The Divine Story of Jesus and You: From Rejection to Belief
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Sermon Reflections: The Divine Story of Jesus and You: From Rejection To Belief: The Invitation of Jesus
Date: 4 August 2024
Speaker: Tony DeGruy
Scripture Text: Mark 6:1-6
Sermon Reflections: The Divine Story of Jesus and You: From Rejection To Belief: The Invitation of Jesus
Date: 4 August 2024
Speaker: Tony DeGruy
Scripture Text: Mark 6:1-6
Sermon Quick Summary
The scripture text for today is from Mark 6:1-6 (ESV), which is Section 3.56 in your booklet, available at www.plusnothing.com. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel rejected the prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. They continuously turned away from God. Similarly, the Mark 6:1-6 scripture focuses on Jesus being rejected in His hometown. The costs of rejecting Jesus include choosing darkness over light, choosing spiritual blindness over the light of truth, developing spiritual hardness of our hearts, choosing spiritual death as separation from God, and losing inner peace. The gifts of belief include God’s forgiveness, righteousness, grace, and eternal life. God promises us peace that surpasses all understanding, salvation, and being transformed into the likeness of God's attributes. God allows U-Turns when we confess and repent. The choice before us is rejection or belief. Let us open our hearts to Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the gift of eternal life and all the other gifts accompanying believing in Jesus.
Booklet available at www.plusnothing.com
The booklet continues to tell about the life and teachings of Jesus from the four gospels, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This message focuses on Jesus being rejected in His hometown (Mark 6:1-6 in section 3.56 of the booklet.)
In the Old Testament, the people of Israel rejected the prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ
God provided deliverance for God’s followers through the Messiah. God sent His prophets (Elijah, Elisha, and others) to proclaim His word. The Israelites continuously turned away from God. So God sent prophets who proclaimed and wrote God’s word. These prophets pronounced future judgment for the sins of Israel, Judah, and other nations, but they also wrote of one who would come to solve the sin problem once and for all—the Messiah (God’s Anointed One).
God told Ahaz, king of Judah, to ask for a sign of deliverance from Assyria. In false piety, Ahaz refused. God determined to give a sign through the prophet, Isaiah. The prophecy through Isaiah given that day gave Ahaz a sign but also revealed that the Messiah would come from David’s line and have a unique birth (See Isaiah 7:10-14).
The prophet Isaiah declared that the Messiah’s Kingdom would never end. The Messiah would reign in peace and glory from David’s throne forever (See Isaiah 9:6-7). Isaiah’s prophecies also spoke of the sufferings of the Messiah and the blessings from those sufferings. The Messiah would be disfigured and marred beyond human likeness - to cleanse the nations. The Messiah would be pierced- to pay for our rebellion. The Messiah would be crushed – to pay for our sins. The Messiah would be punished – to bring us peace. The Messiah would be wounded – to heal us. The Messiah would suffer, be crushed, and killed – to live again. The Messiah’s soul would suffer and die then see the light of life – to justify many and bear their sins! (See Isaiah chapters 52-53).
Similarly, Mark 6:1-6, focuses on Jesus being rejected in His hometown
“Jesus left and went back to his hometown. His followers went with Him. On the Sabbath day Jesus taught in the synagogue, and many people heard Him. They were amazed and said, ‘Where did this man get this teaching? How did He get such wisdom? Who gave it to Him? And where did He get the power to do miracles? Isn’t he just the carpenter we know – Mary’s son, the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And don’t his sisters still live in town?’ So they had a problem accepting Him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘People everywhere give honor to a prophet, except in his own town, with his own people, or in his home.’ Jesus was not able to do any miracles there except the healing of some sick people by laying His hands on them. He was surprised that the people there had no faith. Then He went to other villages in that area and taught.” (Mark 6:1-6 ESV).
The people of Nazareth greeted Jesus with skepticism and outrage because His family was just carpenters. Today many value the opportunity to achieve, advance, and make a new way in the world. The people of Jesus’ day were defined by their families and upbringing. Because Jesus did not come from a line of teachers, scribes, and preachers, the people took offense at His actions and who He claimed to be. They felt entitled to define Jesus according to their terms.
