Trusting Jesus: Seeing His Provision and Love
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and welcome to Atkinson Congregational Church, the light on the hill. Today, we gather for a special communion Sunday and Food Pantry Sunday. We are reminded of our mission to serve those in need, whether through making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Common Ground or donating to local food pantries. As we prepare for worship, we reflect on the importance of trust and faith in Jesus, who sends us out with the assurance that we will be provided for.
In our scripture reading from Mark, we see Jesus sending out his disciples with nothing but a staff, teaching them to rely on God's provision. This story challenges us to trust in Jesus fully, knowing that He will supply our needs. We also reflect on the reactions of Jesus' hometown, where people could not see beyond His familiar background to recognize Him as the Messiah. This prompts us to consider what we see when we look at Jesus and whether we truly believe in His divine nature and mission.
We are encouraged to take time to truly see Jesus, to sit with Him, and to give Him our full attention. Just as the rabbi in the story learned to appreciate the beauty of the North Dakota prairie, we too can find deeper meaning and connection with Jesus when we take the time to be present with Him. In our busy lives, it is crucial to make space for prayer, scripture reading, and serving others in Jesus' name.
As we move into the communion part of our service, we remember that this table is open to all, symbolizing Jesus' inclusive love and sacrifice. We are called to go forth, serving God in our community and families, with the assurance of God's blessing and guidance.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God's Provision: Jesus sent His disciples out with nothing but a staff, teaching them to rely on God's provision. This story challenges us to trust fully in Jesus, knowing that He will supply our needs when we step out in faith to serve others. [14:19]
2. Seeing Jesus for Who He Is: The people of Nazareth could not see beyond Jesus' familiar background to recognize Him as the Messiah. This prompts us to consider what we see when we look at Jesus and whether we truly believe in His divine nature and mission. [36:33]
3. Taking Time to Be Present with Jesus: Just as the rabbi learned to appreciate the beauty of the North Dakota prairie, we too can find deeper meaning and connection with Jesus when we take the time to be present with Him. In our busy lives, it is crucial to make space for prayer, scripture reading, and serving others in Jesus' name. [41:13]
4. Inclusive Love of Jesus: The communion table is open to all, symbolizing Jesus' inclusive love and sacrifice. This reminds us that Jesus welcomes everyone, regardless of their background or past, and calls us to do the same in our communities. [56:10]
5. Living Out Our Faith: We are called to go forth, serving God in our community and families, with the assurance of God's blessing and guidance. This involves not just believing in Jesus but actively living out our faith through acts of service and love. [58:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:21] - Food Pantry and PB&J Sandwiches
[03:22] - Announcements and Atkinson Day
[05:37] - Call to Worship and Opening Hymn
[10:07] - Prayer of Confession
[11:31] - Assurance of Pardon
[12:52] - Children's Message: Trusting Jesus
[15:21] - Prayer for Trust and Provision
[19:02] - Prayers, Joys, and Concerns
[22:03] - The Lord's Prayer
[24:03] - Offering and Food Pantry Donations
[31:12] - Scripture Reading: Mark 6
[33:17] - Sermon: What Do You See When You See Jesus?
[47:57] - Invitation to Spend Time with Jesus
[52:32] - Communion Liturgy
[56:10] - Communion: Bread and Cup
[58:22] - Sending Prayer and Closing Hymn
[01:04:26] - Benediction
[01:11:46] - Postlude: Stars and Stripes Forever
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 6:1-13 (NIV)
> Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home." He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus instruct his disciples to take with them on their journey? ([32:05])
2. How did the people of Nazareth react to Jesus when he taught in the synagogue? ([36:33])
3. What was the reaction of Jesus to the lack of faith in his hometown? ([32:05])
4. What did the disciples do when they went out as Jesus instructed? ([32:05])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus instructed his disciples to take nothing but a staff for their journey? ([14:19])
2. How does the reaction of the people in Nazareth reflect common attitudes towards familiarity and skepticism? ([36:33])
3. What does Jesus' amazement at the lack of faith in his hometown tell us about the importance of belief and trust? ([32:05])
4. How can the story of the rabbi learning to appreciate the North Dakota prairie be related to our understanding and relationship with Jesus? ([41:13])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's provision. How did that experience shape your faith? ([14:19])
2. Have you ever struggled to see Jesus for who He truly is because of preconceived notions or familiarity? How can you overcome this? ([36:33])
3. In what ways can you make more time to be present with Jesus in your daily life? What specific steps can you take this week to prioritize prayer and scripture reading? ([41:13])
4. How can you embody the inclusive love of Jesus in your community? Are there specific actions you can take to welcome and serve others, regardless of their background? ([56:10])
5. Think about your current acts of service. How can you ensure that they are done with the assurance of God's blessing and guidance? ([58:22])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust Jesus more fully. What practical steps can you take to surrender that area to Him? ([14:19])
7. How can you help others in your community to see Jesus for who He truly is? What conversations or actions can you initiate to share His love and message? ([36:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Provision
Jesus sent His disciples out with nothing but a staff, teaching them to rely on God's provision. This story challenges us to trust fully in Jesus, knowing that He will supply our needs when we step out in faith to serve others. When we are called to serve, it can be daunting to think about the resources we lack. However, Jesus assures us that when we step out in faith, God will provide what we need. This trust is not just about material needs but also about spiritual and emotional support.
