Grace Christian Fellowship

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “What Kind of Legacy Are You Leaving?"

Subtitle: Father's Day

Scripture: John 8:48-59

Exod 3:14; Isaiah 41:4

Gen 3:15; 12:3

🎯 Bottom line: A lasting legacy isn’t built on reputation, achievement, or religion—but on knowing and obeying Jesus, who alone has defeated death.1. INTRODUCTION 2. CONTEXT 3. SERMON OUTLINE 4. CONCLUSION 5. NOTES 6. OUTLINES 7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER 8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Years ago, I heard Andy Stanley say something like this:

“When you think about your funeral, what do you want people to say about you? That you were successful? That you were wealthy? Or that you loved well, served others, and made a difference?”

This question encourages reflection on legacy beyond material success—focusing on character, love, and impact.

On this Father's Day, I want to challenge not just dad's but everyone to consider what matters most to you in life.

It might lead you to reconsider what you think matters most.
It might lead you to discover that what you say matters most doesn't match the way you're living right now.

🎯 Bottom line: A lasting legacy isn’t built on reputation, achievement, or religion—but on knowing and obeying Jesus, who alone has defeated death.🧱 Outline1. Don’t Settle for a Reputation—Seek Revelation (vv. 48–53)* The Jews claim Abraham as their father but reject the one Abraham anticipated. * They attack Jesus’ reputation: “You’re demon-possessed!” + They make personal attacks when they don't disagree on theological beliefs.

Jesus reveals His identity as one who brings glory not to Himself, but to the Father.
Jesus is God in the flesh.
Jesus appears as just a man who is in touch with God.

Application:

Reputation may matter in this world, but it doesn’t carry into eternity.
Fathers: Are you chasing appearances or revealing Jesus to your children?

Illustration/Question to consider:

A man may leave behind a full resume or a paid-off house—but does his family know the Savior he knew?
The Only Life Stronger Than Death Comes From Jesus (vv. 51–53)* Jesus says, “Whoever obeys my word will never see death.”
They misunderstand, thinking He means physical death—He means eternal separation.
Jesus is promising life stronger than death.
In the New Testament, death = separation.
Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. (Think about the body in a casket; doesn't look real)
Spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God. (This matters much more)
Jesus is talking about this life here and now AND life hereafter.

Illustration:

Jonathan Edwards’ legacy: (18th century) Through one godly man, generations were impacted.
Kids and beyond Timothy (pres Yale), Aaron Burr (VP), college presidents, professors, judges and military officers.
Contrast with Max Jukes, a man of no faith whose descendants filled prisons and hospitals.
310 died in poverty
150 criminals
100 drunkards
7 murderers

Application:

Obedience to Jesus isn’t rule-keeping—it’s life-receiving, life-giving and life transformation.
Life-receiving is a pre-requisite.
Life-giving is a fruit better than receiving.
Life-transforming is a way to summarize this.
Fathers: The greatest gift you can give your family isn’t money—it’s pointing them to the One who conquers death.

Question to consider:

Are you focused on what really matters most?
Does the trajectory of your life match what you say matters most?
Will they be saying what you want them to say at the end?
Before Abraham Was Born… I AM (vv. 54–59)* Jesus claims the divine name, “I AM”—the very name God gave Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14).
He's either a lunatic,
a liar, or
Lord. He can't be anything else.`
The crowd understands this is a claim to deity—and they try to kill Him for it.

Application:

Jesus doesn’t just offer life—He is life.
Fathers: You don’t need to be the “I AM” for your family. You just need to lead them to the One who is.

Illustration:

A child doesn’t need a perfect dad—they need a dad who clings to a perfect Savior. The strength of a legacy is measured not by your control, but your surrender.
Song "Only Jesus" by Casting Crowns. The chorus features the lines:
“And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus”.
The song’s central message is that the only name worth remembering is Jesus, not our own achievements or legacy.

Question to consider:

Are you pointing others to the One who conquers death and IS LIFE or are you trying to be the hero who wil die one day?

Closing Encouragement and Challenge

Fathers, men, followers of Christ—what kind of legacy are you leaving? One that fades with your name? Or one that lasts because it’s rooted in the eternal “I AM”?

Question to consider: When I think of legacy, am I trying to be the one they remember or am I ok fading into history having spent my life pointing others to Jesus?

“Fathers, what do you want your children and grandchildren to say about you one day? That you were successful? Fun? Wise? That you provided well? Those are good—but are they eternal? Or will they say you walked with Jesus, pointed them to Him, and lived for something that doesn’t fade?”

Action Step:

Write down one step of obedience this week that builds a legacy of faith. Share it with someone.

🙏 Closing Prayer (Father’s Day Focused)

“Lord Jesus, You are the great I AM—the One who was before Abraham, and the One who holds eternity. The One who gives and IS LIFE. Help us as fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers (and people) to build our lives not on achievement, wealth, appearance, or religion, but on You. Strengthen us to obey Your word, to lead our families with humility and courage, and to leave a legacy that lasts beyond this life. The legacy of the name of Jesus. For that is enough. In your we pray, amen.”

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

8:31-32 "But Jesus now lays down exactly what it is that separates spurious faith from true faith, fickle disciples from genuine disciples: If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. The verb rendered 'hold' is meno, to abide, to remain - a theme of critical importance that returns in a concentrated way in ch. 15. In short, perseverance is the mark of true faith, of real disciples. A genuine believer remains in Jesus' 'word' (logos), his teaching (cf. notes on 1:1): i.e. such a person obeys it, seeks to understand it better, and finds it more precious, more controlling, precisely when other forces flatly oppose it. It is the one who continues in the teaching who has both the Father and the Son (2 Jn. 9; cf. Heb.

3:14; Rev. 2:26)." -Carson

Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was a prominent American Congregationalist pastor, theologian, and philosopher who played a central role in the First Great Awakening, a widespread religious revival in colonial America during the 1730s and 1740s. Serving in Northampton, Massachusetts, Edwards’ passionate sermons—most famously “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”—sparked intense emotional responses and mass conversions, emphasizing the need for personal repentance and faith. His writings and leadership helped shape the revival’s theology, defending its authenticity and laying the groundwork for evangelicalism in America.

“It is important that we understand the difference between saving faith, which is the possession of the true believer, and the mere profession of faith. Many people mistakenly think that they enter into the kingdom of God simply by making a profession of faith. They say, “But preacher, I went to an evangelistic meeting, I raised my hand, I answered the altar call, I prayed the sinner’s prayer, I signed the card—doesn’t that make me a Christian?” The only answer I can give is “Maybe.” It’s not the profession that gets you into the kingdom. It’s the possession. We must possess what we profess”

Excerpt From

John - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

“Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 7:21a). On the other hand: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (vv. 31–32).”

