Encountering Jesus: Transformative Moments of Realness
Summary
In my sermon today, I explored the profound moments when Jesus becomes undeniably real to us. I began by reflecting on the transformative experience of salvation, where Heaven's glory fills our souls, and our sins are washed away. This theme of encountering Jesus was the cornerstone of my message, drawing from the book "The End of Me" by Kyle Idleman, which emphasizes that Jesus becomes real to us when we reach the end of ourselves.
I shared the story of the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4, highlighting how Jesus became real to her through the revelation of truth. Despite societal barriers, Jesus offered her living water, symbolizing eternal life, and revealed her past, demonstrating His divine knowledge and compassion. Her testimony led many in her town to believe in Jesus, illustrating the power of sharing our encounters with Christ.
I then delved into the concept of tragedy as a catalyst for Jesus becoming real in our lives, as seen in Mark 5 with the woman suffering from bleeding and Jairus, whose daughter was raised from the dead. These stories show that in moments of desperation and despair, Jesus's power and presence become tangible, and our faith is both tested and strengthened.
I also discussed the immediacy of Jesus becoming real to us, emphasizing that "today" is the best time for this to happen. I recounted the story of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus in Luke 23, where one thief recognized Jesus as the Messiah and was promised paradise. This illustrates the urgency of accepting Jesus and letting Him become real in our lives.
Throughout the sermon, I urged the congregation to be honest about their need for Jesus and to embrace opportunities to make Him real to others. I warned against turning the church into a courtroom or business meeting, where Jesus is left at the door, and instead invited everyone to transform it into a hospital where Jesus is welcomed and reigns supreme.
In closing, I called on the congregation to examine their lives and ensure they are washed in the blood of the Lamb, ready for Jesus's return, and to live out their faith authentically, making Jesus real to those around them.
Key Takeaways:
- Encountering Jesus at the end of ourselves is a transformative experience that brings truth into sharp focus and changes our perceptions. When we are empty and have nothing left to rely on, we are most open to the reality of Christ's presence and power in our lives. This openness is essential for a genuine relationship with Jesus. [07:25]
- Testimonies are powerful tools for making Jesus real to others. Like the Samaritan woman, when we share how Jesus has impacted our lives, we can lead others to believe in Him. Our deepest secrets and struggles, when revealed as testimonies, can become the very truth that points others to Jesus. [14:26]
- Tragedy often brings Jesus into sharp reality. In our darkest moments, like the woman with the issue of blood or Jairus in Mark 5, Jesus's realness is undeniable. It is in these moments that our faith can either falter or become solidified, as we witness His power to heal and restore. [17:35]
- The best time for Jesus to become real is today. We must not delay in turning to Him, as illustrated by the thief on the cross who recognized Jesus in his final moments. Every day presents a new opportunity for us to let Jesus become real in our lives and to share that reality with others. [22:23]
- The church should be a place of healing, not a place of hiding. We must invite Jesus into every aspect of our lives and allow Him to work through us. When we turn our church into a hospital, we create an environment where Jesus can become real to everyone who enters. [30:17]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 4:7-26 - The story of the Samaritan woman at the well.
2. Mark 5:21-43 - The healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the raising of Jairus's daughter.
3. Luke 23:39-43 - The story of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus.
#### Observation Questions
1. In John 4, what societal barriers did Jesus break when He spoke to the Samaritan woman? How did He reveal His divine knowledge to her? ([10:21])
2. What was the significance of the woman with the issue of blood touching Jesus's garment in Mark 5? How did Jesus respond to her act of faith? ([16:10])
3. In Luke 23, what was the difference in the responses of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus? What promise did Jesus make to the repentant thief? ([20:34])
4. How did the testimony of the Samaritan woman impact her town according to John 4:39? ([14:26])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to reveal Himself to the Samaritan woman, despite the societal norms of that time? What does this tell us about His mission? ([12:11])
2. How does the story of the woman with the issue of blood illustrate the concept of faith in the midst of desperation? What can we learn from her persistence? ([17:35])
3. What does the interaction between Jesus and the repentant thief on the cross teach us about the immediacy and urgency of accepting Jesus? ([22:23])
4. How can personal testimonies, like that of the Samaritan woman, serve as powerful tools for evangelism in our own lives? ([14:26])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you had reached the end of yourself. How did that experience open you up to the reality of Jesus's presence and power in your life? ([08:34])
2. Have you ever shared your personal testimony with someone? If not, what holds you back? If yes, how did it impact the person you shared it with? ([14:26])
3. Think about a recent tragedy or difficult situation you faced. How did it affect your faith? Did it bring you closer to Jesus or challenge your belief? ([17:35])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of making Jesus real "today." What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Jesus and make Him real in your daily life? ([22:23])
5. How can you contribute to transforming your church into a place of healing rather than a place of hiding? What practical actions can you take to foster an environment where Jesus is welcomed and reigns supreme? ([30:17])
6. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling with their faith or going through a tough time. How can you share the love and reality of Jesus with them this week? ([14:26])
7. Reflect on the concept of the church as a hospital. How can you personally embody this idea in your interactions with fellow church members and the community? ([30:17])
Devotional
Day 1: Emptiness Ushers in Divine Presence
When individuals reach the end of their own capabilities, they often find a profound openness to spiritual experiences. This openness can lead to an encounter with Jesus that is transformative, bringing truth and reality into sharp focus. It is in the moments of emptiness, when all personal resources are depleted, that one may feel the presence of Christ most acutely. This encounter is not just a fleeting moment but a life-changing event that reshapes one's identity and purpose. It is a divine intersection where the realization of one's own limitations meets the limitless power of Jesus, leading to a renewed sense of hope and direction. [07:25]
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV)
Reflection: What personal limitations or struggles have led you to a deeper awareness of your need for Jesus, and how has this transformed your approach to life?
