Jesus: Our Savior Through Love and Sacrifice
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound theme of Jesus as our Savior, focusing on the concept of substitutionary atonement. This idea, rooted in the belief that Jesus took our place, is central to understanding the sacrificial love that defines our faith. We began by reflecting on the ways we seek God in our lives, through worship, community, and personal reflection. Our worship series, "Savior," delves into the multifaceted ways Jesus saves us, and today we focused on the notion that Jesus took the punishment we deserved, a concept known as substitutionary atonement.
We illustrated this with a children's game of freeze tag, where Jesus symbolically unfreezes us, taking our place and allowing us to continue running. This playful metaphor underscores the serious theological point that Jesus' sacrifice frees us from the consequences of sin. We also discussed the story of Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan priest who took the place of another prisoner in Auschwitz, exemplifying the ultimate act of love and sacrifice.
The sermon challenged us to reconsider the traditional view of salvation as merely a "get out of hell free card." Instead, it invited us to see salvation as a transformative relationship with God, rooted in love and gratitude. We were reminded that God's love is not about punishment but about drawing us closer to Him. This understanding of salvation calls us to live lives of gratitude, sharing the story of Jesus' love and sacrifice with others.
As we continue through Lent, we are encouraged to engage in practices that deepen our relationship with God, such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We are also invited to reflect on the ways Jesus' sacrifice impacts our lives and to share this story of love and redemption with the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Substitutionary Atonement: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is a profound act of love where He took the punishment we deserved, symbolizing the ultimate act of substitutionary atonement. This concept challenges us to see salvation not as a mere escape from hell but as a transformative relationship with God. [24:45]
2. The Power of Love and Sacrifice: The story of Maximilian Kolbe, who took the place of another prisoner in Auschwitz, exemplifies the power of sacrificial love. This act of selflessness mirrors Jesus' sacrifice and calls us to live lives of gratitude and love. [36:07]
3. Rethinking Salvation: Salvation is not just about avoiding punishment but about entering into a loving relationship with God. This perspective invites us to live in gratitude and to share the story of Jesus' love with others. [30:37]
4. Engaging with Lent: Lent is a time for deepening our relationship with God through practices like prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These practices help us reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and prepare us for the celebration of Easter. [38:44]
5. Living a Life of Gratitude: Jesus' sacrifice calls us to live lives of gratitude, sharing the story of His love and redemption with the world. This gratitude transforms our lives and draws us closer to God. [33:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Gathering and Worship
- [02:00] - Children's Game: Freeze Tag
- [14:44] - Jesus Takes Our Place
- [19:18] - Raising Chicks and Salvation
- [24:45] - Substitutionary Atonement Explained
- [30:37] - The Covenant and Jesus' Sacrifice
- [33:19] - The Power of Blood Imagery
- [36:07] - Story of Maximilian Kolbe
- [38:44] - Lenten Practices and Devotionals
- [43:08] - Confession and Pardon
- [47:48] - Assurance of Forgiveness
- [51:30] - Prayers and Concerns
- [54:09] - Offering and Thanksgiving
- [57:10] - The Lord's Prayer and Sending Forth
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 53:4-5 - This passage speaks of the suffering servant who takes on the iniquities of others, which aligns with the theme of substitutionary atonement discussed in the sermon.
2. Genesis 15:9-10 - This passage describes the covenant between God and Abraham, which was referenced in the sermon to illustrate the concept of covenant and sacrifice.
3. John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." This verse reflects the sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus and Maximilian Kolbe.
