Seek: Seeking Jesus for Change

SEEK: SEEKING JESUS FOR CHANGE

Pastor Aaron Sutherland

We want so much in our world to change, but will we allow Jesus to start with us?

Change is the constant in life.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. 

George Bernard Shaw 

I find this truth amazing: The one person In the world we have the power to effect change upon, is often the one we are least likely to ask to do so.

I. JESUS IS A CATALYST FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE

Matthew 21:10-11

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

II. JESUS IS A CATALYST FOR CHURCH CHANGE

Matthew 21:12-13 

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," he said to them, “My house will be called a house of prayer,” but you are making it a den of robbers.”

Jesus will keep flipping the tables in His house until it becomes a house of prayer.

We seek Jesus not to recognize our ability to pray but instead to recognize our need for the One we pray to.

III. JESUS IS A CATALYST FOR INDIVIDUAL CHANGE

Matthew 21:14-17

The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, 'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise?'" And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

Jesus will change us one way or another, but we choose the degree of difficulty.

Discussion Questions

1. How have you seen Jesus transform a city?

2. What are some of the ways you see Jesus refining His church?

3. Who are you praying for to experience the love of Jesus? How are you seeking Jesus on their behalf?