Encounters with Jesus: Faith, Sacrifice, and Humility
Summary
In my sermon on Palm Sunday, I reflected on the various ways we encounter Jesus, particularly during the Lenten season as we journey with Him towards the Cross. Drawing from Psalm 41 and the Gospel of John, I explored the attitudes and responses of different individuals who interacted with Jesus during His final days on earth.
I began by considering the context of Passover, a time when Jews celebrated their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This historical backdrop set the stage for understanding the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. I invited the congregation to visualize Jesus' face and ponder how they might respond if they encountered Him in the flesh.
I highlighted the contrasting reactions of those who met Jesus. Martha, often criticized for being preoccupied with service, was the first to express faith in Jesus' power over death. Mary, her sister, demonstrated self-sacrifice by anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, filling the house with fragrance and symbolizing the beauty of Jesus' presence.
I contrasted this with the self-promotion and self-benefit exemplified by Judas, who criticized Mary's act of devotion as wasteful, revealing his own corrupt motives. I cautioned against seeking Jesus for personal gain, reminding us that the grace of God, including the forgiveness of sins, is a gift, not something we earn or use for self-promotion.
I then turned to the concept of self-defense, as seen in the actions of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They felt threatened by Jesus and sought to protect their status and power, even to the point of plotting to kill Lazarus, whose resurrection by Jesus had attracted much attention.
I emphasized that Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, signified His humility and His mission to serve rather than to be served. I challenged the congregation to reflect on their own encounters with Jesus, considering whether they seek self-defense, self-promotion, or self-sacrifice.
Finally, I spoke of suffering and endurance, drawing from St. Paul's teachings that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. I encouraged the congregation to embrace their own crosses, showing the world that Christ is the center of their lives, and to look forward to His triumphant return.
Key Takeaways:
- Encountering Jesus requires us to examine our motives and attitudes. Like Martha and Mary, we must move beyond service and self-promotion to a place of genuine faith and self-sacrifice. This Lenten season, let us consider how our actions and responses to Jesus reflect our understanding of His mission and our role in it. [08:58]
- The grace of God is not a commodity for our benefit but a transformative gift that calls us to humility and self-denial. As we reflect on Judas' attitude towards Mary's act of anointing Jesus, we are reminded that our relationship with Christ is not about what we can gain, but about what we can give in love and devotion. [07:13]
- Self-defense mechanisms can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with Jesus. The Pharisees' fear of losing power led them to plot against Jesus, showing that when we prioritize our status or comfort over God's will, we can miss the true essence of His kingdom. Let us be vigilant against the temptation to defend our own interests at the expense of God's greater purpose. [03:35]
- Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey teaches us about the nature of His kingship. He came not to conquer with force but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. In our own lives, may we emulate His humility and willingness to serve others, even when it goes against the expectations of worldly power and prestige. [10:13]
- Suffering and endurance are part of the Christian journey, leading to the development of character and hope. As we carry our crosses, we do so in the assurance that our hope in Jesus will not lead to disappointment. In our trials, let us hold fast to the promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ. [11:27]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 41:5-9
- "My enemies say of me in malice, 'When will he die, and his name perish?' And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. They say, 'A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.' Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me."
2. John 12:1-8
- "Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 'Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?' He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, 'Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.'"
3. John 12:12-15
- "The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!' And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 'Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the different reactions of Martha, Mary, and Judas to Jesus in John 12:1-8?
2. How did the Pharisees and Sadducees react to Jesus' miracles and growing popularity? ([03:35])
3. What does Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolize according to John 12:12-15?
4. How does Psalm 41:5-9 reflect the attitudes of Jesus' enemies during His final days?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Martha's immediate faith in Jesus' power over death reveal about her understanding of His mission? ([08:23])
2. How does Judas' criticism of Mary’s act of devotion expose his true motives, and what does this teach us about self-promotion? ([06:35])
3. In what ways did the Pharisees' and Sadducees' self-defense mechanisms hinder their ability to recognize Jesus as the Messiah? ([03:35])
4. How does Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem challenge our understanding of leadership and power? ([10:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Martha and Mary's responses to Jesus, how can you move beyond service and self-promotion to genuine faith and self-sacrifice in your daily life? ([08:23])
2. Considering Judas' attitude towards Mary's act of anointing Jesus, how can you ensure that your relationship with Christ is based on love and devotion rather than personal gain? ([06:35])
3. In what areas of your life might you be prioritizing self-defense or status over God's will, and how can you realign your priorities to better reflect His kingdom? ([03:35])
4. How can you emulate Jesus' humility and willingness to serve others in your community, even when it goes against societal expectations of power and prestige? ([10:13])
5. What are some practical ways you can embrace your own crosses and show the world that Christ is the center of your life, especially during times of suffering? ([11:27])
6. How can you use this Lenten season to reflect on your encounters with Jesus and make changes that align more closely with His mission and your role in it? ([01:46])
7. Think of a specific situation where you might be tempted to seek self-promotion. How can you approach it differently to honor Christ's example of self-sacrifice? ([07:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Genuine Faith Beyond Service
Genuine faith in Jesus Christ transcends mere acts of service; it requires a heart posture of trust and reliance on His power over death. Martha's example teaches that service, while valuable, is not the endpoint of our spiritual journey. Instead, it is the expression of faith in Jesus' resurrection power that truly defines a believer's life. This faith is not passive but active, leading to a life of service that is fueled by belief in Jesus' ultimate authority over life and death.
