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“What’s Behind the Curtain?”

Sermon Sept 13

Mark 4:21-34

What is hidden in your life? Why do we hide things? From a young age we learn that we can control the narrative and manipulate others into seeing things our way. We find that we can commit to the craft of deception and we learn how to hide the things we don’t want others to see in us and amplify the things we think are good. The Kingdom of God is different. There is no need to hide. There is no need for masks. God created us to live in truth. That is why in Mark 4:22 Jesus says, “For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.” Jesus’ teaching was TRANSFORMATIONAL – it had the power to change the entire rule book. We live in a world filled with Masked People. Jesus came to set the captives free. Normally people keep their sins hidden. This is how you try to SELF-PROMOTE and SELF-PROTECT in the Kingdom of this World. Jesus reveals THE TRUTH: it’s actually how you SELF-DESTRUCT and RELATIONALLY DISTANCE. [kingdom truth continuum] DARKNESS – EXPOSURE – TRUTH – HEALING [kingdom practice continuum] CONFESSION – REPENTANCE – RESTORATION – COMMUNITY. What things are hidden in your life? What are you allowing to keep you from being free? Shame. Isolation. Mistrust. Defeat. Satan IS A LIAR. He will tell you it is not safe. He will tell you that you’ve managed so far and you can continue as you are. He will tell you that these things are true for most people but you are an exception. He will tell you that you should definitely apply these truths, but wait until tomorrow. He will tell you whatever you need to hear to keep you from being free and to keep us from being united in deep fellowship and community.

Discussion Questions

  1. How have you controlled the narrative in your own life? How has wearing a mask facilitated this?
  2. Compare and contrast the Kingdom of God with the Kingdom of this World regarding transparency, truth and controlling the narrative.
  3. What is the relationship between living in the truth and deep relationships and healing?

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