Seeking Jesus: The Journey of Faith and Worship

 

Summary

Summary:

Today, we explored the profound symbolism of Jesus as the "Bread of Life" and the significance of the wise men's journey to worship Him. Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread," is a fitting birthplace for Jesus, who declared Himself the Bread of Life, offering spiritual nourishment and fulfillment to all who believe in Him. This truth invites us to feed on Jesus through faith, finding satisfaction and purpose in Him alone.

We also reflected on the story of the wise men, who embarked on a long journey, driven by a deep hunger for the divine. Their journey teaches us that faith is about seeking a destination worth the travel, a journey that is not always easy but is filled with purpose when we remember who awaits us at the end. The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing their recognition of Jesus' kingship, divinity, and future sacrifice. Their story challenges us to open our own treasure boxes, offering our hearts and lives to Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude.

In contrast, we see Herod, who was threatened by Jesus' birth, representing those who resist surrendering to God's authority. This resistance is a reminder of the spiritual battle that Christmas represents, an invasion of light into darkness. Yet, Jesus' coming is a call to surrender, to let go of our fears and embrace the peace He offers through His sacrifice.

As we approach Christmas, let us be inspired by the wise men's example to seek Jesus with all our hearts, to worship Him with our lives, and to open our treasure boxes, giving Him our best. May we find joy and fulfillment in knowing Him, and may our lives be a testament to His love and grace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus as the Bread of Life: Jesus offers spiritual nourishment and fulfillment, inviting us to feed on Him through faith. When we truly believe in Him, we find satisfaction and purpose, eliminating the need to search elsewhere for meaning. [12:46]

2. The Journey of Faith: The wise men's journey to Jesus teaches us that faith is about seeking a destination worth the travel. Despite life's challenges, remembering who awaits us at the end fills our journey with purpose and hope. [51:35]

3. Opening Our Treasure Boxes: Like the wise men, we are called to open our treasure boxes, offering our hearts and lives to Jesus. This act of worship is not about obligation but about love and gratitude, recognizing His worthiness. [01:03:08]

4. The Threat of Jesus' Birth: Herod's reaction to Jesus' birth highlights the spiritual battle that Christmas represents. Jesus' coming is a call to surrender, to let go of our fears, and to embrace the peace He offers through His sacrifice. [56:24]

5. Generosity and Gratitude: True generosity stems from a heart surrendered to Jesus. When we give out of love and gratitude, we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from aligning our treasures with His purposes. [01:14:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [12:46] - Jesus, the Bread of Life
- [34:23] - The Power of Sponsorship
- [38:05] - Invitation to Sponsor a Child
- [41:57] - Preparing for Christmas Eve
- [51:35] - The Journey of the Wise Men
- [52:49] - Herod's Fear and Resistance
- [56:24] - The Dark Side of Christmas
- [59:20] - Overcoming Fear and Darkness
- [01:01:03] - Worship and Offering
- [01:03:08] - The Significance of the Gifts
- [01:11:41] - Lessons in Generosity
- [01:14:27] - Giving with a Grateful Heart
- [01:17:04] - Opening Your Treasure Box
- [01:22:28] - A Call to Seek and Surrender
- [01:31:34] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 6:35 - "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
- Matthew 2:1-12 - The story of the wise men visiting Jesus.
- Micah 5:2 - "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when He refers to Himself as the "Bread of Life" in John 6:35? How does this relate to the symbolism of Bethlehem as the "house of bread"? [12:46]
2. Describe the journey of the wise men as mentioned in Matthew 2:1-12. What motivated them to seek Jesus, and what gifts did they bring? [51:35]
3. How did Herod react to the news of Jesus' birth, and what actions did he take as a result? [52:49]
4. What is the significance of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the wise men presented to Jesus? [01:03:08]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the "Bread of Life" challenge our understanding of spiritual nourishment and fulfillment? [12:46]
2. In what ways does the journey of the wise men illustrate the nature of faith as a journey with a meaningful destination? [51:35]
3. How does Herod's response to Jesus' birth reflect the spiritual battle that Christmas represents? What does this tell us about resistance to God's authority? [56:24]
4. What can we learn from the wise men's act of opening their treasure boxes and offering their gifts to Jesus? How does this relate to our own acts of worship and generosity? [01:03:08]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you are seeking fulfillment outside of Jesus, the "Bread of Life"? How can you refocus on Him for true satisfaction? [12:46]
2. The wise men embarked on a long journey to find Jesus. What steps can you take to seek Jesus more earnestly in your daily life? [51:35]
3. Herod felt threatened by Jesus' birth. Are there areas in your life where you resist surrendering to God's authority? How can you work towards embracing His peace? [56:24]
4. Consider the gifts you have to offer Jesus. What does it mean for you to open your "treasure box" and give Him your best? [01:03:08]
5. How can you practice generosity and gratitude in your life, not out of obligation, but out of love and recognition of Jesus' worthiness? [01:14:27]
6. As Christmas approaches, how can you be inspired by the wise men's example to worship Jesus with your life? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this worship? [01:22:28]
7. Identify a fear or resistance you have towards God's authority. What steps can you take to surrender this to Him and embrace the peace He offers? [56:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as Our Spiritual Sustenance
Jesus declared Himself the "Bread of Life," offering spiritual nourishment and fulfillment to all who believe in Him. This profound symbolism invites believers to feed on Jesus through faith, finding satisfaction and purpose in Him alone. Just as physical bread sustains the body, Jesus sustains the soul, eliminating the need to search elsewhere for meaning. In a world filled with distractions and temporary pleasures, Jesus offers a lasting source of spiritual sustenance that fills the deepest hunger of the human heart. Embracing this truth means trusting in His provision and allowing His presence to guide and fulfill us daily. [12:46]

John 6:35 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking fulfillment outside of Jesus? How can you intentionally turn to Him for spiritual nourishment today?


