Christocentric Lens Perspective: Sermon Illustration

There’s a story about a grandmother who lived in a small, tight-knit community. Every Sunday, after service, she would sit on her porch, rocking gently in her old wooden chair, inviting neighbors to come and share their joys and struggles. One day, a young man named Jamal approached her, confused and searching for purpose after losing his job. He felt like a leaf blown in the wind, with no direction and no anchor.

With a twinkle in her eye, Grandma said, “Jamal, you know, our God didn’t just send us to sit back and wait for His blessings. He called us to go, to share, to make disciples of all nations, just as Jesus instructed in Matthew 28:19-20. There's a mission in your mess, son.”

Inspired, Jamal began volunteering at the local community center, mentoring young boys who reminded him of himself. He found that as he guided them, he was discovering his own purpose — his faith grew deeper, and his heart swelled with joy.

What Jamal learned on that porch was profound: sometimes, our greatest spiritual growth comes not from asking what God can do for us but from realizing what we can do for others in His name. Friends, when we wear a Christocentric lens, we begin to see that our struggles are not stumbling blocks but stepping stones toward building community, guiding others, and fulfilling the Great Commission. Let us embrace the mission with open hearts, eager to share the hope we have found in Him!