“Remembering Christ’s Struggles, Renewing Our Strength”

Scripture

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:2-3 "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Introduction: A Moment to Pause

Good afternoon, everyone. What a blessing it is to share this sacred season of Lent with you over this special lunch hour. Lent calls us to pause in the middle of our busy lives, just as we're doing right now, and reflect on Christ’s journey toward the cross.

Each one of us gathered here today has struggles—some visible, some hidden deep within our hearts. Today, as we share this meal, let’s remember the hardships Jesus endured. Let’s allow His story to speak into our own, reminding us of a powerful truth: No matter the hardship, Jesus is right here beside us, and our struggles, no matter how difficult, are only temporary.

1. Remembering Jesus’ Hardships

As we gather around these tables today, we reflect briefly on the trials Jesus faced before the cross:

The Pain of Rejection: Jesus knew what it felt like to be unwanted, rejected by the people He came to save. Perhaps you’ve experienced rejection, felt unwanted or misunderstood. Jesus understands exactly how that feels.

Betrayal and Loneliness: Jesus experienced deep loneliness—abandoned by friends, betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter. If you’ve ever felt isolated, betrayed, or misunderstood, remember that Christ experienced those same struggles.

Physical and Emotional Pain: Jesus experienced unimaginable pain—beaten, mocked, crowned with thorns, nailed to the cross. He experienced suffering, humiliation, and injustice. If you're enduring any pain—physical, emotional, or spiritual—Jesus has walked that road before you.

Today, as we eat together, we remember His journey through suffering, knowing He chose it willingly, out of love for each one of us.

2. He Is with Us in Our Struggles

The story of Jesus doesn’t end at His suffering. It points us toward hope, renewal, and resurrection. Christ’s struggles assure us that:

We Are Never Alone: Jesus promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Right here, in our daily burdens, He’s present, comforting, guiding, strengthening us.

Our Struggles are Temporary: As difficult as things may seem today, they are not forever. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

This afternoon, whatever challenge you’re facing—big or small—remember Christ’s presence with you. He knows your struggle, and He promises something better beyond it.

3. Renewing Our Strength through Christ’s Example

As we enjoy this meal together, let's find strength in Christ’s example:

Remember how He faced His challenges—with faithfulness, trust, and perseverance.

Remember how He kept His eyes on God’s greater purpose.

Remember that because Christ overcame, you too will overcome, through Him.

Even on the hardest days, when the weight seems too heavy, Christ’s struggles remind us of our hope, our purpose, and our future victory.

Conclusion: Invited to Remember and Rest

As you return to your day, take comfort and courage from this reminder: Your struggles are not unseen. You are loved by the Savior who endured the cross and overcame every obstacle. Let the story of Jesus strengthen you today and every day of this Lenten season.

When burdens come, whisper these simple words in prayer:

"Lord Jesus, walk with me. Remind me You are near. Remind me these hardships are temporary, but Your love is eternal."

May this lunch hour be more than a pause—may it renew your heart, refresh your spirit, and strengthen you to face every challenge knowing that the risen Christ walks beside you.

Closing Prayer (Brief Blessing for Lunch)

Let us pray: "Loving God, thank You for this moment to pause, reflect, and remember Your Son’s sacrifices. Strengthen us through the hardships we face. Bless this food and fellowship we share, that we may return to our day renewed by Your hope and peace. In Jesus’ faithful name, Amen."

Introduction: Missing What Matters Most

Good evening, Straight Street Church family. As we gather during this sacred season of Lent, let’s slow down and reflect honestly on a common struggle we all face: missing what matters most. How often do we become distracted by trivial things and overlook important truths God wants us to see?

We see this clearly in Jesus’ interactions with His disciples. Even though Jesus openly and repeatedly explained His approaching death and resurrection, His closest followers often missed it. They got distracted. They misunderstood. They missed the point. During Lent, we have the opportunity to refocus our attention—to make sure we’re not missing the most important things God wants us to see.

1. Disciples Missing the Point

The disciples walked closely with Jesus for three years. Yet, when He shared something as important as His coming death and resurrection, they missed the significance:

Focused on the wrong things: They were often concerned about their own status, position, or power. Right after Jesus explained He would soon die, the disciples argued about who was greatest (Mark 9:33-34). They missed the heart of Jesus' message because they were distracted by their own agendas.

Afraid to understand fully: The disciples were also afraid to confront the reality of what Jesus was saying. They avoided uncomfortable truths. Mark tells us, "They did not understand…and were afraid to ask" (Mark 9:32). How often do we avoid facing difficult realities or truths God is trying to reveal to us?

Caught up in immediate circumstances: They wanted Jesus to immediately fix earthly problems, not realizing He was preparing to fix humanity’s deepest, eternal need. They overlooked eternity because they were consumed with temporary things.

2. How We Miss the Point Today

Friends, we are much like the disciples. We easily get sidetracked from what's most important:

Distracted by busyness: Our lives are so full of activity, deadlines, and responsibilities that we rarely slow down enough to clearly hear God's voice. Like the disciples, we miss significant spiritual truths because we're busy chasing less important things.

Distracted by comfort: We prefer not to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves, our world, or our relationships with God. We’d rather not think deeply about the cross, sacrifice, repentance, or renewal because those things challenge our comfort.

Distracted by worldly concerns: We often get wrapped up in our own desires, politics, finances, relationships, or daily worries, losing sight of what Jesus clearly wants us to see—His sacrifice, His call, and His Kingdom.

3. Refocusing on What Matters

Lent calls us back to clarity and focus. It calls us to pause and ask important questions:

What is Jesus trying to show us this season that we’ve been missing?

What truths about God’s grace, Christ’s sacrifice, or our own spiritual needs are we overlooking because we’re distracted by lesser things?

Jesus continually refocused His disciples by saying clearly, “I will soon leave this world. My mission is greater than you realize.” Today, He invites us to refocus in the same way:

Focus on Christ’s sacrifice: Don’t miss the depth of love revealed on the cross. It's more important than anything else we chase after.

Focus on eternity: Don’t let temporary concerns distract from eternal truths. Christ’s death and resurrection remind us that our lives here are brief, and eternity awaits.

Focus on surrendering your heart: Rather than missing God’s message, let’s lean in and embrace it fully, even when it's uncomfortable. Lent is about surrendering distractions and refocusing fully on Christ.

Conclusion: Time to Refocus

Tonight, let's commit together to stop missing the point. Like the disciples, we often misunderstand, avoid, or become distracted. Yet Jesus gently calls us back to Him. He invites us to clearly see what matters most:

His love demonstrated through the cross.

His call to deeper spiritual maturity.

His promise of resurrection hope.

During this Lenten season, let’s set aside our distractions, stop avoiding the truths we need to hear, and refocus our lives fully on Christ. Let’s choose clearly to see Him, understand His heart, and follow wherever He leads.

Closing Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, forgive us for the many times we have missed what matters most—Your message, Your sacrifice, Your calling. Refocus our hearts and our minds on You during this Lent season. Help us see clearly, listen closely, and follow faithfully. In Your precious name we pray, Amen."