A Loved Life - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.

Intro: (1) series recap (2) love via availability (cf. Al’s bench) (3) four ways to experience Christ’s love

His control (18-19): (1) v.18 continues previous thought → not all of them “blessed” (2) Psalm 41:9 → David encountered his own Judas (heel = kick from a horse) (3) OT reference a reminder that Judas’ betrayal is not a surprise (cf. 6:70-71) (4) Judas’ betrayal one of the ways for the disciples to believe in the truth of who he is (5) “I am he” → Exodus 3:14, John 8:58 (6) Jesus’ love experienced through the reality that he is always in control (cf. parent taking kid to doctor) (7) when has something “bad” in your life turned into something ultimately good?

His care (20-22): (1) v.20 transitional → faith in Jesus puts them on mission with him (2) Jesus “troubled” (cf. 11:33, 12:27) → first direct communication that one of them will betray him (3) though Jesus is in full control, his mission is filled with painstaking agony (4) connects to v.20 → if we’re on mission with Jesus, we should expect to feel pain in connection to serving others (cf. kids learning to walk) (5) examples → adult children, decline of parents, teaching students, difficult co-workers (6) Jesus’ love experienced by deeply feeling his love for others (7) who do you feel a burden for in your life?

His compassion (23-26): (1) John’s self-reference indicates he is next to Jesus, v.26 suggests Judas was on Jesus’ other side (place of honor) → picture (2) signal from Peter to John to figure out who Jesus is talking about (3) v.25 suggests quiet one-on-one exchange between John/Jesus (4) Jesus answers by indicating that it is the one to whom he gives bread → cultural custom of special friendship (i.e. first piece of birthday cake) (5) table placement and giving of dipped morsel are massive attempts by Jesus to reach Judas (6) Jesus’ love offered in our worst of moments →what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?

His comfort (27-30): (1) a fleeting moment where Jesus’ offer of love turns to that of judgment (2) hearts hardened through rejection of offer of love → now at full disposal of Satan (3) Jesus’ control seen again in that Judas acts at his command, and that the command is given with urgency (4) confusion of disciples suggests private exchange between Jesus/Judas (cf. Mt. 26) (5) “night” suggests a spiritual darkness (cf. 8:12) (6) Jesus’ love is conditional (7) Jesus’ love persists in times of darkness (cf. Luke 22:53) (8) when/how does your life feel dark? (cf. rejection, depression, loneliness, self-loathing, etc.)

Conclusion: dishwasher at nursing home