Finding True Life Through Jesus: Discipleship and Communion
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the concept of things that can be found anywhere versus things that can only be found in specific places. We can play or eat in various locations, but for certain needs, like fueling a car or seeking medical help, we must go to specific places. This analogy helps us understand that while many aspects of life can be fulfilled in different ways, our spiritual needs can only be met through Jesus Christ.
Jesus' teaching on communion and life with Him was a pivotal moment that caused many to turn away. He declared that He is the living bread from heaven, and that eternal life comes through eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This teaching was shocking and difficult for many to accept, especially given Jewish laws against consuming blood. However, Jesus emphasized that true life and eternal connection with God come only through Him.
We delved into the significance of Jesus' words, understanding that His flesh and blood symbolize the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This teaching points forward to the sacrament of communion, where we receive His body and blood. The unity we find in this sacrament transcends cultural and linguistic differences, bringing believers together in faith.
The sermon also highlighted the difference between being a fan and a follower of Jesus. Fans are there for the miracles and benefits, but they leave when the teachings become hard. Followers, however, stay with Jesus no matter the cost. Discipleship requires investment and sometimes sacrifice, but it is through this commitment that we find true life and hope in Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus as the Exclusive Source of Eternal Life: Jesus alone offers the words of eternal life. Just as we can only get gas at a gas station or medical help at a hospital, we can only find eternal life through Jesus. He is the unique source of spiritual nourishment and hope. [29:42]
2. The Hard Teaching of Communion: Jesus' teaching on eating His flesh and drinking His blood was difficult for many to accept. This teaching underscores the importance of His sacrifice and the profound mystery of communion, where we receive His true body and blood. [37:13]
3. The Centrality of Jesus in Our Spiritual Lives: Our spiritual journey should not be about using Jesus as a tool for self-improvement. Instead, Jesus should be the center of our lives. Our focus should be on connecting with Him and His eternal life, not on our own spiritual achievements. [40:50]
4. Unity in Christ: The sacrament of communion brings believers together, transcending cultural and linguistic differences. This unity in faith is a powerful testament to the work of the Spirit, who brings us closer to God and to one another. [44:07]
5. The Cost of Discipleship: Being a follower of Jesus requires commitment and sometimes sacrifice. Unlike fans who leave when things get tough, true disciples stay with Jesus, recognizing that He alone has the words of eternal life. This commitment is an investment in our spiritual journey and relationship with God. [49:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:33] - Playing and Eating Anywhere
[28:52] - Special Places for Special Needs
[29:42] - Jesus, the Source of Eternal Life
[30:35] - Prayer and Transition
[33:19] - Jesus in the Synagogue
[34:41] - The Hard Teaching of Communion
[35:58] - Jewish Laws and Jesus' Teaching
[37:13] - The Significance of Jesus' Flesh and Blood
[38:48] - Life Through Jesus' Sacrifice
[40:50] - Jesus as the Center of Our Spiritual Lives
[42:00] - The Spirit Gives Life
[44:07] - Unity in Christ
[45:13] - Communion and Its Meaning
[46:17] - Fans vs. Followers
[49:57] - The Cost of Discipleship
[51:36] - Conclusion and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 6:51-58 (ESV)
> "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him."
2. John 6:66-69 (ESV)
> "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you want to go away as well?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What analogy did the pastor use to explain the concept of things that can be found anywhere versus things that can only be found in specific places? [27:33]
2. What was the reaction of many disciples to Jesus' teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood? [46:17]
3. According to the sermon, what does Jesus' flesh and blood symbolize? [37:13]
4. How did Simon Peter respond when Jesus asked if the twelve disciples wanted to leave as well? [47:14]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus used the analogy of eating His flesh and drinking His blood to describe the way to eternal life? [37:13]
2. What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus rather than just a fan, according to the sermon? [47:47]
3. How does the sacrament of communion bring unity among believers, as discussed in the sermon? [44:07]
4. Why is it significant that Jesus is described as the "exclusive source of eternal life"? [29:42]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to accept a teaching of Jesus. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [46:17]
2. In what ways can you ensure that Jesus remains the center of your spiritual life rather than just a tool for self-improvement? [40:50]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper commitment to discipleship, even when it requires sacrifice? [49:57]
4. Think of a moment when you felt united with other believers during communion. How did that experience impact your faith? [44:07]
5. Identify one area in your life where you tend to act more like a fan of Jesus rather than a follower. What steps can you take to change that? [47:47]
6. How can you better understand and appreciate the significance of Jesus' sacrifice during your next communion? [37:13]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to stay close to Jesus, recognizing that He alone has the words of eternal life? [30:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Exclusive Source of Eternal Life
Jesus alone offers the words of eternal life. Just as we can only get gas at a gas station or medical help at a hospital, we can only find eternal life through Jesus. He is the unique source of spiritual nourishment and hope. Jesus' declaration that He is the living bread from heaven emphasizes that our deepest spiritual needs can only be met through Him. This analogy helps us understand that while many aspects of life can be fulfilled in different ways, our spiritual needs can only be met through Jesus Christ.
Jesus' teaching on communion and life with Him was a pivotal moment that caused many to turn away. He declared that He is the living bread from heaven, and that eternal life comes through eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This teaching was shocking and difficult for many to accept, especially given Jewish laws against consuming blood. However, Jesus emphasized that true life and eternal connection with God come only through Him. [29:42]
John 6:53-54 (ESV): "So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you been seeking spiritual fulfillment outside of Jesus? How can you refocus your heart and mind to seek eternal life through Him alone today?
