invited to experience this transformative power. [44:20]
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3, ESV)
Reflection: What area of your life needs Jesus' healing touch today, and how can you invite Him into that space?
Day 4: Finding Your Role in the Kingdom
In the narrative of Jesus' ministry, we can find ourselves as those who are brought to Jesus, the bystanders observing from a distance, or the bringers who actively participate in introducing others to Jesus. Each role invites us to reflect on our position and take the next step in our faith journey. We are encouraged to consider where we stand and how we can actively engage in the work of the Kingdom, whether by seeking Jesus ourselves or by helping others find their way to Him. [54:21]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24, ESV)
Reflection: Which role do you find yourself in today, and what step can you take to actively participate in God's work?
Day 5: Remembering and Celebrating Jesus' Sacrifice
As we approach Easter, we remember Jesus' ultimate work on the cross, restoring our relationship with the Father. Through communion, we celebrate this act of love and redemption, responding to Jesus' call to follow Him and share His hope with others. This time of remembrance is an opportunity to reflect on the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope it brings to our lives. We are invited to live in the light of this hope, sharing it with those around us and allowing it to transform our lives. [59:58]
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection: How can you live out the hope of Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life, and who can you share this hope with today?
Quotes
"We literally do not have all the answers. We are convinced we were made for life with Jesus. But what that looks like is pretty tough. And so we need each other to help each other along. And life itself is pretty hard. And the best thing we got going in our church isn't what happens up here. The best thing we got going on is what's happening with each other, with you guys being able to be together in life and community and walking together and picking each other up." [00:26:16] (21 seconds)
"The whole world is a deep, there's a deep spiritual longing in the world. And with grace and with mercy and compassion, we look at the world and go, every single person in the world will fill their deep spiritual longing with the most accessible, most available thing that they've got. There is a longing in the world and everybody in the world will simply find the most accessible and most available thing they have to try to fill it." [00:59:41] (25 seconds)
"Live such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong. A couple of things to think about really quickly. The word pagans, only in a couple of translations of the Bible and the English translations do you have the word pagans. It's the word, in Greek, it's the word ethnikos. It's where we get words like ethnicities. It just means all of the people who aren't Jewish. That's all that that means." [01:03:14] (16 seconds)
"That Jesus' ultimate work of restoration was the restoration of people and their, back to the Father by dealing with their sin. And so on the cross, Jesus took upon himself all of the things that separated human beings from their, their father and he put them to death that they might walk with him to be restored. In fact, And every so often when the church would get together, they would practice this remembering of this practice." [01:10:29] (28 seconds)
"Father, you have met us in our weakness and in our sorrow. And Father, for all of us that are longing and searching to try to figure out how to get our act together, Father, you come to us and say, let me take care of that. Don't worry about your act. I meet people where they are. Father, would you meet us where we are today? Some of us having been brought, not sure what it means." [01:14:45] (24 seconds)
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