Excerpt From

John - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

“Remaining makes you a disciple; by remaining, you know the truth; and by remaining and knowing the truth, you are set free”

Excerpt From

John - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

🔹 Ecclesiastes Passages About Being Forgotten1. Ecclesiastes 1:11 (NIV)

“No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them.”

Theme: The sobering reality that human memory fades—fast. Even those who do great things are often forgotten within a generation or two.
Ecclesiastes 2:16 (NIV)

“For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die!”

Theme: Legacy doesn’t protect anyone from death or obscurity. Human efforts, even when noble, fade apart from something eternal.
Ecclesiastes 9:5 (NIV)

“For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.”

Theme: Life is short, and memory is fleeting. The writer forces us to ask: What are we really living for?

🔹Father’s Day Reflection: What Kind of Legacy Are You Leaving?On Father’s Day, these verses provide a poignant moment for reflection. Many dads want to leave a legacy: to be remembered, respected, and to have made a lasting difference. But Ecclesiastes humbles us. It reminds us that even the best human legacies don’t last.

That’s why the message of Only Jesus is so powerful in this context. The chorus says:

“I don’t want to leave a legacy / I don’t care if they remember me / Only Jesus.”

It’s not a rejection of making an impact—it’s a re-centering of what matters most. A legacy that points to Jesus is the only one that lasts. Fathers who live with eternity in mind—who love well, lead humbly, and point their children to Christ—leave the kind of mark that doesn’t fade with time.

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity AI

Google Gemini AI

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Purpose of Gospel of John

John states the purpose in John 20:30-31. 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,[a] and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John builds his Gospel on 7 key miracles and is more thematic in arrangement.

A. The Ministry of the Pre-incarnate King (1:1-18)

B. The Ministry of the Incarnate King (1:19-19:42)

C. The Ministry of the Risen King (20:1-21:25)

§ The Incarnation of the Son of God (John 1:1-18)

§ The Presentation of the Son of God (John 1:19-4:54)

§ The Confrontation with the Son of God (John 5-12)

§ The Instruction of the Son of God (John 13-16)

§ The Intercession of the Son of God (John 17)

§ The Execution of the Son of God (John 18-19)

§ The Resurrection of the Son of God (John 20-21) The Bible From 30,000 Feet

The Jews thought their ancestry would save them. Jesus said man is bound by sin.

Freedom is found in Jesus.

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Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Am I living in the Light--or just near it?

Subtitle:

Scripture: John 8:12-30

Bottom line: Jesus is the Light of the World. To follow Him is to walk in light, know God, and live. To reject Him is to remain in darkness and die in your sin.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

SERMON OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

NOTES

OUTLINES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

"Have you ever tried going through an obstacle course blindfolded? The smallest obstacles become difficult obstructions. If we are not walking in the light of Christ, the obstacles that should not be a problem are great stumbling blocks to us. But when we have that light, we understand how to make our way through this dark world." -Hughes, p. 234

Air Florida Flight ✈️ 90

"Arland Williams and five others knew their situation was hopeless.

Floating in the icy Potomac River, the six survivors of Air Florida Flight 90 knew there was no way to reach the shore just forty yards away.

They could hear the rescuers trying to reach them, but each attempt to cross the icy waters failed. Just as they were giving up hope, they heard the sound of an approaching helicopter. A life ring fell into the hands of one of the survivors, and he was pulled to safety. Next it fell in Arland's hands. He could be saved. But before the helicopter could pull him up, he handed the life ring to someone else. The chopper could only hold two, so it turned toward the shore and sped away. Just a few minutes later it returned. Again the life ring fell into Arland's hands, and again he handed it to someone else. The third time he did the same.

There would be no fourth opportunity. By the time the helicopter had returned, Arland had disappeared below the surface.

In 2007 an article was written about Arland Williams's sacrifice and appeared in Men's Health magazine. After recounting Williams's story, the author of the article asks,

Why would anyone put the lives of strangers ahead of his own?

He couldn't even see the faces of the people he was saving, because they were on the opposite side of the wreckage, yet he made a sacrifice for them that their best friends might have refused. (McDougall, "The Hidden Cost of Heroism")

The concepts of heroism and self-sacrifice puzzle the writer. Why would someone die for someone he didn't know? He tries to analyze it scientifically and concludes,

Extreme heroism springs from something that no scientific theory can fully explain; it's an illogical impulse that flies in the face of biology, psychology, actuarial statistics, and basic common sense. (Ibid.)

He even quotes Charles Darwin, who "couldn't figure out how to crowbar heroism into his survival-of-the-fittest theory" (ibid.). Darwin said,

He who was ready to sacrifice his life, as many a savage has been, rather than betray his comrades, would often leave no offspring to inherit his noble nature. (Ibid.)

After examining the story and different theories, the writer concludes that though the act was heroic, there would be no one to pass down the family name." Carter, pp. 189-190

More on crash:

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/44ed00c4-9db0-41ca-b62e-70378c94be00#0

OUTLINE (includes some input from ChatGPT)

Bottom line: Jesus is the Light of the World.

To follow Him is to walk in light, know God, and live.

To reject Him is to remain in darkness and die in your sin.

Are You Living in the Light—or Just Near It?

Illustration: “Lost in the Cave”

A few years ago, a soccer team of twelve boys and their coach were trapped deep inside a cave in Thailand. Rising floodwaters had cut off their way out, and they were completely in the dark. One of the greatest challenges rescuers faced wasn’t just the physical danger—it was the total absence of light. In complete darkness, there’s no sense of direction, no way to move forward, no way to know what’s safe or deadly. The first thing rescuers brought them wasn’t food or even water—it was light. Only with light could they begin the journey toward life again.

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” Without Him, we are spiritually trapped—no direction, no hope. But with Him, we not only see clearly—we live.

I. Jesus is the Light of the World (v. 12)

Following Jesus means walking no longer in darkness.

You receive the light of life—truth, clarity, and direction.

Light is essential for spiritual life.

Application:

→ Walk in the light as He is in the light.

→ Shine like stars in a dark and crooked world (Philippians 2:15).

II. To Know Jesus is to Know God (v. 19)

Jesus is one with the Father—there is no knowing God apart from Him.

Religion without relationship with Jesus is still darkness.

Application:

→ Humble yourself and respond to God’s call to know Him today.

