See Things Differently - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

Summary

In this sermon, the speaker explores the concept of faith and how it enables believers to perceive the world beyond its immediate appearances. Drawing on passages from Ezekiel and Paul, the speaker discusses how faith allows one to see God's purpose and the unfolding of divine plans. The sermon uses the metaphor of a tree from Ezekiel to illustrate how small beginnings can lead to great outcomes, and connects this to the teachings of Jesus about the kingdom of God. It encourages the congregation to walk by faith, not just by sight, and to recognize the church as the embodiment of God's kingdom on earth.

Takeaways

• 😇 People of faith perceive the world differently, seeing beyond the physical reality to God's purpose and plan.
• 🌳 The prophet Ezekiel's vision of a tender shoot becoming a great tree symbolizes the rebirth and growth of the kingdom of Israel despite its current state of despair.
• 🕊️ The imagery of birds nesting under the tree represents the gathering of diverse peoples and nations under a single, benevolent empire.
• 📜 Ezekiel's prophecy is seen as a foreshadowing of the Christian church's mission to unite all people under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
• 🧙‍♂️ Paul, as an apostle, embodies the continuation of Ezekiel's vision, spreading the 'good news' and inviting all to join the new kingdom established by Jesus.
• 🛐 The transformation of Saul to Paul signifies a personal encounter with the divine, leading to a profound change in mission and perspective.
• 🕊️ Jesus, through the parable of the mustard seed, illustrates how the kingdom of God starts small but grows to provide shelter and unity for all.
• 🌟 The message emphasizes the importance of faith over sight, urging believers to look beyond immediate circumstances to the divine plan unfolding.
• 🌐 The church is presented as the embodiment of the great tree, a place where all people can find a home and purpose under God's kingdom.
• ✝️ The call to action for believers is to announce the new era of Jesus' lordship and to invite others to join in this inclusive and transformative community.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed in the script?

The main theme discussed in the script is the perspective of people of faith versus secularists or non-believers. It emphasizes how people of faith see the world not just as it appears, but also in the context of God's purpose and plans.

Why is Ezekiel considered a complex prophetic figure according to the speaker?

Ezekiel is considered complex because his prophecies are richly detailed and symbolic. The speaker mentions that ancient Israelites believed one should not attempt to interpret Ezekiel until they were at least 50 years old, indicating the depth and complexity of his writings.

What historical event does the speaker reference when discussing Ezekiel's time?

The speaker references the Babylonian captivity, specifically the first wave in 597 BC and the definitive destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 587 BC, which were significant disasters for the ancient Israelites.

What does the 'shoot from the top of the tree' symbolize in Ezekiel's prophecy?

In Ezekiel's prophecy, the 'shoot from the top of the tree' symbolizes the potential for the kingdom of David to be revived and to become even greater, despite the current state of hopelessness and exile.

How does the speaker connect Ezekiel's prophecy to the mission of Paul?

The speaker connects Ezekiel's prophecy to Paul's mission by suggesting that Paul, through his conversion and apostleship, was gathering people from all nations into the church, which is seen as the fulfillment of Ezekiel's vision of a great tree under which all birds of the air would dwell.

What does 'walking by faith and not by sight' mean in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'walking by faith and not by sight' means that believers perceive and interpret the world based on their faith in God's plans and purposes, rather than just what is immediately visible or apparent to the senses.

How does the speaker describe the transformation of Saul into Paul?

The speaker describes Saul's transformation into Paul as a profound spiritual awakening where Saul, after encountering the risen Christ, realizes Jesus is the true Messiah and becomes an apostle tasked with spreading the good news of Jesus' kingdom.

What is the significance of the mustard seed parable mentioned by Jesus in the script?

The mustard seed parable signifies that great things can come from very small beginnings. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the growth of the kingdom of God, which starts small but eventually becomes a place of refuge and gathering for all people.

What does the speaker suggest is the task of the church as derived from the scriptural readings?