When we choose to ignore God’s word, failing to believe it or dismissing it as irrelevant or unimportant, we are cutting ourselves off from the source of all truth, light, wisdom, and love. In Mark 6:1-6, we see how Jesus responds to unbelief. The Jews in Nazareth, in their refusal to listen to Jesus are distant from God. They cannot hear His voice, His truth, and His wisdom. This is a stark reminder for us today.
The costs of rejection include choosing:
Darkness over Light
Jesus uses a powerful metaphor about Light to describe those who reject Him. People fear the Light because their deeds are evil. Those who reject Him choose darkness, remaining condemned by their sins. (See John 8:12).
Spiritual blindness over the light of truth
When we refuse to listen to God and take God’s word to heart, we essentially blind ourselves. We are choosing to walk in darkness rather than in the light of God’s truth. This is a dangerous path to tread. Without God's word to guide us, we can easily lose our way and become lost in a world of confusion, uncertainty, and despair.
Spiritual Deafness
Spiritual deafness results from ignoring God's word. When we choose not to listen to God, we close our ears to God’s voice. We shut out the sound of His wisdom, guidance, and love. This leaves us in a state of spiritual silence, unable to hear the comforting words of our Heavenly Father and unable to discern His will for our lives.
Spiritual Hardness of our hearts losing inner peace
Spiritual hardness results from ignoring God’s word. When we refuse to accept God's truth, our hearts become spiritually hardened. We become resistant to God’s love, grace, and mercy. This hardness of heart can lead to a life of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. It can rob us of the joy and peace of a relationship with God.
Spiritual Death as separation from God
Those who reject God’s word are choosing a path that leads to spiritual death. This is not a physical death, but a separation from God. Peace with God is one of the tenets of a relationship with God. When we trust Jesus as our Savior, it opens the door for us to take everything to God in prayer. If in doubt, take it to God. If in fear, take it to God.
The gifts of belief include:
Forgiveness
Because Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for sin, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven for our past, present, and future sins.
Righteousness
There is no righteousness apart from God. Those who believe in Christ receive His righteousness.
Riches of Grace
The Lord Jesus has given us the riches of grace or undeserved favor from God. God’s grace is worth more than anything this world has to offer.
Eternal Life
The reward for believing is eternal life, a gift far exceeding earthly desires.
Peace that surpasses all understanding
In His reconciling us unto God, Jesus Christ has laid a foundation for this peace in all who are believers and provides well-grounded evidence of our reconciliation in Christ!
The work of God in salvation
Salvation is not earned. It's a gift received through belief in Jesus Christ only.
Being transformed into the likeness of God attributes
John 3:28-30 declares that, like John the Baptist, we must decrease. When we decrease by submitting to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, God has room to make big things happen.
The Choice Before Us is Belief or Rejection (See 1 John 5:11-13)
Some refuse to believe. This rejection brings condemnation, not because God desires it, but because humans choose to walk away from God’s wonderful grace.
In contrast, those who believe receive the gift of eternal life. Jesus' message is clear: believe and have life; reject and face condemnation.
Concluding Thoughts
We all must decide to believe or reject. Today, I challenge each of us to reflect on our faith. Let’s ask ourselves: Do we live in the light? Do our actions reflect God's truth? Have we fully embraced the gift of eternal life offered through Jesus?
Let not your fear or doubt hold you back. Instead, open your hearts to Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the gift of eternal life and all the other gifts accompanying believing in Jesus. Thus, let our actions be a testament to our faith. Then, share this message with others, inviting them to enter Christ's light.
If we have failed to believe everything about Jesus, God allows U-Turns when we confess and repent. Repentance is not a one-time event. It is a lifelong commitment. It is a daily decision to reject sin and to follow Jesus. It is also a constant struggle against the world's temptations and our fleshly desires. Belief and repentance are a journey of growth, spiritual transformation, and deep intimacy with God.
Let us heed the call to repentance: Reject the ways of the world and embrace the ways of Jesus. Allow repentance to echo in our hearts, transforming us from the inside out to bask in God’s presence and love. Let's share this good news with others through our words, actions, attitudes, and love.
We invite you to learn more about Jesus, belief, and repentance. Please contact South Bay Community Church office at www.sobcc.org or (510) 490-9500.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Quick Summary
-What bridges and distinctions do you see between the culture of today dominated by social media hot takes and timeless truths in ancient culture from God’s Word in scripture?