→ Don’t settle for proximity to spiritual things—pursue Christ.

III. Apart from Jesus, You Will Die in Your Sin(s) (vv. 21–24)

Those who reject Jesus remain “of this world,” in rebellion.

The consequence is not just spiritual wandering—it’s spiritual death.

Application:

→ Believe that Jesus is who He says He is and will do what He promised.

→ Without faith in Him, sin still owns you.

IV. Follow Jesus the Way Jesus Followed the Father (vv. 25–30)

Jesus lived sent—submissively, sacrificially, and obediently.

He didn’t act independently but responded to the Father in everything.

Application:

→ Follow Jesus in the same way: as a mission-minded, obedient light-bearer.

→ You are now the light of the world on Jesus’ behalf (Matthew 5:14–16).

CONCLUSION

'Crazy Love'

Francis Chan’s mother died giving birth to him. The only affection he can remember receiving from his father lasted about thirty seconds when he was on the way to his stepmother’s funeral aged nine. When he was twelve, his father also died. Francis cried, but also felt relieved. Francis is now a pastor. He and his wife, Lisa, have seven children. When his children were born, his own love for his children and his desire for their love was so strong that it opened his eyes to how much God desires and loves us. He said, ‘Through this experience, I came to understand that my desire for my children is only a faint echo of God’s great love for me and for every person he made… I love my kids so much it hurts.’ Calling his first book Crazy Love, he wrote, ‘The idea of Crazy Love has to do with our relationship with God. All my life I’ve heard people say, “God loves you.” It’s probably the most insane statement you could make to say that the eternal Creator of this universe is in love with me. There is a response that ought to take place in believers, a crazy reaction to that love. Do you really understand what God has done for you? If so, why is your response so lukewarm?’ The word ‘zeal’ implies an intense or passionate desire. It can be misdirected, but as Paul writes, it is right to be zealous provided that the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18). Elsewhere he says, ‘Never be lacking in zeal’ (Romans 12:11). Perhaps a good modern translation of the word ‘zeal’ is ‘crazy love’.

Bottom line: Jesus is the Light of the World.

`To follow Him is to walk in light, know God, and live.

To reject Him is to remain in darkness and die in your sin.

Who do you trust?

"All the time we each decide whom to trust.

When we pick up medicine from the pharmacy, we trust our doctor who prescribed it and our pharmacist who prepared it. We also trust the company that developed it and the government that approved it, plus the people who trained the doctor and pharmacist and the many hands at the drug company who prepared and packaged it.

When it comes to physical life, we trust our care to a lot of people.

When it comes to your spiritual life, whom do you trust?

Your authority is either yourself—what you think, how you feel, what you have experienced—or it's God and what he says.

Do you really want to trust yourself with your eternal future? You are flesh. You didn't exist until thirty or fifty or eighty years ago. You can't keep yourself from getting sick or hurt. You cannot guarantee you will be alive tomorrow.

Do you really think you're the best choice to be the ultimate authority in your life?" -Carter

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?

What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Isaiah 49:6 light

Psalm 27:1 light

Exodus 14:19-20 light

Malachi 4:2 light

Luke 1:78-79 light

Exodus 13:21–22

Ephesians 5:8

Matt 5:14; 13:43

Phil 2:15 stars in the sky

Numbers 6:24-26 benediction

Numbers 9:15-22 cloud & Fire

John 3:14 lifted up

Isaiah 43:11-13 "I am he"

Imagine you’re in a remote cabin deep in the woods. Night falls quickly, and darkness surrounds you. You fumble for a flashlight or a lantern, and there it is—sitting on the table, fully charged and ready.

But instead of turning it on, you leave it sitting there. You try to find your way in the dark—bumping into furniture, stumbling over bags, even hurting yourself. You complain that it’s too dark, that you can’t see where you’re going, that you’re scared.

And all the while… the light is right there.

Jesus is the Light of the World. He’s not a philosophy or an idea—He’s a living Person who brings truth, clarity, and life. But you have to turn to Him. You have to walk in the light—not just be near it.

Don’t go home tonight bumping around in the dark when the Light has already come.

Historical and Liturgical Background: Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Timing:

John 7–8 takes place during or just after the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the three major Jewish pilgrimage festivals. It commemorated Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness after the Exodus, when God provided water, food, and guidance.

The Setting of John 8:12:

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world,” likely in the Temple courts (v. 20 specifies “in the temple treasury,” which was in the Court of Women).

John 8:28 video link

https://youtu.be/CZSlHdEoz40?si=OD54C1Ch0BKCQKc6

The Four Giant Candelabras

During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jewish tradition says that in the Court of Women, the priests lit four huge candelabras (sometimes described as 75 feet tall) every night:

Each had four golden bowls at the top, with strong young priests climbing ladders to fill them with oil and light them.

The light was so bright, Jewish writings say, that “there was not a courtyard in Jerusalem that did not reflect the light from the Temple.”

This lighting ceremony celebrated God’s presence—especially the pillar of fire that guided Israel through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21–22).

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?

Why do I want them to know it?

What do I want them to do?

Why do I want them to do it?

How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.

Retell the story in your own words.

Discovery the story

What does this story tell me about God?

What does this story tell me about people?

If this is really true, what should I do?

What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?

What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

What do I do? (In light of who I am)

How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity AI

Google Gemini AI

View Details

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Would Jesus Cancel Me?"

Subtitle:

Scripture: John 7:53-8:11

John 3:16-18; Matt 7:3-5

Bottom line: Jesus meets us in our guilt not to condemn us, but to restore us to a new way of life.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

SERMON OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

NOTES

OUTLINES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

"Cancel culture is a modern social phenomenon where individuals, organizations, or public figures are called out, boycotted, or publicly shamed—often on social media—for actions, statements, or behaviors that are considered offensive, harmful, or morally wrong.

Here’s a clear definition:

Cancel culture refers to the practice of withdrawing support from someone—often publicly and collectively—due to something they’ve said or done that is viewed as objectionable or offensive, often without a process of forgiveness, dialogue, or restoration."

-ChatGPT

"(JK Rowling, author of Harry Potter) is a notable example of cancel culture targeting an individual recently:

J.K. Rowling (Ongoing, Intensified 2020–2023) , the author of the Harry Potter series, has faced sustained backlash for her comments on transgender issues, particularly since 2020. Her tweets and essays expressing concerns about the implications of transgender rights on women’s spaces were labeled transphobic by critics, leading to widespread calls for boycotts of her books, films, and related media. Fans and organizations publicly distanced themselves, and some Harry Potter actors, like Daniel Radcliffe, openly opposed her views..." -Grok AI

Black Dot Analogy

It’s frequently applied in discussions about judgment, perspective, and human behavior, particularly in the context of not judging others based on their worst moments or traits.