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the concept of substitutionary atonement, and how was it illustrated in the sermon with the children's game of freeze tag? [14:44]
2. How does the story of Maximilian Kolbe relate to the theme of sacrificial love discussed in the sermon? [36:07]
3. What are some of the practices mentioned in the sermon that can help deepen our relationship with God during Lent? [38:44]
4. How does the sermon challenge the traditional view of salvation as merely a "get out of hell free card"? [19:18]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of substitutionary atonement challenge or enhance one's understanding of Jesus' role as Savior? [24:45]
2. In what ways does the story of Maximilian Kolbe serve as a modern-day example of Jesus' sacrificial love? [36:07]
3. How does the sermon redefine the idea of salvation as a transformative relationship with God rather than just an escape from punishment? [19:18]
4. What role do Lenten practices like prayer, fasting, and almsgiving play in preparing for Easter, according to the sermon? [38:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt "frozen" by sin or guilt. How can the metaphor of Jesus "unfreezing" you inspire you to move forward in your faith journey? [14:44]
2. Consider the story of Maximilian Kolbe. Is there someone in your life for whom you can make a sacrificial act of love? What might that look like? [36:07]
3. How can you shift your perspective of salvation from merely avoiding punishment to cultivating a loving relationship with God? What steps can you take this week to deepen that relationship? [19:18]
4. During this Lenten season, what specific practice (prayer, fasting, almsgiving) can you commit to in order to draw closer to God? How will you hold yourself accountable? [38:44]
5. How can you live a life of gratitude in response to Jesus' sacrifice? Identify one way you can express this gratitude in your daily interactions. [33:19]
6. Think about the concept of covenant as discussed in the sermon. How does understanding this covenant impact your view of God's promises and your responsibilities as a believer? [30:37]
7. How can you share the story of Jesus' love and sacrifice with someone who may not be familiar with it? What approach will you take to ensure the message is received with love and understanding? [36:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Sacrifice as Substitutionary Atonement
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is a profound act of love where He took the punishment we deserved, symbolizing the ultimate act of substitutionary atonement. This concept challenges us to see salvation not as a mere escape from hell but as a transformative relationship with God. The idea of substitutionary atonement is central to understanding the depth of Jesus' love for humanity. It is not just about avoiding punishment but about entering into a relationship that changes us from the inside out. Jesus' willingness to take our place is a call to live in gratitude and to embrace the freedom that comes from being unburdened by sin. [24:45]
Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "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: Consider an area in your life where you feel burdened by guilt or shame. How can you invite Jesus into that space to experience His transformative love and freedom today?
Day 2: The Power of Sacrificial Love
The story of Maximilian Kolbe, who took the place of another prisoner in Auschwitz, exemplifies the power of sacrificial love. This act of selflessness mirrors Jesus' sacrifice and calls us to live lives of gratitude and love. Sacrificial love is a powerful force that can transform lives and communities. It is a love that goes beyond self-interest and seeks the well-being of others. By reflecting on Kolbe's story, we are reminded of the call to embody this kind of love in our own lives, to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others, and to live in a way that reflects the love of Christ. [36:07]
1 John 3:16 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers."
Reflection: Think of a person in your life who could benefit from an act of sacrificial love. What is one specific way you can show them this love today?
Day 3: Rethinking Salvation
Salvation is not just about avoiding punishment but about entering into a loving relationship with God. This perspective invites us to live in gratitude and to share the story of Jesus' love with others. Salvation is a journey of transformation, where we are invited to experience the fullness of life that comes from knowing God. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship that shapes our identity and purpose. By rethinking salvation, we are encouraged to live in a way that reflects the love and grace we have received, sharing this message with those around us. [30:37]
Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of salvation. How can you deepen your relationship with God today, moving beyond the idea of salvation as merely avoiding punishment?
Day 4: Engaging with Lent
Lent is a time for deepening our relationship with God through practices like prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These practices help us reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and prepare us for the celebration of Easter. Lent is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our spiritual journey, to engage in practices that draw us closer to God, and to prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. By participating in these disciplines, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and are invited to enter into a deeper relationship with Him. [38:44]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: Choose one Lenten practice (prayer, fasting, or almsgiving) to focus on this week. How can this practice help you draw closer to God and reflect on Jesus' sacrifice?
Day 5: Living a Life of Gratitude
Jesus' sacrifice calls us to live lives of gratitude, sharing the story of His love and redemption with the world. This gratitude transforms our lives and draws us closer to God. Living a life of gratitude is about recognizing the many ways God has blessed us and responding with thankfulness and generosity. It is about sharing the story of Jesus' love with others and allowing that love to shape our actions and attitudes. By living in gratitude, we are drawn closer to God and are empowered to be a light in the world. [33:19]
Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Identify three things you are grateful for today. How can you express this gratitude to God and share His love with someone else?