Booklet available at www.plusnothing.com
-In what ways have you drawn closer to the Jesus of the Bible from reading selections from the booklet, “The Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth”?
In the Old Testament, the people of Israel rejected the prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ
-As prophesied by Isaiah, in what ways will the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, suffer? What blessings are promised resulting from those sufferings?
Similarly, Mark 6:1-6, focuses on Jesus being rejected in His hometown
-In what ways might you define Jesus according to your own terms, instead of really listening to Jesus, hearing His voice, His truth, and His wisdom from God’s Word?
Darkness over Light and Spiritual blindness over the light of truth
-What are the consequences of choosing darkness and spiritual blindness over the light from God’s truth?
Spiritual Deafness
-In what ways can people become spiritually deaf?
Spiritual Hardness of our hearts losing inner peace
-What is the danger of your heart deep inside of you becoming spiritually hardened?
Spiritual Death as separation from God
-What is meant by spiritual death prior to physical death? Why is avoiding spiritual death important to you?
Forgiveness
-For believers in Jesus Christ, why is there forgiveness of past, present, and future sins?
Righteousness
-In what ways can we trust Jesus as our substitute in forgiveness of sins and our right relationship with God? In what circumstances might you feel challenged to replace trusting in Jesus with something else based on yourself?
Riches of Grace and Eternal Life
-In what ways might you pursue earthly desires that the world has to offer, rather than the more worthy grace and eternal life from God?
Peace that surpasses all understanding and The work of God in salvation
-Why is reconciliation with God and salvation only through belief in the Messiah, Jesus Christ?
The Choice Before Us is Belief or Rejection (See 1 John 5:11-13)
-What are the certainties of faith through Jesus Christ?
Concluding Thoughts
-Why do you face a challenge of ongoing maturity in confession and repentance?
-In what ways should we share the good news with those who not believers in Jesus Christ?
The scripture text for today is from Mark 6:1-6 (ESV), which is Section 3.56 in your booklet, available at www.plusnothing.com. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel rejected the prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. They continuously turned away from God. Similarly, the Mark 6:1-6 scripture focuses on Jesus being rejected in His hometown. The costs of rejecting Jesus include choosing darkness over light, choosing spiritual blindness over the light of truth, developing spiritual hardness of our hearts, choosing spiritual death as separation from God, and losing inner peace. The gifts of belief include God’s forgiveness, righteousness, grace, and eternal life. God promises us peace that surpasses all understanding, salvation, and being transformed into the likeness of God's attributes. God allows U-Turns when we confess and repent. The choice before us is rejection or belief. Let us open our hearts to Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the gift of eternal life and all the other gifts accompanying believing in Jesus.
Booklet available at www.plusnothing.com
The booklet continues to tell about the life and teachings of Jesus from the four gospels, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This message focuses on Jesus being rejected in His hometown (Mark 6:1-6 in section 3.56 of the booklet.)
In the Old Testament, the people of Israel rejected the prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ
God provided deliverance for God’s followers through the Messiah. God sent His prophets (Elijah, Elisha, and others) to proclaim His word. The Israelites continuously turned away from God. So God sent prophets who proclaimed and wrote God’s word. These prophets pronounced future judgment for the sins of Israel, Judah, and other nations, but they also wrote of one who would come to solve the sin problem once and for all—the Messiah (God’s Anointed One).
God told Ahaz, king of Judah, to ask for a sign of deliverance from Assyria. In false piety, Ahaz refused. God determined to give a sign through the prophet, Isaiah. The prophecy through Isaiah given that day gave Ahaz a sign but also revealed that the Messiah would come from David’s line and have a unique birth (See Isaiah 7:10-14).
The prophet Isaiah declared that the Messiah’s Kingdom would never end. The Messiah would reign in peace and glory from David’s throne forever (See Isaiah 9:6-7). Isaiah’s prophecies also spoke of the sufferings of the Messiah and the blessings from those sufferings. The Messiah would be disfigured and marred beyond human likeness - to cleanse the nations. The Messiah would be pierced- to pay for our rebellion. The Messiah would be crushed – to pay for our sins. The Messiah would be punished – to bring us peace. The Messiah would be wounded – to heal us. The Messiah would suffer, be crushed, and killed – to live again. The Messiah’s soul would suffer and die then see the light of life – to justify many and bear their sins! (See Isaiah chapters 52-53).
