This week sets a foundation for our exploration of neighboring upon a theology of the incarnation, in which God Himself became our ‘neighbor’ through Jesus Christ. “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message). It will connect into the Great Commandment as our response based on God’s action.
Key Texts: John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 22:36-40
SERMON OUTLINE
“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14, The Message)
Jesus the Word in “flesh and blood”
Jesus the Word that “moved into the neighborhood”
The Strange Glory of Jesus the Enfleshed, Neighborly Word
Re-learning Love with Jesus the Enfleshed, Neighborly Word
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When you think of being a “neighbor,” what comes to your mind? How has someone been a neighbor to you in your life?
- This weekend we begin a new series entitled “Will You Be My Neighbor?” Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word. Then read John 1:14 aloud.
- A major concept found throughout the Old Testament is that God chooses to dwell with human beings. Read through the following Scripture passages. As you do, consider how God chose to dwell with human beings or what He was trying to tell His people about His presence: Exodus 25:8-9 • 2 Chronicles 5:13-6:2 • Exodus 40:34-35; Leviticus 26:11-12 • Numbers 9:15-23 • Joel 3:17; Ezekiel 10:3-5, 18-19; 11:22-25 • Zechariah 2:10-13
- In John 1:14, we find the same idea of God dwelling among us in Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God. What do you think it means that Jesus is the new dwelling of God, as opposed to the tabernacle or Temple in the Old Testament?
- Another important statement in John 1:14 is that God “became flesh” in Jesus Christ. Read Philippians 2:5-11. Why do you think it is significant that God actually entered our human existence in real flesh and blood?
- Jesus redefines “glory” for us by showing that the way to glory leads through the Cross (John 12:23, 28; 13:32) and by pointing out that we shouldn’t seek our own glory but God’s glory (John 7:18; 11:40; 12:43). How does that change your concept of glory in life?
- Finally, read Matthew 22:36-40. Here, Jesus is asked about what the greatest commandment from God truly is. How does He answer?
- Why is it important that the two aspects of love are linked together by Jesus?
- What is one way that God is speaking to you through this study. If you are on your own, write that down and pray about it. If you are with a group, discuss your answer to that question aloud before praying for one another about it.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize John 1:14 this week.
- Write out a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus who became God’s message in “flesh and bone” and “moved into the neighborhood.”
- Consider what it might mean for Jesus to become “flesh and bone” in your neighborhood this week. Who would He talk to? What might He say? How would He give of His time and resources? How else might He relate to others?
- Pray that God would shape you to become more like Christ in your everyday life with your everyday relationships and in the midst of your everyday activities.