Transformative Encounters: Choosing to Follow Jesus Daily
Summary
In this time of Lenten preparation, we are reminded of the journey toward Easter, a season that invites us to reflect deeply on our faith and relationship with God. As we gather in worship, we are called to seek the Lord's face, acknowledging that God is our light, salvation, and stronghold. In our joys and sorrows, Jesus calls us to obedience and love, offering us peace beyond understanding. Through prayer, we recognize God's presence as a source of peace, truth, and freedom amidst chaos and uncertainty. We are assured of God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ, encouraging us to be at peace with God, ourselves, and one another.
The story of Anna illustrates the profound impact of religious change imposed without choice, contrasting sharply with the transformative encounters with Jesus. When we encounter Jesus, everything changes. This is exemplified in the story of Nathanael, who, despite his initial skepticism, experiences a life-altering recognition of Jesus as the Son of God. The Chosen series beautifully captures this transformation, showing how meeting Jesus is a choice that leads to a new life direction. Nathanael's story reminds us that faith can be born out of mess, loss, and failure, and that turning to Jesus is a personal decision that cannot be forced.
The concept of Midrash, an imaginative expansion of scripture, helps us understand and relate to biblical stories more deeply. It allows us to fill in the gaps and see the richness of God's narrative in our lives. Just as Nathanael's encounter with Jesus was transformative, so too are our encounters with Christ. We are invited to see Jesus clearly, know Him more deeply, and commit to following Him daily. This journey is personal and unique for each of us, whether it involves wrestling with faith, growing gently into it, or returning after a time away.
Ultimately, the call to follow Jesus is a daily invitation to say "yes" to His love and lordship. As we continue on this journey, may we see Jesus more clearly, know Him more intimately, and follow Him more faithfully, until the day we see Him face to face.
Key Takeaways:
1. Encountering Jesus Transforms Lives: Meeting Jesus is a transformative experience that changes everything. Like Nathanael, who initially doubted, we may find our lives profoundly altered when we truly encounter Christ. This transformation is a personal choice, not imposed, and leads to a new direction and purpose in life. [21:21]
2. The Power of Choice in Faith: Faith is a personal journey that cannot be forced upon us. Each individual must choose to follow Jesus, as illustrated by Nathanael's decision to come and see. This choice is a daily commitment to say "yes" to Jesus and His call. [41:13]
3. Midrash and Imaginative Engagement with Scripture: Midrash invites us to engage with scripture creatively, filling in gaps and expanding stories to deepen our understanding. This approach helps us relate to biblical narratives and see God's work in our lives more vividly. [32:06]
4. Faith Born from Struggle and Loss: Many find faith in the midst of life's challenges, realizing that we must become nothing before we can become something in Christ. This journey often involves wrestling with doubts and struggles, leading to a deeper, more authentic faith. [27:08]
5. Daily Commitment to Follow Jesus: Following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a daily choice to commit to His path. Like Nathanael, we are invited to see Jesus clearly, know Him more deeply, and follow Him faithfully, growing in our relationship with Him each day. [34:51]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Lenten Preparation
- [01:15] - Seeking God's Presence
- [02:00] - Prayer and Forgiveness
- [03:30] - Joyful Encounters
- [05:00] - Story of Anna
- [10:15] - Encountering Jesus
- [15:39] - The Chosen Series
- [21:21] - Nathanael's Transformation
- [27:08] - Midrash and Imagination
- [32:06] - Faith and Struggle
- [34:51] - Daily Commitment
- [41:13] - Personal Choice in Faith
- [52:10] - Prayers for the World
- [55:00] - Offering and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:43-51 - The story of Nathanael's encounter with Jesus.
2. Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
3. Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
---
Observation Questions:
1. What was Nathanael's initial reaction to hearing about Jesus, and how did his perspective change after meeting Him? [34:51]
2. How does the sermon describe the impact of encountering Jesus on Nathanael's life? [41:13]
3. What role does the concept of Midrash play in understanding biblical stories, according to the sermon? [32:06]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between imposed religious change and a personal encounter with Jesus? [21:21]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Nathanael's story illustrate the transformative power of a personal encounter with Jesus? [34:51]
2. How does the sermon suggest that faith can be born out of struggle and loss, and what does this imply about the nature of faith? [41:13]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of choice in one's faith journey, and how does this relate to the story of Nathanael? [41:13]
4. How does the concept of Midrash enhance our understanding of biblical narratives, and why might this be important for personal faith development? [32:06]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant change in your life. How did this change affect your faith journey, and what role did choice play in this transformation? [21:21]
2. Nathanael's encounter with Jesus was transformative. Can you identify a moment in your life where you felt a similar transformation? How did it impact your relationship with God? [34:51]
3. The sermon discusses finding faith in the midst of struggle. How have your personal challenges shaped your faith, and how can you use these experiences to grow closer to God? [41:13]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of Midrash into your own Bible study to deepen your understanding and connection to the scriptures? [32:06]
5. The sermon emphasizes the daily commitment to follow Jesus. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are saying "yes" to Jesus each day? [41:13]
6. Consider the role of choice in your faith journey. How can you be more intentional about choosing to follow Jesus in your daily life? [41:13]
7. Reflect on the peace that surpasses understanding mentioned in Philippians 4:7. How can you seek and maintain this peace in your current circumstances?
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Encounter
Meeting Jesus is a transformative experience that changes everything. Like Nathanael, who initially doubted, we may find our lives profoundly altered when we truly encounter Christ. This transformation is a personal choice, not imposed, and leads to a new direction and purpose in life. When we encounter Jesus, we are invited to see Him clearly and know Him more deeply, which can lead to a profound shift in our life's path. This transformation is not just about a change in belief but a change in how we live and interact with the world around us. [21:21]
John 1:47-49 (ESV): "Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!' Nathanael said to him, 'How do you know me?' Jesus answered him, 'Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.' Nathanael answered him, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!'"
Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt a profound change in your life. How did that encounter with Jesus shape your current path, and how can you continue to let it guide you today?
Day 2: The Power of Personal Choice
Faith is a personal journey that cannot be forced upon us. Each individual must choose to follow Jesus, as illustrated by Nathanael's decision to come and see. This choice is a daily commitment to say "yes" to Jesus and His call. The decision to follow Jesus is deeply personal and requires a conscious effort to engage with His teachings and presence in our lives. It is a journey that involves daily choices to align our actions and thoughts with His will, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. [41:13]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What is one decision you can make today to say "yes" to Jesus in a new way? How can this choice impact your relationship with Him and others around you?
Day 3: Engaging Scripture with Imagination
Midrash invites us to engage with scripture creatively, filling in gaps and expanding stories to deepen our understanding. This approach helps us relate to biblical narratives and see God's work in our lives more vividly. By using our imagination, we can explore the richness of God's word and find new insights that speak to our current circumstances. This imaginative engagement allows us to see the Bible as a living document that continues to reveal God's truth and presence in our lives. [32:06]
Psalm 119:18 (ESV): "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."
Reflection: Choose a Bible story that resonates with you. How can you use your imagination to explore this story more deeply and apply its lessons to your life today?
Day 4: Faith Born from Struggle
Many find faith in the midst of life's challenges, realizing that we must become nothing before we can become something in Christ. This journey often involves wrestling with doubts and struggles, leading to a deeper, more authentic faith. In times of struggle, we are often brought to a place of humility and dependence on God, which can open the door to a more profound relationship with Him. These experiences can refine our faith and help us grow in ways we never imagined. [27:08]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent struggle or challenge. How has this experience shaped your faith, and how can you use it to draw closer to God today?
