Jesus Came for Everyone: Embracing His Inclusive Love
Summary
In this Christmas season, we gather to reflect on the profound truth of why Jesus came into the world. It's not just about the traditions, the presents, or the festive atmosphere, but about celebrating the most significant event in history: the coming of Jesus Christ. Over the past weeks, we've explored the reasons for His coming, the manner in which He came, and now we delve into the question of for whom He came. The answer is both simple and profound: Jesus came for everyone. This includes those who feel unworthy, those who struggle with sin, and those who feel marginalized or forgotten.
The message of John 3:16 is a powerful reminder that God's love is for the entire world, and His gift of salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their past or present circumstances. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that Jesus came only for the "nice" or "good" people, much like Santa's list of naughty and nice. However, the truth is that Jesus came for sinners, for those on the "naughty list," because, apart from Him, we all fall short of God's glory.
Throughout the Bible, we see stories of Jesus reaching out to those who were considered unworthy by society: the demon-possessed, the sick, the outcasts, and even a criminal on the cross. These stories serve as a testament to the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission. He came for the religious and the irreligious, the clean and the unclean, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak. His love transcends all barriers, and His grace is sufficient for all.
As we celebrate this season, let us remember that Jesus came for each of us, no matter who we are or where we come from. His love and mercy are vast enough to cover all our stories, uniting us in the common thread of His salvation. This is the good news of the gospel: Jesus came for you.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus Came for Everyone: The message of John 3:16 emphasizes that Jesus came for the entire world, not just for a select few. His love and salvation are available to all who believe, regardless of their past or present circumstances. This is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. [24:44]
2. Breaking the Naughty and Nice Myth: Unlike Santa, who rewards the "nice" and ignores the "naughty," Jesus came specifically for those who recognize their need for Him. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all fall short, but 1 Timothy 1:15 assures us that Jesus came to save sinners. This is the heart of the gospel. [26:22]
3. Stories of Redemption: The Bible is filled with stories of Jesus reaching out to those considered unworthy by society. From the demon-possessed man to the criminal on the cross, these stories illustrate that Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost, offering hope and redemption to all. [35:52]
4. Unity in Diversity: Jesus' kingdom is a beautiful mosaic of diverse stories and backgrounds. Despite our differences, we are united by the common thread of His salvation. This unity in diversity is a testament to the inclusive nature of God's love. [38:22]
5. The Unworthy Are Blessed: Feeling unworthy of Jesus' love is a common struggle, but the truth is that none of us are worthy. Yet, Jesus came for the unworthy, the broken, and the forgotten. His coming is a testament to His love and grace, which are sufficient for all. [37:11]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[22:12] - Why Jesus Came
[23:26] - For Whom Did Jesus Come?
[24:44] - The Good News of John 3:16
[25:41] - The Naughty and Nice Myth
[26:22] - Jesus Came for Sinners
[27:28] - Blessed Are the Sinners
[29:20] - No Matter Who We Are
[30:32] - Jesus Came for the Struggling
[32:05] - Religion vs. Relationship
[32:59] - Healing the Unclean
[33:39] - Jesus and the Lepers
[34:54] - Forgiveness for the Rejected
[35:52] - Redemption for the Guilty
[36:20] - Jesus' Inclusive Love
[37:11] - The Unworthy Are Blessed
[38:22] - Stories of Redemption
[50:02] - Personal Testimonies
[01:01:26] - Jesus Came for All
[01:02:12] - Unified in Christ
[01:03:29] - Closing Prayer
[01:04:41] - Worship Through Song
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
2. Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
3. 1 Timothy 1:15 - "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to John 3:16, what is the scope of God's love and the availability of salvation? How does this verse emphasize the inclusivity of Jesus' mission? [24:44]
2. In the sermon, how is the concept of the "naughty and nice" list contrasted with Jesus' purpose for coming into the world? [25:41]
3. What examples from the Bible were given in the sermon to illustrate that Jesus came for those considered unworthy by society? [35:52]
4. How does the sermon describe the diversity of Jesus' kingdom and the unity it brings among believers? [38:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the message of John 3:16 challenge the idea that Jesus came only for certain types of people? What does this imply about the nature of God's love? [24:44]
