Motherhood, Sacrifice, and the Power of Community

 

Summary

Today, I shared a sermon that delved deeply into the profound experiences of motherhood, the pain of parenting, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, reflecting on His crucifixion and the theological implications of His dual nature as both divine and human. We began by celebrating Mother's Day and acknowledging the baptism of three young believers, which beautifully illustrated the transformative power of faith in Jesus.

In the sermon, I explored the emotional and spiritual journey of Mary, the mother of Jesus, particularly during the crucifixion. Mary's experience at the foot of the cross serves as a poignant reminder of the intense personal and communal suffering that can accompany parental love. This narrative was juxtaposed with the theological concept of the hypostatic union—the belief that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, which was affirmed at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. This doctrine is crucial for understanding how Jesus could fully engage with human suffering while being divine.

I discussed how Jesus, even in His excruciating final moments on the cross, was mindful of His mother's future, ensuring her care by entrusting her to His disciple John. This act of love and provision underscores the importance of community and support systems, especially during times of great personal trial. It also highlighted the obedience and belief exemplified by John, who immediately accepted the responsibility of caring for Mary, demonstrating his faith through his actions.

Furthermore, the sermon addressed the broader implications of Jesus' suffering and death. It emphasized that Jesus' experiences on the cross allow Him to deeply empathize with our own pains and struggles. The narrative of Jesus and Mary at the cross also served as a theological and emotional bridge connecting the divine salvation plan to our everyday experiences of family, community, and personal challenge.

The sermon concluded with a call to the congregation to reflect on their own relationships and the communities they foster, encouraging everyone to draw strength and comfort from the example of Jesus and His disciples.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Witnessing in Faith
The public declaration of faith through baptism serves as a powerful testimony to the community. Witnessing young believers like Josephine, Evangeline, and Jonathan publicly affirm their faith reminds us of the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. This act not only strengthens their personal faith but also encourages the congregation to reflect on their own spiritual journey. [07:16]

2. The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
As seen in the support Mary received at the cross, community plays a crucial role in our spiritual and emotional lives. This support is not just about being present during trials but actively participating in the lives of others, providing comfort and understanding. The church must strive to be a place of such community, where members feel safe and supported. [49:37]

3. Jesus' Empathy Through Suffering
The dual nature of Jesus as both divine and human allowed Him to fully experience human suffering, thereby enabling Him to empathize with us in our struggles. This theological insight should comfort us, knowing that our Savior understands our pain and is with us in every challenge we face. [39:01]

4. Obedience and Belief as Acts of Faith
John's immediate response to Jesus' command to care for Mary exemplifies how true belief is manifested in obedience. This act of faith was not just a fulfillment of duty but a profound demonstration of trust in Jesus' words and love for Him. [59:34]

5. The Transformative Power of the Cross
The crucifixion was not only a moment of immense suffering but also a pivotal event for theological and personal transformation. It challenges us to find meaning in suffering and to see how such moments can bring about spiritual growth and deeper understanding of God's love. [45:36]

### Youtube Chapters

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [05:35] - Baptism and Testimonies
- [33:29] - Introduction to Sermon Theme
- [39:01] - Theological Insights on Jesus' Nature
- [43:35] - Mary at the Cross
- [59:34] - John's Obedience and Care for Mary

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. John 19:25-27 (ESV)
> "But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home."

2. Psalm 22:1, 12-18 (ESV)
> "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? ... Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots."

3. Exodus 20:12 (ESV)
> "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."

### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His mother and the disciple whom He loved while on the cross? (John 19:26-27)
2. How does Psalm 22 describe the suffering and surrounding circumstances of the one who is suffering? (Psalm 22:12-18)
3. What commandment from the Old Testament did Jesus fulfill by ensuring His mother was cared for? (Exodus 20:12)
4. According to the sermon, what role did community play in Mary’s experience at the cross? [49:33]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' act of entrusting His mother to John demonstrate His understanding of human suffering and community support? [56:49]
2. In what ways does Psalm 22 foreshadow the events of Jesus' crucifixion, and how does this deepen our understanding of His suffering? (Psalm 22:1, 12-18)
3. How does the commandment to honor one's parents (Exodus 20:12) relate to Jesus' actions on the cross, and what does this teach us about our responsibilities to our own families?
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of community during times of personal trial and suffering? [49:33]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the transformative power of faith, similar to the baptisms mentioned in the sermon. How did this impact your spiritual journey? [07:16]
2. How can you actively participate in your church community to provide support and comfort to others, especially during their times of trial? [49:37]
3. Jesus' empathy through suffering is a key takeaway from the sermon. How does knowing that Jesus understands your pain change the way you approach your own struggles? [39:01]
4. John’s immediate obedience to Jesus’ command to care for Mary is a powerful example of faith in action. What are some ways you can demonstrate your faith through acts of obedience in your daily life? [59:34]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of community in spiritual growth. What steps can you take to build or strengthen your own support system within your church or community? [49:33]
6. Reflect on the concept of the hypostatic union (Jesus being both fully God and fully man). How does this theological understanding help you relate to Jesus on a personal level? [38:00]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to reflect on our relationships and communities. Identify one relationship or community you are part of that needs strengthening. What specific actions can you take this week to foster growth and support in that area? [49:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Witnessing Faith's Transformative Power
The act of baptism is a profound public declaration of faith, serving as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Jesus. When individuals like Josephine, Evangeline, and Jonathan step forward to be baptized, they are not only solidifying their personal commitment to Christ but also inspiring the entire community. This public affirmation is a reminder of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, encouraging each of us to reflect on our spiritual journey and the steps we are taking toward deeper faithfulness. Witnessing these acts of faith can rekindle our own commitment and challenge us to live out our beliefs more fully. [07:16]

Acts 19:4-5, "Paul said, 'John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.' On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Reflection: Who in your community has inspired you by their faith journey, and how can you support others in their spiritual growth?

