Journey of Faith: Embracing Sacrifice and Resurrection

 

Summary

As we gather at the start of Holy Week, we are reminded of the profound journey that Jesus undertook, culminating in His resurrection. This week is a rollercoaster of emotions, from the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to the despair of the crucifixion, and finally, the joy of the resurrection. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of this journey, filled with excitement and anticipation as Jesus enters Jerusalem. The people celebrated Him as a king, yet their understanding of His kingship was limited. They hoped for a Messiah who would fulfill their desires, not realizing the true nature of His mission.

The story of the widow's offering in Mark 12 serves as a poignant reminder of true devotion and sacrifice. Amidst the bustling temple, Jesus noticed a poor widow who gave all she had, two small coins, as an offering. Her act of giving was not about the amount but the heart behind it. This story challenges us to consider our own commitments and the sincerity of our devotion. It is a call to give not out of obligation or abundance but from a place of surrender and faith.

As a church, we are embarking on a journey of vision and faith, seeking to align with God's plans for us. This involves prayer, preparation, and participation. We are called to pray for guidance in our sacrificial giving, to prepare for a two-year commitment, and to participate in the vision God has for our community. This is not merely about financial contributions but about building a legacy of faith and mission. It is about making room for those who have yet to join us and stepping out in faith to fulfill God's purpose.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Significance of Holy Week: Holy Week is a journey through the highs and lows of Jesus' final days, reminding us of the depth of His sacrifice and the power of His resurrection. It challenges us to reflect on our own commitment to His mission, recognizing that even the strongest disciples faced struggles in their faith. [48:39]

2. Understanding True Kingship: Palm Sunday highlights the tension between the people's expectations of a Messiah and the true nature of Jesus' kingship. It prompts us to examine whether we celebrate a king we fully understand or if our worship is based on our own desires and circumstances. [54:28]

3. The Widow's Offering: The story of the widow's offering teaches us that true giving is not measured by the size of the gift but by the heart's surrender. Her act of giving everything she had, unnoticed by others, was seen and honored by Jesus, illustrating the value of sacrificial faith. [01:04:38]

4. The Call to Sacrificial Giving: As a church, we are called to pray, prepare, and participate in the vision God has for us. This involves a commitment to give sacrificially, not out of obligation, but from a heart aligned with God's mission. It is about building a legacy of faith and making room for others. [01:09:46]

5. Building a Legacy of Faith: Our journey is not about fundraising or buildings but about planting seeds for eternity. It is about stepping out in faith, trusting God's vision, and making room for those who have yet to join us. Our giving should reflect the overflow of a heart that knows Jesus gave it all. [01:15:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:02:00] - Introduction to Holy Week
- [00:05:00] - The Journey of Holy Week
- [00:10:00] - Palm Sunday: A Day of Celebration
- [00:15:00] - The Excitement of Passover
- [00:20:00] - Jesus' Triumphal Entry
- [00:25:00] - The Tension of Expectations
- [00:30:00] - The Widow's Offering
- [00:35:00] - The Significance of Sacrificial Giving
- [00:40:00] - The Call to Pray and Prepare
- [00:45:00] - Participating in God's Vision
- [00:50:00] - Building a Legacy of Faith
- [00:55:00] - Closing Reflections and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 12:41-44
- Ephesians 3:20-21

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey during Palm Sunday, and how did the people react to His arrival? [52:28]

2. In the story of the widow's offering, what did Jesus observe about the widow's contribution compared to others? [01:04:38]

3. How does the sermon describe the emotional journey of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to the resurrection? [48:39]

4. What are the three steps the church is encouraged to take in response to God's vision, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:12:05]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the widow's offering challenge our understanding of what it means to give sacrificially? What does this story reveal about the nature of true devotion? [01:04:38]

2. The sermon mentions the tension between the people's expectations of a Messiah and the true nature of Jesus' kingship. How might this tension be present in our own understanding of Jesus today? [54:28]

3. Reflecting on Ephesians 3:20-21, how does the idea of God doing "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" influence our approach to prayer and faith? [01:12:05]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of building a legacy of faith. What does it mean to build a legacy of faith, and how can this be reflected in our daily lives? [01:15:32]

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Application Questions:

1. The widow gave all she had, even though it seemed insignificant. Is there something in your life that you feel called to give or surrender, even if it seems small? How can you take a step towards that this week? [01:04:38]

2. During Holy Week, we are reminded of the highs and lows of Jesus' journey. How can you use this time to reflect on your own spiritual journey and commitment to Jesus' mission? [48:39]

3. The sermon encourages us to pray, prepare, and participate in God's vision. What specific steps can you take this week to align your actions with these three areas? [01:12:05]

4. The people celebrated Jesus as a king without fully understanding His mission. How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus' kingship in your life, beyond your own desires and circumstances? [54:28]

5. The sermon calls us to build a legacy of faith. What is one practical way you can contribute to this legacy within your community or family? [01:15:32]

6. Reflect on the idea of sacrificial giving. What does sacrificial giving look like for you personally, and how can you incorporate it into your life in a meaningful way? [01:09:46]

7. How can you use this Holy Week as an opportunity to invite someone to experience the journey of faith with you, perhaps by attending a service or sharing your faith story? [01:18:40]

Devotional

Day 1: The Journey of Holy Week: A Path of Reflection
Holy Week is a profound journey that takes us through the emotional highs and lows of Jesus' final days on earth. It begins with the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday, where Jesus is celebrated as a king, and moves through the despair of the crucifixion, culminating in the joy of the resurrection. This week challenges believers to reflect on their own commitment to Jesus' mission, recognizing that even the strongest disciples faced struggles in their faith. The journey of Holy Week is not just a historical event but a call to examine our own spiritual journey and the depth of our devotion. [48:39]

"Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV)

Reflection: As you reflect on the events of Holy Week, what specific area of your faith journey do you feel needs strengthening or renewal? How can you actively seek God's guidance in this area today?


