Series: Committed 
Message: Affiliation
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 65:9-13.

Read: John 14:1-14 (Message). Note 1-3 insights/questions that arise from the paraphrase.

Reflect: Edward W. Klink III in the Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament - John page 625, takes this application from verse John 14:6. 
The Blessing and Burden of John 14:6
Jesus is everything! As the way-truth-life, Jesus is the mode-reality-source of all things for all people. Jesus is the totality of what God has done, is doing, and will do; there is nothing of value in existence that does not come from or move toward Jesus Christ. This is the blessing, the promise of hope for those who believe in Jesus. 
The antithesis of this blessing is a corresponding burden. Since Jesus is everything, those who do not have him have nothing. There is no middle ground or position. If this appears exclusive, it is; otherwise Christ would be excluded - and this cannot be! For too long the so-called problem of Christian exclusivism has placed humanity at the center. This is devastating not only to humanity but also to Christ. Christian grace is not an easy grace but an impossible grace which Christ has mediated to us by his person and work. If it is exclusive, it is because it is his alone to give. For this reason it can be inclusive, not without Christ but through him - but him alone, since it remains an impossible grace. The Gospel of John is inclusive in that it wants everyone to believe (20:31), but it is simultaneously exclusive int hat ti knows that this belief must be mediated through Christ. Jesus is the perfect combination of exclusivity and inclusivity, making impossible grace accessible to every possible person. 
This paradigm shifting blessing has serious implications for how we exist and connect with others. 

Recalibrate: ​ 

1. How do we share the blessing of grace with others?

Respond: Pray for the opportunity to hear and share.

Research: What are the three most common reasons that someone would reject the offer of “grace”? What can we as a faith community do to address that?