Embracing the Peace of Christ in Turbulent Times
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound peace that Jesus Christ brings into our lives. As we commemorate His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, we are reminded of His role as the King of Peace. This act was not just a historical event but a powerful symbol of His eternal kingdom, which offers us peace that surpasses all understanding. Despite the chaos and turmoil in our world, Jesus assures us that nothing can separate us from His love, and He invites us to experience His peace even in the most challenging times.
We acknowledged our human tendency to follow the crowd and avoid conflict, often allowing the noise of the world to drown out God's wisdom. Yet, Jesus calls us to take up our cross, to forgive, and to seek the highest good for others. In our moments of weakness, when we cry out for salvation, He lifts us up, cleanses us, and empowers us to live in His truth and grace.
The story of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem is a reminder of the joy and hope He brings. The people cried "Hosanna," meaning "save us," recognizing Him as the Messiah who would set things right. This joy is available to us today as we invite Jesus into our lives, asking Him to restore our joy and peace.
Prayer is a powerful tool in establishing peace. As Paul urged Timothy, we are called to pray for all people, including those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and godly lives. Through prayer, we can impact our world, bringing about change and healing. Jesus demonstrated this by cleansing the temple, emphasizing the importance of prayer in fulfilling God's purpose.
We are encouraged to persist in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will act in His perfect timing. By praying for others, we participate in God's work of bringing peace and salvation to the world. Let us not be distracted by the chaos around us but remain steadfast in prayer, allowing God's kingdom to be established in our lives and communities.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus as the King of Peace: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolizes His role as the King of Peace, offering us a peace that surpasses all understanding, even amidst life's challenges. His eternal kingdom assures us that nothing can separate us from His love. [14:45]
2. The Call to Take Up Our Cross: Following Jesus requires courage to forgive and seek the highest good for others, even when it is difficult. In our moments of weakness, Jesus lifts us up and empowers us to live in His truth and grace. [26:52]
3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool for establishing peace in our lives and communities. By praying for all people, including those in authority, we can impact the world and bring about change and healing. [29:35]
4. Persistence in Prayer: We are encouraged to persist in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will act in His perfect timing. By praying for others, we participate in God's work of bringing peace and salvation to the world. [39:50]
5. Avoiding Distractions: In a world filled with distractions, we must remain steadfast in prayer, allowing God's kingdom to be established in our lives and communities. By focusing on prayer, we can experience the joy and peace that Jesus offers. [42:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer
- [02:00] - Jesus, King of Peace
- [05:00] - The Call to Confession
- [08:00] - Taking Up Our Cross
- [12:00] - The Triumphal Entry
- [15:00] - The Meaning of Hosanna
- [18:00] - The Joy of Jesus
- [21:00] - The Power of Prayer
- [25:00] - Jesus Cleanses the Temple
- [28:00] - Persistence in Prayer
- [32:00] - Avoiding Distractions
- [35:00] - The Call to Pray for All
- [40:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
- [45:00] - Announcements and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:9 - "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name."
2. Isaiah 9:6-7 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end."
3. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolize about His role and mission? [14:45]
2. How does the sermon describe the reaction of the people when Jesus entered Jerusalem? What does "Hosanna" mean in this context? [26:52]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus cleansing the temple, and how does it relate to prayer? [32:31]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the power of persistent prayer and its impact on our lives and communities? [39:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the image of Jesus as the "King of Peace" challenge or affirm your understanding of His mission and kingdom? [14:45]
2. In what ways does the call to "take up our cross" manifest in daily life, especially when it comes to forgiving others and seeking their highest good? [26:52]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the role of prayer in establishing peace, both personally and communally? [29:35]
4. What might be the implications of being distracted by worldly concerns, as mentioned in the sermon, on our spiritual lives and prayer practices? [42:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by chaos or turmoil. How might inviting Jesus' peace into that situation change your perspective or actions? [14:45]
2. Consider a relationship in your life where forgiveness is needed. What steps can you take this week to begin the process of reconciliation and seeking the highest good for that person? [26:52]
3. Identify a specific area in your community or world that lacks peace. How can you commit to praying for that situation, and what practical steps can you take to be a peacemaker? [29:35]
4. Think about your current prayer life. Are there distractions that prevent you from being persistent in prayer? What changes can you make to prioritize prayer in your daily routine? [42:15]
5. Reflect on the concept of "praying until something happens" (PUSH). Is there a long-standing issue or person you need to commit to praying for consistently? How will you incorporate this into your prayer life? [39:50]
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to engage in prayer for peace and transformation? What role can you play in fostering a culture of prayer? [44:46]
7. In what ways can you actively participate in establishing God's kingdom of peace in your personal life, family, and community this week? [47:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, the King of Peace
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a profound symbol of His role as the King of Peace. This act was not merely a historical event but a declaration of His eternal kingdom, which offers peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with chaos and turmoil, Jesus assures us that nothing can separate us from His love. He invites us to experience His peace, even in the most challenging times, reminding us that His kingdom is not of this world but one that brings true and lasting peace. [14:45]
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite Jesus' peace today, and how can you actively seek His presence in those areas?
Day 2: The Courage to Take Up Our Cross
Following Jesus requires courage and a willingness to take up our cross, which means forgiving others and seeking their highest good, even when it is difficult. In our moments of weakness, when we feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life, Jesus lifts us up and empowers us to live in His truth and grace. He calls us to rise above the noise of the world and to follow His example of love and sacrifice. [26:52]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: Who in your life do you find difficult to forgive, and how can you begin to extend grace and seek their highest good today?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool for establishing peace in our lives and communities. By praying for all people, including those in authority, we can impact the world and bring about change and healing. Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by cleansing the temple, emphasizing that prayer is central to fulfilling God's purpose. Through prayer, we align ourselves with God's will and participate in His work of bringing peace and salvation to the world. [29:35]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Who is one person in authority you can pray for today, and what specific change or healing can you ask God to bring about through your prayers?
Day 4: Persistence in Prayer
We are encouraged to persist in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will act in His perfect timing. By praying for others, we participate in God's work of bringing peace and salvation to the world. Persistence in prayer requires faith and patience, knowing that God's timing is perfect and His plans are for our good. As we remain steadfast in prayer, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and grace in our lives and communities. [39:50]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to persist in prayer, and how can you remain watchful and thankful as you wait for God's timing?
Day 5: Remaining Steadfast Amidst Distractions
In a world filled with distractions, we must remain steadfast in prayer, allowing God's kingdom to be established in our lives and communities. By focusing on prayer, we can experience the joy and peace that Jesus offers, even amidst the chaos around us. It is through prayer that we find the strength to resist the pull of the world and to remain grounded in God's love and purpose for our lives. [42:15]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What distractions are currently hindering your prayer life, and what steps can you take today to refocus and prioritize your time with God?
Quotes
It's no easy thing to pick up your cross and follow Jesus, to forgive the one who has wronged you, to overcome evil with good, to seek the highest good for everyone around you. And so we all follow and stumble from time to time, and yet in that place when we cry out, "Oh Lord, save me," he lifts us up, cleans us up, and gets us on our way again. So may that same Lord send his Holy Spirit to lift you up, to clean your soul, and to empower you to live well in his truth and his grace, in his way. [00:14:59] (38 seconds)
Jesus has come so that we can have fun, that there's peace, and there's joy, and you can all have fun, and school's fun. But, and when school, there's no tension at school, and everyone likes each other, isn't that fun? Like, that's what Jesus came for. He wants us to all have fun and joy and peace and love. And that's why people are excited because often life is not full of fun. Sometimes it's full of sadness and worry and stress, and we get all tired and cranky. [00:21:45] (29 seconds)
How do we get peace? Jesus came on a donkey establishing peace. And we know that all power of heaven and earth has been given to Jesus, that he, by faith, is established as the rightful king in heaven. We know that he's praying for us. We know that he's given us a commission as his church to go and preach the gospel and to make disciples in all the nations. To be people of peace, men and women of peace. And yet you look around and there's not a lot of peace. [00:26:15] (35 seconds)
Now Jesus is very intentional about making sure that his disciples get him a donkey. He gets them on this bit of a wild goose chase to get to a particular place and get a donkey. If they ask why you're getting that donkey, tell them the Lord wants it, they'll be okay with it. So he gets the donkey and then, so he's intentional. When he's going to Jerusalem, he's going to be on a donkey. And he's letting us know, and the authors are letting us know, this is an intentional act. [00:29:38] (28 seconds)
And so Jesus is saying this way of just getting distracted and being about politics and trying to overcome the Romans through power, like all this worldly way of trying to manipulate in order to get power. It ain't work. And overturns the table. And then he says, this is what it's about. And he's trying to say that this is to be a place where there's prayer and it brings healing to all the nations. [00:33:57] (30 seconds)
And it's when we appeal. That's where the power is. It's not in us getting swords and getting our best. It's God-led. God-empowered. So Jesus establishes it and then his disciples are walking out and as they're walking down the road, they notice that tree that was cursed. And they say in the middle of it, "Hey, Jesus, look at that tree that you cursed is now dead." [00:35:10] (34 seconds)
And see, what Jesus is trying to say is that the fruit, that the tree, that what this temple is to be about is the bare fruit of peace and goodness. And it's the place where salvation happens, where salvation gets unleashed into the world. And because it's not fulfilling its mandate, it will be destroyed, just like this tree that's not fulfilling its mandate, it gets destroyed. [00:35:32] (30 seconds)
And so the context of this scripture, when it talks about prayer, is Jesus coming into the temple and wanting to establish peace. And so the power, when he says you can ask and mountains will be thrown over, and if you have faith, it will be established, the context is that when you want his peace to be established in you, your family, your community, and the world, when you want Jesus' reign to be established, the power happens when we pray, when we believe, when we go to him. [00:37:34] (46 seconds)
I urge you then, first of all, he says, like Paul is saying, the first thing that we've got to be about, the very first thing, the very first priority of our Christian life, first of all, that petitions, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people. For all people. People you like, the people you don't like. The people in your life, the people at your work, the people in your neighborhood. Make it, deem them. Pray for them. [00:44:46] (34 seconds)
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