Origins and Core Concept

The black dot analogy often appears in motivational, psychological, and educational contexts. One common version...involves a classroom exercise where a professor presents students with a blank sheet of paper featuring a single black dot in the center. Students are asked to write about what they see, and invariably, they focus on the dot, ignoring the vast white space around it.

The professor then explains that this mirrors how people fixate on small negatives in life—such as health issues, financial struggles, or personal failures—while neglecting the abundance of positive aspects, like relationships, opportunities, or blessings." -Grok AI

The Security Camera Moment

"Imagine a moment you wouldn’t want anyone to see—maybe you lost your temper, told a lie, or clicked on something you knew you shouldn’t have. Now imagine that moment being played on a giant screen in the middle of your church, with everyone watching.

That’s what the woman caught in adultery was living. Her worst moment was dragged into the light, not in private, but publicly—before religious leaders, before a crowd, and before Jesus.

But instead of condemnation, she encountered something completely unexpected: mercy." -Grok AI

For our purposes today, cancel = condemn. When Jesus meets us in our guilt, he doesn't cancel or condemn us; he restores us to a new way to live.

OUTLINE (input from ChatGPT)

Bottom line: Jesus meets us in our guilt not to condemn us, but to restore us to a new way of life.

Transition:

If you look at John 8:1-11 in your bible, you may notice that it is in brackets, italics, or footnoted. In my bible, it's all in italics.

I have wrestled all week with whether to preach this passage today or not. The reason is that this portion of John (8:1-11) is not in the earliest manuscripts. (that we have so far) It is in many manuscripts, however, it's not in the same place in those manuscripts. It's found in different places throughout the book of John. It's sometimes found in Luke as well. From this I draw 3 conclusions:

It's probably not in the original book of John, meaning that I cannot consider it scripture for certain. Many of my commentaries just skip this passage with no comment. Others address it even though they do not see it as scripture. Other commentaries see value in it and address leaving this decision up to the reader.

It very well could be a true event in the life of Jesus. I think this is a true account and that some who copied this down felt it was worthy of scripture. And maybe it is. But it doesn't meet the standard of what qualifies as scripture and not just history. (Add qualification of NT scripture here)

It's worth our time to preach/teach it because it includes biblical principles and applications relevant to us and aligns with the rest of scripture. In other words, it's not going to take us somewhere we wouldn't otherwise go.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary states, "It is probably a part of true oral tradition which was added to later Greek manuscripts by copyists." Blum, E. A. (1985). John. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 303). Victor Books.

The Setup: Grace Confronts a Trap (vv. 1–6a)

The scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery—not out of love for the law, but to trap Jesus.

The law said such a sin was punishable by death (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22), but this was clearly a setup:

Where is the man?

Why is this happening publicly in the temple?

They use the woman’s shame as a tool to undermine Jesus.

Application: People still weaponize sin and shame to feel superior or to discredit others. But Jesus won’t participate in that game.

The Silence: Grace Slows the Fury (vv. 6b–8)

Jesus bends down and writes on the ground. It’s an intentional pause.

It shifts attention away from the woman, lowers the emotional temperature, and gives space for reflection.

His challenge—“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”—puts judgment back where it belongs: in the hands of the truly holy.

Matthew 7:3–5 (NIV)

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Application: Jesus slows the mob mentality. When we want to throw stones (even mental ones), Jesus reminds us to examine ourselves first.

The Departure: Grace Exposes Everyone (vv. 9)

One by one, they drop their stones and leave—starting with the oldest, perhaps because they had lived long enough to know their sin more clearly.

Jesus’ words don’t just defend the woman—they shine a light on everyone present.

Application: In the presence of Jesus, no one gets to act like they’re righteous on their own.

The Restoration: Grace Speaks a Better Word (vv. 10–11)

“Where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord.”

“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.”

He doesn’t ignore her sin—He lifts her from it. Grace first, then transformation.

Application: Jesus is not soft on sin—He’s strong on mercy. Grace doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers change.

Pastoral Notes/transition:

This woman doesn’t ask for forgiveness—Jesus simply gives it.

The grace of Jesus doesn’t depend on the eloquence of our repentance but on the fullness of His mercy.

CONCLUSION

"(Jesus) doesn't give her a license to keep sinning. He gives her a reason to stop." -M Carter

"Is Jesus reversing the Mosaic system? No. He is placing His cross between that woman and her sin." -J. Vernon McGee

Applications:

Jesus came to show us the way out from under our condemnation to mercy. Let God forgive you--and you yourself.

Jesus is not soft on sin—He’s strong on mercy. Let God find us quick to forgive instead of condemn or cancel.

Grace doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers change. Let God find us moving towards holy, pure living instead of compromised living.

The Torn Report Card

A student hides his report card from his parents—he’s failed multiple classes and is ashamed. When the truth finally comes out, he expects anger, punishment, maybe rejection. But instead, his father gently says, “This doesn’t change that you’re my son. We’re going to face this together. But we are going to face it.”

That’s the heart of Jesus in this story. He doesn’t pretend our sin doesn’t matter—but He makes sure we know: we don’t face it alone, and we don’t face it condemned.

The Courtroom Surprise

Imagine standing in court, guilty, and the judge reads the list of charges. The evidence is overwhelming. Then the judge steps down from the bench, walks toward you, and says, “I’ll take your sentence.”

That’s what Jesus did—not just for the woman, but for each of us. He didn’t just defend her; He bore her shame. He doesn’t say, “You’re not guilty.” He says, “I’ll take the guilt.”

Bottom line: Jesus meets us in our guilt not to condemn us, but to restore us to a new way of life.

INVITATION

The Dropped Stones

Picture the sound that must’ve filled the temple courtyard that day—not just silence, but the clink and thud of stones hitting the ground one by one. That was the sound of people walking away from condemnation.

And maybe today, that sound is what needs to happen in your own heart—not just dropping the stones you’ve been ready to throw at others, but dropping the ones you’ve been throwing at yourself.

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?

What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

"She's been disgraced. Then Jesus covers her disgrace with his grace. He levels the playing field by quietly, making each man admit his own sin, and then instead of condemning her, he forgives her. Not only does he forgive her, but he also transforms her future. He doesn't give her a license to keep sinning. He gives her a reason to stop."