Day 5: Daily Commitment to Follow
Following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a daily choice to commit to His path. Like Nathanael, we are invited to see Jesus clearly, know Him more deeply, and follow Him faithfully, growing in our relationship with Him each day. This daily commitment involves intentional actions and decisions that align with Jesus' teachings and example. It is a journey of continual growth and transformation as we seek to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives. [34:51]
Luke 9:23 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to deepen your commitment to following Jesus? How can this step help you grow in your relationship with Him and impact those around you?
Quotes
Once again we have entered into our Lenten preparation for Easter when we observe a holy and blessed Lent that we would come to the Easter celebration of the resurrection full of joy and thanksgiving. Come into this time of worship and may the presence of God bless us through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is our light and our salvation. [00:07:13] (22 seconds)
In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease, still He calls in cares and pleasures, Christian love, free, more than peace. Jesus calls us by your mercies, in our days we hear your call. Give our hearts to your obedience, shirk and love you, that's the Lord. [00:09:04] (43 seconds)
God, our ever-creating, ever-loving, ever-leading. When things around us feel chaotic, you are peace. When so much we hear is not reliable, your word is truth. When we are paralyzed by fear and anxiety, your presence is freedom. When we feel bereft, helpless, your love gives us hope. [00:10:00] (23 seconds)
Friends in Christ, while it is true that we have all sinned, it is a greater truth that we are forgiven through God's love poured out in Jesus Christ. To all who seek the mercy of God, I say in Jesus Christ, our sin is forgiven. Be at peace with God, with yourself, and with one another. [00:11:20] (24 seconds)
The change seemed to happen overnight to Anna, and it changed everything. Her parents started to spend pretty well every evening at the Kingdom Hall, and they were out door knocking every weekend. For Anna, everything changed. It would have been different if Anna had been brought up in it, rather than having it happen when she could remember everything from life before. [00:21:28] (27 seconds)
When someone encounters Jesus, everything changes. And as Jesus says, get ready for difference. Meeting Jesus changes everything, and to a great extent, the people who come to him choose to come. Philip says to Nathaniel, well, come and see. Nathaniel decides to come and see. This is not imposed; this is a choice that people make. [00:23:14] (29 seconds)
And this is similar to a very old Jewish tradition called Midrash. What Midrash is, it's an imaginative expansion of the scripture. And Midrash uses something from the scripture, and then expands it with lots of details, so that it becomes a story. Midrash is a way of storytelling. [00:28:59] (25 seconds)
Some of us have to get to Jesus the way Nathaniel did in this telling of his story, this midrash in the Chosen series. Indeed, some of us are like Nathaniel and had to hit bottom before we're ready to meet Jesus. For some of us, faith is born in the midst of mess and loss and failure and tragedy. [00:40:56] (27 seconds)
Some of us come to Jesus when we realize that we can't become anything until we become nothing. We can't become anything until we become nothing. Others of us have struggled for a long time to come to Jesus. And it's not the matter of an instant, but it's the wrestling of a lifetime. [00:41:49] (23 seconds)
Nathanael comes to Jesus because someone invited him and said come and see and Nathanael responded and when he met Jesus he met the one who had known him all along who knew all about him so that when the invitation comes to follow Nathanael says yes and you know we're always on that road to yes because it's not really just something you say once and for all it's something you say every day yes today because the question will you follow me comes every day day after day so that the response yes comes every day day after day [00:43:02] (52 seconds)
My prayer for you is that every day on that journey you would see him really see him and see him more clearly and that every day you would know him more know him and that every day you would more and more commit to following him day by day day by day day by day over and over until that day comes when like Nathaniel we can say in confidence Jesus you are the son of god you are the king of israel you are the king of my heart and the lord of my life may this day come again and again and again to you until that day you see him face to face in the life which is to come amen [00:43:02] (54 seconds)
May the blessing of God Almighty you in me I see you Jesus calls each of us by name and says, I see you I see you following his calls, I see him follow him all that we have and all that we are and may for a blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon us and abide with us this day and always Amen [01:01:34] (23 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?