Living in Gratitude: Embracing Jesus' Sacrifice
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound significance of gratitude and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. As we approach Thanksgiving, it's a time to slow down and truly reflect on the blessings in our lives, recognizing that Jesus is actively working in each of us. We are reminded that life is filled with challenges, but through it all, Jesus promises to turn things around for our good. This is a moment to open our hearts and minds to receive His word and to be thankful for His presence in our lives.
We explored the concept of thankfulness through the lens of family and traditions, acknowledging that while the holidays can be a joyful time, they can also bring about stress and unthankfulness. The story of giving gifts to our children serves as a metaphor for the sacrifices Jesus made for us. Just as we work hard to provide for our loved ones, Jesus gave His life for us, a gift we must never take for granted. This sacrifice is a reminder of the love and grace that God extends to us, even when we feel undeserving.
Reflecting on Jesus' journey to the cross, we delved into the emotional and physical anguish He endured. Despite being God, Jesus experienced human emotions and pain, yet He willingly took on the sins of the world. This act of love is a call for us to live in gratitude, recognizing the depth of His sacrifice. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a testament to the love and redemption offered to us.
As we partake in communion, we remember the body and blood of Christ, given for us. This sacred act is a declaration of our faith and a reminder of the new covenant between God and His people. It's an invitation to embrace a relationship with Jesus, acknowledging that His sacrifice bridges the gap between us and God. Let us carry this spirit of thankfulness beyond the holidays, living each day in appreciation of the love and grace bestowed upon us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace Gratitude in All Circumstances: Life is filled with ups and downs, but Jesus promises to turn things around for our good. Embracing gratitude, even in difficult times, opens our hearts to receive His blessings and strengthens our faith. [30:34]
2. Understand the Depth of Jesus' Sacrifice: Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by immense physical and emotional pain. His willingness to take on the sins of the world is a profound act of love that calls us to live in gratitude and appreciation for His sacrifice. [39:52]
3. Reflect on the Significance of Communion: Communion is a sacred act that reminds us of the new covenant between God and His people. It is a time to remember the body and blood of Christ, given for us, and to embrace the relationship we have with Jesus. [47:59]
4. Recognize the Gift of Salvation: Jesus' sacrifice is a gift that bridges the gap between us and God. It is not something we deserve, but a testament to His love and grace. Embracing this gift means living a life of gratitude and devotion to Him. [53:15]
5. Live in Thankfulness Beyond the Holidays: While Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings, let us carry this spirit of thankfulness into our daily lives. Recognizing the love and grace of Jesus should inspire us to live each day with a heart full of gratitude. [56:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [30:34] - Thanksgiving Excitement
- [33:04] - The Sacrifice of Giving
- [38:10] - Psalm 9:1 Reflection
- [39:52] - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane
- [42:02] - The Weight of the Cross
- [43:48] - The Lamb of God
- [46:08] - Understanding Jesus' Sacrifice
- [47:59] - Jesus Takes on Our Sin
- [49:28] - The Scale of Suffering
- [50:35] - The Necessity of the Cross
- [51:38] - Jesus' Daily Choice to Serve
- [53:15] - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane
- [54:44] - Invitation to Salvation
- [56:01] - Embracing the Gift of Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 9:1 - "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." [38:10]
2. Mark 14:32-34 - Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, expressing His deep anguish before His crucifixion. [39:52]
3. 1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." [47:59]
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the emotions and challenges Jesus faced in the Garden of Gethsemane according to Mark 14:32-34? [39:52]
2. How does Psalm 9:1 encourage us to express gratitude, and what specific actions does it suggest? [38:10]
3. In 1 Peter 2:24, what does it mean that Jesus "bore our sins in his body on the tree"? How is this connected to our healing? [47:59]
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and its impact on our relationship with God? [53:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of gratitude in our daily lives, even amidst challenges? [30:34]
2. What does the metaphor of giving gifts to children reveal about the nature of Jesus' sacrifice for us? [33:04]
3. How does the sermon explain the connection between the Old Testament Passover lamb and Jesus as the Lamb of God? [43:48]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding Jesus' sacrifice can transform our perspective on life's difficulties? [49:28]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How can embracing gratitude in that situation change your perspective and strengthen your faith? [30:34]
2. Consider the metaphor of giving gifts to children. How can you apply this understanding of sacrifice in your relationships with others? [33:04]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of recounting God's wonderful deeds, as mentioned in Psalm 9:1, into your daily routine? [38:10]
4. In what ways can you make the significance of communion a more meaningful part of your spiritual life? [47:59]
5. How can you live out the recognition of Jesus' sacrifice as a gift that bridges the gap between you and God in your daily actions and decisions? [53:15]
6. As we move beyond the Thanksgiving holiday, what specific steps can you take to maintain a spirit of thankfulness in your everyday life? [56:01]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel undeserving of God's grace. How can you embrace this gift and live in gratitude for it? [53:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude as a Pathway to Blessings
In life, challenges are inevitable, but embracing gratitude in all circumstances can transform our perspective and open our hearts to receive God's blessings. When we choose to be thankful, even in difficult times, we align ourselves with the promise that Jesus will turn things around for our good. This mindset strengthens our faith and allows us to see the hand of God at work in our lives. As we approach Thanksgiving, let us take a moment to slow down and reflect on the blessings we have, recognizing that Jesus is actively working in each of us. [30:34]
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How can you find gratitude in that situation, and what blessings might God be revealing to you through it?
