June 9, 2024
LINK TO SERMON ON YOUTUBE
(May expire after about 6 months)
TEXT: Mark 3:20-35
TOPIC: A New Home & Family in Christ
SERMON SUMMARY:
The Family of God: A New Home in Christ
In this insightful sermon, Fr. Rob explores Jesus' redefinition of family and home as presented in Mark's Gospel. The sermon begins by highlighting an easily overlooked phrase: "Then Jesus went home." This seemingly simple statement actually marks the beginning of a profound shift in Jesus' ministry and the concept of God's family.
Fr. Rob explains that Jesus was not returning to his childhood home in Nazareth, but rather to his new base of operations in Capernaum. This change symbolizes the formation of a new kind of family - the family of God - distinct from natural family ties.
The sermon delves into the tensions arising from Jesus' ministry, including his natural family's concern and the scribes' accusations. Through these conflicts, Jesus teaches about the nature of God's kingdom and the dangers of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Crucially, when informed that his mother and brothers are outside seeking him, Jesus takes the opportunity to redefine family. He states that whoever does God's will is his brother, sister, and mother. This powerful declaration establishes that the family of God is based on obedience and faith, not blood relations.
The pastor draws several important lessons from this passage:
Doing God's will often conflicts with playing it safe.
Knowledge of Scripture is vital, but must be paired with obedience.
Churches should prioritize the family of God alongside natural families.
The sermon concludes by emphasizing that while natural families are important, it is the family of God that will endure eternally. This new family, founded on doing God's will, is a restoration of what was broken in Eden and will culminate in the great heavenly banquet described in Revelation.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION:
God created the family for good purposes. But people sinned, distorting God’s creation. What are some of the benefits of having a family? What are some of the drawbacks?
In what ways can followers of Jesus become family to one another? How might this be a blessing? How might it be difficult?
What is one thing you can do to bless the part of God’s family you see regularly at your church or small group? What is one thing they might be able to do to bless you?
PRAYER: Ask God for help to carry out your answers to #3 in appropriate ways, both blessing others and asking for things you need.
