Recorded Media

The Journey that Leads to Life, Death, and Resurrection Part 3:
The Relationships of Jesus
Mark 12:28–31 & Ephesians 5:1–2


First John 4:19 tells us: “We love because he first loved us.” We can’t give what we haven’t received. Meditate on the reality that the God who created the universe knows us, cares about us, and provides for us. Ask Jesus to show you his love for you. He will! No one follows Christ alone. Followers of Jesus become part of a people group—the body of Christ. We are becoming connected to other believers like the parts of a body are connected. We share the same spiritual DNA. The Bible also describes believers as “family.” Christians are called “brothers and sisters” and “spiritual fathers.” John 1:12 says we are adopted as children by our heavenly Father. As God’s family, we appreciate people of different ages.

Families are made up of generations: parents, siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents . . .The healthiest churches are made up of all ages as well. If we prioritize the young over the old, or vice versa, we lose something valuable. Do you spend time with believers who are both younger and older than yourself? As part of God’s global family, we appreciate people of different cultures and races. God’s family is diverse. When the church was born, from the beginning, it was multi-racial and multinational. Where God’s Spirit and power are released, all languages, tribes, and races hear and respond. God releases his power when people are united. John said in Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands”. People of all races and nations together before the throne—that is God’s perfect intent. Healthy church families intentionally welcome everyone so we reflect heaven. We’re all part of God’s family! We’re related!

Grace and Peace,
Stephen