The speaker suggests that the task of the church, as derived from the scriptural readings, is to announce the new Lordship of Jesus and to invite everyone under this Lordship, reflecting the gathering of 'all the birds of the air' into the branches of the great tree.

How does the speaker encourage the congregation to view the world?

The speaker encourages the congregation to view the world not just by sight, which focuses on immediate and observable realities, but by faith, which allows them to see the unfolding of God's kingdom and the broader purposes of God in the world.

Outlines

00:00

🌳 'The Vision of the Faithful: Ezekiel's Prophecy'

The speaker begins by discussing how people of faith perceive the world differently, seeing beyond the immediate reality to God's purpose. This perspective is exemplified through the reading from the book of Ezekiel, where a tender shoot from the cedar is taken and planted to become a great tree, symbolizing the restoration and future prosperity of Israel despite the current disaster of exile. The speaker contextualizes Ezekiel's prophecy within the historical backdrop of the Babylonian captivity, highlighting the prophet's vision of hope and the eventual flourishing of the kingdom of David.

05:02

🚶‍♂️ 'Walking by Faith: Paul's Mission and Vision'

The second paragraph shifts focus to Paul, the Apostle, who embodies the theme of seeing through faith. Despite the visible turmoil and challenges of his time, Paul sees the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy in Jesus Christ. He believes that Jesus, as the son of David, has established a new kingdom that will spread across the world. Paul's mission, as he interprets it, is to gather people into this new kingdom, mirroring the imagery of birds gathering under the branches of a great tree. The speaker emphasizes that Paul's vision is not based on immediate observations but on faith in the divine plan.

10:04

🌱 'The Parable of the Mustard Seed: Jesus on the Kingdom of God'

In the final paragraph, the speaker turns to Jesus' parables, specifically the parable of the mustard seed, to illustrate how great things can start from small beginnings. Jesus uses this parable to describe the kingdom of God, suggesting that it will grow from humble origins to encompass all people, as symbolized by the birds of the sky finding shelter in its branches. The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to walk by faith, not just by sight, to recognize the unfolding of God's kingdom in the world and their role in it, as followers of Jesus, the new Lord.

Keywords

💡Faith

Faith, in the context of the video, refers to the belief in things not seen or the ability to perceive beyond the physical world to divine purpose. It is the core theme that allows individuals to see beyond the immediate circumstances and envision a greater plan or outcome. For example, the speaker mentions that 'people of faith see things differently' and 'walk by faith and not by sight,' highlighting the distinction between the secular view and the spiritual perspective that encompasses a belief in a higher purpose.

💡Ezekiel

Ezekiel is a major prophet in the Hebrew Bible who is referenced in the video for his complex and profound prophecies. The speaker uses Ezekiel's vision of a 'shoot from the top of the tree' being replanted to symbolize hope and the future restoration of the kingdom of Israel despite the despair of exile. This illustrates the theme of faith by showing how Ezekiel's prophecy offers a vision of God's plan that transcends the apparent hopelessness of the situation.

💡Prophecy

Prophecy in the video is used to denote a divine message or revelation that foretells future events or provides guidance. The speaker discusses Ezekiel's prophecy as a representation of faith's ability to foresee a positive outcome where none seems possible. It is tied to the theme of the video by demonstrating how faith allows individuals to perceive God's plan unfolding through history, as seen in Ezekiel's vision of a restored and flourishing Israel.

💡Exile

Exile, as mentioned in the video, refers to the forced displacement of the Israelites from their homeland to Babylon. This concept is central to understanding the despair and hopelessness that the people of faith had to overcome. The speaker contrasts the despair of exile with the hopeful message of Ezekiel's prophecy, showing how faith provides a different perspective on even the most dire of circumstances.

