Unity in Diversity: Jesus' Call to Cooperation

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity

Jesus intentionally chose a diverse group of disciples, each with unique backgrounds and experiences, to demonstrate the inclusivity of God's kingdom. This diversity was not a hindrance but a strength, as it showcased the power of unity in diversity. By bringing together individuals like fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot, Jesus highlighted that God's message is open to all, regardless of social status or past actions. This diverse group learned to work together, setting aside their differences to pursue a common goal. [00:45]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a person in your life who is different from you in background or beliefs. How can you reach out to them this week to build a bridge of understanding and unity?

Day 2: Transformation through Relationship

The disciples' transformation was a direct result of their close relationship with Jesus. By spending time with Him, they learned to embody His teachings and character. This transformation was not instantaneous but occurred through continuous interaction and learning. Jesus' presence and guidance helped them grow into leaders who could carry on His work. True change comes from a deep, personal connection with Christ, which allows His teachings to take root in our hearts and lives. [02:30]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your daily routine. How can you intentionally create space to deepen your relationship with Jesus this week, allowing His presence to transform you?

Day 3: The Power of Invitation

Jesus extended His invitation to follow Him to those whom society deemed unworthy, such as Matthew the tax collector. This act of grace reminds us that God's call is not based on our past but on our potential in Him. Jesus saw beyond societal labels and recognized the inherent value and potential in each person. His invitation was a powerful reminder that everyone is welcome in God's kingdom, and our past does not define our future in Christ. [05:15]

"Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find. And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests." (Matthew 22:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on someone in your life who might feel unworthy or excluded. How can you extend an invitation of friendship or support to them this week, reflecting God's grace?

Day 4: Cooperation Over Isolation

Jesus emphasized the importance of working together, even when it feels easier to act alone. Cooperation with others is essential for personal growth and the advancement of God's kingdom. The disciples learned to lay aside their differences and work towards a common goal, demonstrating the power of unity. In our lives, we are also called to collaborate with others, recognizing that we are stronger together and can achieve more when we work in harmony. [12:00]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a project or task you are currently working on alone. How can you invite others to join you, fostering collaboration and shared success?

Day 5: Seeking God's Help in Challenges

When cooperation becomes difficult, we are encouraged to seek God's help for peace and patience. This reliance on God enables us to overcome challenges and work harmoniously with others. Jesus' disciples faced many challenges, but through prayer and dependence on God, they learned to navigate their differences and work together effectively. In our own lives, turning to God in times of difficulty can provide the strength and guidance needed to maintain unity and cooperation. [13:30]

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing in working with others. How can you intentionally seek God's guidance and peace to navigate this situation with grace and patience?

Sermon Summary

When Jesus began his ministry, he made a deliberate choice to work with a diverse group of individuals, known as the disciples, rather than going it alone. This decision was not just about companionship; it was a strategic move to teach and transform ordinary people into leaders who could carry on his work. Jesus called a variety of individuals, including fishermen like Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who were known for their ruggedness and hard work. Despite their rough edges, Jesus saw potential in them and invited them to follow him, promising that they would become "fishers of people."

Jesus also called Matthew, a tax collector who was despised by his fellow Jews for collaborating with the Romans. This choice was shocking to many, as tax collectors were often seen as traitors. Yet, Jesus saw beyond Matthew's occupation and invited him to be part of his mission. Similarly, Simon the Zealot, who was likely a revolutionary against Roman rule, was also chosen. This diverse group, including women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who supported Jesus' ministry, exemplified the inclusivity of Jesus' message.

The disciples' journey with Jesus was not just about learning from him but also about learning to work together despite their differences. Jesus knew that spending time with him would transform them, helping them to lay aside their differences and work towards a common goal. This foundation of cooperation and unity was crucial for spreading the message of God's kingdom.

In our lives, we are also called to work together with others, even when it seems easier to go it alone. God designed us to need each other, and through cooperation, we grow and become more like Christ. When cooperation feels challenging, we can ask God for peace and patience to work together effectively.