-M Carter

"Is Jesus reversing the Mosaic system? No. He is placing His cross between that woman and her sin. This One who is the Son of the virgin, who Himself was under a cloud all of His life, is going to the cross to pay the penalty for even the sin of this woman. He did not come into the world to condemn the wold. (John 3:17) He did not come to judge this woman. He came into the world to be a Savior!"

-J. Vernon McGee

"We must not misinterpret this event to mean that Jesus was 'easy on sin' or that he contradicted the law. For Jesus to forgive this woman meant that he had to one day die for her sins. Forgiveness is free, but it is not cheap. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law so that no one could just accuse him of opposing his teachings or weakening its power by applying the law to the woman, and not to themselves. The Jewish leaders were violating both the letter and the spirit of the law--and they thought they were defending Moses!

The law was given to reveal sin (Romans 3:20), and we must be condemned by the law before we can be cleansed by God's grace. Law and grace do not compete with each other; they complement each other. Nobody was ever saved by keeping the law, but nobody was ever saved by grace, who was not first convicted by the law. There must be conviction before they can be conversion.

Nor is Christ's gracious forgiveness an excuse to sin. "Go, and sin, no more!" was our Lord's counsel... Certainly the experience of gracious forgiveness would motivate the penitent sinner to live a holy and obedient life to the glory of God."

-W Wiersbe

Black Dot Analogy

"The black dot analogy is a powerful metaphor often used to illustrate how people tend to focus on negative aspects or flaws—represented by a small black dot—while overlooking the broader, positive context, symbolized by a large white space surrounding it. It’s frequently applied in discussions about judgment, perspective, and human behavior, particularly in the context of not judging others based on their worst moments or traits. Below, I’ll explore the analogy’s origins, its applications, and its relevance to your original query about a post on X regarding not judging people by their worst moments.

Origins and Core Concept

The black dot analogy often appears in motivational, psychological, and educational contexts. One common version, as described in sources like the Rotary e-Club of Houston and Medium, involves a classroom exercise where a professor presents students with a blank sheet of paper featuring a single black dot in the center. Students are asked to write about what they see, and invariably, they focus on the dot, ignoring the vast white space around it. The professor then explains that this mirrors how people fixate on small negatives in life—such as health issues, financial struggles, or personal failures—while neglecting the abundance of positive aspects, like relationships, opportunities, or blessings." -Grok AI

NT Canon - who decided what books?

The process of recognizing the New Testament canon unfolded gradually over several centuries. Here’s a brief timeline of how and when this happened:

1st Century (c. 45–100 AD)

The New Testament books were being written (e.g., Paul’s letters, the Gospels, Acts, Revelation).

Some letters were already being shared and read in various churches (e.g., see 2 Peter 3:15–16, where Paul’s letters are referred to as Scripture).

2nd Century (100–200 AD)

Many churches were using core texts like the four Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters.

Early church leaders (like Irenaeus, c. 180 AD) affirmed the authority of these writings.

Heretical movements (e.g., Marcionism, which rejected the Old Testament and some NT books) forced the church to clarify which writings were truly apostolic and orthodox.

3rd Century (200–300 AD)

More consensus was forming, especially around most of the current New Testament books.

Disputed books included Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2–3 John, Jude, and Revelation.

Church fathers like Origen and Cyprian used most of the New Testament books but noted which were disputed.

4th Century (300–400 AD)

Athanasius’ Easter Letter (367 AD): This was the first known list to include exactly the 27 books of the New Testament as we have today.

Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD): These regional church councils affirmed the same list.

While these councils didn’t “create” the canon, they recognized and confirmed what many churches were already using.

By the 5th Century

The 27-book New Testament was widely accepted across the Christian world.

The canon was functionally closed, and later councils reaffirmed the same set of writings.

So, while the New Testament canon wasn’t decided at one single moment, by the end of the 4th century, the list of 27 books was largely settled and universally recognized in the church. -ChatGPT

From me to ChatGPT: Would you say then that they were decided using an “open source” or “wiki” method?

That’s a great analogy—and yes, to an extent, the formation of the New Testament canon functioned somewhat like an “open source” or “wiki” process, though with important differences.

Here’s how the comparison fits:

✅ Collaborative Process (like open source/wiki)

The canon wasn’t determined by a single person or moment.

Churches across different regions contributed to the process by using, preserving, copying, and teaching from certain texts.

Early church leaders and communities evaluated writings based on shared criteria, and over time a consensus emerged.

✅ Organic Development

Books were recognized as authoritative because they were already functioning as such in Christian worship and teaching—not simply declared authoritative from above.

The canon grew from usage and recognition rather than being imposed arbitrarily.

Books were recognized as authoritative because they were already functioning as such in Christian worship and teaching—not simply declared authoritative from above.

The canon grew from usage and recognition rather than being imposed arbitrarily.

✅ Community Discernment

Just like open-source projects evolve through community review and refinement, the canon evolved through careful theological reflection, discussion, and testing against apostolic truth.

-ChatGPT

But here’s where the analogy has limits:

❌ Not Unlimited or Constantly Editable

Unlike a true wiki, the canon wasn’t meant to be open-ended or perpetually editable. Once consensus was reached, it was closed and considered authoritative and complete.

The church believed that God’s revelation in Christ—and through the apostles—was once for all (cf. Jude 1:3), not ongoing in the way an open-source codebase might be.

❌ Guided by Theology, Not Just Consensus

Theological and spiritual discernment—especially about apostolicity and inspiration—played a key role. It wasn’t just a democratic vote or popularity contest.

-ChatGPT

Summary:

"Yes, the canonization process had a lot in common with an “open source” or “wiki-style” model—distributed, collaborative, community-tested—but it was also guided by deep convictions about divine revelation and was ultimately closed to preserve the apostolic foundation of the faith.

The Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397) were the most decisive early church gatherings to affirm the full 27-book New Testament canon. They didn’t invent the canon but codified what had already become widespread consensus in the life of the church." -ChatGPT

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?

Why do I want them to know it?

What do I want them to do?

Why do I want them to do it?

How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.

Retell the story in your own words.

Discovery the story

What does this story tell me about God?

What does this story tell me about people?

If this is really true, what should I do?

What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?

What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

What do I do? (In light of who I am)

How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity AI

Google Gemini AI

View Details

The 4th Man Always Finds His People - Daniel 3:1-30

Babylonian records indicate there was a revolt against the king at his 10-year mark of rule, so it is possible Ch 3 may have been a loyalty test.

Gold Statue (image) 90 feet tall, 9 feet wide. Could have been of false gods Marduk or Nabu or maybe even the king himself.