Similarly, Mark 6:1-6, focuses on Jesus being rejected in His hometown
“Jesus left and went back to his hometown. His followers went with Him. On the Sabbath day Jesus taught in the synagogue, and many people heard Him. They were amazed and said, ‘Where did this man get this teaching? How did He get such wisdom? Who gave it to Him? And where did He get the power to do miracles? Isn’t he just the carpenter we know – Mary’s son, the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And don’t his sisters still live in town?’ So they had a problem accepting Him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘People everywhere give honor to a prophet, except in his own town, with his own people, or in his home.’ Jesus was not able to do any miracles there except the healing of some sick people by laying His hands on them. He was surprised that the people there had no faith. Then He went to other villages in that area and taught.” (Mark 6:1-6 ESV).
The people of Nazareth greeted Jesus with skepticism and outrage because His family was just carpenters. Today many value the opportunity to achieve, advance, and make a new way in the world. The people of Jesus’ day were defined by their families and upbringing. Because Jesus did not come from a line of teachers, scribes, and preachers, the people took offense at His actions and who He claimed to be. They felt entitled to define Jesus according to their terms.
When we choose to ignore God’s word, failing to believe it or dismissing it as irrelevant or unimportant, we are cutting ourselves off from the source of all truth, light, wisdom, and love. In Mark 6:1-6, we see how Jesus responds to unbelief. The Jews in Nazareth, in their refusal to listen to Jesus are distant from God. They cannot hear His voice, His truth, and His wisdom. This is a stark reminder for us today.
The costs of rejection include choosing:
Darkness over Light
Jesus uses a powerful metaphor about Light to describe those who reject Him. People fear the Light because their deeds are evil. Those who reject Him choose darkness, remaining condemned by their sins. (See John 8:12).
Spiritual blindness over the light of truth
When we refuse to listen to God and take God’s word to heart, we essentially blind ourselves. We are choosing to walk in darkness rather than in the light of God’s truth. This is a dangerous path to tread. Without God's word to guide us, we can easily lose our way and become lost in a world of confusion, uncertainty, and despair.
Spiritual Deafness
Spiritual deafness results from ignoring God's word. When we choose not to listen to God, we close our ears to God’s voice. We shut out the sound of His wisdom, guidance, and love. This leaves us in a state of spiritual silence, unable to hear the comforting words of our Heavenly Father and unable to discern His will for our lives.
Spiritual Hardness of our hearts losing inner peace
Spiritual hardness results from ignoring God’s word. When we refuse to accept God's truth, our hearts become spiritually hardened. We become resistant to God’s love, grace, and mercy. This hardness of heart can lead to a life of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. It can rob us of the joy and peace of a relationship with God.
Spiritual Death as separation from God
Those who reject God’s word are choosing a path that leads to spiritual death. This is not a physical death, but a separation from God. Peace with God is one of the tenets of a relationship with God. When we trust Jesus as our Savior, it opens the door for us to take everything to God in prayer. If in doubt, take it to God. If in fear, take it to God.
The gifts of belief include:
Forgiveness
Because Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for sin, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven for our past, present, and future sins.
Righteousness
There is no righteousness apart from God. Those who believe in Christ receive His righteousness.
Riches of Grace
The Lord Jesus has given us the riches of grace or undeserved favor from God. God’s grace is worth more than anything this world has to offer.
Eternal Life
The reward for believing is eternal life, a gift far exceeding earthly desires.
Peace that surpasses all understanding
In His reconciling us unto God, Jesus Christ has laid a foundation for this peace in all who are believers and provides well-grounded evidence of our reconciliation in Christ!
The work of God in salvation
Salvation is not earned. It's a gift received through belief in Jesus Christ only.
Being transformed into the likeness of God attributes
John 3:28-30 declares that, like John the Baptist, we must decrease. When we decrease by submitting to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, God has room to make big things happen.