Day 2: The Hard Teaching of Communion
Jesus' teaching on eating His flesh and drinking His blood was difficult for many to accept. This teaching underscores the importance of His sacrifice and the profound mystery of communion, where we receive His true body and blood. The unity we find in this sacrament transcends cultural and linguistic differences, bringing believers together in faith.
The significance of Jesus' words lies in the fact that His flesh and blood symbolize the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This teaching points forward to the sacrament of communion, where we receive His body and blood. The unity we find in this sacrament transcends cultural and linguistic differences, bringing believers together in faith. This teaching was shocking and difficult for many to accept, especially given Jewish laws against consuming blood. However, Jesus emphasized that true life and eternal connection with God come only through Him. [37:13]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: How do you approach the sacrament of communion? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this profound mystery?
Day 3: The Centrality of Jesus in Our Spiritual Lives
Our spiritual journey should not be about using Jesus as a tool for self-improvement. Instead, Jesus should be the center of our lives. Our focus should be on connecting with Him and His eternal life, not on our own spiritual achievements.
Jesus' teaching on communion and life with Him was a pivotal moment that caused many to turn away. He declared that He is the living bread from heaven, and that eternal life comes through eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This teaching was shocking and difficult for many to accept, especially given Jewish laws against consuming blood. However, Jesus emphasized that true life and eternal connection with God come only through Him. [40:50]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are using Jesus as a means to an end rather than making Him the center? How can you shift your focus to prioritize your relationship with Him?
Day 4: Unity in Christ
The sacrament of communion brings believers together, transcending cultural and linguistic differences. This unity in faith is a powerful testament to the work of the Spirit, who brings us closer to God and to one another.
The significance of Jesus' words lies in the fact that His flesh and blood symbolize the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This teaching points forward to the sacrament of communion, where we receive His body and blood. The unity we find in this sacrament transcends cultural and linguistic differences, bringing believers together in faith. This teaching was shocking and difficult for many to accept, especially given Jewish laws against consuming blood. However, Jesus emphasized that true life and eternal connection with God come only through Him. [44:07]
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of the body of Christ in your local church? What practical steps can you take to bridge cultural and linguistic differences among believers?
Day 5: The Cost of Discipleship
Being a follower of Jesus requires commitment and sometimes sacrifice. Unlike fans who leave when things get tough, true disciples stay with Jesus, recognizing that He alone has the words of eternal life. This commitment is an investment in our spiritual journey and relationship with God.
Jesus' teaching on communion and life with Him was a pivotal moment that caused many to turn away. He declared that He is the living bread from heaven, and that eternal life comes through eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This teaching was shocking and difficult for many to accept, especially given Jewish laws against consuming blood. However, Jesus emphasized that true life and eternal connection with God come only through Him. [49:57]
Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
Reflection: What sacrifices might God be calling you to make in your journey of discipleship? How can you prepare your heart and mind to stay committed to Jesus, even when the path is difficult?
Quotes
1. "Jesus is teaching today about something that can be very confusing, about what we would call communion, and about also life with him. Many people didn't like what he was saying, and they went away. But I want to share with you something that one of the disciples said. Jesus said, hey, aren't you going to go as well? He said this, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Basically, Jesus, where else are we going to go to hear about eternal life with God? That can be found nowhere else." [29:42] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because what we see here is a make-or-break moment in the hearts and the lives of these men. And the result was two very distinct paths. Two paths that rapidly move away from each other. There was either one of remaining with Jesus, life with Jesus, and there was one of going their own way to any other number of places. Here's what we read. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." [33:59] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So what do we do with this passage? It's a hard teaching for many to wrap their minds around. And there are those Christians who will resolve this tension, because as people we do not like to live in tension. We like to resolve that tension as much as possible. And they will say this is exhibit one in their case for seeing communion as completely symbolic. This instantly resolves that tension. It's symbolic that he's talking about here. After all, this is many, many chapters before the Last Supper. It's in a completely different place geographically, chronologically, and thematically." [37:54] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we look at spiritual life, we see that the only way to find God is to first go through Jesus. He alone is what we need to truly live forever. Nothing can bring life. Nothing can bring eternity. Other than the blood of Jesus. It is the only way that we are able to be connected to Him. And it's very tempting for us, just a small digression, to say that we and our spiritual lives are the eventual goal, and Jesus is merely a tool to achieve that end." [39:32] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It is a difference in where we start out. If we start off with ourselves, then we look at how we can improve ourselves, and Jesus is just a part of that mix. But if we look at the center of our life is Jesus, we say, how do I connect to His life and to His eternity? Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. He is the center, and not us. Jesus continues this thought in verse 63. It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." [40:50] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The only thing that matters for our salvation is what Christ has done for us. The flesh is no help at all, only the Spirit. Last year I was at the Synodical Convention, and I saw just kind of a different angle on this, how the flesh is nothing. What Jesus is doing here is, whether they knew it or not in that synagogue, he's opening up the kingdom of God to people who looked different, who had different heritages and different backgrounds and different languages. He is opening it up because it is not who you are, but who Jesus is for you." [42:32] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "A follower goes wherever Jesus leads, no matter how important or how difficult it is for us. We are called to discipleship, to echo those same words of Peter, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God. Where else can we go to find eternal life? Where else can we go to find hope and truth and peace? A follower of Jesus goes wherever he leads us, no matter how difficult it might be, because he is the only hope, period, dot, end of sentence." [51:04] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We are here today, we remain here today, in the midst of so many distractions, because we see the hope that only comes through Jesus, and it is through faith that we come to him this day. And we find not only here today the words of eternal life, but the Word made flesh, Christ Jesus, who comes to us with his very flesh and with his very blood. Amen. Now may the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, guard our hearts and minds until life everlasting. Amen." [51:36] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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