Seeing Christ in the Least Among Us
Summary
The sermon explores the theme of recognizing Jesus in the least of society and the importance of caring for others as a form of serving Christ. The speaker shares a personal experience from their 40th class reunion, where they organized a remembrance for deceased classmates, reflecting on the inclusivity of people from different faiths. The Gospel reading from Matthew is discussed, focusing on the separation of sheep and goats and the message that Jesus is present in the least victorious people. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is not only in heavenly places but also in the faces of those around us.
The speaker also touches on the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, highlighting the significance of forgiveness and deliverance from evil. The congregation is invited to partake in the gifts of God and experience His goodness, followed by the calling of communion assistants.
Reflecting on Jesus' ascension, the speaker reassures that Jesus is still present with us in our suffering. The parables, including the one about the sheep and goats, are often misinterpreted to instill fear, but Jesus teaches us to see one another as His promised presence. The cross is identified as the key missing piece between judgment and the heavenly places, with Jesus embodying love, vulnerability, nonviolence, and self-sacrifice.
The Gospel passage from Matthew 25:31-46 is introduced, where Jesus speaks about the coming of the Son of Man and the separation of people based on their acts of kindness. The sermon underscores the importance of caring for others as caring for Jesus himself.
The congregation is led in a prayer for various groups of people, including those who hunger, are isolated, or experience rejection or abuse. The speaker praises faithful witnesses who have served God and extended His welcome and love to others. The Lord's Prayer is recited, and a prayer of thanksgiving for God's generosity is offered.
The significance of Christ the King Sunday is explained, marking the end of the church year and focusing on judgment and the exalted Jesus. The origins of the holy day are traced back to Pope Pius XI, who introduced it in response to societal issues. The readings for this day emphasize the hope and glorious inheritance found in Jesus.
Lastly, the sermon expresses gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His blessings and provisions. The congregation is encouraged to rise and confess their beliefs, affirming their faith in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Prayers are offered for the church, the world, and those in need, emphasizing gratitude, faith, and a call to action in serving others.
Key Takeaways:
- The presence of Jesus is not confined to the spiritual realm but is also found in the acts of kindness towards the marginalized, such as the hungry, thirsty, strangers, the naked, sick, and imprisoned. This challenges believers to see the face of Christ in those who are often overlooked or neglected in society. [22:02]
- Forgiveness and deliverance from evil are central themes in the Lord's Prayer, which acknowledges God's kingdom, power, and glory. These concepts are integral to the Christian faith and underscore the transformative power of God's grace in the believer's life. [0:00]
- The parable of the sheep and goats is not meant to instill fear but to encourage seeing each other as the embodiment of Jesus' presence. This perspective fosters a sense of responsibility and care for one another, reflecting the love and vulnerability that Jesus demonstrated through His life and sacrifice on the cross. [24:28]
- Christ the King Sunday serves as a reminder of the lordship of Jesus and stands as a bulwark against forces that defy God's hope. It is a call to remember the sovereignty of Christ over all aspects of life and to find hope and inheritance in Him, especially amidst societal challenges. [15:10]
- Expressing gratitude to God for His provisions and engaging in acts of service are not only acts of worship but also affirmations of faith. By rising to confess beliefs and praying for the church and the world, believers demonstrate their commitment to living out the teachings of Christ and serving others in His name. [29:16]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 25:31-46
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific acts of kindness does Jesus mention in Matthew 25:35-36?
