Seeing Jesus

Key Takeaways

• We are all starved for transcendence, seeking it in places and patterns.

• True transcendence is found only in the gaze of Jesus.

• Seeing Jesus transforms us to become more like him.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  The sermon mentions that we often look for transcendence in "places" and "patterns." Can you share examples of how you've sought transcendence in these ways?

• Question 2

  How does the story of Stephen's martyrdom challenge our understanding of faith and transcendence?

• Question 3

  What does it mean to "fix your eyes on Jesus"? How can we practically do this in our daily lives?

• Question 4

  The sermon describes Jesus standing to welcome Stephen. How does this image impact your understanding of Jesus' love for you?

• Question 5

  How does the concept of "seeing Jesus' face" relate to our creation in God's image and our ultimate purpose?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Seeking God's Face

READING :

Psalm 27:1-14

DEVOTIONAL :

The psalmist's words, "Your face, Lord, do I seek," echo the deepest longing of our hearts. We were created for intimacy with God, to behold his face and reflect his glory. Yet, like Adam and Eve, we often seek fulfillment elsewhere. Today, pause and consider: Where are you seeking transcendence apart from God? In what areas of your life are you striving to find meaning and purpose outside of his presence?

APPLICATION :

Ask God to renew your desire for him above all else. Spend time in silent contemplation, imagining yourself looking into the loving face of your Heavenly Father. Allow his gaze to penetrate your heart and remind you of your true identity as his beloved child.

Day 2 : The Transforming Gaze of Jesus

READING :

2 Corinthians 3:12-18

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul tells us that as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are "being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." Like Stephen, whose face shone like an angel's, we too can reflect Christ's radiance when we fix our eyes on him. Today, intentionally turn your gaze toward Jesus. As you go about your day, pause regularly to mentally picture his face and invite his presence. Notice how this changes your perspective and interactions.

APPLICATION :

In what ways do you sense the Holy Spirit transforming you to be more like Christ? Ask God to remove any veils that hinder you from fully beholding his glory.

Day 3 : Finding True Transcendence in Christ

READING :

Colossians 1:15-23

DEVOTIONAL :

Our hearts ache for transcendence, but we often seek it in the wrong places. This passage reminds us that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, in whom all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. He is the ultimate source of the transcendence we crave. Reflect on areas where you might be seeking spiritual fulfillment through religious practices, experiences, or achievements rather than through Christ himself. How can you reorient these pursuits to draw you closer to Jesus?

APPLICATION :

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ's supremacy and sufficiency in fresh ways today.

Day 4 : Standing Firm in Suffering

READING :

Acts 7:54-60

DEVOTIONAL :

Stephen's martyrdom shows us the power of fixing our gaze on Jesus, even in the face of intense suffering. As stones rained down on him, Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, ready to welcome him home. This vision gave him supernatural peace and the ability to forgive his persecutors. What trials are you facing today? How might your perspective change if you could see Jesus standing for you in your suffering?

APPLICATION :

Ask God for the faith to look beyond your circumstances and behold Christ's presence with you. Pray for the strength to respond to difficulties with the same grace and forgiveness Stephen demonstrated.

Day 5 : Anticipating the Beatific Vision

READING :

Revelation 22:1-5

DEVOTIONAL :

Our journey of faith culminates in the promise that we will see God face to face. This hope sustains us through life's challenges and motivates us to pursue holiness. Today, meditate on the joy of one day seeing Jesus without any veil or hindrance. How does this future reality impact your present choices and priorities? Ask God to increase your longing for that day and to help you live now in light of eternity.

APPLICATION :

As you go about your day, practice the presence of God, picturing in your mind the present reality of his face smiling upon you in every moment.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’

People: Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!

Matthew 21:5, 9

Confession of Faith

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

Confession of Sin

Father, on Palm Sunday, we confess: like the crowds, we look to Jesus for what we want—not for who he is. We seek transcendence through places and patterns, but resist the Savior who set his face toward the cross. We trade the radiance of your son for the comfort of religion or the illusion of control. Forgive us. Fix our eyes on Jesus, and satisfy us with the glory of his face.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

Psalm 118:4-5

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 8:1-8