Day 2: The Purposeful Journey of Faith
The journey of the wise men to worship Jesus teaches us that faith is about seeking a destination worth the travel. Despite life's challenges, remembering who awaits us at the end fills our journey with purpose and hope. The wise men embarked on a long and arduous journey, driven by a deep hunger for the divine. Their story reminds us that faith is not always easy, but it is filled with purpose when we focus on the ultimate destination—Jesus. As we navigate our own journeys, we are encouraged to persevere, knowing that our faith leads us to a place of eternal significance and fulfillment. [51:35]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing on your faith journey? How can you remind yourself of the purpose and hope that comes from seeking Jesus?


Day 3: Offering Our Hearts and Lives
The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing their recognition of Jesus' kingship, divinity, and future sacrifice. Their story challenges us to open our own treasure boxes, offering our hearts and lives to Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude. This act of worship acknowledges His worthiness and invites us to align our treasures with His purposes. True worship is not about what we can gain, but about what we can give—our love, devotion, and gratitude to the One who is worthy of it all. [01:03:08]

Matthew 6:21 (ESV): "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: What is one "treasure" in your life that you can offer to Jesus today? How can this act of worship deepen your relationship with Him?


Day 4: Embracing Peace Through Surrender
Herod's reaction to Jesus' birth highlights the spiritual battle that Christmas represents. Jesus' coming is a call to surrender, to let go of our fears, and to embrace the peace He offers through His sacrifice. Herod's resistance serves as a reminder of the tension between light and darkness, and the choice we have to either resist or surrender to God's authority. Embracing Jesus means letting go of control and trusting in His peace, which surpasses all understanding. This surrender is not a sign of weakness, but a pathway to true freedom and peace in Christ. [56:24]

Philippians 4:7 (ESV): "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What fear or area of control are you holding onto that prevents you from experiencing Jesus' peace? How can you begin to surrender this to Him today?


Day 5: Generosity Rooted in Gratitude
True generosity stems from a heart surrendered to Jesus. When we give out of love and gratitude, we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from aligning our treasures with His purposes. The wise men's gifts were not given out of obligation, but as an expression of their recognition of Jesus' worthiness. Similarly, our acts of generosity should flow from a heart that is grateful for all that Jesus has done for us. This kind of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives as we participate in God's work in the world. [01:14:27]

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: How can you practice generosity today in a way that reflects your gratitude for Jesus? What specific action can you take to align your giving with His purposes?

Quotes



If you just give him a challenge and say, dear God, I'm not sure if you're real, but if you will show me you're real, I'll serve and follow you the rest of my life. Now, that doesn't mean you're going to get a star, but you're going to get guidance. Because here's the principle I want you to think about when you go through this story, that if you're any kind of a seeker, now it might be seeker for salvation or seeker for guidance and decision, seeker for God never leaves in the dark those who are seeking him. [00:42:01] (35 seconds)


If you forget the destination the journey becomes torment if you listen to me if you forget the destination your walk with Jesus will become lifeless discouraging depressing life is to life it's just if you forget where we're going if you forget who's waiting on you if you forget what's at the end of the journey it doesn't doesn't make the journey easier [00:46:56] (29 seconds)


He came to sit on every throne. He didn't come to be little Jesus on a little king's throne in a little area called Israel. He came to be big Jesus on every throne, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. But why would you be threatened by him unless you are, against him, unless you don't want to be under his authority? [00:54:20] (22 seconds)


When you give your heart to Jesus, God be happy. You go sponsor all those children, but if you haven't given him your heart, it doesn't take the place of that. Many people get that wrong. They're a philanthropist. Did I say that right? Philanthropist? Didn't sound right. Anyway, very generous people. I bless them, but they are not going to get to heaven because they've been a very generous person. [01:03:39] (23 seconds)


When you honor him with your treasure, and you open that box, for some of you, it's the future. It's the future. It's the fear that you need to give to God out of that box, the fear of whatever it is that's holding you back, or giving him your trust. Some of you have locked your trust in a treasure box, saying, I'm not going to give it to anybody because I've been burned by others. [01:15:06] (21 seconds)


You take as long as you need to to figure out this thing with Jesus. But if you ask him, Lord, make yourself real to me, he will send a star. I don't know what that star will be. He's able to get to people that are looking for answers. And if you're that person that they are watching online, he can get to you. He knows where you're at. It's a confidence. He'll never leave you in the dark. [01:22:36] (27 seconds)


If you just do like the wise men say, I come to worship you, Jesus. Come be my Lord. Just asking. Come be my Lord. Come into my life. Jesus, forgive my sins. That's why he came. Forgive my sins. I receive your gift of eternal life. And then thank you. He hears your prayers or whispers your cries. [01:23:08] (29 seconds)


It's one thing to do something in your heart. But if you're going to open that treasure chest, it's got to come out public. The way you open the treasure chest of your heart to show your faith in Jesus is with your mouth to make the confession. I say yes to Jesus as Lord. That's your confession. [01:24:24] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
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