Open Up预览

Day 4) The Eyes (Hope For God’s People)

Three Signs Of Open Eyes

1) Humility

Obviously, the physical eyes of the centurion and those with him were open during Jesus’ brutal crucifixion. However, even though their eyes were physically open, they were completely blind to what was taking place in front of them. When the centurion, a commander in the Roman army, finally realized who Jesus was, he verbally admitted the truth. Can you imagine how difficult it must have been to admit that you had just played a role in the brutal murder of God’s Son? For us, when our eyes are truly opened to Jesus’ incredible sacrifice, it doesn’t matter how important we are in the eyes of the world; we are all on the same level at the foot of the cross.

2) Understanding

When the Holy Spirit truly opens our spiritual eyes to the importance of Jesus’ crucifixion, it starts to help the rest of the Bible make sense. All of a sudden, Old Testament prophecies and stories that once had no relevance to us now mean so much because they foreshadow what Jesus would ultimately come to do for us. If a Roman commander could finally understand who Jesus was, there is no one who is too far gone from understanding who He is.

3) Purpose

Why did the women who had followed Jesus stay alongside Him when so many had abandoned Him? They stayed with Him because their eyes had already been opened. Through watching His incredible sermons and undeniable miracles, they knew that He was more than just an inspiring teacher and miracle worker—He was the Son of God. This humility and understanding drove their purpose: to serve Him and share His message with others!

Big Idea: When our eyes are opened to the truth of who Jesus is, it leads us to deeper humility and understanding of His sacrifice. This awareness compels us to live with purpose by serving Him through sharing His message with others!

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) How does the centurion’s journey from spiritual blindness to recognizing who Jesus is challenging you in your relationship with Him?

Question 2) Have you ever had an eye-opening experience about Jesus? How do you think seeing Jesus' sacrifice challenges us to be humble?

Question 3) How can the example of the women who remained faithful to Jesus, even at great personal risk, inspire us to live with purpose?