Officials summoned to the plain of Dura, ordered by rank.

Commanded to worship at the sound of the music.

Music to persuade, furnace to enforce compliance.

Possible jealous rivals, accused the Jews of not bowing in worship to the image.

Following God will not always be popular. Decide ahead of time who we will follow.

The question, "Who is the god who will save you from my power?"

God will answer him by miraculously saving the three, who were not willing to break the 1st Commandment and worship the image.

King was alarmed by the 4th man in the furnace. Angel or pre-incarnate Jesus? Don't know for certain but I believe it was Jesus.

God rewards faith.

View Details

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Why Do People Reject Jesus?”

Subtitle:

Scripture: John 7:1-52

Isaiah 55:1-7

Jeremiah 2:13

Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Acts 3:20-22

Matthew 10:34-35

Look for the drama in scripture

Bottom line: People reject Jesus for many reasons, but He still calls the thirsty to come and receive real life.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

SERMON OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

NOTES

OUTLINES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Some people in history seem to split the world in two. Say their name, and you immediately stir debate. Martin Luther King Jr.—hero of justice or dangerous disruptor? Galileo—scientific genius or arrogant heretic? Nelson Mandela, Joan of Arc, Malcolm X—each one beloved by some, opposed by others. But history’s most polarizing figure? Jesus. No one sparked more debate, division, or devotion. And in John 7, we see that clearly. The question is: Why do people reject Him—and could we be doing the same?

John Bunyan knew all about that and wrote, "There was a man, the world did think him mad, the more he gave away, the more he had."

Feast of Tabernacles...

Originally a harvest festival coming at the end of the last major harvest of the year (grapes). They celebrated God who brought the rain.

Became a celebration of God's deliverance of Israel through the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness where God had to supernaturally supply them water for the whole nation in the desert.

It had eschatological hopes

For the restoration of the nation of Israel

For the ingathering of all nations under God

Jesus presents himself as God's agent to make these end time events a reality. He does this as the source of life--abundant (like being celebrated during this festival) and eternal (like living water).

Bottom line: People reject Jesus for many reasons, but He still calls the thirsty to come and receive real life.

In his last 6 months, Jesus enters Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles surrounded by confusion, debate and division over who he is and why he matters. This is the context around his famous teaching about the Holy Spirit's role when he ascends and why he's called living water.

OUTLINE (input from ChatGPT)

Some reject Jesus because He doesn’t follow their expectations.

(John 7:1–10)

Jesus’ own brothers didn’t believe because He didn’t fit their agenda or timeline.

We still wrestle with disappointment or control when Jesus won’t do what we want, when we want.

Some reject Jesus because His truth exposes their hypocrisy.

(John 7:11–24)

Jesus confronts those judging Him wrongly, especially for healing on the Sabbath.

We resist truth when it challenges our comfort, image, or self-righteousness.

Some reject Jesus because of assumptions and incomplete knowledge.

(John 7:25–36)

The crowd “knows” where Jesus is from and assumes He can’t be the Christ.

Spiritual blindness often comes from thinking we already understand everything.

Some reject Jesus because they fear people more than God.

(John 7:40–52)

Division rises. Leaders pressure, mock, and dismiss. Nicodemus is silenced.

Following Jesus means risking disapproval—but silence is a choice too.

But Jesus still calls: If you’re thirsty, come to Me and drink.

(John 7:37–39)

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus invites all to receive living water—the Holy Spirit.

Rejection isn’t the end of the story. Jesus still offers Himself to anyone willing to come in faith.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: People reject Jesus for many reasons, but He still calls the thirsty to come and receive real life.

"For decades one of the first places immigrants to America landed was Ellis Island. They came hoping for a better life, longing for a chance to find happiness. Near Ellis Island was a statue, and the statue was an invitation.

A poem by Emma Lazarus captured the invitation:

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips.

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

What a beautiful invitation. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses."

Jesus extends a better invitation. "Come, weary and broken. Come, thirsty and dying. Come to me and find life."" -Carter, p. 181

The Lion

"How are we to drink this water? Although the offer is free and open to all, there are yet some terms to be met. C. S. Lewis in his children's novel The Silver Chair puts his finger on this in the clearest of terms. Jill, seeing a lion, is scared out of her wits and runs into the forest. She runs so hard that she wears herself out and is just about to die of thirst, or so she thinks, when she hears the gurgling of a brook in the distance. She approaches it and is almost ready to go to the brook when on the grass before her is the same lion.

"Are you not thirsty?" said the Lion.

"I'm dying of thirst," said Jill.

"Then drink, " said the Lion.

"May I— could I-would you mind going away while I do?" said Jill.

The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience. The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic.

"Will you promise not to — do anything to me, if I do come?" said Jill.

"I make no promise,'" said the Lion.

Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer.

"Do you eat girls?" she said.

"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and em-perors, cities and realms," said the Lion. It didn't say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it.

"I daren't come and drink," said Jill.

"Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion.

"Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer.

"I suppose I must go and look for another stream then."

"There is no other stream," said the Lion.

It never occurred to Jill to disbelieve the Lion —no one who had seen his stern face could do that-and her mind suddenly made itself up. It was the worst thing she had ever had to do, but she went forward to the stream, knelt down, and began scooping up water in her hand. It was the coldest, most refreshing water she had ever tasted.

Do you see what Lewis is saying? When you come to the water, you are coming to a Lion, you must come on the Lion's terms, and you have to yield yourself by faith in order to get the water. Some of us need to realize that we are thirsty, that we need that water so badly that we are going to die without it. We need to step out on faith, yielding to the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and receive the water of eternal life.

INVITATION

What about you?

Are you paralyzed by the confusion, division and debate over who Jesus is and what he came to do?

““Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David. See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations. You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.” Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?

What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Jesus' brothers believed in Jesus but not the biblical Jesus; we see this all the time

Jesus recognized that his brothers didn't believe in him as the Messiah yet though they'd lived with him for 30+ years; never sinned; Mary knowing who he was; favorite son; perfect son; resentment and sibling rivalry abounds

Does Jesus divide people? (Yes)

Family can be the toughest mission field

Family misunderstands when they don't believe in the biblical Jesus

Religious leaders miss the leader of their religion due to their self-righteousness, ambition and unbelief

"Christ did not want to bring division. But because of the sinfulness of our hearts, because of our fallenness, because of our unwillingness to repent and bow to him, the Prince of Peace is Christ the Divider.