Day 2: Testimonies Transform Lives
Sharing personal experiences of Jesus's impact can lead others to faith and provide a powerful witness to His reality. Like the Samaritan woman, when one reveals their deepest secrets and struggles as testimonies, these stories can resonate with others and point them toward Jesus. It is through the authenticity of shared experiences that people can see the tangible work of Christ in someone's life, making the concept of Jesus's love and power more relatable and real. Testimonies are not just stories; they are personal revelations that have the power to break down barriers and ignite faith in the hearts of listeners. [14:26]
"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11 ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a moment in your life where Jesus made a significant impact, and how might sharing this experience encourage someone who is currently struggling with their faith?
Day 3: Tragedy Clarifies Our Need for Jesus
In the darkest moments of life, such as tragedy or despair, the presence and power of Jesus can become undeniably real. It is often in these times of intense need that one's faith is tested and can either falter or become solidified. The stories of the woman with the issue of blood and Jairus in Mark 5 demonstrate that Jesus's realness is most apparent when human ability falls short. These biblical accounts remind us that Jesus is not distant but is intimately involved in the midst of suffering, offering healing and restoration. The recognition of Jesus's power in these moments can lead to a deeper, more resilient faith. [17:35]
"For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him." (Psalm 22:24 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time of tragedy or hardship in your life. How did it affect your perception of Jesus, and how might that experience strengthen your trust in His presence and power now?
Day 4: Today is the Day for Realness
The immediacy of Jesus becoming real in one's life is a pressing matter. As exemplified by the thief on the cross, recognizing Jesus and accepting Him should not be postponed. Each day presents a new opportunity to experience Jesus's reality and to share that reality with others. The urgency of this encounter is a reminder that the present moment is always the right time to deepen one's relationship with Christ and to live out that connection in a way that is visible and impactful to those around us. [22:23]
"Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2b ESV)
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to acknowledge Jesus's presence in your life and to demonstrate His reality to someone else?
Day 5: Church as a Healing Community
The church should be a place where Jesus is not only believed in but also actively experienced as a source of healing and transformation. It should be a sanctuary where individuals can come as they are, with all their hurts and needs, and find a community that welcomes Jesus's healing power. By transforming the church into a spiritual hospital, believers create an environment where Jesus can become real to everyone who enters, offering hope and restoration to the broken. [30:17]
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:14 ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to making your church a place of healing, and what specific action can you take this week to help someone experience the reality of Jesus's love and power?
Quotes
1) "We all know that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, the son of the living gods. Don't let it be Judgment Day when you come to that realization." [26:52] ( | | )
2) "We've been real to Jesus all along, and the truth is that even though we've messed up, he knew we would. We've still been real to him, and he knew that some wouldn't take him up on his word, and that's exactly why he leaves the 99 for the one." [27:29] ( | | )
3) "The sad reality is that we've turned Church into a courtroom and a business meeting, preventing Jesus from coming in and having full and complete reign over our hearts, minds, and our lives. So I invite you tonight to come be the patient, help turn Belt Line into a hospital. Let Jesus have his way and become real." [30:17] ( | | )
4) "The story of Rich man and Lazarus shows us that for the rich man, it's all too late. He sees it, he knows it, and he wants Jesus now. But in the past, he saw it, he knew it, but he didn't want Jesus. A good man, a rich man, any kind of man can be a dead man, but a man with Jesus has eternal life." [24:17] ( | | )
5) "Stop dying on a hill that Jesus would have never planted his cross on. Courtrooms and business meetings are places where lies are told and masks are put on to hide the truth. However, hospitals are places of pure despair, and Jesus is always invited into the room." [29:44] ( | | )
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