Advent Series Part 3…..A Rescuing Love
Speaker: Pastor Pierre du Plessis
Scripture References: Isaiah 49:14-16, John 20:24-29
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What is your overall response to the sermon or review?
2. What circumstances are you experiencing that may cause you to ask the question, ”Does God really love me?” Does He hear my cries for deliverance from my suffering?
3. How does our cultural response to Jesus' sacrifice reveal our true commitment to Him?
A. Is it superficial?
B. What further proof do you need to make Jesus your Lord and your God?
4. Reflect on the second Sunday of Advent, LOVE. What does it mean to you?
5. What circumstances are you experiencing that may cause you to ask the same question…Does God really love me?
The second Sunday of Advent brings us to the candle representing LOVE. Greater love has no man than to give His life for his friend. (John 15:13)
SERMON RECAP
Israel felt betrayed and abandoned by God when they were led into captivity by the Babylonians and Jerusalem was decimated. Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me. Isaiah 49:14. Feelings of utter despair, and doubt about God’s love for them permeated their hearts and minds. It’s times like these when doubt turns to despair and we ask, “Does God really love me? Does He see me in my sufferings?
Now hear this…God’s response to our despair and theirs is revealed in His everlasting love for His people.…
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion for the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!
“See, I have {Indelibly} engraved you on the palms of my hands. (Isaiah 49:14-16)
This statement is more than another metaphor about His devotion. Consider that the word engraved means inscribed with a hammer and chisel.( Imagine if that were a cultural rite to prove your love?)
Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples nicknamed “doubting Thomas,” also came to experience the meaning of Jesus’ love for Him. Jesus tenderly approached Thomas who was deeply disappointed in His crucifixion and death. When other disciples proclaimed that they had seen Him, his response revealed his shattered belief in Jesus. After all, he had given up everything to follow Jesus. Jesus’ crucifixion and death left him devastated with feelings of profound loss and even betrayal. He replied that he would not believe their report until he placed his hand in His wounds, Jesus approached Thomas with compassion and allowed Thomas to touch the wounds in His hands and side. Thomas, with deep emotion, replied, “My Lord and my God.
Jesus’ love for Thomas and you and me, are indelibly written in the palm of His hands!
That’s what Jesus’ love has done for us. He came, Emmanuel, God with us to rescue us from our fallen state and reconcile us back to the Father..As Jesus told Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe.”