When snow descends upon the Continental Divide, it melts and flows off either to the west or to the east, never to meet again. Christ is the continental divide in our lives. We will either go up with the morning stars or, to use Eliot's phrase, join the valley of the dying stars. Christ brings division to everyday life." -Hughes, p. 226

Water

"On the seven days of the Feast, a golden flagon was filled with water from the pool of Siloam and was carried in a procession led by the High Priest back to the temple. As the procession approached the watergate on the south side of the inner court three blasts from the shôphar - a trumpet connected with joyful occasions - were sounded. While the pilgrims watched, the priests processed around the altar with the flagon, the temple choir singing the Hallel (Pss. 113 - 118). When the choir reached Psalm 118, every male pilgrim shook a lulab (willow and myrtle twigs tied with palm) in his right hand, while his left raised a piece of citrus fruit (a sign of the ingathered harvest), and all cried 'Give thanks to the LORD!' three times. The water was offered to God at the time of the morning sacrifice, along with the daily drink-offering (of wine). The wine and the water were poured into their respective silver bowls, and then poured out before the LORD. Moreover, these ceremonies of the Feast of Tabernacles were related in Jewish thought both to the LorD's provision of water in the desert and to the Lord's pouring out of the Spirit in the last days. Pouring at the Feast of Tabernacles refers symbolically to the messianic age in which a stream from the sacred rock would flow over the whole earth." -Carson, p. 321-322

"In general terms, then, Jesus' pronouncement is clear: he is the fulfil-ment of all that the Feast of Tabernacles anticipated." -Carson, p. 322

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?

Why do I want them to know it?

What do I want them to do?

Why do I want them to do it?

How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.

Retell the story in your own words.

Discovery the story

What does this story tell me about God?

What does this story tell me about people?

If this is really true, what should I do?

What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?

What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

What do I do? (In light of who I am)

How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT

Google Gemini

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Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Does Jesus offend you?"

Subtitle: “Does Jesus’ uniqueness offend you or draw you?”

Scripture: John 6:52-71

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

John 13:27

Bottom line: Jesus' uniqueness makes him a polarizing figure. While drawing a few, his words offend many.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

SERMON OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

NOTES

OUTLINES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Bottom line: Jesus' uniqueness makes him a polarizing figure. While drawing a few, his words offend many.

Does Jesus offend you?

Apparently, the uniqueness of Jesus offended many in the first century...and today.

The Battle Today Is Around Jesus

"I have been involved in hosting or helping a small group on Alpha for over thirty years. During this time, I have noticed a shift in our culture. There is a change in the attitude towards Jesus, especially among young people. Many will say that they believe in God and are even open to the idea of the Holy Spirit. But increasingly, Jesus has become the stumbling-block. Some youth and young people say things like, ‘I don’t get the reason for Jesus.’

As Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa has often said, ‘The battle today is around Jesus.’ Is Jesus the universal Saviour? This is the same battle as the first century. People today are happy to accept Jesus as ‘one of many’. It is the uniqueness of Jesus that causes offence...

...while we meet some exceptional people throughout the Bible, like Moses, Joshua, Elijah and John the Baptist, there was no one like Jesus. Jesus is unique. He is the universal Saviour."

The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, Classic Version, 2025: Day 119 • Devotional

Bottom line: Jesus' uniqueness makes him a polarizing figure. While drawing a few, his words offend many.

Does Jesus offend you too?

OUTLINE

Trust & follow Jesus, even when His words offend you.

Verses 52–59

•Jesus speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood—language that’s deeply disturbing to His hearers. The Old Testament taught to not drink blood or eat meat with blood in it.

•He doesn’t explain it away, because following Him means trusting what we can’t fully understand yet. His words are hard to understand and demanding.

•Application: When Jesus offends your expectations, don’t walk away—lean in and trust His word.

Trust & follow Jesus, even when many turn away from His words.

Verses 60–66

•Many disciples leave, calling His teaching too hard to accept.

•Jesus says only the Spirit gives life—fleshly thinking won’t grasp the kingdom.

•Application: Don’t measure truth by popular opinion—stay faithful to His word, even when others fall away.

Trust & follow Jesus, because only He has what you truly need.

Verses 67–69

•Peter’s confession is both humble and bold: “To whom shall we go?”

•Jesus alone has the words of eternal life.

•Application: When you’re tempted to quit, remember why you started—Jesus alone gives life. He is the Bread of Life.

Examine your heart—proximity to Jesus is not the same as following His word.

Verses 70–71

•Judas was chosen, included, and close—but not surrendered.

•Even among the Twelve, there’s a warning: not all who appear near truly believe.

•Application: Don’t just walk with Jesus outwardly—depend on His word inwardly.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Jesus' uniqueness makes him a polarizing figure. While drawing a few, his words offend many.

Does Jesus offend you too?

1. Trust & follow Jesus, even when His words offend you.

2. Trust & follow Jesus, even when many turn away from His words.

3. Trust & follow Jesus, because only He has what you truly need.

4. Examine your heart—proximity to Jesus is not the same as following His word.

This poem is what could happen to you and me if we fully embrace and believe Jesus is who he says he is and will do all he's promised to do:

The Touch of the Master's Hand

''Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin But held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good folks," he cried, "Who'll start the bidding for me?

A dollar, a dollar—now two, only two-Two dollars, and who'll make it three?

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, Going for three"-but no!

From the room far back a gray-haired man Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then wiping the dust from the old violin And tightening up the strings,

He played a melody, pure and sweet. As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?" And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars—and who'll make it two? Two thousand—and who'll make it three?

Three thousand once and three thousand twice And going and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not quite understand

What changed its worth?" The man replied, "THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER'S HAND."

And many a man with a life out of tune, And battered and torn with sin.

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine, A game and he travels on.

He's going once and going twice, He's going—and almost—gone!

But the MASTER comes, and the foolish crowd Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul, and the change that's wrought By the TOUCH OF THE MASTER'S HAND.

Myra Brooks-Welch

Has he touched you?

Does he offend you?

Bottom line: Jesus' uniqueness makes him a polarizing figure. While drawing a few, his words offend many.

Does Jesus offend you too?

INVITATION

What about you?

Does Jesus offend you...or does he draw you?

A Table Set by God

•The Lord’s Supper is a living illustration of this passage. The bread we break is a sign of the true bread from heaven-Jesus’ body given for us. Every time we eat, we remember that our deepest hunger is met in Him.

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?