Key Takeaways

1. Diversity in Unity: Jesus intentionally chose a diverse group of disciples, highlighting that God's kingdom is inclusive and open to all, regardless of background or social status. This diversity was not a hindrance but a strength, as it demonstrated the power of unity in diversity. [00:45]
2. Transformation through Relationship: The disciples' transformation was a result of their close relationship with Jesus. By spending time with him, they learned to embody his teachings and character, showing that true change comes from a deep, personal connection with Christ. [02:30]
3. The Power of Invitation: Jesus' invitation to follow him was extended to those society deemed unworthy, like Matthew the tax collector. This act of grace reminds us that God's call is not based on our past but on our potential in Him. [05:15]
4. Cooperation Over Isolation: Jesus' ministry emphasized the importance of working together. Even when it feels easier to act alone, cooperating with others is essential for personal growth and the advancement of God's kingdom. [12:00]
5. Seeking God's Help in Challenges: When cooperation becomes difficult, we are encouraged to seek God's help for peace and patience. This reliance on God enables us to overcome challenges and work harmoniously with others. [13:30]
** [13:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Jesus' Choice of Disciples
[02:30] - Transformation through Relationship
[03:45] - The Fishermen Disciples
[05:15] - Matthew the Tax Collector
[06:30] - Simon the Zealot
[07:45] - Women in Jesus' Ministry
[09:00] - The Role of Mary Magdalene
[10:15] - Joanna and Susanna's Support
[11:30] - Unity in Diversity
[12:00] - Cooperation Over Isolation
[13:30] - Seeking God's Help
[14:01] - Conclusion

Sermon Clips

"Jesus expected his disciples to spend their time with him, to become more like him, and together to do the work that he did. It would have been easy to choose people who were all alike and could get along with no problem, but that's not what Jesus did. One day, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray. In fact, he spent the entire night talking with God. And when morning came, Jesus called the crowd who had been following him and chose 12 men to be his" [00:09:21] (27 seconds)

"First off, we've got Simon Peter and Andrew and James and John. All four of them were fishermen. Fishermen at this time were hard workers, but often gruff and rugged. Not the kind of person you would want maybe at a dinner party. Plus, they were two sets of brothers. I mean, do you always get along with your siblings? Yeah, didn't think so. Hey, quit shoving. You're in my way. Jesus knew exactly what these men were like, but he borrowed Peter's boat to teach from." [00:10:01] (30 seconds)

"Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man. Don't be afraid. From now on, you will fish for people. If these fishermen were kind of rough around the edges, Matthew was the opposite. Matthew was a tax collector who worked for the Romans. He was in charge of taking money from the Jewish people to give to their enemies, and he probably took extra for himself. No one liked tax collectors, so it would have been shocking when Jesus walked right up to Matthew. Follow me. Jesus even went to dinner at Matthew's house. While Matthew worked for the Romans, one of the other men who Jesus called hated." [00:10:44] (38 seconds)

"An upper-class tax collector? A fiery revolutionary? Imagine including all of these different people in a group project together. We don't know a lot of details about the other disciples, but you can bet they had their own quirks. Jesus even included a man he knew would end up betraying him. Judas Iscariot." [00:11:34] (19 seconds)

"And it wasn't only men who followed Jesus. Women traveled with and learned from him too. There was Mary Magdalene. She had been controlled by spirits who weren't from God and Jesus healed her completely. A woman named Joanna followed Jesus too. She was married to the man who was in charge of the king's household. Other women learned from Jesus, including one named Susanna. Now, not only did these women spend time with Jesus, but they also gave their own money to support Jesus and the disciples." [00:11:53] (30 seconds)

"And Jesus welcomed their help. Women and men, people from all different backgrounds, people who would never have talked to each other on the street. Jesus invited them all to join him. Jesus knew that the more time these people spent with him, the more they would become like him and the more they could lay aside their differences to work together. The end." [00:12:29] (24 seconds)

"So, what's our part in the story? Jesus invited a group of people who were totally different from each other to follow him and help spread the news of God's kingdom. Following Jesus meant they had to learn how to cooperate. I mean, let's be real. There are times it may seem easier just to do something yourself. Yeah," [00:13:04] (23 seconds)

"You might be great at doing something on your own, but God designed us to work together. We're created to need other people. Cooperating with others, even if it feels hard, will help you grow to become more" [00:13:34] (13 seconds)

"If you don't feel like cooperating all the time, that's okay. You can ask God to give you peace and patience to work together." [00:14:01] (6 seconds)

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