2. Why is it significant that Jesus came for those on the "naughty list," according to Romans 3:23 and 1 Timothy 1:15? How does this shape our understanding of grace? [26:22]
3. In what ways do the stories of Jesus reaching out to the marginalized and sinners in the Bible reflect the heart of the gospel message? [35:52]
4. How does the sermon suggest that believers should view their own unworthiness in light of Jesus' inclusive love and grace? [37:11]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of Jesus' love. How does the message of John 3:16 and the sermon encourage you to see yourself differently? [24:44]
2. The sermon contrasts Jesus with Santa Claus, who rewards the "nice." How can you shift your mindset from earning God's love to accepting it as a gift? [25:41]
3. Consider the diverse stories of redemption shared in the sermon. How can you embrace and celebrate the diversity within your own faith community? [38:22]
4. Identify a person in your life who might feel marginalized or unworthy. What practical steps can you take to show them the inclusive love of Jesus this week? [35:52]
5. The sermon mentions that Jesus came for everyone, regardless of their past. How can you apply this truth to forgive yourself or others for past mistakes? [36:20]
6. How can you actively participate in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in your church or small group, reflecting the unity in diversity described in the sermon? [38:22]
7. Think about a specific area in your life where you struggle with feelings of unworthiness. What scripture or truth from the sermon can you meditate on to combat these feelings? [37:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Love Knows No Boundaries
Jesus came into the world for everyone, transcending all barriers of race, status, and past mistakes. His mission was not limited to a select group but extended to all humanity, offering salvation to anyone who believes. This profound truth is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. The message of John 3:16 underscores this inclusivity, emphasizing that God's love is for the entire world. Jesus' coming is a testament to the boundless nature of divine love, which embraces every individual, regardless of their circumstances. [24:44]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life might feel excluded or unworthy of love? How can you extend Jesus' inclusive love to them today?
Day 2: Jesus Came for the Broken
The myth of the "naughty and nice" list is shattered by the truth that Jesus came for those who recognize their need for Him. Unlike Santa, who rewards the "nice," Jesus offers grace to those who fall short, which includes all of us. Romans 3:23 reminds us that everyone has sinned, but 1 Timothy 1:15 assures us that Jesus came to save sinners. This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost, offering hope and redemption to all who acknowledge their brokenness. [26:22]
"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die." (Romans 5:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of brokenness in your life that you have been hiding? How can you bring it to Jesus today, trusting in His grace and redemption?
Day 3: Redemption for the Rejected
Throughout the Bible, Jesus reached out to those considered unworthy by society, offering them redemption and hope. From the demon-possessed man to the criminal on the cross, these stories illustrate that Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost. His love and grace are available to all, regardless of their past or present circumstances. These stories serve as a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and redemption. [35:52]
"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn." (Isaiah 61:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you know who feels rejected or marginalized. How can you be a vessel of Jesus' love and redemption to them this week?
Day 4: Unity in Diversity
Jesus' kingdom is a beautiful mosaic of diverse stories and backgrounds, united by the common thread of His salvation. Despite our differences, we are all part of the same family in Christ. This unity in diversity is a testament to the inclusive nature of God's love, which transcends all barriers and unites us in His grace. As we celebrate this season, let us remember that Jesus came for each of us, no matter who we are or where we come from. [38:22]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you celebrate the diversity within your community while fostering unity in Christ? What practical steps can you take to build bridges across differences?
Day 5: Blessed Are the Unworthy
Feeling unworthy of Jesus' love is a common struggle, but the truth is that none of us are worthy. Yet, Jesus came for the unworthy, the broken, and the forgotten. His coming is a testament to His love and grace, which are sufficient for all. This Christmas season, let us embrace the truth that Jesus' love and mercy are vast enough to cover all our stories, uniting us in the common thread of His salvation. [37:11]
"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." (1 Corinthians 1:27-28, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you feel unworthy of Jesus' love? How can you embrace His grace and allow it to transform your life today?
