Mothering, Resurrection, and Building God's Kingdom Together
Summary
Today, we gathered on a day that is both beautiful and complicated: Mother’s Day. For many, it’s a time of joy and gratitude, but for others, it’s a day that brings up pain, longing, or even loss. We acknowledged the complexity of this day, recognizing that not everyone’s experience of motherhood or being mothered is simple or celebratory. We also remembered the radical origins of Mother’s Day—not as a consumer holiday, but as a movement for peace and justice, led by women who called for an end to war and for the nurturing of communities. This is a reminder that the work of “mothering” is not limited by gender or biology, but is a holy, communal calling to nurture, protect, and build peace in the world.
Turning to the book of James, we explored what it means to live as a resurrection people—those who believe that Jesus’ rising from the dead changes everything. If resurrection is real, then our lives, our communities, and our systems must be transformed. James challenges us to recognize how quickly the patterns of empire—hierarchy, favoritism, and oppression—creep into our communities, even as we try to follow Jesus. We cannot simply be “against” the world’s systems; we must actively build something new, embodying the kingdom of God in our midst.
James calls out the ways we show partiality, favoring the wealthy and powerful while neglecting or dishonoring the poor. This is not just a social faux pas; it is a betrayal of the glory of God in each person. The law of the kingdom is clear: love your neighbor as yourself. When we judge others’ worthiness based on status or appearance, we are recreating the very systems of empire that Jesus came to overturn. The legal and religious systems of the world often side with the powerful, but God consistently chooses the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed as the true inheritors of the kingdom.
James’ prophetic words are sharp: the accumulation of wealth at the expense of others corrodes the soul and stands as evidence against us. Yet, even in the face of these hard truths, God gives more grace. We are invited, again and again, to turn from the ways of empire, to resist the logic of domination and greed, and to draw near to God. The work is urgent, but God’s grace is abundant. Our identity as God’s beloved is deeper than any propaganda of empire. Let us remember who we are, build the kingdom together, and trust that resurrection life is possible for us and for our world.
Key Takeaways
- Mothering as a Communal, Radical Calling
Mothering is not confined to biological or gendered roles; it is a radical, communal act of nurturing, protecting, and building peace. The original spirit of Mother’s Day was rooted in activism and justice, reminding us that we are all called to participate in the work of mothering—caring for one another and resisting systems that harm. This calling is holy, liberatory, and open to all, regardless of our personal stories or identities. [27:51]
- Resurrection Demands Transformation, Not Just Opposition
Belief in the resurrection of Jesus is not a passive affirmation but a call to active transformation. We cannot simply reject the world’s systems of oppression; we must intentionally build new ways of living that reflect the kingdom of God. If we do not fill the void left by empire with the practices of the kingdom, the old patterns will return, often stronger than before. [37:07]
- Partiality and Hierarchy Betray the Glory of God
When we show favoritism—valuing people for their wealth, status, or appearance—we betray the image of God in each person. Such partiality is not just impolite; it is a spiritual failure that recreates the logic of empire within the community of faith. The law of the kingdom calls us to radical equality and kinship, refusing to judge anyone’s worthiness of love or belonging. [44:16]
- Solidarity with the Oppressed is Spiritual Work
God consistently sides with the poor, the marginalized, and those whose voices are silenced by the world’s systems. True spiritual discernment requires solidarity with those who are oppressed, and betrayal of that solidarity is a betrayal of the gospel itself. The testimony of the poor and the marginalized is often where God’s truth is most clearly revealed, even when the world refuses to listen. [44:16]
- God’s Grace is Abundant, and Repentance is Always Possible
Even as we confront the ways we have participated in or benefited from systems of domination, God’s grace is greater still. Repentance—turning away from empire and toward God—is a continual process, and God is always ready to welcome us back. Our truest identity is found in God’s love, and the invitation to resurrection life is always open, no matter how many times we have forgotten or failed. [41:34]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[27:51] - The Complicated Reality of Mother’s Day
[29:35] - The Radical Origins of Mother’s Day
[31:36] - Mothering as Communal and Holy Work
[33:38] - God as Mother and the Call to Peace
[35:10] - Resurrection and the Challenge to Community
[37:07] - Building the Kingdom, Not Replicating Empire
[38:46] - Discipleship: Empire vs. Kingdom
[39:23] - The Law of Love and Radical Accountability
[40:53] - James as Prophet: Calling Out Empire Within
[42:59] - Partiality and the Betrayal of God’s Glory
[44:16] - Solidarity, Law, and the Testimony of the Oppressed
[01:37:44] - Announcements and Community Life
[01:41:00] - Blessing and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
James 2:1-9 (NRSV)
> My brothers and sisters and siblings, do not claim the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory while showing partiality. For if a person with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters and siblings. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
James 5:1-6 (NRSV)
> Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure during the last days. Listen! The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you.