Quotes
"We gather every Sunday looking for God, looking for God's inspiration in the word, in the proclamation, looking for God in each other, looking for God in our own hearts that is energized by those around us. And being in this sacred space, looking for God in the music and in our own singing." [00:08:51] (27 seconds)
"So, our worship series is Savior, about Jesus taking our place. And so now, please rise as you are able as we sing our gathering song, Alas, did my Savior bleed, which is 294 in your hymnal." [00:09:41] (18 seconds)
"Sometimes you get to run and freeze tag so you guys are gonna run you're gonna be the runners and you're gonna be the chasers and when you touch them then they freeze like ice but here's the thing we have we have Jesus with us and Jesus can go to a frozen person and take their place so you will freeze for three seconds Jesus is powerful three days in the grave and done with the freezing." [00:14:15] (30 seconds)
"This Lent we're talking about how Jesus saves us that Jesus Jesus first and foremost is our Savior and how God became a human being to save us but save us from what it's actually a central question save us from what cuz my hunch is most of you did not have a bad life before becoming Christian so what does Jesus save us from well some churches it's pretty clear Jesus saves us from the fires of hell they see that sin is a moral failure sin is a estrangement from God we all sin and so we all deserve the punishment of hell Jesus saved us from this punishment by us his sacrifice on the cross but in order to enjoy the benefit of that sacrifice we must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and if we don't then we don't enjoy the benefit of his sacrifice it's clear and it at some level it makes sense it sure does keep people in church on Sunday and it sure does drive people out to share the gospel because when they are telling people and calling people to faith they are literally saving them from hell so it's clear it makes sense except for one big thing and that is that God is love when we remember that God is love it changes everything because a loving God would not create people just to send them to hell that's cruel at the same time God doesn't force salvation on us that would violate our free will so then we're back to that central question Jesus is our Savior but saves us from what so if salvation isn't your get out of hell free card then what is it what is so saving about Jesus death and resurrection there are many ways that Jesus saves us on the cross and we're going to spend all of Lent looking at different ways that Jesus saves us and this is based on the work of Mcgray de Vega who is a Methodist pastor in Florida so great book called Savior." [00:21:44] (172 seconds)
"Today we're looking at Jesus takes our place this is based on the understanding that we do deserve punishment for sin and that Jesus took our punishment it's called substitutionary atonement and it's based on the idea that actions have consequences wrongful actions deserve punishment we we especially get this in our elementary years in school when we know what's fair and what's not and when we know if you follow the rules good things will happen and if you break the rules bad things will happen and sometimes when you break the rules you get a punishment like detention but other times the consequence is different like the rule to look both ways before you cross the street you break that rule you could get hit by a car that's not punishment that's just what happens." [00:24:45] (60 seconds)
"So this principle that actions have consequences it actually is our fundamental view of how the world works it's the basis for our concepts of fairness and justice which no one has to teach us we get that without ever being told that in order for there to be order and decency in the world the guilty must be punished wrongs need to be righted imagine if we lived in a world with no rules that sounds a lot like lord of the flies which i had to read in junior high and it was icky for the ancient israelites they lived in a time of chaos and the covenant with god spelled out rules god gave them order and commandments to follow so that they would have a good life commandments about right living with god and right living with others and the torah we call it the pentateuch those first five books of the bible they are all about these rules that create a good life and there's not just 10 commandments there's actually 613 in the jewish tradition 365 are not commandments do not steal that's the number of days in the year and there are 248 do commandments like do love god do keep the sabbath that's the number of bones in the body so actions have consequences and the truth is rules without punishment without consequences aren't rules if there's a speed limit sign that says 20 and no one ever gets a ticket for violating it there's a pretty good chance that's not the real rule and people won't go 20." [00:25:46] (123 seconds)
"Abraham made a covenant with God, and then people did not keep the covenant. They broke it over and over and over. They worshipped idols. They didn't keep the Sabbath. They failed to care for widows and orphans and aliens. God sent prophets to remind them, and people would be faithful for a little bit and then fall right back into it, and finally, God had to admit the covenant wasn't injured, it was broken." [00:28:50] (28 seconds)
"God became a human being to pay that covenant price, to take our place. Now, some of you are thinking, wait a minute, couldn't God just write it off? I mean, you know, God is God. God could just write it off. Who was this price paid to if it wasn't God? Sometimes people talk about Jesus saving work and dying for us as God sacrificed his son like somebody else, and that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was made to, it sounds like, God the Father, separate." [00:29:47] (45 seconds)
"Maximilian had taken his place and Franceschik was filled with gratitude. And he told that story over and over. A life of gratitude. Jesus took our place. And may we be filled with gratitude telling the story of this heroic act of love and living a life of gratitude." [00:38:58] (39 seconds)
"During Lent, we're going to have a time in on Sundays for confession and pardon, which is a powerful moment of naming, owning our sinfulness and hearing about God's pardon. We're going to do it together. If you have something you would like to confess privately and hear those amazing words of pardon, come talk with me. We'll find a time. If you have something specific that is hanging on your heart, that you need to hear those words of pardon." [00:46:08] (39 seconds)
"In Jesus' suffering and death, you took our place and you destroyed the power of sin and death forever. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us gathered here, that we may be the body of Christ for the world. As grains and grapes once dispersed in the fields are united in bread and wine, so may we and all your people be gathered from every time and place into the unity of your eternal household." [00:56:20] (38 seconds)
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