💡Vision

Vision in the video is used to describe the ability to see beyond the immediate reality to a future potential or divine plan. It is exemplified by the speaker's discussion of Ezekiel's vision of a replanted tree that will become a home for all birds, symbolizing the restoration and greatness of Israel. This vision is a testament to the power of faith to perceive a future that is not immediately apparent.

💡Empire

Empire in the video is used symbolically to represent a great and powerful kingdom or nation. The speaker discusses how Ezekiel's prophecy foresaw the rise of a new and greater empire from the remnants of the fallen kingdom of David. This concept is integral to the video's theme, as it illustrates the idea that faith allows one to envision and work towards a future that is grander and more significant than the present.

💡Apostle Paul

Apostle Paul is a central figure in the video, known for his missionary work and letters in the New Testament. The speaker connects Paul's faith and his understanding of Jesus as the Messiah to Ezekiel's prophecy, showing how Paul's vision of a new kingdom aligns with the theme of faith's ability to perceive and participate in God's unfolding plan.

💡Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God is a recurring theme in the video, representing the reign of God over all creation and the spiritual realm where God's will is done. The speaker uses Jesus' parables to illustrate how the Kingdom of God starts small but grows to encompass all, much like the mustard seed that becomes a tree providing shelter for the birds. This concept is central to the video's message of faith's role in recognizing and contributing to the divine plan.

💡Parable

A parable in the video is a simple story used by Jesus to convey a deeper spiritual truth. The speaker references the parable of the mustard seed to explain how the Kingdom of God, like the seed, starts small but has the potential to grow into something great. This use of parables illustrates the video's theme of faith by showing how Jesus used stories to help people of faith see beyond the immediate to the divine potential.

💡Messiah

Messiah in the video refers to the prophesied savior and king of the Jewish people, identified by the speaker as Jesus Christ. The concept is integral to the theme of the video as it ties together the prophecies of Ezekiel, the faith of Paul, and the teachings of Jesus, all pointing towards the fulfillment of God's plan through the Messiah.

💡Church

The Church in the video represents the collective body of believers who follow Jesus Christ and participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom. The speaker mentions the church as the embodiment of the 'ingathering of all the birds of the air' from Ezekiel's prophecy, illustrating the theme of faith by showing how the community of believers is central to the realization of God's plan on earth.

Highlights

People of faith perceive the world differently, seeing beyond the physical to God's purpose.

Faith provides a broader vision, allowing believers to perceive more than secularists or non-believers.

Ezekiel's prophecy of a tender shoot becoming a majestic cedar symbolizes the future glory of Israel.

Ezekiel's complex writings are traditionally not interpreted until one reaches the age of 50.

The Babylonian captivity and the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC were seen as a disaster by the Israelites.

Ezekiel's vision of a restored and greater kingdom of David amidst despair offers hope.

Paul, the Apostle, proclaims the 'good news' and sees the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy in Jesus Christ.

Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus and his realization of Jesus as the Messiah is a pivotal moment.

The Apostle Paul's mission is to gather all nations under the Lordship of Jesus, akin to gathering birds under a tree.

Jesus' parable of the mustard seed illustrates how great things can come from small beginnings.

The kingdom of God is compared to a mustard seed, which grows into a tree providing shelter for birds.

The church is seen as the embodiment of the great tree, gathering all people under its branches.

The task of believers is to announce the new Lord and invite everyone under His Lordship.

Walking by faith rather than sight allows believers to see the unfolding of God's kingdom in the world.

The sermon concludes with a blessing, encouraging the congregation to embrace faith over sight.

Transcripts

Peace be with you.

Friends, people of faith just see things differently.

People of faith see things differently.

I don't mean that they're living in an illusory world.

They see the world that's in front of them.

They see what the secularist, the non-believer sees.

So a person of faith, of course,

reads history and watches the news and opens his eyes

and sees what's going on in the world.

But the person of faith sees more than that

because the person of faith is seeing God's purpose,

what God is ultimately up to,

and that gives the person of faith this ample vision.

