Francis Chan: How to Experience a Passionate Week of Worship

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is about experiencing a passionate week of worship, inspired by the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The speaker encourages believers to engage in acts of worship throughout the week, not just on Easter Sunday or Good Friday. By reflecting on the scriptures and the events surrounding Jesus' final days, we can deepen our understanding of God's love and respond with genuine worship.

Key Scripture References

• John 12:1-8 - This passage describes a dinner given in Jesus' honor at Bethany, where Mary anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume. The speaker highlights the beauty of this act of worship, which is characterized by unreserved devotion and passion for God.
• John 12:9-11 - This section explains how the Chief priests were threatened by Jesus' growing popularity and Lazarus's resurrection, leading them to plot against both Jesus and Lazarus. The speaker notes that people often resist the truth because it challenges their desires for power or control.
• Psalm 118:25-26 - This psalm is quoted in John 12:13, where the crowd shouts "Hosanna" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." The speaker explains that these phrases are taken from Psalm 118, which refers to Palm Sunday as a day when God's salvation and success are proclaimed.
• Psalm 118:24 - This verse says "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." The speaker notes that this psalm is not just referring to any ordinary day, but specifically to Palm Sunday, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.
• Daniel 9:25 - This prophecy from Daniel foretells the coming of the anointed one (Jesus) and explains how it will be known by the issuing of a decree to rebuild and restore Jerusalem. The speaker highlights the significance of this prophecy in understanding the timing of Jesus' arrival.
• Nehemiah 2:1 - This passage records the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, which is dated to March 5th, 444 BC. The speaker notes that this date corresponds with the prophecy in Daniel 9:25.

Reflection Questions

• How can we cultivate a more passionate and unreserved worship of God in our lives?
• What are some ways to engage in acts of worship throughout the week, not just on Easter Sunday or Good Friday?
• How can we respond to the truth about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection with greater conviction and devotion?

Application Steps

• Reflect on the scriptures referenced in this message and how they relate to your own faith journey.
• Identify ways to engage in acts of worship throughout the week, such as prayer, reading scripture, or serving others.
• Consider how you can respond to the truth about Jesus with greater conviction and devotion, whether through public declaration or personal reflection.