June 15th, 2025
The Profound Relationship God Desires
Have you ever found yourself in an argument where, sensing defeat, the other person resorts to insults? This all-too-human behavior reflects a deeper spiritual truth about our relationship with God and our understanding of who Jesus truly is.
In a powerful exchange recorded in the Gospels, we see Jesus engaged in a heated discussion with religious leaders of His time. As the conversation intensifies, these leaders, unable to comprehend or accept Jesus' claims, resort to name-calling: "You are a Samaritan and have a demon!" Their words reveal not just anger, but a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' identity and mission.
Jesus' response is both calm and revealing: "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father and you dishonor me." In this simple statement, Jesus points to a fundamental truth - His unity with the Father. By dishonoring Jesus, these leaders were unknowingly dishonoring God Himself. This disconnect highlights a crucial aspect of faith: true belief goes beyond intellectual understanding; it requires a heart-level recognition of who God is.
Throughout this exchange, Jesus emphasizes that His mission isn't about self-glorification. He states, "I do not seek my own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the judge." This declaration points to the heart of Jesus' purpose - to fulfill the Father's plan for humanity's salvation. It's a reminder that our faith journey isn't about elevating ourselves, but about aligning with God's greater purpose.
A pivotal moment comes when Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." The word "keeps" here is loaded with meaning. It's not just about obedience; it encompasses trust, love, and a deep, cherished relationship. Think about items you keep as keepsakes, holding sentimental value. They're charged with memories, emotions, and significance. This is how we should approach God's Word - not as a set of rules, but as a treasured gift packed with love, grace, mercy, and the promise of eternal life.
This idea of 'keeping' God's Word leads us to contemplate our closest relationships. Who is the person closest to you in life? How did that relationship develop and deepen over time? Our relationship with God through Christ is meant to be even deeper and more profound than our closest earthly relationships. It's a connection that grows through faith, trust, love, and continuous engagement with His Word.
The religious leaders, stuck in their limited understanding, couldn't grasp Jesus' teachings about eternal life. They were trapped in a physical, temporal mindset, unable to see beyond the present world. Jesus expresses His frustration: "You have not known Him. I know Him." This knowing isn't just about information; it's about intimate, personal relationship.
Jesus then makes a startling claim: "Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." This statement transcends time, suggesting that Abraham, long deceased, was witnessing Jesus' ministry from heaven. It's a powerful reminder of the eternal nature of God's plan and our place in it.
The climax of this dialogue comes with Jesus' bold declaration: "Before Abraham was, I am." These two simple words - "I am" - carry immense theological weight. They echo God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush, where God identified Himself as "I AM WHO I AM." By using this phrase, Jesus unequivocally claims divinity, asserting His eternal existence and oneness with the Father.
This declaration infuriated the religious leaders because they saw it as blasphemy. But for those who believe, it's the cornerstone of our faith - the affirmation that Jesus is not just a good teacher or a prophet, but God incarnate.
The Holy Spirit's role in this divine relationship cannot be overlooked. It's through the Spirit that we're drawn into a deeper knowledge of Jesus, and through Jesus, we come to know the Father more intimately. This relationship is nurtured through time spent in God's Word, through the sacraments of baptism and communion, and through prayer and reflection.
Each of us is born with what could be described as a "God-shaped hole" in our lives. It's a void that only Jesus can truly fill. No amount of worldly success, relationships, or achievements can substitute for this fundamental need for divine connection.
As we reflect on this profound truth, we're invited to examine our own relationship with God. Do we truly 'keep' His Word in the deepest sense? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into a more intimate knowledge of Jesus and the Father? Are we open to the transformative power of this divine relationship?
The journey of faith is not just about believing certain facts or following a set of rules. It's about entering into a living, growing relationship with the eternal God who loves us and desires to be known by us. It's about recognizing Jesus as the great "I AM" - the one who existed before time began and who offers us life eternal.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, this relationship offers an anchor for our souls. It provides purpose, meaning, and a love that transcends all human understanding. As we deepen our connection with God, we find that He is not distant or unknowable, but intimately present and deeply invested in our lives.
Let us, then, approach God's Word with reverence and joy, cherishing it as we would our most precious keepsake. Let us seek to know Jesus more deeply, allowing His Spirit to guide us into all truth. And let us rejoice in the incredible privilege we have - to be in relationship with the eternal, all-powerful, all-loving God who invites us to call Him Father.
In this relationship, we find not just answers to life's questions, but life itself - abundant, eternal, and full of purpose. May we never cease to marvel at this gift and to grow in our knowledge and love of the One who is, who was, and who is to come.