Matthew 6:19-21, 24 (NRSV)
> Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also... No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
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### Observation Questions
1. In James 2:1-9, what specific behaviors does James call out as evidence of partiality or favoritism within the church community?
2. According to the sermon, what was the original purpose of Mother’s Day, and how does it differ from how it is often celebrated today? [[29:35]]
3. In James 5:1-6, what are the consequences described for those who accumulate wealth at the expense of others?
4. How does the sermon describe the way “empire” and its patterns can creep into faith communities, even when people are trying to follow Jesus? [[35:10]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James see favoritism toward the wealthy as a betrayal of the glory of God in each person? How does this connect to the idea of “the law of the kingdom”? [[42:59]]
2. The sermon says that “mothering” is a communal, radical calling not limited by gender or biology. What does it mean for a church community to embrace this kind of mothering? [[33:38]]
3. According to the sermon, what is the danger of only being “against” the world’s systems without actively building something new? [[37:07]]
4. How does the sermon connect the idea of solidarity with the oppressed to spiritual discernment and faithfulness to the gospel? [[44:16]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to notice where “empire” (hierarchy, favoritism, oppression) has crept into our own hearts, families, or church. Where do you see these patterns in your own life or community? What is one small way you could resist them this week? [[35:10]]
2. Think about a time when you or someone you know was treated differently because of status, appearance, or wealth. How did it feel? How might you respond differently now, in light of James’ teaching? [[42:59]]
3. The original spirit of Mother’s Day was rooted in activism and justice. Is there a way you can honor that legacy by nurturing or protecting someone in your community this week? What would that look like for you? [[29:35]]
4. The sermon says, “If we don’t fill the void left by empire with the practices of the kingdom, the old patterns will return, often stronger than before.” What are some specific “kingdom practices” you could build into your daily or communal life? [[37:07]]
5. James warns that the accumulation of wealth at the expense of others “corrodes the soul.” Are there ways you participate in or benefit from unjust systems? What is one step you could take toward greater justice or generosity? [[41:34]]
6. The sermon reminds us that “God gives more grace” and that repentance is always possible. Is there an area where you need to turn away from the logic of domination or greed and draw near to God? What would repentance look like for you this week? [[41:34]]
7. The law of the kingdom is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Who is a neighbor you might be overlooking or judging? How can you move toward radical equality and kinship with them? [[44:16]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for eyes to see the image of God in every person, courage to resist the patterns of empire, and grace to build the kingdom together in practical ways.
Devotional
Day 1: Rejecting Partiality and Embracing the Image of God in All
Favoritism and partiality are incompatible with the glory of God, for every person bears the divine image and is beloved regardless of status or appearance. When we judge others by wealth, status, or outward appearance, we betray the heart of the kingdom and recreate the very systems of empire that Jesus came to overturn. God treasures those whom the world discards, and calls us to see beyond the surface, to honor the dignity and worth of every person, especially those who have been marginalized or deemed unworthy by society. To love our neighbor as ourselves is not a soft command, but a radical call to accountability and solidarity, refusing to let hierarchy or exclusion take root in our community. [44:16]
James 2:1-9 (ESV)
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Reflection: Who in your life or community have you overlooked or dismissed because of their status or appearance, and how can you intentionally honor their dignity and worth today?
Day 2: The Danger of Hoarding and the Call to Justice
Accumulating wealth at the expense of others corrodes the soul and distances us from the heart of God, who hears the cries of the exploited and stands with the oppressed. The pursuit of luxury and comfort while others suffer is not only a personal failing but a spiritual crisis that testifies against us, revealing our complicity in systems of injustice. God’s justice is not neutral; it sides with those whose labor has been stolen and whose voices have been silenced. The call is to open our hands, to practice generosity, and to recognize that true treasure is found in solidarity, not in hoarding. [46:10]
James 5:1-6 (ESV)
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Reflection: In what ways are you benefiting from systems that exploit others, and how can you practice justice and generosity with your resources today?
Day 3: God’s Grace and the Power of Repentance
No matter how deeply the ways of empire have taken root in us or our communities, God’s grace is always greater, inviting us to turn again and again toward the way of Jesus. Humility is not self-erasure but a recognition of our place among our kin, refusing to stand above or below anyone. The call to resist the devil is a call to resist domination, greed, and death, and to draw near to God, who draws near to us with limitless mercy. Repentance is not a one-time act but a continual turning, empowered by the assurance that God’s image and the blueprint of the kingdom are imprinted on our very being. [50:10]
James 4:6-8 (ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Reflection: Where do you sense the need to turn away from pride or complicity with injustice, and how can you draw near to God in humility and hope today?
Day 4: The Radical Call to Communal Mothering
Mothering is not limited by gender or family status; it is a radical, communal, and liberatory calling to nurture, protect, and labor for the flourishing of others and the world. The original spirit of Mother’s Day was a movement for peace, justice, and collective care, challenging the violence and consumerism of empire. We are all invited into the work of mothering—caring for one another, advocating for justice, and building communities where all are seen and valued. This holy calling reflects the very heart of God, who mothers creation with gentleness, strength, and fierce love. [33:38]
Isaiah 66:13 (ESV)
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
Reflection: Who in your life or community needs nurturing, protection, or advocacy today, and how can you step into the radical work of mothering in their life?
Day 5: Building the Kingdom Through Counter-Formation
We are always being formed—by the world, by empire, or by the teachings of Jesus—and the call is to intentionally choose the way of the kingdom, resisting the pull of domination and exclusion. Discipleship is not passive; it is a daily, communal practice of embodying love, justice, and humility, building something new rather than replicating the systems around us. The law of the kingdom—love God, love neighbor, love self—requires constant reflection, accountability, and the courage to be called in and transformed. In this, we remember our true identity and participate in resurrection life, making space for new creation where there was once only death and domination. [39:23]
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: What is one concrete way you can resist the formation of empire in your life and intentionally practice the way of Jesus in your relationships and community today?
Quotes
You are building something with your life. So be very clear about what you choose to build. Because if you're not paying attention, you will simply recreate the systems that are around you. We're building something whether we mean to or not. So let us build resurrection. Let us build the kingdom in our community here. Not a replica of Rome. Or a replica of the United States around us. [00:38:19] (33 seconds)
If resurrection is real, then what? And again, I've mentioned this every Sunday that we've talked about this, that resurrection feels like it's just sort of part of the narrative of Easter, and we kind of take it for granted. But, like, I just want you to consider, what if resurrection is real? What if Jesus actually rose? What if empire doesn't win? That can and does and should change everything. [00:35:40] (25 seconds)
The law of love is not an escape from accountability it is actually the deepest form of accountability love your god with all your heart your soul your strength your mind and love your neighbor as yourself this is the promise of the kingdom and it's also the challenge of the kingdom and so in this section james says we're not pulling it off this is to the thing to which we need to be accountable in our community we need to be reminded. [01:00:45] (32 seconds)
The kingdom is not easy and imperial propaganda is so loud but our identity in god is first and final so let us draw near to god let us remember who we are let us believe in the resurrection and bring new kingdom life let us make life where there was once only death and domination and may we too rise with jesus in the faith that resurrection is possible. [01:19:09] (27 seconds)
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