Unity in Christ: Embracing Sacrifice and Community

 

Summary

Today, I explored the profound themes of unity, sacrifice, and the pivotal role of Christ in our spiritual and communal lives. I began by reflecting on the significance of Mother's Day, acknowledging the diverse experiences of motherhood and the unique thread of unity mothers weave within families. This unity, however, is not limited to familial bonds but extends into our spiritual lives through Christ, who is our cornerstone and the ultimate unifier.

In the sermon, I delved into the scriptural narrative of the disciples in the upper room, focusing on the symbolic number 12, which represents the tribes of Israel and the apostles, signifying the foundation of the Church. This unity was disrupted by Judas's betrayal, contrasting his self-dependence with Christ's self-sacrifice. Judas's tragic end in the field of blood starkly contrasts with Christ's triumphant declaration of victory over death, even as He experienced abandonment on the cross.

I highlighted Christ's journey from the Last Supper to His ascension, emphasizing His role as a servant and leader. His ascension from Bethpage, a Sabbath day's journey from the city, symbolizes His kingship and the fulfillment of His earthly mission. This event set the stage for the disciples' transformation from fear to joy as they anticipated the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, moving from a state of hiding to one of bold proclamation.

The practice of casting lots for Matthias to replace Judas as one of the twelve was discussed, illustrating a transition from Old Testament practices to the New Testament's reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance. This act of filling the gap left by Judas restored the unity among the disciples, preparing them for their mission to spread the Gospel.

Finally, I concluded with an affirmation of our unity in Christ, which transcends all human bonds and is the true source of peace and purpose. As we celebrate Mother's Day, we also celebrate this spiritual unity that binds us all as believers and followers of Christ.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Role of Christ as Our Cornerstone:
Christ not only initiated the concept of unity but also perfected it through His life, death, and resurrection. As our cornerstone, He replaces and transcends the unity initiated by human relationships, such as those formed by motherhood, and sets a foundation built on divine love and sacrifice. This understanding deepens our appreciation of Christ's role in our spiritual lives and challenges us to rely wholly on Him. [02:18]

2. Judas's Betrayal and Its Implications:
Judas's choice of self-dependence over trust in Christ exemplifies the peril of relying on one's own strength. His end, marked by despair and death, serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s path. Reflecting on this can lead us to a deeper understanding of forgiveness and the importance of seeking God's guidance in moments of despair. [06:47]

3. The Significance of the Number 12 in Scripture:
The number 12, representing the tribes of Israel and the apostles, underscores the idea of a chosen community, unified under God's sovereign plan. This theme runs throughout the Bible and highlights the continuity and consistency of God's purpose for His people, from the Old Testament through to the New Testament Church. [03:01]

4. Ascension and the Promise of the Holy Spirit:
Christ’s ascension marks a pivotal moment in Christian theology, signifying His reign as King and the forthcoming empowerment of His followers through the Holy Spirit. This event reassures us of Christ's ongoing presence and influence in our lives and encourages us to live with anticipation and courage, knowing we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. [05:00]

5. Unity and Community in the Early Church:
The early Church's experience in the upper room, culminating in the selection of Matthias, illustrates the importance of communal prayer and dependence on God’s guidance. This narrative encourages us to seek God collectively in our decisions and supports the idea that true unity in the Church is achieved through the Holy Spirit’s leadership. [12:46]

### Youtube Chapters

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:41] - Mother's Day Prayer and Reflections
- [02:18] - Christ as the Cornerstone of Unity
- [03:01] - The Symbolic Number 12
- [03:42] - From Bethpage to Ascension
- [05:00] - The Ascension and Its Significance
- [06:12] - Peter's Address and Judas's Betrayal
- [09:36] - Judas and Christ: Contrasts in Destiny
- [10:12] - Christ's Victory and Resurrection
- [11:09] - Casting Lots for Matthias
- [12:46] - The Selection of Matthias and Unity Restored
- [13:31] - Conclusion: Unity Under Christ

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:15-26 - The selection of Matthias to replace Judas.
2. Psalm 69:25 - A prophecy about Judas' betrayal.
3. Psalm 109:8 - A prophecy about the replacement of Judas.

#### Observation Questions
1. What significance does the number 12 hold in the context of the disciples and the tribes of Israel? ([03:01])
2. How did Jesus' ascension from Bethpage symbolize His kingship and the fulfillment of His earthly mission? ([03:42])
3. What was the process and significance of casting lots to select Matthias as Judas' replacement? ([11:09])
4. How did the disciples' transformation from fear to joy reflect their anticipation of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost? ([13:31])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Christ being our cornerstone redefine the concept of unity beyond familial bonds? ([02:18])
2. What lessons can be drawn from Judas' betrayal and tragic end about the dangers of self-dependence versus reliance on Christ? ([06:47])
3. In what ways does the practice of casting lots in the Old Testament differ from the New Testament's reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance? ([12:23])
4. How does the unity restored among the disciples through the selection of Matthias prepare them for their mission to spread the Gospel? ([12:46])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from your community or church. How can you seek unity in Christ to overcome that feeling? ([02:18])
2. Have you ever relied on your own strength in a difficult situation instead of seeking God's guidance? What was the outcome, and how can you change this approach in the future? ([06:47])
3. The number 12 symbolizes a chosen community unified under God's plan. How can you contribute to fostering unity within your church or small group? ([03:01])
4. Jesus' ascension reassures us of His ongoing presence. How can this assurance empower you to live with courage and anticipation in your daily life? ([05:00])
5. The early Church's experience in the upper room highlights the importance of communal prayer. How can you incorporate more collective prayer into your life and community? ([12:46])
6. Reflect on the practice of casting lots and the transition to relying on the Holy Spirit. How can you more actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your decisions? ([12:23])
7. As we celebrate Mother's Day and the unity mothers bring, how can you extend this celebration to recognize and strengthen the spiritual unity we have in Christ? ([13:31])