What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Flesh = real food

Blood = real drink

Real life/eternal life

Eats/drinks = remains/abides/believes as seen in rhythms/habits/means of grace (Acts 2:36-47)

word

Prayer

Serve

Give

Worship

The Father sent Jesus, alive and well because of the Father

Jesus sent Disciples, alive and well because of Jesus

Bread from heaven = Jesus the Christ => spiritual life

bread from heaven (manna) = physical nourishment => physical life

60-71

Hard (to hear) teaching (harsh; offensive) => grumbling ie. Unbelief

"Does this offend you?" "Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?" Reminds them that he stated that he came from God.

Spirit => life

Flesh => Ø or death

Words => Spirit => Life

Yet, some still did not believe

OUTLINES

Outline Bible (Willmington) -- SECTION OUTLINE SIX JOHN 6 Jesus feeds the 5,000 and walks on water. He teaches that he is the "bread from heaven" and that all who wish to have eternal life must eat his flesh and drink his blood. Many of his followers, unable to accept this difficult symbolism, desert him.

I. TWO MIRACLES (6:1-24)

A. First miracle (6:1-15): Jesus feeds the 5,000.

B. Second miracle (6:16-24): Jesus walks on water.

II. Two MESSAGES (6:25-71)

A. Public comments (6:25-66)

Christ and the curious (6:25-40)

a. He speaks concerning God's salvation (6:25-36).

(1) Their confusion (6:25-26, 28, 30-31, 36)

(a) They want to know how he got there (6:25).

(b) They seek him only for physical bread (6:26).

(d) They assume the Old Testament manna came from Moses (6:30-31).

(e) They don't believe in him even though they have seen him (6:36).

(2) His correction (6:27, 29, 32-35)

(a) They are to seek him for spiritual bread (6:27, 33-35).

(b) They will please God by believing in him (6:29).

b. He speaks concerning God's sovereignty (6:37-40).

(1) Guaranteeing that all the elect will come to Christ (6:37): They will never be rejected

(2) Guaranteeing that all the elect will continue in Christ (6:38-40): All who believe in him will be raised at the last day.

Christ and the critical (6:41-59)

a. Their criticism (6:41-42, 52)

(1) He is simply the son of Joseph (6:41-42).

(2) No one can (physically) eat his flesh and drink his blood (6:52).

b. His correction (6:43-51, 53-59)

(1) Jesus says he is the bread of life (6:43-51).

(2) Jesus says that anyone who wants eternal life must (spiritually) eat his flesh and drink his blood (6:53-59).

Christ and the carnal (6:60-66)

a. Many of his followers now decide against him (6:60-65).

b. Many of his followers now depart from him (60:66).

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?

Why do I want them to know it?

What do I want them to do?

Why do I want them to do it?

How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.

Retell the story in your own words.

Discovery the story

What does this story tell me about God?

What does this story tell me about people?

If this is really true, what should I do?

What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?

What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

What do I do? (In light of who I am)

How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT

Google Gemini

Grok

Perplexity

View Details

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Does Jesus ask too much of me?"

Subtitle: The hard call of following Jesus.

Scripture: John 6:22-51

Exodus 3:14 "I am who I am"

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 "Suffering servant"

Luke 23:42 "Remember me when you come into your kingdom"

Bottom line: Jesus gave all his life, to give us all life. That's hard because he calls us to live our lives the same way.

"If anyone come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" Matthew 6:33

"Be perfect as my Father in heaven is perfect." -Jesus

"Come and see" -Jesus to his followers

"Come and follow" -Jesus to his followers

"Come and die" -Jesus to his followers

Is Jesus asking too much of me?

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

If you knew you couldn't die, would you live this life differently?

What would you do with your life?

How would you live differently?

I ask this because, as a Christ-follower, I will never die. Oh, yes, this body--this costume I call me--will die. But I will live forever. When this body dies, I will go home and live forever there.

When I truly believe this, it impacts how I live. Truly. It changes how I see the so-called dangers of this world. It affects how I see death so it affects what I fear.

What would it have been like for Adam to feel hunger and thirst for the first time? We hunger and thirst for

food and drink
Grace, mercy, compassion, justice, knowledge, honesty, friendship
Love, holiness, wisdom, truth, relationship

God has put these desires in us to tell us that something exists to satisfy these desires. Otherwise, God would be cruel.

"The language of John 6, they say, is metaphorical, and the theology is anti-sacramentarian. In many respects this argument is sound.

Eating the flesh of the Son of Man is a striking, metaphorical way of saying that the gift of God's real bread of life' (v. 35) is appropriated by faith (v. 47).

We must appropriate him into our inmost being. Indeed, as Beasley-Murray (p. 99) points out, we are more familiar with this kind of 'eating' metaphor than we may realize:

we devour books,

drink in lectures,

swallow stories,

ruminate on ideas,

chew over a matter, and

eat our own words.

Doting grandparents declare they could eat up their grandchildren.

On the very face of it, 'The theme of John 6 is Christology.'" -DA Carson

Bottom line: Jesus gave all his life, to give us all life. That's good. But it's hard too, because he calls us to live our lives the same way.

Is Jesus asking too much of me?

I. TWO MIRACLES (6:1-24)

A. First miracle (6:1-15): Jesus feeds the 5,000.

B. Second miracle (6:16-24): Jesus walks on water.

II. Two MESSAGES (6:25-71)

A. Public comments (6:25-66)

Christ and the curious (6:25-40)

a. He speaks concerning God's salvation (6:25-36). (1) Their confusion (6:25-26, 28, 30-31, 36) (a) They want to know how he got there (6:25). (a) They seek him only for physical bread (6:26). (b) They don't know how to please God (6:28). (c) They assume the Old Testament manna came from Moses (6:30-31). (d) They don't believe in him even though they have seen him (6:36). (2) His correction (6:27, 29, 32-35) (a) They are to seek him for spiritual bread (6:27, 33-35). (b) They will please God by believing in him (6:29). (c) He says the Old Testament manna came from God (6:32). b. He speaks concerning God's sovereignty (6:37-40). (1) Guaranteeing that all the elect will come to Christ (6:37): They will never be rejected (2) Guaranteeing that all the elect will continue in Christ (6:38-40): All who believe in him will be raised at the last day.

Christ and the critical (6:41-59) a. Their criticism (6:41-42, 52) (1) He is simply the son of Joseph (6:41-42). (2) No one can (physically) eat his flesh and drink his blood (6:52). b. His correction (6:43-51, 53-59) (1) Jesus says he is the bread of life (6:43-51). (2) Jesus says that anyone who wants eternal life must (spiritually) eat his flesh and drink his blood (6:53-59). 3. Christ and the carnal (6:60-66) a. Many of his followers now decide against him (6:60-65). b. Many of his followers now depart from him (60:66).

Conclusion: