Reflecting on Love, Sacrifice, and Our Relationship with Christ
Summary
In this time of reflection during the Easter season, we are called to deeply consider the value we place on Jesus Christ in our lives. This period is not just about celebrating the cross and the resurrection, but about assessing our personal relationship with Jesus and the significance we attach to His sacrifice. The cross represents the cancellation of our debts, a profound act of love that we could never repay. It is a reminder that our sins were forgiven, and we are called to live in the light of this truth.
Reflecting on the actions of those around Jesus during His crucifixion, we learn valuable lessons. The chief priests, driven by envy, sought to crucify Jesus despite His innocence. Their actions warn us of the destructive power of envy and the importance of guarding our hearts against it. In contrast, the woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil demonstrated profound love and devotion. Her act of worship was misunderstood by others, yet it was deeply valued by Jesus. This teaches us that true love often requires sacrifice and that our acts of devotion, though misunderstood by others, are precious in the eyes of God.
We are encouraged to give our best to God, not out of convenience, but as a reflection of our love and gratitude. This includes our time, resources, and talents. The woman’s costly gift to Jesus exemplifies the kind of sacrificial love we are called to emulate. Love has a cost, but it is always worth it. Our acts of love and worship are never wasted, even if they are not immediately recognized or appreciated by those around us.
In this season, let us seize the moments to do good, to show love, and to honor God. Opportunities to express love and kindness can pass quickly, and we must be vigilant to act when the chance arises. Let us not be quick to judge others, as the disciples did with the woman, but instead seek to understand the heart behind the actions. Finally, let us prioritize presence over performance, valuing our relationship with God above all else.
Key Takeaways:
- The Value of the Cross: The cross signifies the cancellation of our debts and the forgiveness of our sins. It is a reminder of the immense value Jesus placed on us, which calls us to reflect on the value we place on Him in our daily lives. [27:06]
- Guard Against Envy: The chief priests’ envy led them to seek Jesus’ crucifixion. Envy can lead to destructive actions and must be guarded against. We are reminded to celebrate others’ successes and not let envy take root in our hearts. [40:13]
- Sacrificial Love: The woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil exemplifies sacrificial love. True love often requires giving our best, even when it is costly. Our acts of love and worship, though misunderstood by others, are precious to God. [49:49]
- Seize the Moment: Opportunities to do good and show love can pass quickly. We must be vigilant to act when the chance arises, as these moments may not come again. Our acts of kindness and love are never wasted. [01:04:27]
- Presence Over Performance: While helping others is important, we must prioritize our relationship with God. Spiritual intimacy and moments of worship should not be neglected in our pursuit of productivity. [01:11:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Reflection
- [03:15] - The Value of Jesus
- [06:45] - The Cross and Our Debts
- [10:20] - Understanding True Love
- [14:00] - The Chief Priests’ Envy
- [18:30] - The Woman’s Sacrificial Love
- [22:50] - Misunderstood Acts of Worship
- [27:06] - The Power of Envy
- [31:40] - Giving Our Best to God
- [36:15] - Seizing Opportunities to Do Good
- [40:13] - Lessons from the Chief Priests
- [45:00] - The Accusation Against Jesus
- [49:49] - The Woman’s Act of Worship
- [54:33] - The Cost of Love
- [58:26] - Offering Our Best
- [01:01:16] - Worship Beyond Words
- [01:04:27] - Acting in the Moment
- [01:07:36] - Avoiding Quick Judgments
- [01:11:38] - Presence Over Performance
- [01:22:37] - Closing Reflections
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 2:14
2. 1 John 3:16
3. Matthew 26:6-13
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 2:14, what was canceled at the cross, and how does this relate to the concept of debt? [27:06]
2. In 1 John 3:16, how is the depth of Jesus' love demonstrated, and what does this imply about the nature of true love? [46:21]
3. What was the reaction of the disciples to the woman's act of anointing Jesus with costly oil, and how did Jesus respond to their reaction? [49:49]
4. What was the chief priests' motivation for wanting Jesus crucified, according to Mark 15:10, and how does this reflect on the nature of envy? [40:13]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the cancellation of our debts in Colossians 2:14 influence the way we perceive our relationship with Jesus? [27:06]
2. In what ways does the sacrificial love described in 1 John 3:16 challenge our understanding of love in our personal relationships? [46:21]
3. How does the woman's act of anointing Jesus with costly oil in Matthew 26:6-13 serve as a model for sacrificial love and devotion? [49:49]