And in light of what I said last Sunday,

a kind of peculiar take on the world.

It's why spiritual people can often seem a little crazy.

Well, all three of our readings

I think are touching on this theme today.

I want to start with this passage from

the book of the Prophet Ezekiel.

I think I've told you this before,

but he's just one of my favorites.

And the ancient Israelites felt

you shouldn't even begin to interpret Ezekiel

till you were 50 because he was so richly complex

and since I'm past 50, I feel I can

try to interpret him.

Listen to this now,

"Thus says the Lord,

I too will take from the crest of the cedar,

from its topmost branches, tear off a tender shoot

and plant it on a high and lofty mountain.

On the mountain heights of Israel,

I will plant it.

It shall put forth branches and bear fruit

and become a majestic cedar

and birds of every kind will dwell beneath it."

Okay, to unpack this now we have to go back

to Ezekiel's place and time.

Ezekiel was a temple priest

in the very early sixth century BC.

In the year 597, the Babylonians

come to Jerusalem.

It's the first wave of the Babylonian captivity,

and they attack the city and they take away

some of the leadership, including Ezekiel.

And then it was 10 years later, 587 BC

that they definitively,

they put Jerusalem to the torch,

destroy the temple,

carry the rest of the leaders off into exile.

It's the greatest disaster recorded in the Bible.

It's, in some ways, the central event for biblical Jews

was this awful destruction of their great city,

the city of David, Mount Zion,

and the temple where the God of Israel dwelt.

I mean, it was a disaster beyond imagining.

Ezekiel finds himself, first of all,

in exile in a foreign country,

a foreign land, doesn't speak the language.

He's at a low rung on the social ladder.

He's lost all of his status and position.

Looking around the world of that time,

looking at the situation, you would've said

utter disaster.

Hopeless.

We're a defeated nation.

There's nothing for us now.

And it's precisely then that he says this.

"No, no, the Lord's going to take this

shoot from the top of the tree.

He's going to plant it on the heights of Israel,

and a great tree will grow

and all the birds of the air will nest in it."

He's using a very familiar symbol in the ancient world for empire.

When the Israelites had nothing, nothing.

They're in exile. Hopeless.

He imagines that the great kingdom of David

once reigned supreme,

that a little bit of that tree will be taken and replanted

and become even greater, even greater,

and all the birds coming to nest,

that was a great symbol in the ancient world for

all the kingdoms and peoples under a great empire.

Well, anybody, and they did...

We know this.

They did hear this from Ezekiel and say,

"Are you out of your mind?

Are you crazy?

Are you watching what's going on?

Do you have any sense of history

and what's right in front of you?

This is hopeless and you're dreaming of some empire."

People of faith see things differently,

not just what's right in front of them,

not just what's obvious to any even canny observer.

They see according to God's plans and God's purposes.

How in the world would the kingdom of David be revived?

How would it ever be the case that all the birds of the air,

all the peoples of the world will gather in its branches?

Ezekiel saw it.

Ezekiel saw it.

Now, flash forward about 600 years,

there's this itinerant Jewish preacher.

His name used to be Sha'ul.

It's now Paul.

He calls himself the apostle,

from apostellein, meaning to send.

He's been sent on a mission

and he's proclaiming this euangelion,

this good news, glad tidings

to everyone that will listen to him.

Now, in this letter, it's our second reading,

Paul's Second to the Corinthians.

Here's what he says.

"For we believers walk by faith and not by sight.

We believers walk by faith and not by sight."

He's standing, everybody,

in the great tradition of Ezekiel, the prophet.

Ezekiel saw what was going on around him.

Paul saw clearly what was going on around him

in this as he's making his way around the Roman Empire.

But yet he saw something by means of faith.

What was it?

Well, it's faith, of course, in Yeshua Mashiach,

he would've called him a Hebrew.

Iēsoûs Khristos in his Greek,

Jesus Christ.

What did he see?

