Empathy, Witnessing, and the Call to Serve

Devotional

Day 1: The Role of Art in Faith

Art has the power to deepen our faith by visually representing spiritual truths. The Eisenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald is a profound example of this, created to provide comfort to those suffering from severe skin diseases. By depicting Jesus with sores, Grünewald symbolizes Jesus' empathy and solidarity with the afflicted. This art piece teaches us that Jesus joins us in our suffering, offering hope and comfort. The altarpiece served as a source of solace for monks, families, and patients, reminding them that they were not alone in their pain. It stands as a testament to the power of art to convey deep spiritual truths and provide comfort in times of distress. [50:17]

Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV): "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: How can you use art, whether creating or observing, to deepen your own faith and offer comfort to others in their suffering?

Day 2: Witnessing to Christ

John the Baptist's role in the Eisenheim Altarpiece, where he points to Jesus, emphasizes the importance of witnessing. This act of witnessing is about directing others to the source of life and grace, which is Jesus. Karl Barth's reflection on this act reminds us that our purpose is to point others to Christ, not to ourselves. In a world that often encourages self-promotion, this message is counter-cultural. It calls us to humble ourselves and focus on leading others to the hope and salvation found in Jesus. By witnessing to Christ, we fulfill our purpose and help others find the true source of life. [01:03:36]

John 1:29-30 (ESV): "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’"

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? How can you point them to Christ through your words and actions today?

Day 3: Counter-Cultural Faith

Following Christ is counter-cultural. The world teaches us to follow the strong, powerful, and beautiful, but our faith calls us to follow the humble and suffering Christ. This message challenges us to re-evaluate our values and priorities, focusing on humility and service rather than power and prestige. The Eisenheim Altarpiece, with its depiction of Jesus' suffering, serves as a powerful reminder of this counter-cultural call. It invites us to embrace a faith that values empathy, compassion, and self-sacrifice over worldly success and recognition. By following the humble and suffering Christ, we align ourselves with the true essence of the Gospel. [01:05:22]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to follow the world's values of power and prestige? How can you instead embrace the humility and service of Christ in your daily life?

Day 4: Empathy and Solidarity

The depiction of Jesus with sores in the Eisenheim Altarpiece serves as a profound reminder of his empathy and solidarity with those who suffer. This teaches us that true compassion involves sharing in the pain and struggles of others, offering them hope and comfort through our presence and actions. Jesus' willingness to identify with the afflicted challenges us to do the same. By entering into the suffering of others, we embody the love and compassion of Christ, providing a tangible expression of God's grace and mercy. This act of empathy and solidarity is a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. [55:52]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: Who in your life is currently suffering? How can you show empathy and solidarity with them, offering hope and comfort through your presence and actions?

Day 5: The Call to Serve

The creation of hospitals by Christians during times of plague and disease, as depicted in the Eisenheim Altarpiece, highlights our call to serve those in need. This act of service, even at great personal risk, exemplifies the love and compassion of Christ. We are called to step into places of darkness and illness to bring light and healing. By serving those in need, we embody the Gospel message and reflect the heart of Christ. This call to serve challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and engage in acts of selfless love and compassion, bringing hope and healing to a hurting world. [54:56]

Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."

Reflection: What specific act of service can you undertake this week to bring light and healing to someone in need? How can you embody the love and compassion of Christ in this act?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered to discuss various church activities and events, including our upcoming Back to School Bash and Church Under the Bridge. We also acknowledged the retirement of Ray and Vivian from the AV booth and the need for volunteers to fill their roles. We celebrated the new welcome table, a project by Mary Ann and Jackie Long, which will serve as a beacon of grace for newcomers.

Our main focus today was on the Eisenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald, a powerful piece of art that has deeply influenced many, including theologian Karl Barth. This altarpiece, created for the Monastery of Saint Anthony, served as a source of comfort for monks, families, and patients suffering from severe skin diseases. The altarpiece depicts Jesus' crucifixion, surrounded by saints like Saint Sebastian and Saint Anthony, who were invoked during times of plague and skin diseases.