4. What lessons can be learned from the chief priests' envy and their actions towards Jesus, and how can we guard against similar feelings in our own lives? [40:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the value you place on Jesus in your daily life. Are there specific areas where you feel you could prioritize your relationship with Him more? [27:06]
2. Envy can lead to destructive actions, as seen with the chief priests. Can you identify a situation in your life where envy has affected your actions or thoughts? How can you address this? [40:13]
3. The woman gave her best to Jesus despite being misunderstood. Is there a way you can offer your best to God this week, even if others might not understand your actions? [49:49]
4. Opportunities to do good can pass quickly. Can you think of a recent opportunity to show love or kindness that you missed? How can you be more vigilant in seizing such moments in the future? [01:04:27]
5. The sermon emphasized presence over performance. How can you ensure that your spiritual practices prioritize intimacy with God rather than just productivity? [01:11:38]
6. Consider a time when you were quick to judge someone without understanding their intentions. How can you practice more empathy and understanding in your interactions with others? [01:07:36]
7. True love often requires sacrifice. Identify a relationship in your life where you can demonstrate sacrificial love this week. What specific action will you take? [46:21]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cross as a Symbol of Forgiveness
The cross is not merely a symbol of suffering but a profound representation of forgiveness and love. It signifies the cancellation of our debts and the forgiveness of our sins, a gift that we could never earn or repay. This act of love calls us to reflect on the value we place on Jesus in our daily lives. By understanding the depth of His sacrifice, we are invited to live in the light of this truth, allowing it to transform our hearts and actions. The cross challenges us to consider how we can embody this forgiveness and love in our interactions with others. [27:06]
Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."
Reflection: How can you actively reflect the forgiveness and love of the cross in your relationships today?
Day 2: Guarding the Heart Against Envy
Envy is a destructive force that can lead to harmful actions, as seen in the actions of the chief priests who sought Jesus' crucifixion. It is crucial to guard our hearts against envy, which can take root and grow if left unchecked. Instead, we are encouraged to celebrate the successes of others and cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment. By doing so, we align ourselves with a spirit of love and generosity, rather than one of comparison and resentment. [40:13]
Proverbs 14:30 (ESV): "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot."
Reflection: Is there someone whose success you find difficult to celebrate? How can you shift your perspective to one of gratitude and support for them today?
Day 3: The Cost of True Love
True love often requires sacrifice, as demonstrated by the woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil. Her act of worship, though misunderstood by others, was deeply valued by Jesus. This teaches us that our acts of love and devotion, even when costly or misunderstood, are precious in the eyes of God. We are called to give our best to God, not out of convenience, but as a reflection of our love and gratitude. Love has a cost, but it is always worth it. [49:49]
2 Samuel 24:24 (ESV): "But the king said to Araunah, 'No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.' So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."
Reflection: What is one way you can offer a costly act of love or worship to God this week, even if it is misunderstood by others?
Day 4: Seizing Opportunities to Do Good
Opportunities to do good and show love can pass quickly, and we must be vigilant to act when the chance arises. These moments may not come again, and our acts of kindness and love are never wasted. By being attentive to the needs around us, we can seize these opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Let us be proactive in our love and service, knowing that even small acts can have a significant impact. [01:04:27]
Galatians 6:10 (ESV): "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: What is one opportunity to do good that you can seize today, and how can you ensure you don't miss it?
Day 5: Prioritizing Presence Over Performance
While helping others is important, we must prioritize our relationship with God. Spiritual intimacy and moments of worship should not be neglected in our pursuit of productivity. By valuing presence over performance, we ensure that our actions are rooted in a deep connection with God, rather than a desire for recognition or achievement. This focus on presence allows us to experience the fullness of God's love and grace in our lives. [01:11:38]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: How can you intentionally create space for stillness and presence with God in your daily routine, even amidst a busy schedule?
