20251116_SA_Transcript.pdf

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon explored Jesus as the embodiment of truth—not just as the opposite of lies, but as the pure, unconcealed reality of God’s heart. We reflected on how our own hearts are shaped by culture, self-interest, and blind spots, often selling us versions of truth that are comfortable or convenient. Through three gospel stories—Peter’s collision with a suffering Messiah, the woman caught in adultery, and the rich young ruler—we saw how people “bump into” the truth of Jesus and are faced with a choice: to walk away unchanged or to let that truth realign us. The challenge is to let Jesus confront our assumptions, comfort, and ideologies, and to seek alignment with Him, not just a version of Him that fits our preferences. The invitation is to continually open ourselves to the real Jesus, allowing His truth to set us free.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Truth Is More Than Honesty—It’s Unconcealed Reality Jesus doesn’t just tell the truth; He is the truth. The Greek word *alētheia* means “completely unconcealed,” and Jesus embodies this pure, unfiltered reality. Unlike us, He has no agenda, no need for approval, and isn’t shaped by culture or politics. Encountering Jesus means coming face-to-face with the deepest reality of God’s heart, which often unsettles our assumptions and calls us to deeper transformation.
• 2. Our Hearts Are Expert Salespeople—And Often Deceive Us We are all shaped by imperfect families, cultures, and personal desires, and our hearts are skilled at selling us ideas that protect our comfort or self-image. The Bible warns that the heart is deceitful above all things, and history shows how even well-meaning Christians have justified injustice by twisting Scripture to fit cultural norms. True discipleship requires humility—a willingness to let Jesus expose our blind spots and realign us, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• 3. Jesus’ Truth Always Comes With Love—Never as a Weapon In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus refuses to let Scripture be weaponized for self-righteousness or control. He confronts both the accusers and the accused with truth, but always with love and the offer of freedom. Knowing the Bible is vital, but it must be paired with the Spirit’s guidance and a posture of mercy. We are called to resist the temptation to use truth as a tool for exclusion, and instead let it draw us and others into deeper relationship with God.
• 4. Every Encounter With Jesus’ Truth Demands a Response Whether we’re like Peter, the Pharisees, the woman in shame, or the rich young ruler, bumping into Jesus’ truth always presents a choice. Will we walk away unchanged, or will we wrestle with what He reveals and let it reshape us? Sometimes the cost of alignment feels high—letting go of control, comfort, or cherished ideologies—but the freedom and life that come from following Jesus are always greater.
• 5. The Real Jesus Will Not Be Packaged or Politicised In a world of spin and curated truths, it’s easy to follow a version of Jesus who fits our politics, preferences, or lifestyle. But the real Jesus will both love us and undo us, challenging our blind spots and calling us to a kingdom that is upside down from the world’s ways. The invitation is to immerse ourselves in His story, let Him confront us, and allow His truth—not our version of it—to set us free.

1. In John 14:6, what does Jesus claim about Himself, and how is this different from simply telling the truth?
2. In the story of Peter (Matthew 16), what was Peter expecting Jesus to do as Messiah, and how did Jesus’ truth challenge Peter’s expectations?
3. When the woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus (John 8), how do the religious leaders use Scripture, and how does Jesus respond?
4. What is the rich young ruler’s main concern when he comes to Jesus (Matthew 19), and what does Jesus ask him to do?

1. The sermon described Jesus as “unconcealed reality”—not shaped by culture or self-interest. What does it mean for Jesus to be the truth in this way, and how does that challenge the way people usually think about truth?
2. The preacher said our hearts are “expert salespeople” that can deceive us. How does this idea show up in the stories of Peter, the Pharisees, or the rich young ruler?
3. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus refuses to let truth be used as a weapon. What does this teach about the relationship between truth and love in following Jesus?
4. Each person who “bumps into” Jesus’ truth has to make a choice. What are some of the costs or challenges that come with letting Jesus realign our lives, according to the sermon?

1. The sermon said we often follow a version of Jesus that fits our preferences, politics, or comfort. Can you think of a time when you realized you were following a “packaged” version of Jesus instead of the real Jesus? What helped you see the difference?
2. The preacher talked about blind spots—areas where we don’t realize we’re out of alignment with Jesus. What is one area in your life where you suspect you might have a blind spot? How could you invite Jesus to reveal it?
3. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus combines truth and mercy. Is there someone in your life you tend to judge or exclude? What would it look like to respond to them with both truth and love?
4. The rich young ruler walked away sad because he couldn’t let go of his comfort and control. Is there something you’re holding onto that might be blocking you from deeper freedom with Jesus? What would it look like to loosen your grip on it?
5. The sermon challenged us to let Jesus confront our assumptions and ideologies. What is one belief or habit you have that you’re willing to let Jesus question or reshape this week?
6. The preacher shared about praying, “Jesus, I will go anywhere you want me to go,” even when it was hard. Is there a prayer or step of obedience you’ve been avoiding because it feels costly? What would it take to say yes to Jesus in that area?
7. The message warned against using Scripture as a weapon. Have you ever used the Bible to win an argument or prove a point, rather than to love someone? How can you approach Scripture differently in your relationships this week?