Devotional

Day 1: Christ, Our Cornerstone of Unity
Christ is not just a figurehead but the very foundation of our spiritual unity. His life, death, and resurrection are pivotal in transcending and perfecting the unity initiated by human relationships. As believers, understanding Christ as our cornerstone means recognizing that He is the basis upon which all other relationships and community structures must be built. This perspective shifts how we view our interactions and the purpose behind our communal and familial ties, urging us to root them deeply in the love and sacrifice of Christ. This foundational role of Christ challenges us to rely wholly on Him, ensuring that our lives reflect His unifying love in every aspect. [02:18]

Ephesians 2:19-22: "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."

Reflection: How can you actively make Christ the cornerstone in your personal and community life today?

Day 2: The Perils of Self-Dependence
Judas's tragic choice to rely on his own strength rather than trusting in Christ exemplifies the dangers of self-dependence. His story is a somber reminder of the despair and ultimate destruction that can follow when we turn away from God’s path. Reflecting on Judas's end can lead us to a deeper understanding of the necessity of seeking divine guidance and the importance of forgiveness. It prompts us to examine areas in our lives where we might be relying too much on our own understanding instead of seeking God's wisdom and strength. [06:47]

Psalm 52:7: "See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!"

Reflection: Identify a decision you are facing where you might be relying too much on your own understanding. How can you seek God’s guidance in this situation?

Day 3: The Symbolic Power of Twelve
The number 12 in scripture is not just a number but a symbol of God's chosen community, unified under His sovereign plan. This theme of chosenness and unity runs throughout the Bible, from the twelve tribes of Israel to the twelve apostles, highlighting the continuity and consistency of God's purpose. Understanding this can deepen our appreciation of how God's plans are woven through history and how we, as part of the Church, are integrated into this divine narrative. [03:01]

Revelation 21:12-14: "It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed... And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

Reflection: How does recognizing yourself as part of God’s chosen community change your perspective on your daily interactions and responsibilities?

Day 4: Ascension and Empowerment
Christ’s ascension is not merely a historical event but a profound moment that signifies His reign as King and the empowerment of His followers through the Holy Spirit. This pivotal event reassures us of Christ's ongoing presence and influence in our lives. It encourages us to live with anticipation and courage, knowing that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out God's work on earth. This understanding should transform how we view our capabilities and our calling in the world. [05:00]

Acts 1:8-9: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to be more effective in your witness for Christ?

Day 5: Unity and Community in Decision-Making
The early Church's experience in the upper room, culminating in the selection of Matthias, illustrates the importance of communal prayer and dependence on God’s guidance in decision-making. This narrative encourages us to seek God collectively in our decisions, supporting the idea that true unity in the Church is achieved through the Holy Spirit’s leadership. It challenges us to embrace communal discernment and prayer as essential practices in maintaining unity and purpose within the Church. [12:46]

Acts 1:24-26: "And they prayed and said, 'You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.' And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering a spirit of unity and collective discernment in your church community?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Christ, upon his life being taken on the cross, descended into hell to declare victory. And yet, on that cross, he suffered hell when he said, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Because he was separated at that moment in time from the Father because of all the sin of the world being upon him. He suffered hell." [00:00]( | | )

2. "So today as you go forth and celebrate Mother's Day celebrate the unity that we all have under Christ. The unity with the twelve. The twelve as the new Israel of which you are a part. And may the peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts unified in Christ's name alone. Amen." [13:31]( | | )

3. "Judas, when he took his life, went to hell. We don't know of any example in scriptures that points out that he sought forgiveness, that he took his life under remorse. Christ, upon his life being taken on the cross, descended into hell to declare victory and yet on that cross he suffered hell when he said, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Because he was separated at that point at that moment in time from the Father because of all the sin of the world being upon him. He suffered hell on our behalf." [09:36]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "So unity is this interweaving of 12 throughout all of Scripture that reinforces the significance of the church as a whole. This week earlier, in Thursday, it was Ascension, Thursday, and Jesus was gathering his disciples before they gathered into this upper room, gathered under Christ as the head of their group. To be dependent upon Him alone. Not upon their own worth but upon the God that they worship. The Triune God and the Holy Spirit's guidance." [03:01]( | | )

2. "And he brought them to Bethpage. Bethpage is really by Garden of Gethsemane, which you know all too well, where Jesus really had said his last prayer prior to his death on the cross. Gethsemane is where he actually rode from Bethpage. He got a donkey from there, and on his Passion Week, as it began, he rode into the city of Jerusalem from Bethpage. It is there that he leads his disciples again to Bethpage. They witness his Ascension in glory into heaven as a king over the entire universe." [03:42]( | | )

3. "The casting of lots was a description of what was done not a prescription of what has to be done when you make a choice through the act of God. But it's a beautiful thing that they did here and of course God worked through the Holy Spirit and they chose Matthias. And they anointed him and he became one of the twelve. We don't hear really much about him after this. But we know that he was he along with the twelve went out now for the Great Commission to do the work of God." [12:46]( | | )

4. "And so the disciples were here. They looked at the Psalm. They looked at the interpretation that King David gave them as interpreted by Peter and said, let us determine and fill this unity, this gap. So we again have 12. And the criteria were that they had to be among us two or more that actually witnessed Christ's baptism in the Jordan River and also witnessed his ascension. That they were there that entire time during his ministry on this earth." [10:39]( | | )

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Transcript
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