The central theme of the altarpiece is Jesus' suffering and his identification with the afflicted. Grünewald painted Jesus with sores, symbolizing his empathy and solidarity with those who suffer. This depiction serves as a reminder that Jesus joins us in our suffering, offering hope and comfort.

We also explored the significance of John the Baptist in the painting, who points to Jesus, emphasizing the role of witnessing. Karl Barth's reflection on this act of witnessing reminds us that our purpose is to point others to Christ, not to ourselves. This message is counter-cultural, as it calls us to follow the humble and suffering Christ rather than the powerful and beautiful figures the world often celebrates.

In conclusion, the Eisenheim Altarpiece serves as a profound reminder of our call to witness to Christ, to bring healing and hope to those in need, and to point others to the source of life. As we go forth, may we always remember to decrease ourselves so that Christ may increase in our lives and in the world.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Cultural Faith**: Following Christ is counter-cultural. The world teaches us to follow the strong, powerful, and beautiful, but our faith calls us to follow the humble and suffering Christ. This message challenges us to re-evaluate our values and priorities, focusing on humility and service rather than power and prestige. [01:05:22]
4. Empathy and Solidarity: The depiction of Jesus with sores in the altarpiece serves as a profound reminder of his empathy and solidarity with those who suffer. This teaches us that true compassion involves sharing in the pain and struggles of others, offering them hope and comfort through our presence and actions.

5. The Call to Serve: The creation of hospitals by Christians during times of plague and disease, as depicted in the altarpiece, highlights our call to serve those in need. This act of service, even at great personal risk, exemplifies the love and compassion of Christ. We are called to step into places of darkness and illness to bring light and healing.

### [65:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:28] - Announcements
[10:08] - Back to School Bash Details
[11:08] - Opening Prayer
[12:19] - Hymn: O For a Thousand Tongues
[26:41] - Welcome Table and Banners
[28:04] - Blessing of the Welcome Table
[43:42] - Offering and Blessing
[46:27] - Introduction to the Eisenheim Altarpiece
[47:27] - Historical Context and Significance
[48:52] - Description of the Altarpiece
[50:17] - Purpose and Impact of the Altarpiece
[51:25] - Detailed Analysis of the Panels
[52:34] - Saints Sebastian and Anthony
[54:56] - Christian Service and Healing
[55:52] - Jesus' Empathy and Solidarity
[56:52] - Depiction of Mary and John
[59:14] - Realistic Depiction of Jesus' Suffering
[60:16] - John the Baptist's Role
[61:08] - Significance of Hands in the Painting
[63:36] - Karl Barth's Reflection on Witnessing
[65:22] - Counter-Cultural Faith
[66:18] - John the Baptist's Humility
[67:43] - The Call to Witness
[68:44] - Bringing Healing and Hope
[69:50] - Decreasing Ourselves to Increase Christ
[74:42] - Closing Hymn and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What is the significance of the Eisenheim Altarpiece in the context of the Monastery of Saint Anthony? ([50:17])
How does the depiction of Jesus with sores in the altarpiece symbolize his empathy and solidarity with those who suffer? ([55:52])
What role does John the Baptist play in the altarpiece, and what is he pointing to? ([01:00:16])
How does the altarpiece challenge the cultural norms of following the strong and powerful? ([01:05:22])

Interpretation Questions

How does the depiction of Jesus with sores in the Eisenheim Altarpiece deepen our understanding of Isaiah 53:4-5? ([55:52])
In what ways does John the Baptist's act of pointing to Jesus in the altarpiece reflect the message of John 3:30? ([01:03:36])
How does the altarpiece's portrayal of Jesus' suffering and humility align with the invitation Jesus extends in Matthew 11:28-30? ([01:05:22])
What does Karl Barth's reflection on witnessing teach us about our role as Christians in pointing others to Christ? ([01:03:36])