In our daily lives, we often find ourselves worrying about whether we have enough—enough time, enough money, enough strength. Jesus' instruction to His disciples reminds us that our true source of provision is God. When we focus on serving others and fulfilling God's mission, we can trust that He will take care of our needs. This doesn't mean we won't face challenges, but it does mean we can face them with the confidence that God is with us and will provide for us.
Mark 6:8-9 (ESV): "He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's provision? How can you step out in faith today, trusting that God will supply your needs?
Day 2: Seeing Jesus for Who He Is
The people of Nazareth could not see beyond Jesus' familiar background to recognize Him as the Messiah. This prompts us to consider what we see when we look at Jesus and whether we truly believe in His divine nature and mission. Often, our preconceived notions and familiarity can blind us to the true identity and power of Jesus.
When we look at Jesus, do we see just a historical figure, a good teacher, or do we see the Son of God, the Savior of the world? Our perception of Jesus influences how we relate to Him and how we live out our faith. Recognizing Jesus for who He truly is can transform our lives, giving us a deeper sense of purpose and a stronger foundation for our faith.
Mark 6:3-4 (ESV): "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.'"
Reflection: How do you perceive Jesus in your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and relationship with Him?
Day 3: Taking Time to Be Present with Jesus
Just as the rabbi learned to appreciate the beauty of the North Dakota prairie, we too can find deeper meaning and connection with Jesus when we take the time to be present with Him. In our busy lives, it is crucial to make space for prayer, scripture reading, and serving others in Jesus' name.
Being present with Jesus means intentionally setting aside time to focus on Him, to listen to His voice, and to seek His guidance. It is in these moments of quiet reflection and prayer that we can truly connect with Jesus and experience His presence in our lives. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also equips us to serve others more effectively.
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: What specific time each day can you set aside to be present with Jesus? How can you create a routine that includes prayer, scripture reading, and reflection?
Day 4: Inclusive Love of Jesus
The communion table is open to all, symbolizing Jesus' inclusive love and sacrifice. This reminds us that Jesus welcomes everyone, regardless of their background or past, and calls us to do the same in our communities. Jesus' love knows no boundaries, and His invitation is extended to all people.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody this inclusive love in our interactions with others. This means welcoming and accepting people from all walks of life, showing them the same grace and compassion that Jesus has shown us. It challenges us to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and love.
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Who in your community or life might feel excluded or marginalized? How can you extend Jesus' inclusive love to them today?
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith
We are called to go forth, serving God in our community and families, with the assurance of God's blessing and guidance. This involves not just believing in Jesus but actively living out our faith through acts of service and love. Our faith is not meant to be confined to our personal devotions or church services; it is meant to be lived out in our daily interactions and actions.
Living out our faith means being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, showing His love through our actions. It means being intentional about serving others, seeking justice, and sharing the hope we have in Christ. When we live out our faith, we become a light in the darkness, pointing others to Jesus.
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out your faith today? How can you serve someone in your community or family in a tangible way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we look at the relationships we have with others and with God, we can see how sometimes those relationships can feel broken. But as we gather in the presence of God, we're promised forgiveness and healing if we confess our sins." [10:07] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christians, we know that love is a powerful force in the world stronger than hate or fear or greed. The love of Jesus inspires us to make us able to share generously our gifts we have received from God. Our gifts are one way that we love one another in the world around us, the world that God loves." [22:03] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So friends, this week, try it. Just try it for this week. Try sitting on your patio or your deck or your dock or even walk with Jesus. Spend a little time with him each day and see if your life isn't better as a result." [47:57] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We live in a culture that has no respecter of persons, or perhaps it would be better to say that we live in a culture that respects no one. We say, he puts his pants on one leg at a time just like us, right? Which is a neat way to say that that person is no better than we are." [37:52] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What we see depends not only on our eyes, but also on our hearts and our minds. It wasn't until the rabbi took a chair on the patio and gave the prairie view his full attention that his eyes and then his heart and mind were opened to see the beauty that was in front of him." [41:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When Jesus began to teach in the synagogue, he surprised them. Nobody took a nap. Jesus started strong and got stronger. Pretty soon, the people were hanging on the edge of their seats, unsure just where he was going next, but certain that it was going to be an exciting ride." [35:30] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We do this every month in front of everyone to remind us that A it's important and B that we do something to help make the world better. We do lots of things. This is a nice visible one that we can all see." [24:03] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We can choose to sit on the patio with Jesus, to give him our undivided attention, to tell him our concerns, to seek his advice and counsel, to ask his blessing, and to give him our lives. But that just doesn't happen by osmosis. We have to take the time to do it." [47:57] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And friends, that's important. In our busy lives, we're inclined to give Jesus so little time and attention. We glance through the window at him and then turn back to our everyday routine and wonder why it doesn't make more of a difference in our lives. Why isn't more help? We wonder why the routine of our lives is so routine." [41:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So our question, what do you see when you see Jesus? The easy answers are Lord or Messiah or son of God. Lord and savior..those are the words that we've used to describe him for two-thousand years, and so they come readily to mind, but sometimes I wonder if we actually believe those things about Jesus, that he is Lord and Messiah and son of God and Savior." [37:52] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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