How does the gospel message transcend cultures? Consider the first culture that came to faith in Jesus.
Coming from their Hebraic or Jewish culture, Jesus’ disciples were accustomed to celebrating the Passover. As He celebrated with them at what is referred to as “the last supper,” He surprised them by adding a new element to the celebration.
When it was time to say the blessing over the bread, Jesus threw a curve ball! He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Over the wine He said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28).
They didn’t quite understand what He was doing, but after His death and resurrection, they came to appreciate His sacrifice. They came to understand that He lived, was crucified and was resurrected to reveal true eternal life—its meaning and value to all who will believe and place trusting faith in Him. Multitudes came to faith. The testimony of the gospel message has power!
RELEVANCE
The LORD sacrificed His life that all may be redeemed from sins and partake in everlasting life. Regardless of our religious background or culture, we can identify with His sacrifice and resurrection by appreciating the joy of walking in His liberty and love. One thing it does is shift our focus from our self-centered interests to caring about the interests of others.
Paul amplified this principle in exhorting believers to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
The more we become interested in and focused on the interests and needs of others—and how we can contribute to their lives—the more we will discover our greater purposes in life. It is out of our giving and serving others that we truly experience the joy of the LORD—which is our strength.
REFLECT AND RELATE
How do you look for ways to express God’s love, living in a sacrificial manner, looking out for the interests of others?
REFERENCES
1 John 3:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-2; Titus 2:6; 3:14; James 3:13-18