The Transformative Power of Jesus' Hands
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound theme of "The Hands of Jesus," reflecting on the various ways Jesus used His hands during His earthly ministry and how these actions speak to our lives today.
We began by considering the working hands of Jesus, a carpenter by trade, who exemplified the dignity of labor. This notion reminds us that our work, whether mundane or monumental, is significant when done with a heart of service. Jesus, familiar with the toil of a worker, invites us to embrace hard work as a vital aspect of our discipleship.
Moving on, I discussed Jesus' compassionate actions, particularly His willingness to touch the untouchable, as seen in His healing of the man with leprosy. This act defied societal norms and legalistic boundaries, demonstrating that compassion should always transcend traditional barriers. Jesus' touch brought healing and restoration, challenging us to extend our hands in service and love to those who are often marginalized.
The sermon also highlighted Jesus' humility and service, illustrated vividly when He washed His disciples' feet. This act inverted conventional power dynamics, presenting a radical model of leadership grounded in servanthood. By washing their feet, including those of Judas, Jesus set a precedent for forgiveness and unconditional love.
Furthermore, I reflected on the protective and guiding hands of Jesus during the storm on the Sea of Galilee. As Peter walked on water and began to sink, Jesus' hand was there to catch him. This moment teaches us about faith and trust in the midst of life's literal and figurative storms.
Lastly, the sermon culminated with the image of Jesus' scarred hands—nails pierced through them—embodying the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's redemption. These hands remind us of the cost of our freedom and the depth of His love.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Dignity of Work: Jesus' hands were not just for performing miracles but were also accustomed to the hard labor of a carpenter. This teaches us the value of work and the importance of performing our duties with diligence and integrity. Just as Jesus worked with His hands, we are called to see our labor as a form of worship and a means to participate in God's creative work in the world. [39:54]
2. Compassion Beyond Boundaries: When Jesus touched and healed the leper, He showed that His compassion knows no bounds. This act challenges us to look beyond societal stigmas and to extend our hands in love and service to all, especially those deemed untouchable by society. It's a call to radical love that sees and responds to the suffering of others. [40:59]
3. Servanthood as Leadership: The moment Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He redefined greatness as servanthood. This powerful act invites us to lead by serving, putting the needs of others before our own, and to practice humility and selflessness in our interactions. It's a model that contrasts sharply with the world's view of power and authority. [52:55]
4. Faith Amidst Fear: Peter's attempt to walk on water illustrates the tension between faith and doubt. Jesus' immediate response to save Peter as he sank teaches us that even when our faith wavers, Christ's support is steadfast. This encourages us to step out in faith, even when circumstances seem daunting. [50:33]
5. Redemption Through Sacrifice: The scars on Jesus' hands are a testament to His sacrifice for our sins. They remind us of the price paid for our freedom and call us to live in gratitude and commitment to Him who bore our sins. This perspective should shape our identity and our interactions with the world around us. [55:57]
### Chapters
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 0:38:31 - Introduction to the Hands of Jesus
- 0:39:54 - Working Hands of Jesus
- 0:40:59 - Compassionate Touch
- 0:46:10 - Blessing the Children
- 0:49:25 - Walking on Water
- 0:52:55 - The Servant Leader
- 0:55:14 - The Sacrifice Remembered
- 1:00:30 - Christ's Hands Through Us
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Hands of Jesus
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 - "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'"
2. Colossians 3:12 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
3. Matthew 14:28-31 - "Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Thessalonians 3:10 say about the importance of work? How does this relate to Jesus' example as a carpenter? [39:54]
2. In Colossians 3:12, what qualities are believers encouraged to clothe themselves with? How did Jesus demonstrate these qualities when He healed the leper? [40:59]
3. Describe the interaction between Peter and Jesus in Matthew 14:28-31. What does this passage reveal about Peter's faith and Jesus' response? [50:33]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' example as a carpenter challenge our view of work and its significance in our lives? [39:54]
2. What does Jesus' willingness to touch the leper teach us about compassion and societal boundaries? How can we apply this in our own interactions with marginalized individuals? [40:59]
3. In what ways does Peter's experience of walking on water and then sinking illustrate the tension between faith and doubt? How does Jesus' response to Peter provide comfort and assurance? [50:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current work or daily tasks. How can you view them as a form of worship and service to God, following Jesus' example as a carpenter? [39:54]
2. Think of someone in your community who is often overlooked or marginalized. How can you extend compassion and service to them, as Jesus did with the leper? [40:59]
3. Consider a situation in your life where you are struggling with faith and doubt. How can you remind yourself of Jesus' steadfast support, as He demonstrated when He saved Peter from sinking? [50:33]
4. Jesus washed His disciples' feet, including Judas'. How can you practice servanthood and forgiveness in your relationships, even with those who may have wronged you? [52:55]
5. The scars on Jesus' hands are a testament to His sacrifice. How can you live in gratitude and commitment to Jesus, remembering the price He paid for your freedom? [55:57]
6. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you respond, and how can you better trust in Jesus' protective and guiding hands in future challenges? [50:33]
7. Jesus' hands were used to bless children and serve others. Identify one specific way you can use your hands to bless and serve someone in your community this week. [46:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Sanctity of Labor
Jesus' hands were not only used for performing miracles but were also accustomed to the hard labor of a carpenter. This teaches us the value of work and the importance of performing our duties with diligence and integrity. Just as Jesus worked with His hands, we are called to see our labor as a form of worship and a means to participate in God's creative work in the world. The dignity of labor is a central theme in understanding how our everyday work contributes to our spiritual lives and the lives of others around us. Whether you are a teacher, a mechanic, or a stay-at-home parent, your work has inherent value and is a testament to the image of God in which we are all made. [39:54]
Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: How can you view your daily work as an act of worship and service to God?