The Choice Before Us is Belief or Rejection (See 1 John 5:11-13)
Some refuse to believe. This rejection brings condemnation, not because God desires it, but because humans choose to walk away from God’s wonderful grace.
In contrast, those who believe receive the gift of eternal life. Jesus' message is clear: believe and have life; reject and face condemnation.
Concluding Thoughts
We all must decide to believe or reject. Today, I challenge each of us to reflect on our faith. Let’s ask ourselves: Do we live in the light? Do our actions reflect God's truth? Have we fully embraced the gift of eternal life offered through Jesus?
Let not your fear or doubt hold you back. Instead, open your hearts to Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the gift of eternal life and all the other gifts accompanying believing in Jesus. Thus, let our actions be a testament to our faith. Then, share this message with others, inviting them to enter Christ's light.
If we have failed to believe everything about Jesus, God allows U-Turns when we confess and repent. Repentance is not a one-time event. It is a lifelong commitment. It is a daily decision to reject sin and to follow Jesus. It is also a constant struggle against the world's temptations and our fleshly desires. Belief and repentance are a journey of growth, spiritual transformation, and deep intimacy with God.
Let us heed the call to repentance: Reject the ways of the world and embrace the ways of Jesus. Allow repentance to echo in our hearts, transforming us from the inside out to bask in God’s presence and love. Let's share this good news with others through our words, actions, attitudes, and love.
We invite you to learn more about Jesus, belief, and repentance. Please contact South Bay Community Church office at www.sobcc.org or (510) 490-9500.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Quick Summary
-What bridges and distinctions do you see between the culture of today dominated by social media hot takes and timeless truths in ancient culture from God’s Word in scripture?
Booklet available at www.plusnothing.com
-In what ways have you drawn closer to the Jesus of the Bible from reading selections from the booklet, “The Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth”?
In the Old Testament, the people of Israel rejected the prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ
-As prophesied by Isaiah, in what ways will the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, suffer? What blessings are promised resulting from those sufferings?
Similarly, Mark 6:1-6, focuses on Jesus being rejected in His hometown
-In what ways might you define Jesus according to your own terms, instead of really listening to Jesus, hearing His voice, His truth, and His wisdom from God’s Word?
Darkness over Light and Spiritual blindness over the light of truth
-What are the consequences of choosing darkness and spiritual blindness over the light from God’s truth?
Spiritual Deafness
-In what ways can people become spiritually deaf?
Spiritual Hardness of our hearts losing inner peace
-What is the danger of your heart deep inside of you becoming spiritually hardened?
Spiritual Death as separation from God
-What is meant by spiritual death prior to physical death? Why is avoiding spiritual death important to you?
Forgiveness
-For believers in Jesus Christ, why is there forgiveness of past, present, and future sins?
Righteousness
-In what ways can we trust Jesus as our substitute in forgiveness of sins and our right relationship with God? In what circumstances might you feel challenged to replace trusting in Jesus with something else based on yourself?
Riches of Grace and Eternal Life
-In what ways might you pursue earthly desires that the world has to offer, rather than the more worthy grace and eternal life from God?
Peace that surpasses all understanding and The work of God in salvation
-Why is reconciliation with God and salvation only through belief in the Messiah, Jesus Christ?
The Choice Before Us is Belief or Rejection (See 1 John 5:11-13)
-What are the certainties of faith through Jesus Christ?
Concluding Thoughts
-Why do you face a challenge of ongoing maturity in confession and repentance?
-In what ways should we share the good news with those who not believers in Jesus Christ?
Posted in The Divine Story of Jesus and You
Posted in Mark 6:1-6, rejection, belief, Reject Jesus in hometown, Isaiah 7:10-14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaish 52, Isaiah 53, Messiah suffering, Promise from sufferings, darkness, Light, deafness, hard heart, inner peace, separation from God, forgiveness, righteousness, grace, eternal life, peace, transform, 1 John 5:11-13, confess
Posted in Mark 6:1-6, rejection, belief, Reject Jesus in hometown, Isaiah 7:10-14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaish 52, Isaiah 53, Messiah suffering, Promise from sufferings, darkness, Light, deafness, hard heart, inner peace, separation from God, forgiveness, righteousness, grace, eternal life, peace, transform, 1 John 5:11-13, confess
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