This son of David

gathered the tribes in his earthly ministry,

gathered in the saints and sinners.

Gathered in his 12 apostles,

symbolic of the united 12 tribes.

He saw that this Yeshua dealt with the enemies of Israel,

not by using the arms of the world,

swords and spears and so on,

but rather by taking upon himself on the cross,

all the sins of the world,

cruelty and hatred and violence and all the rest of it,

and uttering a word of forgiveness.

Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.

Swallowing up the world's misery and sin and hatred

in the ever greater divine mercy.

And then on the road to Damascus,

even as he was going to persecute the followers of Jesus,

he meets the risen Christ himself.

"Saul, why are you persecuting me?

Who are you, sir?

I am Jesus whom you are persecuting."

Rabbi Saul saw the risen Christ

and realized in that moment

that he was the one in whom God

had dealt with all the sin of the world.

He realized in that encounter that Yeshua,

Jesus, is the true Lord,

the true Messiah of Israel.

Yes, indeed. The son of David.

And he saw finally that this Lord Jesus,

the term that Paul used all the time,

Jesus Kurios, Jesus Lord

was establishing... Listen now, a new kingdom.

Indeed, an empire meant to spread all over the world.

What was Paul doing?

The Apostle Paul,

gathering all the birds of the air

into the branches of this great tree.

Ezekiel's prophecy had come true.

That's what he saw.

Young Saul went from his hometown of Tarsus

to Jerusalem to study at the feet of Gamaliel,

one of the leading rabbis at the time.

Under Gamaliel's tutelage, he would've learned everything

there to learn about Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel.

He would've known

this strange, anomalous prophecy.

Ezekiel seeming to dream a crazy dream

that someday exiled and oppressed Israel

would become a great empire.

Saul would've read that,

and in the risen Jesus, what did he see?

By God, it's coming true.

By God against all expectations,

it's coming true.

And I, Paul am the Apostle, apostellein.

I've been sent to gather in

all the birds of the air.

He walks by faith, not by mere sight.

Now, just a last stop with that background in mind,

from both Ezekiel and Paul,

here's Jesus now speaking in parables.

"To what shall we compare the kingdom of God?

What parable can we use for it?

Well, it's like a mustard seed

that when it's sown in the ground,

is the smallest of all the seeds of the earth,

but once it's sown, it's springs up

and becomes," listen now,

"the largest of plants

and puts forth large branches

so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade."

Yes, indeed.

What's being said here is that these great things

come from very small beginnings,

but you see now Jesus himself is saying,

in the kingdom of God,

Ezekiel's prophecy has come true.

Yeah, I know Israelites in exile,

I know it looks hopeless for us.

I know, I know.

But the Lord has said to me,

he's going to take this little shoot from where?

From the kingdom of David.

Who's Jesus, but the son of David.

He's going to take that shoot.

He's going to plant it on the heights of Israel.

What are the heights of Israel?

When the son of man is lifted up on Mount Zion,

lifted up on the cross,

he will draw all people to himself,

plant it on the heights of Israel.

It'll become this great tree,

and all the birds of the sky will dwell in its branches.

Right. Right.

The Lord himself saying to what shall we compare

the kingdom of God?

Well, we all have to walk, not just by sight.

See, if you go just by sight,

like what's immediately apparent to you

or even what's apparent to smart canny observers of things,

you're going to see in the most superficial way

the play of political figures, economic developments,

and sociological happenstances,

and you're going to see all of that.

Okay, fair enough.

But we don't just walk by that.

We walk by faith,

and so we see in the world around us

the unfolding of this great kingdom.

We see the growth of this mighty tree,

and we see the ingathering

of all of the birds of the air in its branches.

We see the church.

We see the church,

and we see that our task is the same as Paul's,

to announce there's a new Lord

and to invite everyone we can under his Lordship.

That's what life begins to look like, everybody,

when we walk, not just by sight,

but by faith,

and God bless you.