Day 2: The Profound Love in Jesus' Sacrifice
Understanding the depth of Jesus' sacrifice is essential for living a life of gratitude. His journey to the cross was marked by immense physical and emotional pain, yet He willingly took on the sins of the world. This profound act of love calls us to appreciate the magnitude of His sacrifice and to live in gratitude for the grace extended to us. Reflecting on Jesus' journey to the cross, we are reminded that His love and grace are offered to us, even when we feel undeserving. [39:52]
"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." (Isaiah 53:5, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the sacrifices you make for others. How does reflecting on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice inspire you to live a life of gratitude and service?
Day 3: Communion as a Reminder of the New Covenant
Communion is a sacred act that reminds us of the new covenant between God and His people. It is a time to remember the body and blood of Christ, given for us, and to embrace the relationship we have with Jesus. This act of faith is a declaration of our commitment to Him and a reminder of the love and redemption offered to us through His sacrifice. As we partake in communion, let us open our hearts to receive His word and be thankful for His presence in our lives. [47:59]
"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" (Luke 22:19, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make the act of communion more meaningful in your life, and what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus?
Day 4: Embracing the Gift of Salvation
Jesus' sacrifice is a gift that bridges the gap between us and God. It is not something we deserve, but a testament to His love and grace. Embracing this gift means living a life of gratitude and devotion to Him. As we reflect on the significance of salvation, let us recognize the love and grace of Jesus and be inspired to live each day with a heart full of gratitude. [53:15]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What does it mean to you personally to embrace the gift of salvation, and how can you express your gratitude for this gift in your daily life?
Day 5: Living in Thankfulness Beyond the Holidays
While Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings, let us carry this spirit of thankfulness into our daily lives. Recognizing the love and grace of Jesus should inspire us to live each day with a heart full of gratitude. By doing so, we not only honor His sacrifice but also cultivate a life filled with joy and contentment. Let us be intentional in our gratitude, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds as we navigate the ups and downs of life. [56:01]
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to be thankful. What practical steps can you take to cultivate gratitude in that area today?
Quotes
"He wants to work in your life. He's already working in your life. You just have to open up your heart, open up your mind and receive what he wants to do in your life. If you're going through it right now as we just worship, he's going to turn it around. He will. It's his promise. And he's got this. And so for us right now, it's just our opportunity just to lean in and trust that." [00:28:23] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so I really sometimes have to slow down with my kids and really get them to understand the sacrifice it took for the gifts and, and what they've received in their life. And I'll tell you what, every time we do it, my kids are awesome. I know I've been making fun of them a little bit today, but after we explain it, they, they, they really do get it and understand it. And like, Hey, I really am thankful for that. Hey, I really am thankful for you and mom and what you've done for us. And I'll tell you what, sometimes even as adults, us in this room here today, it's easy to harp on the kids. It's easy to make fun of the kids sometimes because they're kids. But as adults, how often do we have to be reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus paid in our lives?" [00:36:50] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"How often do we go day in and day out complaining about this thing and that thing and, and focus on all the problems in our life instead of the fact that we got to wake up here this morning, that we got clothes on our backs, that we have family to love. Even as I joked earlier, family's not always easy, but it's family that God's given us. It's really, really easy. If we don't slow down and really paint a picture and remind ourselves what Jesus has done in our lives so that we can do what the Psalmist says here in Psalm chapter nine." [00:37:55] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I don't know when, I don't know how, but do we truly believe that Jesus has got this in our life? And he's just teaching us what we're kind of going through. Why would God let this happen in my life? I'll tell you this. I say this to students. I say this to people all the time. I am not thankful for everything that God has done for me. I am not thankful for everything God has put in my life and some of the things that I've had to go through and the experiences that I had to push through. But I thank God who I am because of it." [00:38:50] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I'm a better person because of those situations and those hardships and those struggles. And I never really understood why in the moment, but man, I thank God for the pressing that he's put in my life. So never forget. Somebody say never forget. Never forget. The wonderful deeds that Jesus has done in our lives. Because here's the thing is Jesus was getting ready for the cross. Humanly speaking, you and I, we cannot comprehend what was about to happen in his life." [00:39:48] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus willingly came. And this is really important to hear this language because we're going to break it down here for a few minutes. He came to this world to be the slaughtered lamb of God who would take away all the sins of the world. Everything you've done, everything I've done, everything we will do. He came to this world with one purpose. To save you and I from our sins." [00:42:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus knew that on the cross, ready? It was so much more than dying. Don't miss this. Jesus knew that on the cross, he was somebody that knew no sin, but he would be made too into sin. All the filth and immorality, of the human race would soon be poured out onto Jesus's perfect and spotless soul. He was gonna hang on that cross as a perfect lamb of God taking on the sin of the world. He wasn't just there to die. He was there to take on your sin and my sin." [00:47:53] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Every day, Jesus deserves, every day, Jesus deserves for us to take those moments and truly slow down and really appreciate all that he's done in our life. Because here's the thing. Again, the holidays are different for everybody. And you know what? Some of you, you may be going through real grief, real. life, real emotions. And I get that." [00:49:10] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus knew that you and I were in need of a savior. And he said for you and for me, I'll be that savior. I'll be that savior. And I'll give up my life for you. And I'll give up my life for you. And I'll give up my life for you. Because here's the thing. Here's what we have to remember. Nothing is easy about life. And I get that. Real life happens. We go through it every day. But none of this was easy for Jesus either." [00:51:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"All you have to do is embrace that relationship with Jesus. Receive that invitation today. Revelation 22, 17 says, the spirit of the bride say, come let who? Anyone. Say that again. Including you, including me, who hears this say, come let who? Anyone. Anyone. Type that in the chat if you're still watching online. Anyone who is thirsty, come. Let again. Who? Anyone. That verse." [00:56:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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