Hope and Healing Through Jesus' Atoning Sacrifice
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the profound significance of Jesus' atoning death. It was emphasized that Jesus' sacrifice was not only about redeeming us from sin and rescuing us from God's wrath, but also about addressing the effects of sin in our daily lives. We live in a broken world marred by pain, illness, and death, all of which are consequences of sin. However, Jesus' kingdom offers an answer to these effects of sin, providing hope and healing.
The sermon also highlighted the future hope we have in Jesus' kingdom. While we may experience suffering and pain in this world due to sin, we have the assurance that one day, Jesus' kingdom will reign and things will be drastically different. This kingdom is not just about the future, but it is also breaking into our present reality, offering glimpses of what is to come. This gives us hope and encouragement to endure in the midst of our struggles, knowing that our present sufferings are not the end of the story.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' atoning death is not just about redeeming us from sin, but also about addressing the effects of sin in our daily lives ([55:16]).
- The suffering and pain we experience in this world are consequences of sin, but Jesus' kingdom offers an answer to these effects of sin ([57:05]).
- Jesus' kingdom is not just about the future, but it is also breaking into our present reality, offering glimpses of what is to come ([01:09:06]).
- Jesus is still fighting for us today, not allowing the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy ([01:09:52]).
- Our present sufferings are not the end of the story, and we have the assurance that one day, Jesus' kingdom will reign and things will be drastically different ([01:11:12]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 8:14-17 - Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and many others. #!!39:58!!#
2. Isaiah 53 - The prophecy of the suffering servant. #!!55:16!!#
3. Romans 5:12 - Sin and death entered the world through one man. #!!57:57!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 8:14-17 tell us about Jesus' healing ministry?
2. How does Isaiah 53 relate to the healing miracles of Jesus?
3. What does Romans 5:12 tell us about the origin of sin and suffering?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' healing of Peter's mother-in-law and others demonstrate the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy?
2. How does the concept of sin and death entering the world through one man (Romans 5:12) relate to the suffering and illnesses we see in the world today?
3. How does Jesus' healing ministry provide hope in the midst of suffering and illness?
Application Questions:
1. How does the reality of Jesus bearing our illnesses impact your perspective on personal suffering or illness?
2. How can you demonstrate hope in Jesus' ultimate healing in your interactions with others who are suffering or ill?
3. How can you practically live out the truth of Jesus' victory over sin and death in your daily life?
4. Can you think of a specific situation where you can bring the hope of Jesus' healing to someone in your life?
5. How can you use the truth of Jesus' healing ministry to encourage someone who is struggling with illness or suffering?
Devotional
Day 1: The Hope of a New Kingdom
Our current world is marred by sin and suffering, but this is not the end of the story. The hope we cling to is the promise of a new kingdom, where all things will be made new and every tear will be wiped away. This forward-looking hope should impact our present, especially during hard times. [01:14:52]
Isaiah 65:17 - "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind."
Reflection: How can the hope of God's new kingdom impact your current struggles or hardships?
Day 2: God's Ultimate Sacrifice
For thousands of years, sin was undealt with until God finally dealt with the sins of His people through the ultimate sacrificial lamb, Jesus. Jesus not only saved us from the wrath of God but also came as an answer to the effects of sin we experience daily. [56:11]
Isaiah 53:5 - "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 does understanding Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb change your perspective on your own sin and the brokenness of the world?
Day 3: Jesus is Still Fighting
Jesus is not sitting idly by, watching the enemy steal, kill, and destroy. He is actively fighting for us, for our children, and for our world. His miracles are a testament to His power and His promise of a new kingdom. [01:10:26]
Exodus 14:14 - "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to remember that Jesus is actively fighting for you?
Day 4: The Promise of God's Presence
One day, we will not only be able to hold onto the promises of God, but we will be able to hold onto God Himself. The promise of God's presence with us is a powerful source of hope and comfort. [01:12:00]
Revelation 21:3 - "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'"
Reflection: How does the promise of God's future presence with us bring comfort to your current circumstances?
Day 5: The Call to Serve
Just as Jesus served those around Him, we are also called to serve. Our service is not just an act of obedience, but a response to the love, mercy, and compassion we have received from Jesus. [40:45]
Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: How can you serve others this week as a response to the love and mercy you have received from Jesus?
Quotes
1. "What we have now, although it can look good at times, it's broken, it's marred, it's distorted. But man, this isn't the end goal, this isn't the end of the story. The end of the story is coming and every now and then, we got to go man, I'm not just going to look at the here and right now but I'm going to look forward and allow that forward thinking, that hope, that joy, that comfort, that peace to impact my now." - 01:13:32
2. "Jesus is not going to sit by idly and let the enemy steal, kill, and destroy. He is going to fight and fight and fight and he's still fighting for you. He is still fighting for your kids. He is still fighting today. That's who he is." - 01:09:52
3. "Jesus did not only save us from the wrath of God which is due to all the consequences of our sin but he came with his kingdom as an answer to the effects of sin day in and day out. We live in a broken world, a judgmental world, a fallen state, a corrupt world, a sick world and because of the state that we live in, the joy of life is constantly marred by pain and illness and brokenness and yes, even death itself." - 56:11
4. "One day you will be able to hold on to the arms and the waist and the neck and the shoulders of Jesus Christ. In those moments, he will wipe away every tear from their eye and Death Shall be no more neither shall there be Mourning nor crying nor pain anymore." - 01:12:44
5. "Jesus is not yet ready to ruffle the feathers of the spiritual leaders of the land. He's not ready to make waves and that's why he says hey don't go tell anyone that I just healed you just go and do what you're supposed to do." - 40:45