Glory: Teamනියැදිය

Revealed Glory II

WELCOME

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”—John 1:14

God’s glory is revealed to me through Jesus, and I can have a relationship with Him.

WARM-UP

Read John 1:19–37 and Luke 3:15-18

• Discuss John’s reaction to the coming of Jesus.
• How do you think John reacted to his disciples leaving to follow Jesus?
• How would you honestly feel about your friends, teammates and glory leaving you to follow another leader?

WORKOUT

Let’s be real. Some athletes would love to keep all the glory for themselves. They love the attention. They can be ball-hogs and show boaters. Everyone knows that persona; we might even be that at times. It feels good, but nobody enjoys playing with them. Teams thrive as each player executes their role well, players allow each other the space to execute their responsibility, support each other and celebrate the success of the bigger goal rather than focusing on the preferences of the individual. That’s what it means to be part of a team.

John the Baptist understood that well. He, along with all of Israel, was waiting for the promised Messiah. He also had a role to play. He gives his testimony in John 1:31-34:

“I came baptizing with water so that He (the Messiah) might be revealed to Israel…I didn’t know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The one you see the Spirit descending and resting on—he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

John the Baptist had a following of his own. Crowds of people came to see him in the wilderness and be baptized by him. When Jesus was revealed, even John’s disciples left John to follow Jesus. But, John understood the role he played. He graciously set aside pride, ego or the need to attain glory for himself for the one he describes as, “The one coming after me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie.” (John 1:27)

Q. Reflecting on the importance of teamwork in sports, how can you balance the desire for individual recognition with the greater goal of supporting and celebrating the success of the team as a whole, drawing inspiration from John the Baptist's humility and recognition of his role in the grander narrative?

Q. Considering John the Baptist's example of gracefully stepping aside to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, how can you cultivate a similar mindset of humility and selflessness within your team, prioritizing the collective mission over personal glory or recognition?

Jesus in all His glory understood that as well. Though He could, Jesus did not keep the glory for Himself. His relationship with the Father is an endless loop. Jesus said in John 13:31-32, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in Him.”

We know Jesus was famous and the revelation that He was the promised Savior and Son of God gloried Him. But Jesus doesn’t hog the glory for Himself. He continues, “If God is glorified in Him (Jesus), God will glorify the Son in Himself, and will glorify him at once.” That’s a lot of glory. Jesus got glory through His status as the Son of Man, He also had glory previously because of His heavenly status, in turn, Jesus gives that glory back to God, and God in response glorifies Jesus. It’s a symbiotic loop.

We too can be part of that loop. The selfless humility of Jesus resulted in our reconciliation back to God and enables us to be at peace with Him today (Romans 5:1-2). Being a “glory hog” can put us at odds with our teammates, but God’s glory reconciles! When we follow Christ’s example of playing with excellence and selflessly we can be a peace in our team. That is also true for the role each of you has in the body of Christ. The talent you display inside the arena does not just benefit your program, it benefits God’s Kingdom when you give Him credit for your job well done.

WRAP-UP

Read Romans 5:1-2; 8-11 together and discuss.

Q: Why is it significant that we have peace with God and access to Him through Jesus?

Q: Romans 5:8 says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Why is that important to remember? Do you think from this verse that you should be right and perfect before you decide to accept Jesus as Savior?

“And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” - John 17:5

Jesus is the One who deserves the glory. Could you honestly share your glory with Him? What if means not getting as much attention or credit for yourself?

• God’s Glory Received—We have access to God's grace through faith, giving us hope and reason to boast in anticipation of experiencing God's glory.Romans 5:1-2
• God’s Glory Reconciles—As believers we are reconciled with God, assuring our confidence in the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus. Romans 5:8-11