Application Questions

Reflecting on John 3:30, in what areas of your life do you need to decrease so that Christ may increase? How can you practically make this change? ([01:09:50])
How can you show empathy and solidarity with those who are suffering in your community, following the example of Jesus depicted in the altarpiece? ([55:52])
In what ways can you be a witness to Christ in your daily life, similar to how John the Baptist points to Jesus in the altarpiece? ([01:03:36])
How does the counter-cultural message of following the humble and suffering Christ challenge your current values and priorities? ([01:05:22])
What specific actions can you take to serve those in need, inspired by the creation of hospitals by Christians during times of plague and disease? ([54:56])
How can you incorporate the message of Matthew 11:28-30 into your life to find rest and comfort in Jesus amidst your burdens? ([01:05:22])
Think of a time when you witnessed to someone about Christ. How did it go, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you improve your witnessing in the future? ([01:03:36])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It's those connections that will then kind of connect them to the church and ultimately hopefully prayerfully connect them to Christ as well and so that is our big our big push in this event well so happy that we'll be able to help kiddos get back to school with their haircuts in line and with all those other things that will be happening to school supplies as well but it's going to be a great event." [10:08] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Christian, I want you to hear that Christians were at work in the world. Creating hospitals to leave or to find, bring comfort to those who suffered great distress in these diseases. To the point, and that's why this piece was, was created to start with. Was to bring comfort to help people who were in those situations. Those healers and those families and those patients. This was the represent, representation of Christ. To give hope. To give comfort. To give peace to those who had none in their lives." [54:56] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The act of following Christ. Is completely counter cultural to any other that we would follow. What does the world teach? The world teaches that we follow the strong. The powerful. The healthy. The beautiful. Isn't that the message that we get from the world? The message of our faith is something completely different. The message of our faith says follow the one who is humble. Even unto death. The one who feels our pain. The one who has suffered our death. The one who walks with us." [01:05:22] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I'm happy pointing to Christ, who is the source of all of our life. For this reason, he says, my joy has been fulfilled. I've gotten all I need. Simply pointing to Christ. Simply witnessing to the one who brings life. He must increase. We've got to celebrate Jesus and the work of Jesus. And not celebrate ourselves. We must decrease. As we all become pointers. As we all become witnesses. To the one who makes a difference in this world." [01:07:43] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I'm so glad those Christians were there to bring healing and hope. To those with skin diseases. It brought danger to them that they might become infected. But they nonetheless stepped into that place where there was darkness to bring light. Stepped into that place where there was illness to bring healing. And commissioned one of the famous artists of the day to help bring comfort. To the folks who were sick and those who were bringing healing. By painting a masterpiece that says Christ is with us and Christ feels our pain." [01:08:44] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Jesus' body is covered in sores. Or scabs. Um, in the painting, Matthias is given Jesus. The same skin disease that people there were suffering from. He's depicted him in that way. Uh, I think it's, he's trying to depict Jesus as one who, who sympathizes with those who are, who are hurt. The lost, the lonely, the least. Jesus joins with them in their suffering. So that they don't suffer alone." [55:52] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Witnessing. The act of witnessing means pointing in a specific direction beyond the self. And onto another. John's finger in this painting. Does not point in vain, but really indicates when and where. To see what he saw and heard. John is indicating the source of his life. Of his knowledge. The grace that he received. He's pointing to witness to the fact that it comes from Jesus. That it came from Jesus. And Barth is saying, and that's where we get our call as well. As we become witnesses. Not to point to number one. But to point to number one. Point to the one who is the source of our life." [01:03:36] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The act of following Christ. Is completely counter cultural to any other that we would follow. What does the world teach? The world teaches that we follow the strong. The powerful. The healthy. The beautiful. Isn't that the message that we get from the world? The message of our faith is something completely different. The message of our faith says follow the one who is humble. Even unto death. The one who feels our pain. The one who has suffered our death. The one who walks with us. Even when we're going through the chaos of plague. Or skin disease. Or anything else that might affect us. Or infect us." [01:05:22] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We decrease as we increase Christ. And that makes a difference in the world. We don't always know how. We don't always know why. Other than it's the love of God who desires that peace in the world. He's given us a faith so that we might follow him. Into those places where he would send us. And I pray that we always will." [01:09:50] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We are witnesses to the work of Christ in the world. We are pointers, not to ourselves. Not even really to St. Matthews. But to the one who works here. The one who brings healing. In the midst of whatever kind of plague or catastrophe or chaos might be reigning at the time. It's the one who brings life. It's the one that we witness to. Through everything that we do." [01:08:44] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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