Quotes
But first of all, the gospel, the good news. I'm going to put a verse up on the screen. You might have heard it before. And I'm going to ask you to say these highlighted words with me. This is John 3, 16. It says, This is how God loved the world. You missed your chance. That was your cue. Okay, we're going to say it with me. The highlighted stuff, say it with me, okay? This is how God loved. That was so much better. He gave his one and only son so that everyone who believes in him would not perish but have everlasting life. And I know you've heard that verse. I bet you memorized that verse as a kid. You've got it on a t -shirt or a bumper sticker or a coffee mug somewhere. But I just think this time of year, it's really important that we get a little reminder. [00:23:56] (40 seconds)
If you have sinned, you are blessed. If you have sinned, you are blessed. And you know why? Because Jesus came for you. That verse in John says he came for everybody that would believe in him. Everyone that would believe in him. Does that include sinners? I mean, that specifically includes sinners. This is everyone. And that's just all kinds of people. So just so that this doesn't say too broad, I just want to kind of personalize this gospel message a little bit for you and say this. Jesus came for you. Jesus came for you. [00:27:28] (42 seconds)
Romans 3 .22 says, we're made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. And now you've just missed the chance of a lifetime to say amen or hallelujah or praise Jesus or something. Preach something. And I know a lot of you, I know it's not our culture, you know, I know we're very stiff people here, but this is Christmas, you know, just maybe you've always just said, I want to be more vocal in church. I want to be one of those people that said, hallelujah, or something, you know, but I just, I don't know when's the right time or something. So I'm going to help you. I'm going to help you, okay? I'm going to read that again. [00:28:10] (44 seconds)
And Jesus came for you. Here it comes. No matter who you are. That's good news, man. This is the gospel. And so, yeah, if you've been to church every Sunday of your life, and you honored your parents, and you've never tasted alcohol, and you've never lied or cheated or stolen anything, you've never had an ugly thought, you've never farted in church, you're just so good. If that's you, listen, listen, listen, listen. If that's you, Jesus came for you. So that's cool. But he came for everyone who believes. [00:30:32] (39 seconds)
And if you feel unworthy of Jesus coming for you, let me encourage you with this. You are. How's that? You are unworthy of Jesus. Because we all are. But that's okay. Because, yeah, Jesus, He came for solid, moral, good people who go to church and who volunteer and who share their time and share their money. But Jesus also came for the unworthy. Jesus also came for the unholy. And the broken and the unlovable and the neglected and the abused and the forgotten. He came for everyone. [00:37:11] (38 seconds)
But also just to remind us of the incredible diversity of God's kingdom. His family is like a beautiful mosaic. And it's made out of all different people with all different stories coming from all different places. And I just want to remind you that whatever your story, Jesus came for all kinds of people. And so His kingdom is full of all kinds of stories. Do you want to hear a couple? Yeah? Okay. So, here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to invite Steve and Dana to come up first. You can clap. You can clap. [00:38:22] (43 seconds)
So yeah, these are all pretty different. Stories. And I think the whole idea is we praise Jesus because he came for all of us, for the clean and the dirty, and for the rich and the poor, and the strong and the weak, and the popular and the forgotten. And he didn't wait till we were good enough. One of my favorite verses is Romans 5 -7. It says, most of us wouldn't even be willing to die for an upright person. although someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person that's especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. [01:01:26] (39 seconds)
Jesus is worthy of our worship exactly because we weren't worthy of him. And he came for us anyway when we were unholy and when we were broken and we were unworthy and hurting and we were lost and lonely. Unholy and hopeless, Jesus came for us. And we all come from different places. And there's no two stories in here that are the same, but we have one thing in common, and that is that Jesus came for us. He came for everyone who would believe. Jesus came for everyone. [01:02:12] (36 seconds)
Jesus came for all of us. And maybe more importantly, Jesus came for each of us. And his love and his mercy and his kindness and his grace. His grace and his healing is so big that it's big enough to cover Steve and Dana and it's big enough to cover Hattie and it's big enough to cover Sean and Miranda and you and me and everyone who believes in him. Even as different as our stories are, we have this one thing in common. We have this one common thread that binds us together. And that's that Jesus came for all of us. [01:03:29] (38 seconds)
And even though we come from really different pasts, our futures are the same. Eternal life with Jesus in God's kingdom. And it's all because Jesus came for all of us. Let's pray. Let's pray. Father, Father, thank you for Jesus. Jesus, thank you for coming for us and not waiting till we were clean enough or good enough or rich enough or smart enough or pretty enough. Thank you for coming for us while we were still sinners because that shows not how good we are. That shows how good you are. That shows us how loving you are. So Jesus, we just want to thank you this season, but like every day, we just want to thank you for loving us so much that you came for us. [01:04:41] (48 seconds)
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