Day 2: Compassion That Crosses Boundaries
When Jesus touched and healed the leper, He demonstrated that His compassion knows no bounds. This act challenges us to look beyond societal stigmas and to extend our hands in love and service to all, especially those deemed untouchable by society. It's a call to radical love that sees and responds to the suffering of others. In a world where people can be quickly marginalized based on their circumstances or past, Jesus' example pushes us to be agents of healing and reconciliation. His touch was not just physical healing but also a restoration of dignity and community. [40:59]
Luke 5:12-13: "While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, 'Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.' And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately the leprosy left him."
Reflection: Who in your community is 'untouchable,' and how can you extend Christ's love to them this week?
Day 3: Redefining Leadership Through Service
The moment Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He redefined greatness as servanthood. This powerful act invites us to lead by serving, putting the needs of others before our own, and to practice humility and selflessness in our interactions. It's a model that contrasts sharply with the world's view of power and authority. By washing the feet of His followers, Jesus illustrated that true leadership is grounded in love and sacrifice, not in seeking power or control. This lesson is crucial for anyone in a position of influence or authority. [52:55]
John 13:14-15: "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Reflection: In what ways can you serve someone in your life today, following the example of Jesus?
Day 4: Faith in the Face of Fear
Peter's attempt to walk on water illustrates the tension between faith and doubt. Jesus' immediate response to save Peter as he sank teaches us that even when our faith wavers, Christ's support is steadfast. This encourages us to step out in faith, even when circumstances seem daunting. The story not only highlights the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus amidst life's storms but also reassures us of His presence and help when we falter. [50:33]
Matthew 14:29-31: "He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him."
Reflection: What fears are holding you back from stepping out in faith, and how can you trust Jesus more in those areas?
Day 5: The Price of Our Freedom
The scars on Jesus' hands are a testament to His sacrifice for our sins. They remind us of the price paid for our freedom and call us to live in gratitude and commitment to Him who bore our sins. This perspective should shape our identity and our interactions with the world around us. As we contemplate the depth of Jesus' love and the sacrifice He made, we are moved to live lives that reflect His grace and truth, honoring Him in all that we do. [55:57]
1 Peter 2:24: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."
Reflection: How does the sacrifice of Jesus influence the way you live your life daily?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sometimes because of our thinking, it's so bad. We don't get near to people. We see them as a claim. Let's move on. The children. You saw the children here. Why? Because they're children. And the Bible says that the children wanted to come close to Jesus. But the disciples said, don't distract the master. Don't distract the Lord. He's very busy with deep things about theology and everything. And Jesus said, let him come to me." [46:10]
2. "Jesus sent his disciples to go to cross the Sea of Galilee. And so he went to the mountain to pray. And he saw they were struggling in the middle of the night. It was between 3 and 6 o'clock in the morning. The Bible says it's the fourth watch. And they were in the middle, fighting the wind and the waves. And suddenly he came and approached to him, walking on the waters." [49:25]
3. "Lord, save me. And the rescue hand of Jesus was there. Sometimes our faith is so vulnerable. We believe in God when everything is okay. We believe in God when there are a lot of blessings. We believe in God when we're healthy, when we're prosperous. But life is not like that. Situations change." [51:40]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Especially, the These ones. When you see paintings about Jesus, they don't present these hands. Those hands are hands of a carpenter. Even the word, the Greek word for carpenter, it can be used for people who work with stones. So, regardless if it was wood or stones, they are working hands. And as a worker, Jesus is a worker." [38:31]
2. "There was a man with leprosy. He came near to Jesus. And he says, Lord, if you will, cleanse me, please. And the Bible says, Jesus was moved with compassion. And he touched him. And he was clean. But you know, the Bible says, you should not touch the leper, the one who has leprosy. So, Jesus was willing to touch the untouchable." [40:59]
3. "Then Jesus took the towel. And the water. And started doing it. And Peter said, no. And Jesus, if you don't allow me to do it, you have no part with me. So he cleaned all the feet of his disciples, including Judas. That is called servanthood. So Jesus is given as an example, the hands of a servant." [52:55]
4. "My past became my prisons. Law was waiting with the key. My story was my failure. Now my story is redeeming. My freedoms were written in your nails. Scarred hands. Where there was a sin and shame, the cross now stands. The grave no longer tells me who I am. Because my freedom is written in your nails. Scarred hands." [55:57]
5. "Finally, Thomas said, my God, my love. Jesus has been resurrected. And then he should do very important things. You know what he's doing? He's cooking. He's doing just very things that we do every day. So he knew his disciples were hungry. And he was cooking. not amazing that God, Jesus cared about basic needs. I call it cooking hands." [59:32]
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