Quotes
The scripture is telling us that something is cancelled for us. A certificate of debt. Which means we owed God who created us, who formed us. There are things we have done against him and that, you know, puts us in the position of owing him something because of our sins. So it says, having cancelled out the certificate of debt consisting of legal demands which were in force because those debts were in force against us, which were hostile to us. So those things were hostile to us. Those things were against us. And this certificate he has set aside. Amen. My sins were taken over by Jesus. [00:36:43] (49 seconds)
That's what he decided to do. So he said that he willingly laid down his life for us because he loved us. Why? He loved us. So he did it by what? Because of what? Love. So if you love somebody, you do something to demonstrate the love or to show that you love. Love goes beyond just expression of words. Just saying I love you is not enough. You must do something sacrificially. Amen. You must do something what? Sacrificially to prove your love for one another. That's what the scripture is telling us. [00:39:08] (42 seconds)
Because when you read an account in Matthew 26 and then Mark 15, we are told that the chief priest brought Jesus to the palace of Pilate. And when Pilate was even trying to find out why do you people want this man to be crucified? Because at that time, Lord, there was it was a season where a prisoner had to be set free. And he asked them of all the prisoners, who do you want to be set free? And they said what? They couldn't say anything. All they said was that give us Barnabas and crucify Jesus. [00:40:29] (41 seconds)
Now that we find that in Mark chapter 15 verse 10, Mark 15 verse 10, when Pilate was confused, he now came to the point that he said what? He said for he knew, for Pilate knew that the chief priests have handed Jesus over because of what? Envy. Tell somebody envy. Envy can make people do all kinds of things. Praise God. So one of the people group of who we are learning from is the chief priest. Jesus did no wrong. He did not wrong. There was nothing bad that Jesus had done. [00:43:19] (42 seconds)
The king of the Jews. Now, another individual that I want us to reflect on and learn from was a woman. A woman who came to Jesus in Matthew chapter 26, verse 6 to 13. This woman came to Jesus, you know, and did something. And what did he do? Let's quickly read that. Matthew chapter 26, verse 6 to 13. It says, And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him. Tell somebody a woman came. Hallelujah. So, there were women in the life of Jesus who cared for Jesus. [00:47:21] (48 seconds)
To him, having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil. Very costly. So he did not go, you know, to a cheap market to get an oil. But he went to get a fragrant oil that was very expensive. So think of the most expensive perfume in our time. And this is what the woman went to get. Praise God. The most expensive. He knew that he was going to do something for Jesus. Or he wanted to give something to Jesus. But she did not want to just give anything to Jesus. She wanted something that would cost him. [00:48:24] (44 seconds)
She has done a good work for me. I pray that whatever we are doing for God, we will also receive the same commendation. That God will look down on us and say, she has done a good work for me. He has done a good work for me. Praise God. Whatever you are doing, do it from your heart. Do it, be sincere about it. And trust me, heaven recognizes it. Sometimes we do things, others may not give us the recognition. But heaven gives us recognition. God recognizes it. Whatever we do, whether in secret or in open, heaven bears record of whatever we are doing. [00:51:50] (41 seconds)
Give your best to God. Give your best time to God. Give your best money to God. Give your best resources to God. Give your best to God. And the best starts with giving your whole self. Amen. Give your whole self to Him. If you give your whole self to Him, it will not be hard to give Him other things that He blesses you with when the need arises. Because Abraham had given his whole self to God, it was, even though it was difficult, it was also easy for him to take Isaac to go and sacrifice when God requested for Isaac to be sacrificed. [00:56:31] (41 seconds)
Loving well often requires sacrifice. Time. Money. Comfort. But it's never wasted. Amen. If you do something for somebody you love, it is never wasted. Others may see it as waste. But it is never wasted. Praise God. God, that person will appreciate. That person will be reminded. Whatever you do for God. Trust me. It doesn't matter. Other people may seem to, you know, damn blame. Or not appreciate. But because you are doing for the Lord. And you are doing sincerely from your heart. And you are giving off your best. You will be rewarded. [01:00:13] (40 seconds)
Opportunities to show love, kindness, or honor can pass quickly. It can pass very quickly. Praise the Lord. So, if you want to do me good, I'm here. Please. Don't take the goodness away. Praise the Lord. Uncle Iman, I'm here. Don't postpone the goodness. Praise the Lord. Amen. Don't postpone it. Because, you know, there are times that we have to value the relationships we have. But the person that you see today, you talk to, you have fun with them, whatever, you might not see them tomorrow. Amen. You might not see them tomorrow. [01:04:27] (46 seconds)
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