Gentle & Lowly- I Will Never Cast Out
We can sometimes feel too broken or ashamed to approach God. Through this next sermon in the Gentle and Lowly exploration of Jesus's heart, we discover a Saviour who not only welcomes our burdens but eagerly desires to carry them. Drawing from John 6 and Hosea 11, we see how Christ's gentle, lowly heart breaks the pattern of hiding that began in Eden. This encourages us that whether we are wrestling with past mistakes or present struggles, John's gospel reveals a transformative truth: Jesus will never cast out those who come to him.
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Five-day Devotional Material to accompany this sermon
Day 1: The Invitation to Come
Bible Verse:
Matthew 11:28
Reflection:
We've continued to return to the key idea that Jesus extends a personal invitation to each of us to come to him with our burdens. His heart is gentle and lowly, and he desires to give us rest. Reflect again on the privilege of being able to come to Jesus, knowing that he is approachable and ready to receive us with open arms.
Application:
Can you identify a burden you are carrying today? Take a moment to consciously lay it at Jesus' feet, trusting in his promise to give you rest. Consider journaling about how it feels to release this burden to him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting me to come to you with my burdens. Help me to trust in your promise of rest and to lay down my worries at your feet. May I find peace in your gentle and lowly heart. Amen.
Day 2: The Bread of Life
Bible Verse:
John 6:35
Reflection:
Jesus offers himself as the sustenance for our spiritual hunger, satisfying the deepest longings of our hearts. Take a moment to reflect on how Jesus has been the source of spiritual nourishment in your life.
Application:
Spend time today in prayer and reading scripture, allowing Jesus to nourish your soul. Consider fasting from something that distracts you from him and use that time to focus on his word.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus, the bread of life. Help me to seek him daily and to find my satisfaction in him alone. Nourish my soul with your word and draw me closer to you. Amen.
Day 3: Never Cast Out
Bible Verse:
John 6:37
Reflection:
Jesus assures us that he will never cast out those who come to him. This promise is a source of great comfort and security. Reflect on the assurance that comes from knowing you are accepted and loved by Jesus.
Application:
Think of a time when you felt rejected or unworthy. Bring those feelings to Jesus and rest in his promise that he will never cast you out. Share this assurance with someone who may need encouragement.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your promise that you will never cast me out. Help me to rest in your love and acceptance, and to extend that same love to others. Amen.
Day 4: The Heart of Compassion
Bible Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
Reflection:
Today we return to the truth that Jesus understands our struggles and sympthaises with our weaknesses. His heart is full of compassion for us. Reflect on how Jesus' co-suffering and compassion have been evident in your life.
Application:
Is there someone in your life who is struggling? How can you reach out to them with compassion, offering support and encouragement, letting them know they are not alone.
Prayer:
Gracious God, thank you for Jesus, who sympathises with my weaknesses. Help me to be compassionate and sympathetic towards others, reflecting your love in my actions. Amen.
Day 5: Living in Freedom
Bible Verse:
Galatians 5:1
Reflection:
Christ has set us free from sin and shame, calling us to live in the freedom he provides. In this way, Jeasus has undone the need to hide from God which sin brought into Eden. Reflect on areas of your life where you may still be hiding from God and how you can embrace the freedom Jesus offers.
Application:
Identify a specific area where you feel bound by sin or shame. Confess it to Jesus and ask for his help to live in the freedom he has given you. Who can you consider approaching for accountability?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for setting me free. Help me to stand firm in the freedom you have given me and to resist returning to the yoke of slavery. Empower me to live a life that honors you. Amen.