2. How do both the sheep and the goats respond to Jesus' statements about their actions? ([13:21])
3. What is the significance of Christ the King Sunday as explained in the sermon? ([15:10])
4. How does the speaker describe Jesus' presence in the least of society? ([21:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to see Jesus in the faces of those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned? ([21:13])
2. How does the parable of the sheep and goats challenge common perceptions of judgment and salvation? ([22:47])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' ascension does not mean His absence from our lives? ([22:02])
4. How does the concept of Christ the King Sunday serve as a reminder of Jesus' sovereignty in the face of societal challenges? ([15:10])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you encountered someone in need. How did you respond, and how might you see that person as embodying Jesus' presence in the future? ([21:13])
2. The sermon emphasizes forgiveness and deliverance from evil as central themes in the Lord's Prayer. How can you practice forgiveness in a current relationship or situation? ([34:38])
3. How can you actively seek to serve those who are marginalized in your community, seeing them as Jesus in disguise? ([21:13])
4. The speaker mentions the importance of inclusivity and welcoming people of different faiths. How can you create a more inclusive environment in your church or community? ([19:02])
5. Christ the King Sunday is a call to remember Jesus' lordship over all aspects of life. How can you acknowledge and submit to Jesus' sovereignty in a specific area of your life this week? ([15:10])
6. The sermon talks about expressing gratitude to God for His provisions. What are some specific ways you can show gratitude in your daily life? ([33:02])
7. How can you embody the love, vulnerability, nonviolence, and self-sacrifice of Jesus in your interactions with others? ([24:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Christ in the Marginalized
Jesus is vividly present in acts of kindness toward society's overlooked, challenging us to see His face in every person we encounter. Recognizing Christ in the hungry, thirsty, strangers, the naked, sick, and imprisoned transforms our interactions into opportunities for ministry and service. [22:02]
Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Reflection: Who are the 'least of these' in your community, and how can you actively show them Christ's love today?
Day 2: The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness and deliverance from evil are transformative, acknowledging God's kingdom and inviting His power and glory into our lives. Embracing these themes from the Lord's Prayer can lead to profound spiritual renewal and freedom. [0:00]
Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive, and how can you take steps towards reconciliation today?
Day 3: Seeing Jesus in Each Other
The parable of the sheep and goats calls us to recognize Jesus in one another, fostering responsibility and care that reflect His love and vulnerability. This perspective is not about fear but about embodying Christ's presence in our relationships. [24:28]
1 John 4:12 - "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
Reflection: How can you practice seeing Jesus in the people you interact with daily, especially those who challenge you?
Day 4: Sovereignty and Hope in Christ
Christ the King Sunday reminds us of Jesus' lordship and the hope we have in Him, standing firm against forces that defy God's reign. It calls us to remember His sovereignty in all life aspects amidst societal challenges. [15:10]
Ephesians 1:18-19 - "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and honor Christ's sovereignty in your personal life and community?
Day 5: Gratitude and Service as Worship
Expressing gratitude to God and engaging in service are acts of worship and faith affirmations. By living out Christ's teachings and serving others, we demonstrate our commitment to His path. [29:16]
James 2:17-18 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
Reflection: What is one act of service you can commit to this week as a tangible expression of your faith and gratitude to God?
Quotes
"Jesus looks out through the eyes of the least Victorious People you can possibly think of; Jesus is fully present, fully incarnate, real, embodied in people who are hungry and thirsty and strange and naked and sick and imprisoned." [21:13] (Download)
"Jesus is also in the faces of those all around us, fully at work in the world; well Jesus ascended into heaven and Jesus never left us." [22:02] (Download)
"Seeing one another not as means to an end to lock in salvation but rather seeing people as an end unto themselves as the promised presence of Jesus right there in front of us." [22:47] (Download)
"Jesus the Christ who was vulnerable, nonviolent, and self-sacrificing on the cross, resurrected into Christ the King who judges not in retribution, but judges as the light, the life of all people." [24:28] (Download)
"The readings we have before us today for Christ the King bring our attention toward judgment and Jesus in distant Heavens, a shiny Jesus of exaltation and ultimate hope, a Jesus post crucifixion and post Resurrection, a Jesus standing strong in the face of all the forces that would defy God's hope of a life that was light for all people." [17:26] (Download)
"The table is set, come taste and see that the Lord is good." [49:33] (Download)
"These are the gifts of God for all of God's people." [49:33] (Download)
"In the just reward of labor, God's will is done; in the help we give our neighbor, God's will is done; in our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing, in the harvests we are sharing, God's will be done." [27:32] (Download)
"For the harvest of the Spirit, thanks be to God. For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God. For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us, the most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God." [27:32] (Download)
"Holy God, in Christ we are welcomed home. We praise for the faithful witness of those who have served you and extend your welcome and love to us. Unite us with them as one body of Christ." [31:30] (Download)
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