Embracing the Light: Jesus' Journey to Redemption
Summary
In this sermon, we explore the profound journey of Jesus as He resolutely set His face towards Jerusalem, marking the mission that would redefine our relationship with God and usher in a new creation. This journey is not just a historical event but a spiritual invitation for us to live in the light of God's kingdom, a kingdom that transcends human constructs and is rooted in divine authority. As we reflect on the week between Palm Sunday and Good Friday, we are reminded of the darkness that once enveloped the world, a darkness that humanity often chose over the light due to sin and deceit. Yet, the call remains for us to step into the light, to embrace the new creation that Jesus offers.
The narrative of Jesus' final week is a tapestry of tension, confrontation, and divine authority. Jesus' authority was questioned by the religious leaders of His time, who failed to recognize the divine source of His power. This authority, however, is not just for Jesus; it is extended to all who receive Him, granting us the right to become children of God. This is the essence of being a new creation—living under the authority of God, not merely knowing about Him but being known by Him.
The parable of the vineyard illustrates the rejection of Jesus by the religious elite, a rejection that serves as a cautionary tale for us today. It challenges us to examine whether we are living as true partners with God, using the authority He has given us to bring His kingdom to others. The call is to live out the values of the kingdom, to be light in a world that often chooses darkness, and to bear fruits of repentance that reflect the lordship of Jesus in our lives.
As we navigate our own journeys, we are reminded that living in the kingdom of God will cost us everything. It requires a daily surrender of our ego, pride, and self-centeredness, allowing Jesus to be not just our Savior but our King. This journey is marked by a continuous repentance, a response to the profound love of God that compels us to live differently. In these tense times, the urgency of Jesus' message is as relevant as ever, calling us to be expressions of His kingdom in a world that desperately needs the truth wrapped in love.
Key Takeaways:
- The Light of the World: Jesus' mission to Jerusalem was a journey to bring light into a world overshadowed by darkness. This light is not just a historical event but a present reality that invites us to live as new creations, embracing the divine authority that comes with being children of God. [40:40]
- Authority and Rejection: The religious leaders questioned Jesus' authority, failing to recognize its divine source. This serves as a reminder that true authority comes from God, and we are called to use it to bring His kingdom to others, living as partners with Him in this world. [46:58]
- The Cost of the Kingdom: Living in the kingdom of God requires a total surrender of our own desires and control. It is a journey of continuous repentance, responding to God's love by allowing Jesus to be both Savior and King in our lives. [58:40]
- Truth and Love: The parable of the vineyard challenges us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are not merely knowers of God but are known by Him. This involves living out the truth of the kingdom with love, being gentle and humble in our approach to others. [01:03:10]
- Urgency of the Message: In these tense times, the urgency of Jesus' message is clear. We are called to be expressions of His kingdom, bringing the good news to the lost and hurting, ensuring that our lives reflect the values and cultures of the kingdom of God. [01:06:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:02:00] - Introduction to New Creation
- [00:05:00] - The Mission of Jesus
- [00:10:00] - Darkness and Light
- [00:15:00] - The Call to Walk in the Light
- [00:20:00] - Authority and the Kingdom
- [00:25:00] - The Parable of the Vineyard
- [00:30:00] - Rejection and Acceptance
- [00:35:00] - The Cost of Following Jesus
- [00:40:00] - Living as New Creations
- [00:45:00] - Truth and Love in the Kingdom
- [00:50:00] - Urgency of Jesus' Message
- [00:55:00] - Being Known by God
- [01:00:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 9:51 - "As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem."
2. John 1:9-12 - "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
3. Psalm 118:22 - "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean that Jesus "resolutely set out for Jerusalem" in Luke 9:51, and how does this reflect His mission? [40:40]
2. In John 1:9-12, what is the significance of Jesus being described as the "true light" and how did people respond to Him? [40:40]
3. How does the parable of the vineyard in Luke 20 illustrate the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders? [52:14]
4. What is the reaction of the religious leaders to Jesus' authority and teachings during the week leading up to His crucifixion? [49:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' journey to Jerusalem symbolize a spiritual invitation for believers today? [40:40]
2. What does it mean to live as a "new creation" under the authority of God, as described in the sermon? [40:40]
3. How does the parable of the vineyard serve as a cautionary tale for believers today regarding their partnership with God? [52:14]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living in the kingdom of God requires a total surrender of personal desires and control? [58:40]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are choosing darkness over light? How can you step into the light of God's kingdom this week? [40:40]
2. How can you use the authority given to you as a child of God to bring His kingdom to others in your daily interactions? [46:58]
3. What does it mean for you personally to live out the values of the kingdom and be a light in a world that often chooses darkness? [40:40]
4. Consider the cost of following Jesus. What personal desires or controls do you need to surrender to allow Jesus to be both Savior and King in your life? [58:40]
5. How can you ensure that you are not just a knower of God but are known by Him? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God this week? [01:03:10]
6. In what ways can you express the truth of the kingdom with love in your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your beliefs? [01:03:10]
7. How can you respond to the urgency of Jesus' message by being an expression of His kingdom in your community? [01:06:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Light of God's Kingdom
Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was a mission to bring light into a world overshadowed by darkness. This light is not just a historical event but a present reality that invites us to live as new creations, embracing the divine authority that comes with being children of God. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the darkness that humanity often chooses over the light due to sin and deceit. Yet, the call remains for us to step into the light, to embrace the new creation that Jesus offers. This is an invitation to live in the light of God's kingdom, a kingdom that transcends human constructs and is rooted in divine authority. [40:40]
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)." (Ephesians 5:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are choosing darkness over light? How can you actively choose to walk in the light today?
