This is a post for mature audiences, but the content is rich and powerful. It provides unique insight into the way the academic world sees relationship and humanity’s yearning for being known. Jesus provides us the answer to this tension when he says to us, “come to me and I will give you rest.”
If it is true that our lives preach a sermon, then it’s true that our friendships do as well. 1 John reminds us that the world will see God by our love for one another. So the question remains–what does the world see when they watch our friendships?
Jesus displays for us the pattern to good friendship, and preaching for that matter:
1. Value Relationship over Reputation (Matthew 9)
Jesus chooses to spend time with Matthew and invite him into his close circle of friends even though the Jewish elite and religious saw it as faux pas. They ridicule Jesus for being a friend of sinners. Jesus gains nothing of reputation from this friendship.
Question: Are the people we spend time with a means to our own gain and power?
2. Value Selfless Sacrifice over Selfishness (John 15:9-13)
Jesus tell his disciples that there is no greater love than a friend laying down his life for another. He then shares a meal with them–the apex of friendship in Jewish culture. Jesus dies the death we deserve in our place and for our sins because He is our Great Friend.
Question: Do we serve in our friendships or are we selfish people who try to own, manipulate, and guilt others?
3. Value Interdependence over Isolation (John 15:14-15)
Jesus tells his followers that he no longer calls them servants, but friends! This transition is huge because it shows God’s heart for his people. A servant is forced, where a friend is invited. A servant is owned, where a friend is shared.
God is CHOOSING to accomplish His mission WITH us. He does not have to, but he does.
Question: Are you willing to be vulnerable with others, or do you protect yourself from true community?
To listen to the sermon, check out the Status podcast at www.whatsyourstatus.com.
This is Part 1 (rough-cut) of Missional, an eight-part teaching series I am doing with my friends Caleb Gulliver and Josh Nicholson, who also serve as media interns at Vista Community Church. Part 1: The Garden is a quick overview of the redemptive historical view of the Scriptures, followed by three key questions to spur on discussion:
- What is the Gospel?
- Read Ephesians 2:8-10. What is the purpose of the Gospel?
- Why is community necessary for us to live out the Gospel?
I hope this is a helpful resource for you in your context!
I’m looking forward to seeing this film. It premiered on the East Coast here in Orlando, where it was filmed. My hope is that people will begin to see our city as a place where art is alive through pieces like this.