Day 2: The Crucial Role of Community in Suffering
Mary's presence at the cross, supported by John, underscores the vital role of community during times of suffering. This narrative teaches us that our spiritual and emotional support systems are crucial, not only in being present but in actively participating in each other's lives. The church is called to be a sanctuary where members feel genuinely supported and safe—a place where burdens are shared and collective strength is found. As believers, we are encouraged to foster such communities, ensuring that no one has to endure trials alone. This act of shared faith and support is a testament to the strength of communal bonds in Christ. [49:37]

Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in strengthening your community's support system this week?

Day 3: Empathy Through Divine Suffering
Jesus' dual nature as fully divine and fully human allowed Him to experience and fully understand human suffering. This profound theological truth assures us that Jesus empathizes with our pains and struggles. Knowing that our Savior has endured similar hardships and carries our burdens should bring immense comfort and encouragement. As we face our own trials, we can take solace in the fact that Jesus is not a distant deity but a compassionate savior who is intimately acquainted with our struggles. This empathy is central to our faith and our understanding of God's love. [39:01]

Hebrews 4:15, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."

Reflection: In what ways can you draw comfort from knowing that Jesus understands your personal struggles?

Day 4: Obedience and Belief Manifested
John's immediate acceptance of Jesus' command to care for Mary at the cross is a powerful example of obedience and belief in action. This was not merely a fulfillment of duty but a profound demonstration of his trust and love for Jesus. For us, it serves as a reminder that true faith is often demonstrated through our actions and decisions, especially when they are made in difficult circumstances. By choosing to obey, we express our trust in God's plan and our commitment to follow His commands, no matter the cost. [59:34]

James 2:22, "You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works."

Reflection: What is one act of obedience God is calling you to take today, and how can you demonstrate your trust in Him through this action?

Day 5: The Transformative Power of the Cross
The crucifixion, a moment of immense suffering, also represents a pivotal event for theological and personal transformation. This event challenges us to find meaning in our suffering and to see how such moments can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's love. As we reflect on the cross, we are invited to consider how our own moments of pain can be transformative, not just for ourselves but also for those around us. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but also a beacon of hope and renewal. [45:36]

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."

Reflection: How can your current struggles or pains be viewed as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "No matter where you are in dealing with whatever is in front of you as a mom or as an individual, you can't do it in isolation. Mary, the gospel writers tell us, is surrounded by some people. Jesus is surrounded by evildoers, and she's surrounded by a mixture of family and friends. So what I say to you is, you cannot or it's not a good idea to go through this life without some sort of community. It is a healing balm at times, people who can just walk with you from really hard circumstances. Lean into that, really lean into that, because that's what you see happening with Mary." [48:10]( | | )

2. "When we look at Christ, Jesus' love for us is ultimately seen at the foot of the cross. Today, as you're thinking about this question, 'Does God love me? Can He love me?'—big question, a lot of people really struggle with that. Look at Jesus' words here. When Jesus saw his mother, you think about Jesus like that, while he was securing our salvation, he saw his mom. He saw her for who she really is, like only the God-man can. And when he sees her, he speaks and says, 'Woman, behold your son.' His words are so powerful." [51:38]( | | )

3. "Community is hard to really get because you can get hurt, but it is so necessary. And so she comes up and she's with this community, and this is why it's so important for community in this passage. Don't miss it, that she was surrounded by people, family, and friends. You can always be with family, and sometimes it's hard to find friends, but there is a mixture of understanding community." [50:08]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Jesus' love is ultimately seen at the foot of the cross. His words are so powerful. Remember Mary, Luke chapter 2, between the ages of 14 and 16, we talk about the birth narrative especially at Christmas. The gospels here, as we look at a very poignant moment of Jesus on the cross as he interacts with his mom." [52:41]( | | )

2. "Jesus, in keeping with the law—Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:6—honor your father and your mother. His brothers are not there; we don't know if they will honor her at any time. They are not there with their presence. And though he is on the cross in intense pain, he entrusts her to John. What Jesus is saying and doing is something that is financial, it's actually judicial, it's actually abiding by the law." [55:16]( | | )

3. "The dual nature of Jesus as both divine and human allowed Him to fully experience human suffering, thereby enabling Him to empathize with us in our struggles. This theological insight should comfort us, knowing that our Savior understands our pain and is with us in every challenge we face." [39:01]( | | )

4. "Obedience and belief are very, very hand in hand. And so John was the only disciple that was there. Now, how did he get there? Well, he knew someone on the council to get close. We see this in the chapters before. He actually saw part of Jesus' trial. And here he is, and it takes a lot of courage to get that close to the cross, because he could have been on one as well. And obedience does take courage, and you have John standing there." [59:34]( | | )

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