Day 2: Recognizing Divine Authority
The religious leaders questioned Jesus' authority, failing to recognize its divine source. This serves as a reminder that true authority comes from God, and we are called to use it to bring His kingdom to others, living as partners with Him in this world. Jesus' authority was questioned by the religious leaders of His time, who failed to recognize the divine source of His power. This authority, however, is not just for Jesus; it is extended to all who receive Him, granting us the right to become children of God. This is the essence of being a new creation—living under the authority of God, not merely knowing about Him but being known by Him. [46:58]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'" (Matthew 28:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you use the authority given to you by God to bring His kingdom to others today?
Day 3: The Cost of Surrender
Living in the kingdom of God requires a total surrender of our own desires and control. It is a journey of continuous repentance, responding to God's love by allowing Jesus to be both Savior and King in our lives. This journey is marked by a continuous repentance, a response to the profound love of God that compels us to live differently. In these tense times, the urgency of Jesus' message is as relevant as ever, calling us to be expressions of His kingdom in a world that desperately needs the truth wrapped in love. [58:40]
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'" (Luke 9:23-24, ESV)
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: Living Out Truth and Love
The parable of the vineyard challenges us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are not merely knowers of God but are known by Him. This involves living out the truth of the kingdom with love, being gentle and humble in our approach to others. We are called to live out the values of the kingdom, to be light in a world that often chooses darkness, and to bear fruits of repentance that reflect the lordship of Jesus in our lives. [01:03:10]
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Urgency in Sharing the Kingdom
In these tense times, the urgency of Jesus' message is clear. We are called to be expressions of His kingdom, bringing the good news to the lost and hurting, ensuring that our lives reflect the values and cultures of the kingdom of God. This urgency is a call to action, to live as true partners with God, using the authority He has given us to bring His kingdom to others. The call is to live out the values of the kingdom, to be light in a world that often chooses darkness, and to bear fruits of repentance that reflect the lordship of Jesus in our lives. [01:06:38]
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus? How can you share His love and truth with them this week?
Quotes
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him. Yet the world did not know him. He came into what was his own, his own people, but they did not accept him. Pure rejection. You got it? He came to his own. And they said, no way. But to all who receive him, who believe in his name, he gives the power, the authority, the right, the privilege to become children of God. [00:40:40] (45 seconds)
So the question to ponder as we talk through this message today is, am I known by God? You got it? Am I known by God? Am I of the kingdom of God? Not do I know about God. Not do I know God. But am I known by God? So this last week, this holy week, my friend Dallas Willard, who writes many books, would call this the battle of great proportion. [00:42:23] (37 seconds)
The chief priests, the scribes, the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him. But they didn't find anything they could do. For the people were spellbound by all they heard. Oh, that God would give us the ability to be spellbound again and again over the teachings of Jesus and who he is. [00:44:35] (26 seconds)
And so Satan was given this authority. But what verse did we read? John 1 .12. He gives us back the authority to call ourselves children of God. You like that? And so we come again into being in partnership with our God. What are you doing with your authority? So they said to Jesus, they said to him, by whose authority? Notice they realized he had authority. They didn't question that. They just didn't like the source of his authority. [00:46:21] (37 seconds)
And these one points are about the kingdom of God. But before I tell the story, I'm going to go for the conclusion. Because the conclusion actually tells us a lot about what the story is about. So at the conclusion of the story that he tells today, we find a question, a statement, and a reaction. First of all, the question. So after he tells the story, I'll tell you the story in a minute. [00:48:19] (26 seconds)
And through Jesus, we are commissioned again and we are given this authority. Yes, to look after this earth, this world that God calls our home. But more than that, after the resurrection of Jesus, he gives us authority and we are to use this authority to be bringers of the good news of the kingdom of God to others. That's the authority given. bringers of the kingdom of God. So that others will hear the good news. [01:04:15] (33 seconds)
Being light, bearing fruits of repentance that show that King Jesus is indeed our Lord. repenting of our own way and going God's way. Daniel Strickland, great author, wrote this, repentance is not a requirement for God's love. It is a response to it. We sang a beautiful song, you're loved by God. That is something that needs to permeate deep, deep, deep down into the recesses of every fibre of your being. [01:05:01] (37 seconds)
We also bring about the kingdom of God to others, not only with how we live, but through what we say. Gentleness, kindness, but truth -telling with love. We cannot tell the truth if we do not love well. And how often have we had truth -tellers who've done it without love? And our world today needs as much love as they can get, but they need the truth. But they need to know we love them and God loves them. [01:05:54] (33 seconds)
There is urgency in what he had to say. There's urgency in what Jesus has to say today. But Jesus didn't come to say it over and over and over to the religious who rejected. Jesus came so that the lost and the hurting, the least, the non -religious could hear the good news of the kingdom. Not the in crowd, but the out crowd so that they could come into the kingdom of God. [01:06:43] (28 seconds)
Those of us who are in the kingdom and the church is the expression of the kingdom and we haven't always been a good expression of that. The church is not the kingdom, it's the expression of the kingdom. We are called and given authority to be as Jesus among this world. Lord, may your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. [01:07:11] (30 seconds)
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