Mary's act of anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume is a vivid illustration of self-sacrifice. It was an act that went beyond cultural norms and expectations, demonstrating a profound understanding of who Jesus was and the significance of His impending sacrifice. This act of devotion filled the house with fragrance, symbolizing the permeating beauty of Jesus' presence and the impact of true worship that arises from a heart of faith.
[08:58]
Bible passage: Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)
"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"
Reflection: How does your service for Christ reflect your faith in His power over death, and in what ways can you deepen your faith through acts of self-sacrifice?
Day 2: The Gift of Grace Calls for Humility
The grace of God is not a means to an end but a transformative gift that calls for a response of humility and self-denial. Reflecting on Judas' criticism of Mary's act of devotion, it becomes clear that a relationship with Christ is not about personal gain. Instead, it is about what can be given in love and devotion. The grace of God, including the forgiveness of sins, is a gift that cannot be earned or used for self-promotion. It is meant to transform lives and lead believers into deeper levels of humility and service.
This transformative gift challenges believers to examine their motives in following Christ. It invites them to consider whether their actions are driven by a desire for personal benefit or out of a genuine love for Jesus and His mission. The grace of God is meant to change hearts, redirect priorities, and cultivate a spirit of generosity that mirrors the selfless love of Christ.
[07:13]
Bible passage: 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."
Reflection: In what ways might you be seeking personal gain from your relationship with Christ, and how can you practice humility and self-denial in response to His grace?
Day 3: Overcoming Self-Defense Mechanisms
Self-defense mechanisms can become significant barriers to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Jesus. The Pharisees and Sadducees, in their fear of losing power and status, plotted against Jesus, demonstrating how self-preservation can lead to actions that are contrary to God's will. This temptation to prioritize personal interests over God's purposes is a challenge that believers must be vigilant against. It is essential to recognize and overcome these tendencies to fully embrace the kingdom of God.
Believers are called to lay down their defenses and trust in God's sovereignty. This means letting go of the need to control outcomes and instead, submitting to God's greater plan. It is in this surrender that believers can experience the true freedom and peace that comes from living in alignment with God's will, even when it means facing uncertainty or relinquishing control.
[03:35]
Bible passage: Matthew 16:25 (ESV)
"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Reflection: What self-defense mechanisms might you be holding onto that hinder your spiritual growth, and how can you begin to let go of them in favor of God's will?
Day 4: Emulating Christ's Humble Kingship
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, is a profound lesson in humility and the nature of His kingship. He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many, challenging the expectations of worldly power and prestige. This act of humility is a model for believers, calling them to serve others selflessly and to embrace a life that reflects the servant heart of Jesus.
In a world that often values authority and dominance, the example of Jesus invites believers to a different way of living. It calls for a willingness to take the lower place, to lift others up, and to find greatness in service. This is the essence of Christian leadership and discipleship—a life marked by humility and sacrificial love that seeks the good of others above personal glory.
[10:13]
Bible passage: Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
Reflection: How can you emulate Jesus' humility and servant leadership in your daily interactions, and what might need to change in your approach to leadership and service?
Day 5: Endurance Through Suffering Leads to Hope
Suffering and endurance are integral parts of the Christian journey, leading to the development of character and hope. The assurance that hope in Jesus will not disappoint sustains believers through trials and tribulations. Carrying one's cross is not a defeatist acceptance of hardship but a testament to the transformative power of Christ's resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
This perspective on suffering is counter-cultural, as it sees trials not as obstacles to be avoided but as opportunities for growth and deepening faith. It is through enduring hardships that believers can demonstrate to the world that Christ is the center of their lives. The promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ offers a profound hope that can withstand the challenges of this world.
[11:27]
Bible passage: Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."
Reflection: What current suffering are you facing, and how can you view it as an opportunity to develop endurance, character, and hope in Christ?
Quotes
"Suffering as St. Paul says produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ does not put anyone to shame. That's a journey we're on, a journey of endurance, a journey of suffering, picking up our own cross to show others that Christ is the center of our life no matter what happens in our life." [11:27]
"Judas was taking out of the collections already and he had evil intent. That nard I should say, he considered that nothing but self-promotion by saying the words he did. Sometimes we may look for self-promotion or self-benefit out of Christ. Christ is sometimes considered as gospel Freedom or as fortuitous gospel, you've heard it I guess put a lot of ways." [07:13]
"Self-sacrifice of course is where Jesus wants us to encounter him. He wants us to carry our own cross just as he carried his cross. The poster children for this are Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Mary takes that one year of wages and pours it on his feet and the whole home is surrounded with the fragrance of this perfume because of the beauty and the fragrance of Jesus being in their presence." [08:58]
"Christ came in in the not so triumphal entry we might say on a donkey, and not just on a donkey, on the foal of a donkey, a little donkey, in humility. He came in to serve his people as their King. As he rode in, throngs were around him, they were muttering hosanna. Did they know what they were after?" [10:13]
"Caiaphas gives that great utterance which I think is just so ironic isn't it, that isn't it better for one person to die to save a nation than for the whole nation to perish. And then the Gospel of John says he uttered this of course in a bit of spite against Jesus but being the high priest, God uses it as a prophecy for the Messiah." [04:07]
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