In Christ,
Pastor Paul Pett
(Content generated by PulpitAI from sermon transcript)
Have you ever found yourself in an argument where, sensing defeat, the other person resorts to insults? This all-too-human behavior reflects a deeper spiritual truth about our relationship with God and our understanding of who Jesus truly is.
In a powerful exchange recorded in the Gospels, we see Jesus engaged in a heated discussion with religious leaders of His time. As the conversation intensifies, these leaders, unable to comprehend or accept Jesus' claims, resort to name-calling: "You are a Samaritan and have a demon!" Their words reveal not just anger, but a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' identity and mission.
Jesus' response is both calm and revealing: "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father and you dishonor me." In this simple statement, Jesus points to a fundamental truth - His unity with the Father. By dishonoring Jesus, these leaders were unknowingly dishonoring God Himself. This disconnect highlights a crucial aspect of faith: true belief goes beyond intellectual understanding; it requires a heart-level recognition of who God is.
Throughout this exchange, Jesus emphasizes that His mission isn't about self-glorification. He states, "I do not seek my own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the judge." This declaration points to the heart of Jesus' purpose - to fulfill the Father's plan for humanity's salvation. It's a reminder that our faith journey isn't about elevating ourselves, but about aligning with God's greater purpose.
A pivotal moment comes when Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." The word "keeps" here is loaded with meaning. It's not just about obedience; it encompasses trust, love, and a deep, cherished relationship. Think about items you keep as keepsakes, holding sentimental value. They're charged with memories, emotions, and significance. This is how we should approach God's Word - not as a set of rules, but as a treasured gift packed with love, grace, mercy, and the promise of eternal life.
This idea of 'keeping' God's Word leads us to contemplate our closest relationships. Who is the person closest to you in life? How did that relationship develop and deepen over time? Our relationship with God through Christ is meant to be even deeper and more profound than our closest earthly relationships. It's a connection that grows through faith, trust, love, and continuous engagement with His Word.
The religious leaders, stuck in their limited understanding, couldn't grasp Jesus' teachings about eternal life. They were trapped in a physical, temporal mindset, unable to see beyond the present world. Jesus expresses His frustration: "You have not known Him. I know Him." This knowing isn't just about information; it's about intimate, personal relationship.
Jesus then makes a startling claim: "Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." This statement transcends time, suggesting that Abraham, long deceased, was witnessing Jesus' ministry from heaven. It's a powerful reminder of the eternal nature of God's plan and our place in it.
The climax of this dialogue comes with Jesus' bold declaration: "Before Abraham was, I am." These two simple words - "I am" - carry immense theological weight. They echo God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush, where God identified Himself as "I AM WHO I AM." By using this phrase, Jesus unequivocally claims divinity, asserting His eternal existence and oneness with the Father.
This declaration infuriated the religious leaders because they saw it as blasphemy. But for those who believe, it's the cornerstone of our faith - the affirmation that Jesus is not just a good teacher or a prophet, but God incarnate.
The Holy Spirit's role in this divine relationship cannot be overlooked. It's through the Spirit that we're drawn into a deeper knowledge of Jesus, and through Jesus, we come to know the Father more intimately. This relationship is nurtured through time spent in God's Word, through the sacraments of baptism and communion, and through prayer and reflection.
Each of us is born with what could be described as a "God-shaped hole" in our lives. It's a void that only Jesus can truly fill. No amount of worldly success, relationships, or achievements can substitute for this fundamental need for divine connection.
As we reflect on this profound truth, we're invited to examine our own relationship with God. Do we truly 'keep' His Word in the deepest sense? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into a more intimate knowledge of Jesus and the Father? Are we open to the transformative power of this divine relationship?
The journey of faith is not just about believing certain facts or following a set of rules. It's about entering into a living, growing relationship with the eternal God who loves us and desires to be known by us. It's about recognizing Jesus as the great "I AM" - the one who existed before time began and who offers us life eternal.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, this relationship offers an anchor for our souls. It provides purpose, meaning, and a love that transcends all human understanding. As we deepen our connection with God, we find that He is not distant or unknowable, but intimately present and deeply invested in our lives.
Let us, then, approach God's Word with reverence and joy, cherishing it as we would our most precious keepsake. Let us seek to know Jesus more deeply, allowing His Spirit to guide us into all truth. And let us rejoice in the incredible privilege we have - to be in relationship with the eternal, all-powerful, all-loving God who invites us to call Him Father.
In this relationship, we find not just answers to life's questions, but life itself - abundant, eternal, and full of purpose. May we never cease to marvel at this gift and to grow in our knowledge and love of the One who is, who was, and who is to come.
In Christ,
Pastor Paul Pett
(Content generated by PulpitAI from sermon transcript)
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