Day 2: True Kingship: Beyond Expectations
Palm Sunday highlights the tension between the people's expectations of a Messiah and the true nature of Jesus' kingship. The people celebrated Jesus as a king, hoping for a Messiah who would fulfill their desires and liberate them from Roman rule. However, Jesus' mission was far greater than political liberation; it was about spiritual salvation and establishing God's kingdom on earth. This prompts believers to examine whether they celebrate a king they fully understand or if their worship is based on personal desires and circumstances. Understanding true kingship requires a shift in perspective, recognizing Jesus as the sovereign Lord of all aspects of life. [54:28]

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." (Colossians 1:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have your personal expectations of Jesus shaped your understanding of His kingship? How can you align your view of Jesus with the true nature of His mission and authority?


Day 3: The Heart of Giving: The Widow's Offering
The story of the widow's offering in Mark 12 serves as a poignant reminder of true devotion and sacrifice. Amidst the bustling temple, Jesus noticed a poor widow who gave all she had, two small coins, as an offering. Her act of giving was not about the amount but the heart behind it. This story challenges believers to consider their own commitments and the sincerity of their devotion. It is a call to give not out of obligation or abundance but from a place of surrender and faith. True giving is measured by the heart's surrender, illustrating the value of sacrificial faith. [01:04:38]

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current commitments and acts of giving. Are they driven by obligation or a genuine desire to serve and honor God? How can you cultivate a heart of cheerful and sacrificial giving today?


Day 4: Sacrificial Giving: A Call to Action
As a church, believers are called to pray, prepare, and participate in the vision God has for them. This involves a commitment to give sacrificially, not out of obligation, but from a heart aligned with God's mission. It is about building a legacy of faith and making room for others. Sacrificial giving is not merely about financial contributions but about stepping out in faith to fulfill God's purpose. It requires prayerful consideration and a willingness to trust God's provision and guidance. [01:09:46]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to align your giving with God's mission for your life and community? How can you actively participate in building a legacy of faith through sacrificial giving?


Day 5: Building a Legacy of Faith: Planting Seeds for Eternity
The journey of faith is not about fundraising or buildings but about planting seeds for eternity. It is about stepping out in faith, trusting God's vision, and making room for those who have yet to join the community. Believers are called to build a legacy of faith that reflects the overflow of a heart that knows Jesus gave it all. This involves trusting in God's provision and being open to His leading in every aspect of life. Building a legacy of faith requires intentionality and a commitment to invest in the spiritual growth of oneself and others. [01:15:32]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to building a legacy of faith within your community? What specific actions can you take to encourage and support others in their spiritual journey today?

Quotes

"Well, if you haven't connected the dots yet, if you've been coming to church over the last few weeks, a couple months, you know that we as a church are stepping into something that is so much bigger than ourselves. And as we gather together today, we are entering into what we call Holy Week, where we're not just remembering, but we are aligning our hearts with the unstoppable and the immeasurable power of God." [00:44:39]

"From the excitement and the anticipation of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the crowd and the people are ready and eager to celebrate Passover, to the completely devastation, the complete devastation of seeing Jesus' lifeless body hang on the cross, taking his last breath and being laid into a tomb." [00:47:29]

"This week puts our commitment to Jesus and his mission to the test, right? In every way, shape, and form. As we see the events unfold throughout this Holy Week, even the strongest and most loyal followers and disciples of Jesus found themselves struggling with their commitment to him." [00:48:30]

"Matthew's account tells us that the entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar when Jesus entered in because of the way that he entered. Probably the best way that we have to kind of understand it, when you think about the crowds of people and Jesus coming in and everybody surrounding around is like a great parade or celebration for a championship victory." [00:52:47]

"The excitement wasn't about all that Jesus had done. The excitement was more about what they had hoped that he would do for them. They celebrated a king that they didn't fully understand. I wonder if sometimes we celebrate a king that we don't fully understand." [00:54:28]

"Jesus sat down near the collection box in the temple and he watched as crowds dropped their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called the disciples to him and said, I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions." [00:57:24]

"Her two coins were not going to change the world. Her two coins were not going to solve world poverty, but it was the quality of her heart that gave. Her treasure spilled out of her heart. She had two coins, just two, and she gave everything. But when they hit the offering box, heaven listened." [01:06:08]

"In a temple filled with wealth and noise and distraction and status, it was the sound of complete surrender that caught the ear of the Savior. She wasn't noticed by anybody else. No applause, no attention, no fanfare. But Jesus saw her and he knew her." [01:07:15]

"Church, I wonder if sometimes we are willing to give up everything, even when it feels small and insignificant, even when no one else will see or hear. Luke 12, 34, Jesus teaches his disciples, wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Unfortunately, we often apply the inverse instruction." [01:08:34]

"What we give is not measured by size but by our surrender. In a church like ours, most people, many people give. We're no different than in a lot of churches. We give time and talent and treasure. We have those who give a lot and we have those who give little. We have people who give regularly." [01:09:14]

"This is not a fundraiser. It's not about budgets or buildings. It's ultimately about eternity. It's about planting seeds today that will bear fruit for generations. So when we give, we give with vision and we give with passion. We give not from pressure, but from the overflow of a heart that knows that Jesus first and foremost gave it all." [01:17:34]

"It's about making room for people who we haven't even met yet, for people who need a friend. It's about building legacy, not just a building. It's about stepping out in sacrificial faith. This morning, Pastor Josh is going to lead us in a closing song. You certainly can sing along with it." [01:18:09]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?